It's Just One of Those Love Songs (Black Music Month)

In February, I was asked what was my Favorite Love song (Post is HERE). Of course in true Outspoken_Diva fashion, I don't have one. I have several. But before I reveal this list let me set something I see and hear a lot straight.

There is a difference between Love Songs & Love Making Music.

Natalie Cole said,
"So won't you

Jumpstart my heart

Charge me up when I'm running down

Oh, jump start my heart

Lift my feet up off the ground"

That's a Love Song.

But

Joe said,
"I'm down to take a sip from your cup

If you drink from my fountain of love"

That's a Love Making Song.

This post will cover a song like what Natalie Cole sang. But I will be fair. If you want a list of my faves like what Joe is talking about, Email Me & I'll send my Spotify list. (Watch someone (Probably a gossiper in offline life) will surely take me to task. LoL).

And I know I said in February the list would be a top 10. Well... The music moved me to make it a Top 20. But I am sticking to not ranking them. They all have my heart.

You ~ Raheem DeVaughn

He called his mother. He said his daydreams (When he zones out) are about one person. And if you hate to dislike this song, I think there is something wrong with...

Vision of Love ~ Mariah Carey

If there is one theme I will give my taste in music is simple & pure. I don't like a song or a singer to do too much. And that's probably why this is the only song by Mariah I like.

No Matter How High I Get ~ Bobby Womack

Say whatever you want about Bobby Womack's life & relationships but, he did his thing on this one.

If It's Magic ~ Stevie Wonder

Simple, Sweet, and Short

You & I ~ O'Bryan

This is my preferred version. I wished Ralph Carter (Michael Evans on Good Times) had recorded one also.

A Song For You ~ Donny Hathaway

I don't care if it isn't the original. Who is most known to have sung this song? I wish his daughter, Lalah & he could have recorded together.

Something ~ Lalah Hathaway

She received a Grammy with Snarky Puppy for a later cover of this 90's diddy

Never Make A Promise ~ Dru Hill

Dear Future Fiancé,

One of the many reasons I said Yes was because you are so smart and knew this was a nice proposal song.

Complicated Melody ~ India Arie

"He ain't the reason for the sun and the moon. He is the reason for this here tune. Because he means the world to me." Dang Girl!

You Put a Move on My Heart ~ Tamia

Before she married my Sprite promoting crush, she was introduced to us by Quincy Jones. She really tells this man what he did to her.

Love Me in a Special Way ~ Debarge

I love a song that stands up for standards. The Debarge Family said you're cute but a unique adoration will need to come with it. Pick your game up, sweetheart.

Where You Are ~ Rahsaan Patterson

When I was a child, there was a show named Kids Incorporated and I had a crush on the boy who played, The Kid. He grew up and makes some great music, like this song.

Gonna Be Alright ~ Ledisi/Robert Glasper

First, heard this song on the way to the side town "he" stayed in. That "he" still comes to my mind and is forever in my heart.

Angel ~ Anita Baker

As an adult, I have to admit Anita Baker made tried & true relationship music. And what is a healthy relationship without telling them who they are to you?

Latest, Greatest Inspiration ~ Teddy Pendergrass

Y'all want Teddy P. to Turn Off the Light. And I want to float when he continues to sing Higher in falsetto on this song.

You're Number One in My Book ~ Gladys Knight & the Pips

The world beats us up enough. It feels good for our lovers to pick us up with their feelings.

If You Say My Eyes Are Beautiful ~ Jermaine Jackson & Whitney Houston

If the marital affair rumors about Whitney & Jermaine are true, this song caused it. This tune is a charmer's dream. It's smooth & sweet.

Somewhere in My Lifetime ~ Phyllis Hyman

It starts out low & slow. And ends powerful & caring. This has to be the Dreamy Girl's Anthem.

