We must be in LOVE

Los Angeles, it's that time again! Year 3 & still growing strong. This Saturday, November 14th we are walking for Dilla & joining hundreds more as we continue to come together in support to finding this cure for Lupus.
If you have not registered yet you still have time. You can go to www.lupusresearch.org Sign up under the Jay Walkers Team with Team Captain Rashonda Hayes. You can also get more information about the walk at www.officialmadukes.com
We are still in need of sponsors & donations. Big shouts to Phyne Print & 2 Fresh 4 yall for donating T-shirts for the walk. Thank You so much!!
If your company would like to support the Jay Walkers team, please contact Herman Hayes at disfadilla@yahoo.com or you can reach Rashonda Hayes on twitter @Detroit613
There are a couple Jay Walkers pre-party events this Friday night. Check the flyers for more info.
We look forward to seeing you this Saturday! Blessings T

Love Feat. Pharoahe Monch - J Dilla (AKA Jay Dee)

Adriana Evans is back!:)

I was just thinking about her a couple weeks ago, wondering "Where is Adriana Evans?" I love her! I always thought she was an artist who never got the shine she deserved.
Her voice is so beautiful, her style & vibe is so fresh and nobody really knows who she is. Anyways, just seen this write up from Fusicology. I'm really excited to see she's back in the game. Can't wait to check out her new music. It's out today, November 10th!

"Fusicology"
Singer Adriana Evans was born and raised in San Francisco, California. Her mother, Mary Stallings was also a gifted jazz vocalist who sang with Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Cal Tjader and released several solo records. At 18, Adriana relocated to Los Angeles, where she met rapper/producer Dred Scott whom she collaborated with on his 1994 album “Breakin' Combs”. A year later she and Dred wrote and recorded her debut self titled album for Capitol Records but soon after, the urban music department disbanded and her contract ended up in the hands of Loud/RCA.

Alongside Erykah Badu’, “Baduizm”, Adriana and her album with it’s jazzy vibe, had the unique distinction of being responsible for ushering in what would later be dubbed the “neo-soul” movement. Rising to the heights of success on the backs of hip-hop groups like Mobb Deep and The Wu-Tang Clan, Loud Records was essentially a “rap label” and regrettably, ill equipped to properly promote and market such a revolutionary release.

Critically acclaimed yet commercially panned, (only 70,000 units sold) Adriana became disenchanted with the politics of the music industry and retreated to the warmth and freedom of the independent scene. Seven years later, her sophomore album, “Nomadic” was released on her own label to be sold only at shows and on her website… until now.
Animatedcartunes proudly re-issues this hard to find classic enhanced to include a music video for the lead single, “7 Days”. The album is a departure from her jazzy self titled debut in that it draws it's inspiration from many genres of music including samba, reggae, rock and hip-hop but all VERY soulfully composed. It is an extremely unique sound that defies description and can only be truly understood when you give it a listen.



Classics...she's so fly

Healing through Music

I found this cool interview with Sheila E on CNN. She talks about helping children who have experienced abuse, though music. I already loved Sheila E. being a huge Prince fan, but now I respect & admire her even more for using her talent to help others.
I was sexually abused when I was younger. I can talk freely about it now because my heart has gone through much healing. Because of this experience, it is my desire to want to help others who have experienced this same situation.
In my opinion, sexual abuse to a child is the worst thing that could ever be done on this planet. To have your innocence taken away and to never regain it back is such a tragic epidemic that takes place all over the world. Unfortunately, the child grows up into a fearful, rejected and shameful adult. Trust me, I know this topic oh so well. But I thank God everyday for bringing me into wholeness.
I know this topic is deep and personal but sexual abuse has happened to sooo many people, women and men. I'm all about reality and seeing people set free & happy.

Check this link out:)copy/paste http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/showbiz/2009/10/07/dcl.delaney.sheila.e.intv.cnn

Antwone Fisher is a personal hero for many reasons. I admire him for sharing his experience of abuse & abandonment. When I seen this movie at the theaters, I never seen so many people crying, even grown men. This movie definitely touched a lot of people. Thank you Mr. Fisher for being so transparent. You have helped so many people, including myself.

We all share the same story. Everybody has grown up in some sort of dysfunction. We can't change our past but we can choose to rise above it and make our future a bright one.

