Oprah's Final Guest: Anthony Antoine's Campaign to be Guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show

Anthony Antoine's Cover of Janet Jackson's "IF" - Official (Home) Video

CAUTION: THIS VIDEO IS HOT!!! Absolute self-indulgence or independent music maker genius, you decide! This is what an independent artist gets up to on "Date Night with Self." The goal: direct my own music video, shooting it with my already owned consumer use camera (Sony Cybershot DSC-T700) and editing it within software (Movie Maker) pre-loaded on my now dinosaur laptop. And do this for the lowest cost ever to make a music video - FREE! Goal 2: Ensure the video doesn't compromise on entertainment value due to no budget and small crew (only ME)! Although shots give the illusion of someone else controlling the lens, every shot is from the camera held in my hand ONLY. No one else was present for "Date Night with Self." My new video is produced, directed and edited by little ole me. I guess the rest is left to be seen. Have I created a video that carries on YouTube? How did I do? This is an independent artist taking it to the next level - GETTIN MY LIFE! I've waited long enough for a major record label to support an openly same gender loving artist in mainstream music. No major label would be brave enough to produce me as an artist or my new video. This video is me, taking matters into my own hands and stands as testiment to what being an independent artist is all about. Please subscribe to my videos! Give me some feedback! Pick up the song on iTunes or other downloads sites. Let's prove the labels wrong!

Contest Winner: Meet Danny W. (Tucker, Ga.)

I must say first, I am so honored by anyone responding to enter the contest. For an independent artist, what a treat that someone cares - and cares enough to keep coming back to your website and/or has purchased your music or knows enough of your songs to have a favorite. You can't imagine what this feels like for me and I thank you Danny W., Vincent B. (runner-up), and so many others that took time to enter. Trust, I truly appreciate it.

Danny W. won very easily because he is the only person who used every avenue to enter. This awarded him 27 total points (10 Bonus for utilizing all three ways to enter). With that said, I felt no one else had a chance with Danny's 27 total points and picked again to see if Danny would be the runner-up draw. That's when Vincent B.'s name came out of a literal hat (independent artist budget) and so I want to share a little of what they have shared with me.

From Contest Winner Danny W:
My favorite Anthony Antoine song is...well I was gonna say "Dante's Got A Man", or "Shake Your Body" or "Break for Love" or "IF" from the latest CD. However, after listening to "The Revolution Will Not Be Emailed" this has now become my favorite song because it ignited something in me that I would never share..and that's what true art does!!. I have always loved music that inspired me to do something different... to live differently..and while this is not a dance song.. it did inspire! I now want to get involved in a way that I haven't before. So "The Revolution Will Not Be Emailed" is now my favorite Anthony Antoine song.

From Contest Runner-Up Vincent B:
My favorite song by you is "Sanctify." I love this song due to the content involved and today's issue with Proposition 8! I believe the freedom to marry is fundamental to our society, that the California constitution should guarantee the same freedom and rights to everyone. Over the years I've come to realize that I want to get married to the man I love and I want that union to be recognized everywhere, at home, in the work place, the state and the church. Just because I did not have the best role models for marriage does not mean that my marriage will end up the same as my HETEROSEXUAL counterparts. We as the HOMOSEXUAL community may have to provide the HETEROSEXUALS with an example of the what sanctity is, from having to fight so hard for OUR MARRIAGES! Also doing that song with The Adodi Muse was great. I saw you all perform for the first time during PHYRE week at Maurice's loft in 2007 and I loved the performance. Keep blogging and edutaining us! Much love to ya.


Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You both have made an independent artist smile from here to Texas.

Open Letter to Apple, Inc.

Attached to this email is the most ingenious song that should be used, has to be used in iPod marketing. All of my friends and fans believe so and now it is my mission to provide you the opportunity to know the same. I’m Anthony Antoine – an independent recording artist in Atlanta and my new song is perfectly titled “Who’s Rockin’ Ur iPod?”

I tell everyone, this song came through my spirit; full lyrics, entire beats and melodies, additional remixes along with a marketing plan for my new song. In short, I love my iPod (the greatest invention of the millennium) and wrote what I call a love song to my iPod that also communicates my passion for music and shout-outs to some of my favorite artist that regularly “rock” my iPod. My goal for my new song “Who’s Rockin’ Ur iPod?” is simple – every iPod sold over the next few years is pre-loaded with what I call “The iPod Song” and/or my infectious song is so appropriate used in the already fierce ad campaign/s for what has become my dependable friend and insatiable lover – my iPod.

