What up Paper Chasers, it's ya gurl LoudPen with this week's, Musings. For this week's Musings, I chose "Every Little Thing I Do" by Soul For Real. Right now, I'm a little upset about some things in the department of love but no matter how hard I try, all I do is think of him. So today when thinking about what to post and after scrolling through my list of 80s & 90s Hip-hop and R&B artists, I decided on this song. Not only is it a classic but it fits my mood perfectly.
Soul For Real was a short lived teen R&B group best known for their hits, "Candy Rain" and today's track, "Every Little Thing I Do". The group had some enormous potential and it's a shame that they didn't ever get to grow to see what they could really do. This song is a classic on so many levels. The lyrics, the vocals, and the dance moves and outfits featured in the video are marvelous.
In the video, the group is outfitted in black suits with white button ups. Their suits have the strong shoulder, shoulder pad look and anyone who knows 90s fashion knows that this was a staple for both males and females. The group also styled their hair in the box top fades but they had the lower version since the low top fades debuted in the late 90s which is different from the higher versions of the early 90s.
The reason I chose this song is because I don't know what it is about feelings. They seem circle you and become your mind's only focus. They are inescapable. You can't fight them no matter how hard you try. It's like Soul For Real said, "Every little thing I do, you're on my mind. The way I feel lately is driving me crazy."
You just can't get over it. All day every day their image pops into your head, you want to see them, to talk to them, to be near them. And yet their image continues to allude you. Soul For Real doesn't give a solution for how one can get someone off their mind. Having said that, what do you do, Paper Chasers, when you've got someone on the brain that you can't seem to let go of?
And there it is. This is the Pen and these are my Musings.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Musings of a Pen: Every Little Thing I Do by Soul For Real
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Say What?! "Quote of the Week" : Shorty Swing My Way by KP & Envyi
What up Paper Chasers, it's ya gurl LoudPen with this week's, Say What "Quote of the Week" which is Shorty Swing My Way by KP & Envyi. KP & Envyi is one of those one hit wonder girl groups from the 90s. However, per my conversation w/ @RnBDollar, I realized that they may have only had one song but it was a classic. According to @RnBDollar, this song can still romance any male. All a female has to do is let it rip and boom, instant love connection. My love life is a shitty as ever but I thought you all would enjoy.
And there it is. This is the Pen making you say, Say What?!
Monday, July 26, 2010
The Pen Has Spoken...I Take One Day Off & All of a Sudden...
What up Paper Chasers, it's ya gurl LoudPen with this week's, The Pen Has Spoken. Paper Chasers, I have recently anointed Sundays as "Me days" meaning I don't answer the phone, text, email, or tweet. I just relax by myself and completely shut out the world. However, this morning, I woke up to all types of confusing items. I didn't know if I was coming or going. Suddenly, I began to wonder if the Monday morning rush was punishment for the lovely "me day" I had yesterday.
It seems that I cannot have days of relaxation when the outside world is included. Whenever, I allow myself to interact with the outside world, shit just seems to go wrong. Yesterday, I seriously considered the idea of having "me day" everyday. That way I would never communicate with anyone ever. I mean, Batman did it. I had a Batman movie marathon yesterday and clearly in Batman Begins, Bruce Wayne sheds his identity and runs away for seven years.
Since watching that movie, I really think Bruce Wayne was onto something. I mean, who doesn't want to just disappear for awhile? Imagine life without being tied to your identity, being able to come & go as you please and never having to answer to anyone. Sure, it would be difficult to leave your belongings, and not talk to loved ones, but, the peace and clarity you could get would be amazing. In a world where technology is king, where twitter never shuts down, and where facebook causes relationships to crumble, a little peace & clarity never killed anyone.
These days, I'm all about peace & tranquility. No drama or foolishness. Just me having a grand ole day of eating popcorn, pizza, and watching Batman save Gotham City. Why? Because as soon as I come back to the world, everyone and their mama seems to be coming at me from 360 directions. Seriously, I take one day off and all of a sudden...