You Don't Know My Name ~ Alicia Keys

It ticks me off that this song is referred to as a stalker song. When did she prowl for him? A Lady Can't Have a Crush? She just used the resources she had & called him, Point Blank, Period

Beauty ~ Dru Hill

I made a whole video to this song in my mind. Midway of the video, I am backstage doing my hair & makeup. By the time for the vamp, I am brought out on the stage with the group to dance in a long flowing dress. And true readers & friends know which group member's embrace I ended the video in.

And those are just the Top 20. Oh yeah, I know the songs & artists are in bold type and you press it and it didn't lead you to a link. This post the boldness is decorative. (Keywords are...) You can go to these links below to hear and/or watch these and my other love song favorites.
Spotify
Youtube

The gospel songwriter, Kirk Franklin penned the perfect words,
Love
A word that comes and goes
But few people really know
What it means to really love somebody
Trust me. I know he was talking about the Agape & probably the Philia & Storge meanings of the word. But I feel like songs like the ones in this post help teach the true Eros definition of the word, Love. And I am glad they are here to do so.

What is your favorite Love song? Let me know below or in the comments on the social media site you see this post.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Oh Quaker!

I won't be before you guys long. But remember when I said I wasn't in a teachable mood in this recent climate. If you don't go read it HERE. The Quaker brand just solidified my feelings. I woke up Wednesday, June 17 to headlines like this one, "Aunt Jemima Brand to Change Name and Image Over ‘Racial Stereotype". I annoyingly said the b-word. I have no problem with the rebranding. I have a problem with why the reason why it being fone. I don't know if it's reported wrong or Quaker, the brand the owns Aunt Jemina is "playing in our face". It makes it seem like Quaker just learned about its own history with this brand. Here is where in Offline land I would let out the word, Child... For decades, Quaker has been trying to find a happy medium with the image of Aunt Jemina. I'm old enough to remember the last change in '89 when Aunt Jemina got a relaxer & roller set and dons some pearls on her neck. Quakers didn't just find out Aunt Jemina was based on the mammy stereotype.

I guess the word that is missing for me is "Finally". I don't guess. I know that's the word. I wish Quaker would come out and say,

"We tried for years to fix it. But Aunt Jemina can't stay as an emblem because it's racially wrong. She should have never existed. We are sorry."

But we, the public didn't get that. Oh Well!!!
And I know Mars is working on the Uncle Ben symbol. Nabisco will probably follow suit with Rastus (who's history is the worst) on the Cream of Wheat boxes. I want real apologetic statements. But as the old adage says, "You don't always get what you want".

Now, I want some Malt'o'Meal. LoL

As Always Talking to You in Adults Terms!

Precious Memories... (Black Music Month)

...How They Linger.

I don't think I'll ever know a song to be sung so slow again in my lifetime. Not a fan of how it is sung. Remember that sentence toward the end of this post.

I have learned I am a lady of a certain, now. So, let your young aunty take you to a time right before TGIF was a television thing on Friday nights. Dallas & Knox Landing were in summer reruns, so I was being educated to play Solitare, Old Maid, & Concentration by my grandparents, Granny & PauPau (How dare you Grammarly, try to correct my grandfather's named to PayPal). 

It was nothing for the record player to be belting out jazz or gospel tunes that they loved. PauPau's favorite gospel singer was Reverend James Cleveland. He called him Jimmy like they were old buds & would shut down any homosexual gossip about him. He felt that had nothing to do with his "good singing" (That's where I get my similar mindset from). Often Aretha Franklin's Amazing Grace album was played. It was a popular album containing hymns & songs the old Black Baptists liked to sing.

Well, I finally got to watch the making of that album on Hulu at the end of last year or the beginning of this one. The documentary, Amazing Grace was like a time machine for me. Back to when choirs sang & marched in to start their concerts. Back to a time when I still went to live album recordings and starting over was normal. And of course, back to that living room, I grew up in(Well, I'm actually sitting in it typing that sentence). It was a fun watch for me. Recognized the "Baptist fits", the non-Baptists like to call Baptist shouting. I even saw few people that look like they were extras in What's Happening & Black Girl. That show & that movie were filmed in 70s Los Angeles also. So, it's possible. And I know one of the directors was the choir director in the movie, The Blue Brothers. I know that hair. It was also fun to see Mick Jagger, Charlie Watt, and gospel great Clara Ward enjoy themselves. No, Jagger doesn't catch the Holy Spirit.