Imagine the news worthy story in itself: that some mildly known but jewel of independent artists who also just happens to be a great guy sent out random and not so random emails to Apple’s marketing team and anyone else who will listen with hopes of reaching that one visionary, simply smart person (insert your name here) that paid attention to an email that most others not as clever disregarded. That one imaginative prophet (again - insert your name here) instantly got it, felt the energy of the song, felt the goal for the song and responded magically by connecting the song to the already brilliant marketing/development team at Apple so that “Who’s Rockin’ Ur iPod?” is perfected placed where it needs to be. I truly believe this story will go down in history of successful, brilliant marketing. All of this can happen because of you!

Take a listen to my song Who’s Rockin’ Ur iPod (attached). The song speaks volumes for itself. But too, take a chance and do exactly what you can to make my goal for my new song happen. Send this email to that someone who can help. And not just send the email, but make phone calls and follow through to see the goal to fruition. Let’s make it happen together! All because of your response to this email, everyone in the world can be rockin’ the hook “Who’s Rockin’ Ur iPod?” and Apple/iPod can continue to be recognized for being innovators – not just in digital music players, but too for taking a chance on a hard working and deserving independent artist who created the perfect song for iPod marketing. This is simply a brilliant story!!!
To learn a bit more about me as an artist, you can visit www.anthonyantoine.com.

Passionately,

Anthony Antoine

Win my Jennifer Hudson/Robin Thicke Gift Bag from the historic concert complete with a JHUD/Robin Thicke T-shirt, hat & more Anthony Antoine free CDs & goodies. Contest runs the entire month of May. Contest winner will be announced on Monday, June 1st by email.

There are three ways to enter to win:

1) Send me an email through the “Contact Page” on website noting your favorite Anthony Antoine song – and why? - (gets you 2 entries into contest)

2) Answer five Anthony Antoine questions correctly in an email sent through “Contact Page” on the website - (gets you 5 entries into contest)

3) Write a review of any Anthony Antoine’s music on iTunes. After review is posted on iTunes, shoot me an email through the “Contact Page” on my new website noting the review – (gets you 10 entries into contest)

Anyone completing all three entry ways will be entered in the contest with 10 ADDITIONAL BONUS CHANCES to win.

It’s that simple.

If you have any questions, shoot me an email through the “Contact Page” on my website.

FIVE Anthony Antoine Questions (HINT: All answers can be found on website or other Anthony Antoine sites - FB, MySpace, YouTube, etc.)

1. What is the name of Anthony Antoine’s first full length CD release complete with 18 songs/2 interludes?

2. Anthony’s most treasure celebrity photo is with what artist?

3. Anthony’s “Obama Hope Symbol” tattoo was featured on what news network?

4. How many videos are in the “Video Vault” on the new http://www.anthonyantoine.com/?

5. What’s your favorite Anthony Antoine song and why?

Jennifer Hudson: The Documented Story of How We Met

I remember very well April 24, 2004 – the day the world stop turning and my viewing pleasure of American Idol (AI) has NEVER been the same. The night before, April 23rd, Jennifer Hudson (in my opinion) sang one of the best performances to ever grace the AI stage. “Weekend in New England” original by Barry Manilow, had never sounded better. Jennifer KILLED the performance and solidified what I already knew the premiere of Season 3 AI. Jennifer Hudson is one of the best voices of our time, easily one of the best voices to grace the American Idol stage.

At the time, a crew of 10-15 of my friends would host American Idol parties. Each week, the AI party would be at a different home on Tuesdays (the performance show day). On Wednesdays (the results show), the crew would call each other to see if our predictions unfolded. Everyone had a favorite Idol and my Idol was Jennifer Hudson. I voted as did many of my friends (Season 3 – the only season I voted) and when the drama thickened with all three divas in the bottom three (Fantasia, Latoya London & JHUD) – I WAS SICK, literally. AND I KNEW WHAT WAS GOING DOWN. My phone blew up with calls and I refused to answer. This has to be mentioned because although we didn’t “bet” on AI predictions. there were 10-15 others ready to remind you of what you said would happen. And if it didn’t go down the way you predicted, TRUST – you would hear about it.