This is why I'm a "Believer"

If you have read any of my poetry, you see I make a lot of reference about God. I never try to push my relationship with Him on anybody, I just love Him so much because of the healing He has brought into my life. He is so real to me, just as real as you are to me. I'll never be ashamed or embarrased to talk about the wonderful things He has done in my life. If you think I'm weird, good:) God's love brings healing, it's there for you too:) blessings xoxo T

This is why...
I put Him first...
I need silence as I write this
I don't even know what to title this
But I know what I want to say and that is....Thank you
I have to wipe the tears that fall from my eyes
Before I even write the next line to this rhyme
Honestly, this poem gives no justice to describe
This expression of gratitude that I'm feeling inside
I can't even capture the right words to express
So I'll do my best to describe what dwells in my chest
How I feel for you?
Cannot even fit in the form of Haiku
And if I were to write it in words
It would carry more strength than action verbs
There would be no ending, no period, it goes beyond a sentence
It's like your love for me, it's endless
That's why I put you first
Nobody else's love helps me understand what I'm worth
You've been there for me from the beginning
When nobody cared it was you that was listening
I didn't know who You were but you were always watching over me
If I close my eyes and go back through my history
When I should've been protected instead you sent your angels down from heaven
You know the story, every time they'd argue she'd run out the house
But this is the part that I try to black out
It's more painful than my mom's black eye
It's when he came in my room and stood by my bedside
While I was pretending to be sleeping
I was really awake but dreaming
When I asked in my mind for somebody to take me to a place I could hide
You brought me to a place where I believed I could fly
A safe place where every little girl was free to play
That was the first day I learned how to pray
This game of hide and seek became a survival technique
I'd call your name and quickly you came to my aid
So strong you held me close in your arms
While another man's hands took my innocence away
That pillow that my head rested on, was really your lap
You caressed my face while your angels rubbed my back
Gently you whispered in my ear so softly...
My dear, I am here, you have nothing to fear
Have to remind myself when I don't feel Him he's still near
Just as He stood with me then, He still stands with me today
That's why at the end of the day I could careless what people say
Cause He's the only one who understands
When we walk side by side you see His footprints in the sand
When my dad went away it was you that took his place
Yes, I wished I could've seen the look on his face
Every time I made a wish before I blew out the cake
Pretty soon the candles were outnumbered by my tears
They didn't represent my age
But for every year that my daddy wasn't there
From age two to thirty two
Imagine what you could do,if you melted all those candles into one?
If it was sparked it would never go dark
And I'd bet it would be larger than Candlestick Park
And yes I wished it was his arm that I held onto on my special day
But I'm glad that I chose cousin Trav to give me away
But the reason why I smiled was because I knew you were there
When I walked down that aisle
But even though our marriage lasted only a short while
You still walk with me
arm in arm like you're the one who married me
I will never be ashamed of you
I don't care who sees me raise my arms just to praise you
And if they do I will tell them
You are real
That's why this poem gives no justice to describe how I feel
But I know what I want to say
And that is....Thank You

Freedom Writing

Freedom writing/Fighting to stay alive/Writing this line while driving down the 405/ The real grind begins after the 9-5/Entering Golden Time/Praying that illumination shines through this rhyme/Just had a thought…if confession brings healing, then expression brings freedom/So if artists expressed their hearts then their art can really free men/So why then, do artists keep on reaching for a dream that has no meaning?/Gifts were meant for giving/But most use their gifts in vain/All for a name, fame or just to entertain/It wearies me, when I see the music and film industry continuing to put things that leave us with no feeling/Please forgive me, but I just feel Hollywood is on some fake shit/That's why today, Holly would do just about anything to make it/Little girls repeat what they see/Believing reality is a world they see on MTV/Kids don't read books anymore/Don't know their history, brainwashed by media/Entertain their brains with pop culture trivia/Who gives a shit if Tom Cruise shops at Whole Foods or if Tara Reeds got lopsided boobs?/Millions are wasted on media that continues to feed garbage to our spirits/Can you imagine if that money was used for a good purpose?/Who knows? Research could have used that money and found a cure for Lupus/Dilla would still be eating donuts loopin Rufus/We've all been told from the young and the old/All that glitters is not gold/ Don't be fooled by Tinseltown just because it shines so bright/Like moths drawn to the light but soon get lost in the flight/Many stories told, of how they sacrificed their wife, slept in their cars at night, just to be a star/But somewhere along the dream, they forgot who they are/Were in a time, where the amateur is on the rise/Be wise/Utilize all resources to speak your mind/Who needs a publicists these days when you can promote yourself online?/How powerful it is to have the opportunity to bring unity through a MySpace community/I don't worship idols but in a way Tom's a god/Thank you for helping me re-unite with my Aunt Kim through a blog/Young Babes, you ought to be ashamed/It's time to change your default pic on your MySpace page/ Tired of seeing reflections of legs and darriers taken by yourself in your bathrooms mirrors/We were created for a specific purpose in a specific time as this/Be different/Be an instrument/Use your gifts to uplift...../D.J.'s keep us dancing/ Keep playing the music that flows from the soul/Poets and writers continue to write what you know/Lyricists keep using your gifts of prophecy to show us the way to go/ Photographers keep capturing history of emcees that rock the shows/Producers keep making fruitful beats that help makes us grow/Peace not war but support the bombs Graff arms throw/Write. Draw. Paint. Recite. Act. Dance. Sing/If you all have a dream, don't stop/Stay strong and just believe/Pass the baton of our creative energy that sets us all free.
DREAM

