Schoolin' Life...

Probably Stevie Wonder's "Innervisions." The songs reflect my thoughts on myself as a black man in America, spiritually and politically. I call myself an atheist, but that's only in the context of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism. I feel spiritual but never ever religious, so I co-sign Stevie on "Jesus Children of America" ("don't tell lies in the name of religion!") and religious hypocrites, while "Higher Ground" reflects my own spiritual beliefs that don't need a societal-sanctioned Boogey Man in the Sky to personally succeed. My mother was born in Mississippi in the Jim Crow era, so she used to use "Living in the City" as a means to teach me black history when I was a shorty. Thanks to her imparting her life in Mississippi and how it related to the song's protagonist, I can't listen to that song without tearing up EVERY time. Artistically, there is not ONE SINGLE bad song on that album, and that's probably because he ran the gamut of black emotions and experience from first to last song.

 

My past would have to be Kid Cudi Man on the Moon I.His lyrics relate to what my life was so much.He spoke about being the weird artsy kid (who grows up to continue being weird and artsy) and spending long nites up in your room.He's definitely the same kinda weirdo as me.


My present and future would be represented by Kenna's Make Sure They See My Face.It's my favorite album.It's so vibrant.the album is unique,creative, and colorful.It defines itself,but doesn't totally fit into any other lane.You can hear the influences,but it's definitely its own thing.All of that could describe me too.The songs are fun,but have a certain depth of emotion.There are highs,and lows,with lots of layers.It's unpredictable. This album sounds like everything I am,and everything I've always tried to be.

 

Thanks man! Kenna came on vh1 at like 3am one night and thankfully my buddy sent me his copy of the cd after I raved about it so much.It's been my favorite album ever since.

 

I have to second Shon's sentiment. Been enjoying the Cudi all weekend since he was posted; heard OF him but never heard him.

be nice to have a thread of artists that we think don't get enough play from the general public; just an excuse to turn everyone on to new stuff. I love Afropop so I'm bumping to Bibi Tanga and the Selenites on my way to work.

 

Mary J. Blige; My Life

 

I'm a Gemini and can't choose one of pretty much anything but this album right here has and will always speak to me personally on multiple levels and bring out the most intense feelings from within.

Purple Rain - Prince
It ties into so much of my youth and loved ones no longer here it brings back memories of first love, teen angst, loss of all innocence, young adulthood, sexual irresponsibility and living only in the moments.
I can't guess at how many times I've listened to this album...I actually had the original vinyl and all of the singles
It will never not bring back both good and some sad memories.
Someone who is pretty much a non Prince fan recently sent me a song from Purple Rain without knowing the significance of how much it would bring him closer to me.


Honorable mention to this other album where every song also speaks to me on a personal level and gives insight into my sleeping subconscious mind.

Antichrist Superstar - Marilyn Manson