I use to always say that American Idol was rigged. Come on. Fantasia had never been in the bottom three and what perfect drama for television than all three divas being in the bottom three.  Don't get me wrong, I love all three divas.  But an excellent singer’s dream must be sacrificed on America’s biggest reality singing competition.  That's a way to secure ratings and ratings are how a television show makes money.  There you have it!  The three divas in the bottom – it increases ratings! Cut Jennifer Hudson – increase ratings. That’s my belief and I’m sticking to it.

How in the world was Jennifer Hudson cut?!  I don’t think I answered my phone for three days – thankfully, texting wasn’t as popular then. I stopped going to the American Idol parties. I took days off work. I went into what I jokingly refer to as The Great Depression of 2004. I know. Is it that serious? YES! I promise, the first time I heard Jennifer Hudson’s voice, it sent chills through my body. Few artists can move me in the way Jennifer Hudson’s voice can. And not only that, (and call me crazy or whatever) but it was a spiritual chill that Jennifer’s voice communicated to me. It was hard to sit through a Simon Cowell critique of Jennifer because every time he spoke, I was sure he didn’t understand who and what was singing before him. Everything that has happened to Jennifer Hudson since Idol, I promise, I could see and more importantly "feel" whenever she would sing. It was spiritual.

So, naturally, I had to go to the American Idol 2004 Tour. I took my then 13 year old daughter Vogue with me to the show. Everyone thought that I was there for Vogue to have a concert experience, and I was. But when Jennifer Hudson hit the stage, I lost it (thankfully I didn’t lose my child LOL). There were those chills all over again and being in the 5th row (1st row when Jennifer hit the stage), Jennifer sang much of the songs directly to me.

The concert was amazing (not just Jennifer). Fantasia and Latoya joined Jennifer for Beyonce’s “Dangerously in Love,” George Huff and Jennifer sang Prince’s “Nothing Compares to You” – and even John Peter Lewis singing Outkast’s “Hey Ya” with the three divas singing back-up. I was floored by an American Idol concert. I was so caught off guard by how much I enjoyed the concert.  On the way home, I called my brother in D.C. and told him that I was flying there BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY to see the show again in the following weeks. My brother and I didn’t have tickets but I HAD to go again. I posted on American Idol’s website that EVERYONE needs to see the AI show – especially to witness Jennifer Hudson who ruled the concert. I also posted on the AI site that I was the crazy fan that cut a fool whenever Jennifer hit the stage. I noted that I would do the same thing in D.C. – not ever hoping the A.I. posting would land me a meeting with Jennifer Hudson.

Cut a fool again in D.C. is what I did. My brother and I had horrible floor seats but we moved to perfectly empty unsold seats at the side of the stage during the concert.  Yet again, Jennifer caught my energy and sang much of the songs directly to me during the show.  Every time she sang, Jennifer found her way to our side of the stage.    I was floored. I was in love. I was feeling those spiritual chills to the tenth. SOLD! Jennifer Hudson is the best of the new school singers. She’s the truth! What was American Idol thinking? What was the music industry thinking? All this and more, I posted on American Idol’s website.

Condensing the story, I received a message from Jennifer’s cousin Jay J. (as it was explained by email), an email that read, "Jennifer read the American Idol website and loved your posts.  She thanks you for all the energy during the concert and when Jenny gets off tour, she will call you."  YEAH RIGHT!!! Getting the email – I was sure I was being “PUNK’D” by one of my friends from the American Idol parties.

But one random day in winter 2004, Jennifer Hudson called me. WHAT!!??!!

From my MySpace Blog post about the movie Dreamgirls on November 16, 2006:In the fall of 2004, I received a phone call from someone in Chicago. Still faded from a nap, I checked my messages and heard her voice. "I was just calling to say thank you for the support. I read your messages on the A.I. site and I wanted to let you know that I appreciate it," or something to that affect. I don't remember the exact words but I remember clearly jumping around the house because Jennifer Hudson called me. Anyone who knows me knows that I remain a kid at heart and when I'm excited, I act a fool. Also, anyone who knows me knows about my "Great Depression of 2004" – the days after Jennifer Hudson was voted off American Idol: Season 3.