Lip Gloss

I heard you're going to be at the party tonight
I wanted to look just right
So I bought a pretty black dress just for you
I hope you like
I like the way you dress too
Your so cool
You keep up with the latest
But seem to keep it old school
So fresh and brand new
You always know what to do
You know how to mix the vintage with the fly
The way you comb your hair
It's kind of cute to me when you part it to the side:)
Turns me on how you can make the crowd go wild
I haven't felt this funny feeling in such a long while
When I look at your picture you bring out a smile
You make this fly girl turn into a shy girl
But right now I want to move
So if you feel like I do
Then tonight let's groove
On the dance floor just me and you
So just take a chance
Don't be shy boy
Please come up to me
and ask me to dance
It will be fun
Your the only one
Your the reason why
I put my lip gloss on
muah xoxo

Lets groove tonight

A Midsummer's Night Dream

This is dedicated to one fine gentleman
Is he fact or fiction?
Or just a figment of my imagination?
A mid summer nights dream that became a reality?
This distant lover caught a flight
landed on the beach & I arrived round midnight
You greeted me with a hug & a kiss on my cheek
It was just right & it was just like I prophesied
The moonlight reflected off your sparkling eyes
You made me so shy, you are so fine I had to look away
We walked along side the waves that crashed at our feet
You got me smiling like a school girl at every word that you speak
So handsome,sexy and intelligent
I could tell right away your a true gentleman
I love learning about you & your religion
I admire your integrity & your discipline you're really living it
I know this couldn't work were both from two different worlds
But attraction only knows truth & sees beyond any laws
This feels so natural, it just feels right
No drug could ever make you this high
I prayed to the most high in one of my darkest nights
I looked to the sky & prayed for a light
I opened up my eyes & now here you are
He answered my prayers and sent me a star
That's why I know your a gift from above and if He is love
Then how could this be wrong?
Even if we never become one
I am blessed because you inspired this song
You make me feel safe that's why it was ok with me to walk back to your place
What's gotten over me? Your making this independent woman want to act domestically
Cook you good food to make sure your eating healthy
But only because your sweeter then the coconut tea you shared with me
Asking me questions about my family tree showed that you really cared for me
Never felt this close to someone fully clothed & your still into me
This is true intimacy with respect
Getting sleepy but I'm not ready to leave yet
Let me close my eyes and fall asleep on your chest
I am awakened at the beautiful music that comes from our silence
Your heart beating in my ear and the sounds from the waves of the ocean crashing outside your window
I'm embracing this moment
taking you in slow tasting your pheromones as I breath in your soul
This is beginning to feel to good now I really got to go
4 am now I'm driving home
trying to stay awake listening to Love Love Love by Donny Hathaway
Sent you that text to let you know I got home safe
I fell asleep right away & when I woke up the first thing I thought about was you
Was this dream really true or just a case of de ja vu?
I want to fall back asleep so I can dream of part 2

Never Give Up

This poem is dedicated to all the artists. Keep believing in your dreams even when nobody else does. The ones who ever felt like Noah when he was trying to build the ark. The dream stealers didn't believe him, thought he was crazy and stupid. But guess what happened to the haters when the storm hit? Exactly...To all the dreamers this ones for you.