But the music sung by Aretha Franklin & the Southern California Community Choir was the real star for me. Yes, Franklin is great on the classic, Amazing Grace. But when I heard " We Are on Our Way" (If you've seen this film, did you hear those old school double claps? I miss those.), I remembered the last time I heard that song. The son, family, ministers, & deacons of the pastor I grew up under at "Foundation" church were processing in at his funeral, six years ago. "Ol' Landmark" was a song my niece danced to in the Ebony Nutcracker when she was younger. And I have seen many people be in happy tears when they think of a land where they will "Never Grow Old". Amazing Grace is a good documentary & album. Everyone should check them out. And stay until the end of the credits and hear all technical & small stuff you won't hear on the album.

Precious Memories is a very slow song. 

But it's lyrics do just what they are supposed to do in my heart...Linger!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Really Not in a Teaching Mood, But...

...some people are really ignorant. Ignorance is defined as Lacking in Knowledge. So, I have every right to use the term. I keep seeing these well thought out & creative videos & pictures of people explaining racism & Black Lives Matters. I applaud the efforts, but in my opinion, some folks willfully want to be dumb. They also willfully want to be offended. They know why "Black Lives Matter" is being shouted. It doesn't need "Too" after it. They know All Live Matters but the Black ones are the ones that being focused on at this moment. Just like Black Lives know that when a black life takes another black life is a problem, also. Just like when other races take the life of someone of the same race.

In my opinion, some people don't want the education. I mean how long does it take to understand what "Taking a knee" really means. *sigh* Some of these people are the same folks who don't see "Can I touch your hair" is like petting another human like an animal. And to tell that same person their hair feels like sheep's wool or pubic hair is gross & hurtful, they don't get it. Some of these people don't want to understand saying they act blacker than a black person because the black person doesn't act like the stereotype that pop culture feeds society is dumb. And when snapped back at, they use the label, "Angry Black"_____. And speaking of stereotypes, some think it is complimentary to say "Well, you don't act like the others". Ask them what do they mean by "Others" and the answer is "Well, you know...".

Let Herman Munster
be your Professor

Well, you know that's why I'm not in a teaching mood. I wasn't called an n-word until I was in college. But I was told versions of the aforementioned since I was a child.  My Black Life experience tells me some people already knew. But their privilege makes them blind to these factual lessons,
Black Feelings Matter & Black Emotions Matter. That's a task for some people to see the humanity in Black Lives. LoL Humanity, a word that contains the word Human. Let me know when some people see that in Black Lives. And that will be the day I know some people understand, Black Lives Matter.

And to those who understand, Thank You!!!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

Dial My Heart ~vs~ Iesha (Black Music Month)

*Whatever the kid decides is my decision. I Trust Me*

Hi, this is Pre-Teen Outspoken_Diva. Call me, "Sister Girl C". Like the name, I had put on a Georgia keychain, I got on a trip to Atlanta. I was brought here from the past. Older Me won't tell me much about the future. Something about not wanting to change its outcome. She said I'm helping in a debate between the songs "Dial My Heart" and "Iesha". And since she promised not to show any pictures of me during that time, I decided to assist her. And clearly, she needs it. Because I see future me is not married to either our crushes Tajh AbdulSamad of The Boys or Romel "RoRo" Chapman of Another Bad Creation. Maybe she needs to go back a read our diary for those plans. *sigh*