Skip to January 2005, I was planning to meet Jennifer for the first time. How?  Well, before it was the chic thing to do for the U.S. black gay clubs, I INSISTED that my friends in the popular Atlanta promoter company Xtreme Entertainment book Jennifer (did I mention my insisting) for their MLK weekend here in Atlanta.  The men in Xtreme were also a part of the crew that hosted the American Idol house parties.  Let's just say that Fantasia was the Idol for all four members of Xtreme Entertanment.  They have all tried to rewrite this part of the story since Jennifer's success I must add.  In preparation for the show, Jennifer and I were talking by email about the songs she should sing. Naturally, I asked her to sing the song I was anxiously hoping she would sing had she not been strategically voted off of A.I. "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" in my mind is the perfect song for the perfect voice. "If anyone can sing this song, THE SONG and finally do it justice again, Jennifer Hudson can." Although we talked a few more times by email, Jennifer never told me that she was planning to do just that, sing "And I'm Telling You…" during the Xtreme Entertainment MLK show, honoring my request and sending me into a frenzy. (January 16, 2005 – the day we met) I got to hear her sing THE SONG a few times as I was at sound check (the first time we met) and later at the actually show (MLK Weekend 2005). NOTE: January 2005 – there was NO mention of a Dreamgirls movie to the general public, AND CERTAINLY AT THIS TIME there wasn’t even a thought for Jennifer Hudson to be Effie. UH – HELLO!!! Have you caught up? *wink* LAST – I will say too, Jennifer mentioned NOT having performed that song EVER live and specifically wanted to sing the song for me as a surprise since I requested it by email. HELLO AGAIN!!! Have you caught up? *wink*

Since our first meeting January 2005, Jennifer has been more than kind to call and text me along the way, allowing me to connect even if briefly about her transition to superstar Jennifer Hudson. Every time I have been around her, she’s been generous with her spirit and talent, never missing a beat with being warm, sexy and charming – surely one of the best celebrity experiences (and I’ve met too many to count). Jennifer Hudson is as kind as you imagine her to be and hasn’t changed a bit since her fame has sky-rocketed.

Two memories of Jennifer that I will never forget:
First one is the day that Jennifer Hudson got the call that she would be Effie in the movie Dreamgirls. In true kind Jennifer Hudson spirit, Jennifer called me to allow me to share in the excitement. As surely one of her biggest fans, the one who asked her to sing “And I’m Telling You…” for Xtreme Entertainment MLK show, she wanted me to share in her dream of becoming a Dreamgirl. Dereck Wallace from WINC – then Xtreme Entertainment was with me the day I got that call. We were so happy for her because we knew - finally, the world would catch up. Jennifer Hudson will be a superstar. She was already one in my world. I was so convinced that Dreamgirls would do it for her.

Second unforgettable experience occurred in March 2007, a week after the Oscar win, Jennifer allowed me to come with her to the Dallas Austin Foundation Event in Atlanta. This night, apart from the event being great and Jennifer performing, Jennifer asked me if I would rather stay at the event or go back to the hotel with a group of friends and chill. UH HELLO!! DUH! Let me think about this one! Come on. Yes, I went back to the hotel pinching myself the entire time. We talked about everything and nothing and she played me some new tracks and even allowed me to spend a minute on her computer/iTunes where she had loaded tons more of Jennifer Hudson songs that the world still doesn’t know.

“What Hearts Do,” “Pillows,” “Cry In a Minute” and even a rehearsal taping of “Never Loved a Man” and a few more songs were sent to me by email from Jennifer. I will never forget this night. Who gets to chill and talk with their favorite singer (recent Oscar winner) but me? As promised, I have never shared these rare recordings but if you’re ever around me and one of my iPods, I rock this music regularly. And although Jennifer and I don’t talk as much, surely every time Jennifer sees me, she’s just as kind as the first time I met her. Jennifer Hudson has love for the fan that cut a fool during the American Idol 2004 concert, the fan that finds a way to every ATL stage she performs on, the man’s name she often speaks from the stage, the kid-like grown man who had to fight with 10-15 other grown men about AI and why AI, the music industry and the world would eventually catch up to the undeniable talent of Jennifer Hudson. I’m still the crazy fan who believed in Jennifer Hudson before the world knew better to believe. Before the Oscar, the Grammy and so much more still to come, Jennifer had a fan (now loosely used “friend”) in me.