Growing up, it was just me & cousin Trav
We never had a dad to tell us, 'Yes we can'
or that 'We can be anything we want to be'
Just two latch key kids that lacked self esteem
Couldn't rely on he, so I had to rely on I
So don't think I'm crazy when I talk to the sky
My whole life I had to fight
Trying to turn my dark past into a future that is bright
& just like you I want to do what's right
But anytime you want to better your life you get resistance
For instance, not very long ago I had to pray myself back into existence
Broke down from all the stress and tension
In 07, I hit a great depression but in this time my soul learned the greatest lessons
Never took the time to grieve over things that were stole
So in a sense I became a modern day Job
Lost my job, lost my home, lost my car, lost my hope
But when Uncle Bob passed that's when I couldn't cope
But no matter how hard I tried to hide & end things
God's love would always come and find me
Sent me human angels to keep me smiling
So to all the people who have a problem with me rising
You haters can take it up with my Creator
Because I was created for greatness
So this next message goes out to the all the dream stealers
Let me get my hit list time to check off all the hatin b******
That smiled to my face, hugged my neck, but when I walked away they'd talk their sh**
Warning other people to be careful, to watch out & look out for me
But if you took the time to get to know me
See what I'm about & read my poetry
You would clearly see that my message is about spreading the love
& encouraging others that they can make their dreams come true
So when you spoke against me you really were speaking against you
Really, we should be on the look out for you
But enough about you
Going on to number 2
Never thought you could be home alone
and run up a thousand dollar phone bill and never pick up the phone
Who were you calling? Cause it sure wasn't me
Imagine the agony to not hear from you husband & it's going on month 3
Yeah nobody's perfect, I was still working on me
Acted real immature said things I didn't mean
But one things for sure, I loved you
And all those things were no reason to leave your Queen
Who needed enduring love & consistency from her King
While I put mine aside I supported your dreams
But you forgot that we were on the same team
Love never has to compete it completes
I was down for you & yours
Sold the Symphony merch when you went on tour
& yes it wasn't right to call your sister Jenny a b****
Which she made my hit list 3
But what do expect?
How would you feel if you shared your heart & they turned right back around
to kill your dream? Told me to be more realistic
Said I was good with my hands
Massage therapists are high in demand
Well she did speak some head knowledge
Let me share with you what I learned in hand college
If you take the middle finger with the palms facing up
It means Ya Basta! Spanish for Enough is Enough
But then if you flip your hand over you get a whole new meaning
So to all the artists who work the hardest keep on dreaming
Turn up the middle finger to all the dream stealers
Don't Stop, stay strong and keep believing!

Crush

Have you ever loved somebody that never knew how you truly feel? The pain of being a distant lover. Crushes are exactly that. But the most beautiful songs come from this feeling.

Wishing Upon A Starbucks

Always be kind to everyone on your comeup. You maybe steps ahead but in time the Under Dog will catch up. It's all a matter of time.

Never Give Up on your Dreams. Ever.

It's sad when I see
Wannabe actresses and models
Giving up their asses for a role
I'm no role model but I'm working my ass off
To get this dough
This industry is mean that's why I keep smiling
While I'm humbly climbing
Up this ladder of politics
Making my way through haters, publicists and top execs
That's why I say always respect the servants
Who they are today may not be who they are tomorrow
You'd never know that standing before you
is an undiscovered star
From the receptionist
Answering the phones
To the personal assistant
Who has the keys to your home
You never know
There maybe a day when positions could switch
And now were the ones who signs your pay checks
And you'll be living in regret
Cause you can never take back
That day when you laughed
When I had to go fetch bottles of water for the staff
Now guess who's going to have the last laugh?
Just remember these words
The last shall be first and the first shall be last
This is not a threat but facts so take heed
In fact my job is not an assistant
But a Gardner planting seeds
Until then I just trust in the divine
Cause I know in due time
A harvest will come back to me
So what you see
Is just history in the making
I'm not complaining but I'm just saying
I'm getting tired of running to Starbucks for the stars
One day, I'll be running my own Starbucks like Magic cause like him I got charm
But this dream can only be achieved from me working hard
That's why I remind myself to stay on this grind
And I'm not talking about coffee
but writing these rhymes

wrote this 3 years ago:D I still believe in this.