And there it is. The Pen Has Spoken.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Musings of a Pen: "If You Love Me" by Brownstone
What up Paper Chasers it's ya gurl LoudPen with this week's, Musings. A couple days ago, I noticed one of my Twitter followers @MrLoverMan925 talking about the song, "If You Love Me" by Brownstone. We discussed the song and the fact that the group was on Michael Jackson's label. All day today, I pondered what to post on the blog, when I remembered our conversation. And luckily enough, this just happens to be a blog that specializes in 80s and 90s Hip-hop and R&B. So of course, the Brownstone track would be right at home here.
The members of Brownstone, Monica "Mimi" Doby, Charmayne "Maxee" Maxwell and Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert met attending various auditions in L.A. A year after they became a group they were on Michael Jackson's MJJ label. Their biggest hits were, "If You Love Me" which was released in 1995 and "Grapevyne" which was released that same year. If you ask me, the group had enormous potential and I can't believe that they didn't have that staying factor.
However, "If You Love Me" is a classic and it can still be bumped in 2010. Tracks like that don't come around that often. The beat, the lyrics, the vocals, the song had it all. It's one of those songs that just sticks with you. One of the main reasons I post on the music of the 80s and 90s is because, stylistically it was just better. The songs of those decades just take you to another place. Music was made for the sake of art and not for selling records. Maybe that's why Brownstone didn't stand the test of time. Their music had heart and soul but, let's face it, sometimes that just doesn't sell. It's a hard truth, but, truth nonetheless.
Anyway, the song tells a truth that we have all experienced. We've all had that aiky-breaky heart kinda love for someone who just didn't feel it as strongly as we did. But instead of just saying they didn't feel the same or loving us like they should have, they strung us along. So when in this situation, we wonder, do they love me? If they do, why don't they say it? Why can't they prove it? It becomes a constant battle within oneself to discover the truth. My advice? Throw on this Brownstone track and meditate. Think about who you are, who they are, and if the two profiles fit together. Think about they treat you and decide if you feel like the most important thing in their life. If you feel confident, loved and happy in your assessment then stay. If not chuck em the deuces!
And there it is. This is the Pen and these are my Musings.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Buzz-Kill of the Week: LoudPen MIA from Blogging, Staples/UPS BS, Crazy Stalkers, Me Solving My Problems
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Buzz-Kill of the Week: This Horrible Effin Week is a Buzz-Kill.
What up Paper Chasers, it's ya gurl LoudPen with this week's, Buzz-Kill of the Week. Right now, I am angrier than I have ever been in my ENTIRE life. If I could just fall off the face of the Earth, I swear to God, Jesus, Mary and Joesph, I would. I HATE this week. I am pissed off. I am so tired of everything and everyone except for a very SELECT group of people. I really am sooo over everything. Let me make a list of what has upset me so you can understand my anger.
1. My laptop broke. It is completely broken. If you have no laptop, how can you search for full time work, run a blog, or consult for social media?
2. I traded one fake ass person for another fake ass person in my life. I thought I got rid of fake BS but apparently such is NOT the case.
3. I wish I could read the male mind. One in particular.
4. My father doesn't listen to me and we got into a horrible fight.
5. I have no money
6. I have no AC
7. Fake ass chicks who think I care that they also breathe oxygen...I don't. In fact, if they were reading this, I would tell them to stop breathing so we no longer have to breathe the same air. That way we don't deal with each other.
8. People who say stupid shit. Nothing of importance or intelligence ever comes out of their mouth. Ever.
9. People who think this is a rant. And that all I do is rant. No dummy, it's called venting and expressing yourself and being honest about how you feel. I'm sorry you are too scared to do so but don't try and place me into a box.
10. The male mind. Seriously, does any thinking go on up there?! If so, what kind?
This will most likely be the only post this week, if you enjoyed it good for you. If you didn't don't tell me so in the comments because I don't care. And there it is.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The Pen Has Spoken...Too Much On My Mind, the Days Have Become One
What up Paper Chasers, it's ya gurl LoudPen with this week's, The Pen Has Spoken. Last week was crazy for me and the weekend was even crazier. Because of all these events, I decided to take a hiatus from blogging. Yesterday, I didn't do anything but journal and chat on the phone. In fact, I spent most of the day laying in bed thinking about life and pondering my situation. So today, I'm feeling a little blah and not in the mood for anything.