Homophobic Bow Wow RELOADED!

It’s been a crazy week of being faced with homophobia on multiple fronts. That’s the reason for this post and that’s the main reason why I decided to repost the Bow Wow video titled “Bow Wow on Misquoted BET Blog.”

Earlier today, I slowed down to have a conversation with an inebriated homeless man in Piedmont Park (Michael) after sharing with him some food given to him by my co-worker. After he accepted the food, he asked for money explaining he’s been living in Piedmont Park for 20 years. As I often do, I gave him a few dollars and carried conversation with Michael in hopes that he’d feel someone really cared about him – at least today. After a ten minute conversation with him about a supposed murder of a female in Piedmont Park, a murder he helped to uncover, he explained to me how the murder “must have occurred this way I’ll tell you,” he explained coming in close to me. “You know what it is. I’ll tell you what it is. It’s the gays. They walk this park 24/7. They must have done it.”

You’re not serious. So even Michael, the homeless man is homophobic. WOW! But it doesn’t take you to be drunk for you to still be intoxicated with homophobia.

Last Thursday, on Morehouse campus, I found myself caught off guard by an explicit line of thought that floored me. It’s not often that I am speechless but for ten minutes, I couldn’t find my words. I’ve been doing HIV/STI testing on campuses for over ten years. A favorite part of my job is being especially on Morehouse campus where I feel and see the impact I have on young black men often. My being speechless was mostly about concern for the relationship the organization I work for has with Morehouse, less about myself and my own feelings. I’ve been dealing with homophobia for most of my life so this is not news nor new for my spirit to handle.

“Yes, the administration is going to have a meeting about it because it is getting ridiculous. It’s causing a drop in our enrollment. And now, they are so vocal with it and out with it. There are gangs of them, some of them showing up in heels and nails painted. It’s ridiculous. And now I think they migrate here. It’s gangs of gays calling other gays to come to Morehouse as if it’s a safe haven for them.” IF I’M LYING – I’M FLYING! This is what the Morehouse coordinator of the panel I was invited to speak on said to me and three others as we discussed how to handle future events with an HIV awareness focus.

Enough is enough! This is the last straw in the long list of moments this week alone that explicitly communicated to me that this conversation I thought we were well beyond, is still in need of dialogue so that we arrive at a better destination. Homophobia has to be exposed. We need a revolution addressing homophobia like the sweep of Obama’s campaign across America. That’s what I’m calling for, a REVOLUTION against homophobia.

That’s why the video must be reposted. It is what Bow Wow said. It’s not hearsay or rumor or the “telephone game” at play here. No publicist or press agent can put a spin on Bow Wow’s words. This is what Bow Wow said out of his own mouth. Bow Wow was aware that he was being recorded and felt comfortable to say what he said to his fans, and it was posted to YouTube viewers for the world to see.

In my humble opinion, I truly believe one measure of a man is that he stands by his word. A man’s word is his bond. I too believe that a man, once he knows better he does better. I’m hoping that this is an opportunity for Bow Wow and so many others to do better, especially so many in hip-hop, especially so many in the black and larger community. Hating on gay people will no longer be tolerated by anyone in 2009. Not knowing how to respond to homophobia in 2009 will not be tolerated. Let’s continue this dialogue with a sadly mistaken Bow Wow in the mix. But truly, the conversation ends with you, each individual.

If you are not a part of the solution of homophobia, you are part of the problem. The time is now for homophobia to end! Now, what are you going to do?

CONTEST: The New www.anthonyantoine.com

Win my Jennifer Hudson/Robin Thicke Gift Bag from the historic concert complete with a JHUD/Robin Thicke T-shirt, hat & more Anthony Antoine free CDs & goodies. Contest runs the entire month of May. Contest winner will be announced on Monday, June 1st by email.

There are three ways to enter to win:

1) Send me an email through the “Contact Page” on website noting your favorite Anthony Antoine song – and why? - (gets you 2 entries into contest)

2) Answer five Anthony Antoine questions correctly in an email sent through “Contact Page” on the website - (gets you 5 entries into contest)

3) Write a review of any Anthony Antoine’s music on iTunes. After review is posted on iTunes, shoot me an email through the “Contact Page” on my new website noting the review – (gets you 10 entries into contest)

Anyone completing all three entry ways will be entered in the contest with 10 ADDITIONAL BONUS CHANCES to win.