First of all, when did these songs become classics? You are telling me, these songs are up there with "My Girl" by The Temptations & "I Can't Help My Self" by The Four Tops? Now, those are Classic R&B songs. Who are the guy groups now? Like who do the girls like? Ok back to these two songs. Both are very fun songs. Both groups can dance. I like the videos. I know like ABC's album as a whole, "Coolin' at the Playground Ya Know!", but I never got into the song, "Iesha". I'm just really into the guys who sing it. Plus, most of those boys in the group are younger than me. Why are they lying about going on a date? What kind of parents allow their kids to do that? But "Dial My Heart" is special. Who doesn't want a boy to say you can call him? He wants to talk to you and you to him. That means he likes you. *blushing* And they wear suits. And I'm a girl that crazy for a sharp dressed man. So, the first song from the album, Message From The Boys is My Choice!!!

🌟Dial My Heart is The Winner🌟

Wait! I'm not Mrs. Michael Bivins from New Edition & BBD, either? Older me won't answer me. She keeps dancing to the music. Well, at least I got old enough to do the South Dallas Drop & the Funky Watusi in public. I think that what she's doing. Her rubbing her knees between each song is confusing me. Tevin Campbell didn't kiss me on the cheek either, did he? Let me stop asking questions. Electric Slide is on. C'mon, shall we dance?

Oh older me, Outspoken_Diva(And when did our name change?) said to leave your comments on which song is your favorite below or the social media site you see this post on.

As Always Talking to You in Adult (LoL) Terms!

Don't Mind If I Do, Marie Antoinette (OUTSPOKEN_DIVA's Favorite Recipes)

Anyone who likes cake (Yeah, I know few people who don't.) probably has a favorite or at least a preferred one. Mine is a simple Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting. I fell in love with it in elementary school. If my mom or I don't make it, there is a cool place called Cake Bar that makes a nice one (I also like the Wedding & Strawberry cakes also) here in Dallas in the Trinity Grove complex. But cake baking is not hard, right? Let's make one.

Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Ingredients

Yellow Cake:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups cake flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (8 oz) buttermilk

Chocolate Frosting

Ingredients

• 1 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup salted butter, at room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder (scoop and level to measure)
• 3 - 4 Tbsp heavy cream
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter 2 9-inch round baking pans, line with parchment paper and butter parchment. Lightly dust pans with flour and shakes out the excess, set pans aside.
2. Sift all-purpose flour and cake flour into a mixing bowl. Add baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and whisk 20 seconds, set aside.
3. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment whip together butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy (if not using a paddle attachment that constantly scrapes bowl, then stop the mixer occasionally throughout entire mixing process and scrape down sides and bottom of the bowl).
4. Blend in vegetable oil. Mix in eggs one at a time then blend in egg yolks. Mix in vanilla.
5. Add in 1/3 of the flour mixture then mix just until combined, then add in 1/2 of the buttermilk and blend until combined, repeat process once more then finish by mixing in remaining 1/3 of the flour mixture. Scrape down sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
6. Divide batter among prepared cake pans. Bake in preheated oven 25 - 29 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool in pans several minutes, run a knife around the edge to make sure they are loose, then invert onto wire racks to cool (once halfway cool I recommend wrapping with plastic wrap until completely cool).
8. In a bowl of an electric stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, whip butter on moderately high speed until very pale and fluffy (nearly white in color), about 5 - 8 minutes, occasionally scraping downsides of the bowl.
9. Sift in cocoa powder then add in powdered sugar, 3 Tbsp heavy cream, and vanilla and mix on low speed until combine, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed and adding up to 1 tbsp additional cream to thin if desired.
10. For added fluffiness, if desired continue to whip about 3 - 4 minutes longer.
11. Frost with chocolate buttercream once cake cools.

Or you can make it this way. I hope you are cracking up. I Am! I told y'all HERE, I only make one cake from scratch well. And My Favorite is not it. But from-scratch or box, if done well Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting is the same delicious.