I'm just disappointed and confused about some things going on in my life and I'm just not sure what the next move is. I've sought the advice of friends but in the end I know I need to do what's right for me. I mean I love my friends but sometimes there are reasons why they give the advice that they give. And I hate to say it but it's not always for my best interests.
This is not to say that they are bad friends and that what they tell me is completely wrong, it's just that sometimes you gotta follow your heart. And if your heart isn't leading you there then don't go. Either way you have to live with the decision that you make so...do you.
Damn, feeling this way sucks. Being this way sucks. Feeling this way by yourself is even worse. So many thoughts swirl through your mind. What you did right, what you did wrong. Why did it end this way? How can you get it to come back? Maybe you should move on. You may not like him as much but that can change. Or can it? Hmmm....
Yea so, I should get some work done. I have too much on my mind and the days have become one. And there it is. The Pen Has Spoken.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Buzz-Kill of the Week: loudpennews.com
PLEASE NOTE: loudpennews.com is NOT a real website. I made the site up for the sake of Buzz-Kill of the Week.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Say What?! "Quote of the Week" -- "Holly Rock" by Sheila E.
What up Paper Chasers, it's ya gurl LoudPen with this week's, Say What?! "Quote of the Week" which is "Holly Rock" by Sheila E. Sheila E. performed this song for the 1985 movie, Krush Groove which featured Run DMC, Kurtis Blow, the Fat Boys, and LL Cool J, a.k.a. the greats/originators of mainstream Hip-hop. This track is awesome because it features a live band, stunning fashion, and of course the fabulous Sheila E., herself.
As some of you may know, I am on a serious quest to become a singing sensation and a dancing machine. Sheila E. is one of my many influences because she had a style that was all her own. Drawing inspiration from Prince, Rock 'n' Roll, Hip-hop, and fashion Sheila E. definitely knew how to "Holly Rock". Sheila E.'s performance pretty much speaks for itself so I'm going to let the video say what I haven't.
And there it is. This is the Pen making you say, Say What?!
Monday, June 28, 2010
The Pen Has Spoken…#SHAMELESSPROMOTION
What up Paper Chasers, it’s ya gurl LoudPen with this week’s, The Pen Has Spoken. Today’s post is dedicated to #SHAMELESSPROMOTION a.k.a. reiterating new projects I’m working on.
First off, as I have already announced, I’m now working for Urbane Perspective Media + Lifestyle doing Marketing/Branding and I’m also Editor-at-Large. I will have my own blog connected to the site so stay tuned for that link. Also, if you’re a woman interested in staying up to date with the latest fashion, beauty, entertainment, and career news please join our Facebook Fan Page and the Urbane Community.
Additionally, I now do social media consulting. However, there is a small twist. My consulting business, When the Page Comes to Life is dedicated to helping individuals and companies discover what they should blog about, how to generate quality content, and finally how to promote via social media. In essence, my business is different than the average social media consulting business because I’m not seeking to simply help you promote your product or content. I’m going to help you make your content/product good quality so that when you begin to brand yourself, you have something valuable to present to your target customer base.
The process is very simple in that you first contact me (theloudestpenever@gmail.com), and we set up an initial meeting where we discuss how I can help you and what your goals are. Then we begin meeting regularly and I teach you about blogging, writing, and how to promote via social media. If you don’t wish to generate content or use social media yourself, I can manage that for you. In this case, we would meet less and I would simply give you a an update/report. How you want to approach it simply depends on you.
Anywho, that’s enough of my #SHAMELESSPROMOTION. I’ll hope you’ll check me out and stay in touch! And there it is. The Pen Has Spoken.
Read Full PostFriday, June 25, 2010
At One Point This Was In Style: Michael Jackson and his Glove
What up Paper Chasers, it's ya gurl LoudPen with this week's, At One Point This Was In Style. Today marks the one year anniversary of the death of Michael Jackson. In July of last year, I posted the Michael Jackson glove as At One Point This Was In Style. I wanted to honor Michael and his life because he gave so much to the world through his music and his eclectic sense of fashion.
Since it's been a year since his death, I thought it would be a nice gesture to repost that blog. I don't know about you Paper Chasers, but I love Michael Jackson. My favorite songs are "Dangerous", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Remember the Time" and "Beat It". Michael could sing, dance and put on a show like none other. He was heavily influenced by Jackie Wilson, James Brown, and he was taught tap by the Nicholas Brothers. If you are unfamiliar with any of those names please get familiar because you will understand Michael and his entertainment style a lot better. Anyway, please check the post and the pics below.