It’s that simple.

If you have any questions, shoot me an email through the “Contact Page” on my website.

FIVE Anthony Antoine Questions (HINT: All answers can be found on website or other Anthony Antoine sites - FB, MySpace, YouTube, etc.)

1. What is the name of Anthony Antoine’s first full length CD release complete with 18 songs/2 interludes?

2. Anthony’s most treasure celebrity photo is with what artist?

3. Anthony’s “Obama Hope Symbol” tattoo was featured on what news network?

4. How many videos are in the “Video Vault” on the new http://www.anthonyantoine.com/?

5. What’s your favorite Anthony Antoine song and why?

The Spiritual Genius of Tonex

I am moved and encouraged. I am touched and inspired. I am too many things to explain but if you’ve ever felt the spirit of the Lord and know without doubt that it’s that spirit to sustain and keep you, you know a little of what I am feeling this morning. Actually, this post is so long overdue but as they say, right on time. If you need to be uplifted, if your spirit needs some healing, go pick up the new CD from Tonex titled “Unspoken.” I’ve only had it for two weeks but no other CD has jumped to my Top Ten All Time Favorite CD List so quickly than “Unspoken.”

In my personal journey, I’ve often asked, “If I can’t take what I’m truly going through to church and leave it at the altar, then where can I go?” Tonex’s music understands this and reminds you that church and gospel music should intersect with the truth of ones journey, not just the saved & sanctified Sunday morning front that’s all forgotten by Sunday evening. Isn’t that the ministry of gospel music? That an anointed singer can communicate a crafted song of His Word married with explicit lessons helping us to walk a closer walk with Him. Why listen to gospel music if it doesn’t teach, uplift, & truly bring you closer to God. That’s ministry. And that’s Tonex’s music to me.

Imagine removing hypocrisy from organized religion and putting that impossibility to song – that’s the music given to us by Tonex. There’s a multi-leveled Word for you about true trials we experience after Sunday morning and Tonex is unmatched in bringing you that Word. I am so thankful for Tonex’s gift this morning. God is all up in it and I thank him as an artist and I thank God, the ultimate artist of them all.

Last, I’ll just say it will take you a minute to catch up to the genius of Tonex. This man has released over 24 CDs in just 14 years. I read a newspaper review that said this CD “Unspoken” is his first CD in over five years. I was initially confused because I had purchased six or seven recent projects over the last few years on iTunes alone. Wikipedia www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonex notes that Tonex has at least 15 projects in the last five years. So clearly what the review failed to mention is that this is his first CD on a “major” label in five years and I still don’t know if that’s even true. He’s been continuously releasing music through various websites and on his own label Nureau Ink. A label and an artist achieving this alone, that's major. I went to Tonex’s website to purchase a few releases you can’t buy on iTunes (they arrived this weekend) and purchased the remaining CDs I didn’t already have from iTunes and spent most of my weekend catching up. Naturally, if you love music like I do, then you understand when an artist moves you, you have to have everything they have put out. I’m probably 95% there - over 270 songs rockin' my iPod of what's at least available to purchase. I’m sure Tonex has hundreds more in his personal vault and as soon as I can get my hands on it, I will add to my now definitive collection of Tonex's music.

What has me so lifted this morning is that I created a playlist on my iPod and titled it The Genius of Tonex. Last night, I put 16 of Tonex’s best songs (my opinion) in an order that moves me most and listened to it this morning for the first time as a collection of songs. I felt like this was cheating because there's so much music to choose from - again over 270 songs. My favorite place to hear music is in the car (gym next). Folks must have thought I was crazy “goin’ in” and “losin’ it” to The Genius of Tonex. WOW! Hearing all my favorite Tonex tracks back to back has me flying. I’m wired! This playlist “The Genius of Tonex” was a fast track for me to reconnect to God’s glory and grace. I’m so thankful that I know Tonex’s music because it reminds me how thankful I am that I know and love the Lord. Now ain’t that gospel music at it’s best?

You already know what to do! When you go to download that PHYRE new project by Anthony Antoine titled "Who's Rockin' Ur iPod" off iTunes and other download sites, pick up Tonex's "Unspoken." You will surely be blessed by doing so.