Cake Eaters, what is your favorite. Let know in the comments below or the social media site you see this on.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

These "Sung" Heroes (Black Music Month)

I'll say it, Music is Helping us Survive 2020. Music is busying our minds. Music is helping work our feet, hips, & waists to its rhythm & beat. Music is letting us purge our unwanted thoughts & feelings.

2020 has really done a number on every citizen on Earth. But music artists, bands, & DJs have hopped on the internet to ease some the soreness. And I am happy they did.

D-Nice

I want to go and tell childhood me that DJ D-Nice will age well & have a good heart in the future. Because younger me had a huge crush on him. And the first weekend he hopped on Instagram and played music for hours, I felt like that dreamy kid all over again. My Gosh, he is still very handsome. 

Then I focused on the music he was playing. It was like going to a club without the stabbing heels, high priced drinks & getting bumped into on the dance floor. I've wondered if I was in a booth or table next to any celebrities. His "pick-me-up" party does the numbers! I also was there when he came on the comedian, Deon Cole's first DJ set on IG (now on Twitch), and jammed with him. Basically, saying it is room for all of us to have fun. Thank you, D-Nice for space & time to groove.

Verzuz

I'll admit I don't go to all the "battles". Heck, my first attended "battle" was Teddy Riley ~vs~ Babyface. Most Verzuzes are not my style. I know I don't care for T-Pain & 112. But I'm also not that into Jagged Edge & Lil John to root for them. Most of the "battles" I attended were more of the celebration of one another's art kind (That is why I have apostrophes around battle),

such as Jill Scott & Erykah Badu, Bishop Hezekiah Walker & John P. Kee, and Kirk Franklin & Fred Hammond. And believe me, those were the ones that I purged so many frustrations with this current life situation through tears. Those came right on time for me. But I also bopped at my first "battle" visited and dutty wind my best with Bounty Killer & Bennie Man at their matchup. I had to watch the movie, Dancehall Queen (Because in my mind I am one) to prep for that soundclash. And who couldn't laugh at Spice Adams & Affion Crockett making parodies after each one? I still giggle at the Teddy Riley & Babyface one. It all has been nice and salute to Swizz Beats & Timberland for the idea.

Prince Concert of YouTube

Thank you to the Prince Estate for allowing Prince and the Revolution’s ‘Live 1985’ Concert to be streamed on YouTube for a weekend. I still miss Prince. I never got a chance to go to any of his live concerts. After watching the '85 concert I see I missed a treat. He and his band, The Revolution were so energetic. And yes, I sang along, especially when 1999, The Beautiful Ones, & Darling Nikki. It felt good to relive its glory while raising funds for a good cause, Covid-19.

Lives (Yes, I am giggling at the inside jokes "Live, Live?" & "And We Live")

I am thankful to the other artists who have been performing live on Facebook & Instagram also. I know I saw John Legend, Lalah Hathaway, & Avery Sunshine do independent performances. I woke up one morning saw the video of Eric Benet & Tamia treating us to their song, Spend My Life from their homes. TV One & BET have provided spaces for various artists to perform on their accounts. The Go-Go scene in Maryland put on a virtual concert. The Black Academy of Arts & Letters of Dallas has been coming on Sunday evening with local artists singing for an hour. Even the live music lounge in my area of town I like patronizing had local soul & jazz bands perform via FB & IG. 

If you could just see me in my kitchen and bedroom dancing & singing my cares away. LoL

And those are just the performances I attended/watched. Did you partake in any of the singing? If so, let me know what you have enjoyed. I hope any and/or all of it soothed & blessed your spirit too.

Because between Covid-19 running rampant, dangerous, false, racists phone calls, the murder of Black lives, and lack of healthy, intelligent, & safe leadership in handling any of it, we need something to caress our hearts, minds, & souls, at least for a little while during our day.

Bless Them All, for All of It!!!

I leave you with a tune sung by a virtual choir. This song was written by a composer I know, Victor C. Johnson. Its message is simple but powerful.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!