At One Point This Was In Style: The Michael Jackson Glove
In honor of Michael Jackson and his greatness, I have chosen the Michael Jackson glove as this week's, At One Point this Was In Style. As a child, I can remember taking one of my mom's white usher gloves and using it for my MJ impersonations. Everyone wanted that white bedazzled glove. It was the official symbol of Michael's immortality in music industry. He was the only person who could take such a strange fashion choice and turn it into a one of pop culture's biggest trends. Just goes to show that true style comes from within.
While looking for pics of Michael and the glove, I stumbled across an article that explained where the glove originated from. I apologize for not knowing the name of the source, but, I still wanted to share this. Apparently, Michael and his brothers were in a production studio discussing the reunion of the Jackson Five. Upon taking a tour of the company, Michael saw one of the record cutters wearing a single white glove and immediately fell in love with it. After asking if there was an extra for him (which he was of course obliged), Michael took the glove and as they say, the rest is history.
So, let your eyes glaze the page and take you back to the memories of Michael Joesph Jackson.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Musings of a Pen: Number 400 and Pouring My Heart Out
What up Paper Chasers, it's ya gurl LoudPen with this week's, Musings. First off, let me make a huge announcement which is that this post is number 400! I can't believe it's been over two years since I started this blog. Two years ago when I started blogging, I knew nothing about it. In fact, I only read two blogs on the regular, theybf.com and The Fashion Bomb. Theybf.com is a celebrity gossip site, while the Fashion Bomb is of course a fashion blog. I knew I didn't want to blog about either of those topics although I respected and admired both blogs.
When I first started this blog, I did so because of a friend's suggestion, because, she told me it was a good way to share my writing with the world. However, my first posts left much to be desired. The writing was good but I didn't write more than a paragraph for fear of boring people. Also, the posts had no central theme. It was just me writing some random paragraph that didn't have much to do with anything. Finally, about a year into writing miscellaneous posts about nothing in particular, I decided to start researching blogs. In essence, I realized that I needed to know what a blog was in order to properly execute one.
And yes, I realize that the research should have been the first thing that I did prior to even starting a blog. Anyway, after researching blogs I realized that mine had no central theme. Through my research I learned that the most popular blogs had a particular niche topic that appealed to people who were also interested in that topic. However, I didn't know what my niche was. When reading other blogs, I noticed that the topic of the blog was usually the blogger's main passion. This is when I knew that it would take some soul searching to figure out what my passion was.
I've always loved music and as an 80s baby and a 90s kid, the Hip-hop and R&B from those eras have always held a special place in my heart. So I decided to focus the blog around that type of music and include occasional tidbits from my life. I also made an editorial calendar where I named each daily post so that way I would have a theme for every post and all I would have to do was write the post. This method has been working wonderfully for the last year and it will continue on.
During last week's, Buzz-Kill of the Week post, I stated that I need to get away from the "ranter" tag that has been placed on me. There have been way too many people coming to me and labeling me as a "ranter" and I don't like that. I realize that I do go off quite often but most of what I say is the truth and it's just me expressing my feelings. If that is to be dismissed as "rants" then you totally missed the point. Like really. There are so many posts on this blog (remember today is #400) so there is NO way that each of the posts is a rant. Some posts are videos, some are poems, some are narrative essays (like this one) so I don't get the "ranter" label, nor do I like it. I don't like to be placed into a box so please don't try and put me there.
I think people try to place you into a box because it's either easier for them or they want to try and limit you. Some people like to compartmentalize everything in an effort to keep thing separate so that they understand things. But, nothing in life is easy or comes easy so trying to make it that way will only frustrate you. I guess what I'm saying is that labels are silly and they don't really do anything but place things into a box. Boxes are closed limited spaces and no one should be in one. They are dark and lonely, everyone should be free to spread their wings and fly to the highest heights. I'm not sure where I went with this one. I know it was somewhere between #400 and pouring out my heart.
And there it is. This is the Pen and these are my Musings.
P.S. I'm dropping off the track, Spread My Wings by Troop.