Vogue's First Acceptance Letter to College

I really wanted to write something deep and introspective about another milestone in my daughter Vogue's life (my life too). But honestly, I think the title, video and pictures speak for themselves. You can file this one under "Proud Dad" folder on your desktop! Last, I will say, what I would give to have moments like this captured on video from my teen years. I tell Vogue all the time that she's gonna be thankful that her corny dad always pulls out a camera for these moments. LOL! Enjoy!

My New CD & Music Video: The Dream Continues 03-01-09

my 9th CD release - official release date March 17th (available on iTunes & more)

my friend Deede picked up her copy immediately - truly one of my biggest fans

Excerpt from “The Original Dream” – written 08-24-08

Right before I left Atlanta, I had an old favorite captured moment of my life converted to DVD and posted on YouTube. It was my very first music video “Swing” by The Deff Boyz featuring Tony Mac (one of the pseudonyms I recorded under living in London). I originally had the tape converted to American format VHS tape back in 2000 but much has changed even since then. YouTube has taken America and the rest of the world by storm and if it’s not preserved on YouTube, then did it ever happen?

So my goal of the past few weeks was to load some of my treasured moments to YouTube. I started with my very first music video “Swing.” More than the idea as an artist of being in a music video for one of my songs, my very first video was on regular rotation on MTV Europe. At age 17, that was a part of my wildest dream. I couldn’t have been more close to the dream than (age 21) sitting at home chillin’ and there it was, without direct prompting on my part, my video was being played. One of those times, I had enough sense to capture the moment by dropping a tape in my VCR and recording my own video being played all over the country on MTV.
“My Dreams Continue”

Speaking of a lot has changed, MTV wouldn’t even be the premier dream to have my new music video played and noticed. The ultimate air time for my new music video that promotes my new single “Who’s Rockin’ Ur iPod?” would be 106 & Park or LOGO’s The Click List. Well, okay, naturally Chelsey Lately (my new television obsession), Tyra Banks and of course, Oprah. (Did you see Steve Harvey thank God on Friday when Oprah had a bright idea to have him back on the show because they simply didn’t have enough time to promote his new book). Like Steve Harvey, I pray for that day when Oprah blesses anything I have produced. Yes, I too dream big.

But it’s not just a dream for me. My dreams have walking shoes and can grow wings. What I know today is that it’s simply one foot in front of the other, each moment, every effort is a step closer to the destination. And that it’s not just one destination but many destinations along the way that I must honor, milestones that keep me going and makes me - ME. I am fully present in the journey of it all. I pray this for you and your dreams. It was my first single “Swing” and the video being played on MTV. It was the birth of my daughter Vogue. It was falling in love and someone choosing me at the same time I chose them. It was meeting Sheila E. It was changing someone’s life forever by passionate work and a calling. It was completing my first novel. And now, it’s the birth of my 9th CD project “Who’s Rockin’ Ur iPod? EP” and my new music video supporting the single. Can you believe it? I can’t believe it. Nine CDs! What artist can say this?

My friend Khalid told me to download a song yesterday – Donald Lawrence’s “Happy Being Me.” That’s me these days, just happy being me. “No one else I’d rather be.” God I’m so thankful for my exact life. God, I’m so thankful that my dreams continue.

In the Air of Change: Historic Inauguration Trip to Washington

I’m so blessed, having had the opportunity to travel out of the country five times in two years, so who knew that a trip to Washington D.C. could not only compete but excel in the impact traveling away from home could have on my spirit. I went to grade and high school in Alexandria and Dale City, Virginia (suburbs of D.C.), so I’ve seen so much of what Washington has to offer. I’ve done the trip to Washington countless times. In all honesty, I wasn’t very excited about traveling to D.C. or inauguration festivities (original plans smashed) but more excited about spending time with my brother who lives in southeast D.C.
But slap me now! I’m awake if I wasn’t before I left Atlanta. What was I thinking, even considering to miss this opportunity to witness history in our Nation’s capital? A last minute Delta direct flight into Reagan-National Airport for $219 (rate offered for one day, thanks for the tip Shauni), confirmed reservations at the best hotel in town: my brother’s basement which racked up a HUGE bill I paid with a love offering of $0, and a close friend/travel partner with an already booked rental car he was willing to share, I more than many out-of-towners had my travel plans laid out for me. Life delivered with Divine strategy, all ways for me to be right here and front row at this historic time in America.
Washington D.C. is beating to a new drum and my spirit helped to write lyrics to Washington D.C. and Americas’ new song. I have been moved to my core with too many inspirational moments I’ll treasure forever. The numerous Washington monuments all have new meaning, not just because I’m older with a more experienced and wiser view of the World but because the dreams and goals of our country’s founding fathers and fallen activist Blacks were unfolding right before my eyes. The American experience has come full circle. I toured the Capitol building (a tour I’ve done a few times as a kid) and walked the exact steps that Mr. President would walk on Inauguration Day. Touring the Capitol and being eye-witness to the city preparing to swear in our first Black President; son of a foreign student from Kenya (think about that) - Barack Obama sailed against the odds to secure the Presidency. In America, anything is possible. It was at times overwhelming to take it all in, that even a Black man as President of the United States is not only possible, but now reality. I remember being teased as a kid with an often-repeated joke probably told to many Black children, “you’ll never be President, that’s why it’s called The White House” – emphasis on white. I vividly remember this being said to me during a few times of child’s play, me pretending to be President of the United States (on the off days from pretending to be Wonder Woman, LOL) and even Black children laughed and joked at the thought. We all had been convinced that this day wasn’t ever possible and look at what America has done.
There’s too much to communicate about the experience that words cannot capture. Truly, much of my time here was emotional, remembering my childhood days here and remembering why I love this city. My brother and I (sometimes including seven of our friends) sat on his couch together and talked politics and more. Washington offers me connection to my family and childhood memories often smothered by Atlanta and other travel experiences. Washington D.C. was the perfect backdrop to these intense conversations. I danced in a D.C. nightclub with HOT local boys to my favorite music on the planet to dance to: GO-GO music, D.C.’s homegrown music. It moved me to tears right there on the dance floor. I got to hear one of my musical inspirations and favorite DJ Donnie Simpson’s radio morning show. I was twelve years old all over again remembering some of my original connections to wanting a career in music. Washington, D.C. has tons to offer to specifically me.
But this trip, Washington D.C. also offered me a three mile walk through 3rd Street tunnel with the echo of “We Shall Overcome” hitting the back of my cold but thankfully protected neck. I was breathing in the air of CHANGE and would not have chosen to be anywhere else in the World but connected to the energy that settled on The Mall of Washington for Tuesday’s Inauguration. The words “Martin Luther King is rejoicing in Heaven” graced my ears as the flags of The Washington Monument wrestled with the air. I turned to my left to see tens of American flags and to my right, a sea of proud Americans showing up and out for our then still President-elect. I almost lost it again. Yes WE can! Yes WE did! And for once in my life, I participated and really believe that my contribution made a difference. I donated many dollars to a campaign and I knew with every dollar I donated, it was making the difference. I voted in a Presidential election with a vote for hope and for the very first time that I can remember, HOPE won. That’s only a bit of what I was breathing in, here in D.C. Like so many others, this trip has changed my life.
God bless a last minute $219 Delta ticket. God bless Mr. President Barack Obama, his family and a new Administration ready to lead the country and its people in very difficult work ahead. God bless the human spirit with a willingness to forgive tremendous travesties of our country’s past and the ability for Americans to have hope against so many odds, enduring to see this full-circle moment unfold. Simply, God bless America. It’s a new, more grown America with a beautiful Nation’s capital, full of vibrancy and core history owned by all Americans; monuments here at home that stand and represent FREEDOM! I inhaled evidence of what my spirit often acknowledges, especially traveling abroad, but right here at home, I found the evidence again. We live in the greatest country in the entire World. Please hear me! We live in the greatest country in the entire World. Marinate on that!!!!
I used my Georgia I.D. traveling here, but I will use my American passport as I.D. to travel back home and hold it with the same energy and walk, a fierce walk comparable to Mr. President’s walk right before he was being sworn into office. One step is “Wow! Look at us now.” The next step is, “I own every bit of the difficult work that I have to do to secure our better future.” That’s combination for a fierce, FIERCE walk and work in 2009 and beyond. More than I have in a long time, I’m rejuvenated in my pride of this country we live. I’m energized and I too commit to my part in getting the job done. I’m so proud to be an American! Really, simply – GOD BLESS AMERICA!