Loving Life!

I Love Life!

It's just too good right now. I feel relaxed everyday. That’s just what Miami does to you man. I really feel so laid back and at peace with myself and my surroundings. It’s a beautiful place, down to the air you breathe. When you inhale, it’s actually amazing. The air is so clean. My skin is on point. The sun and water are doing wonders for my hair. I just love it.

Being away from home and living out on my own over here has left me wanting so much more. I can’t get enough of life abroad. I’ve always enjoyed traveling, and my parents made it a priority to try and go on holiday every summer so my sister and I could see the world from a young age, so I’ve been to quite a few places. However, there’s something about experiencing something on your own. It’s not just the freedom to do as you please, but it’s the satisfaction you get when you’re faced with a problem, and as you’re alone; are forced to solve it on your own. It’s amazing. Now I’ve done this, I can’t get enough, trust me.

Miami is beautiful, however, being here as I said in an earlier entry has made me realise how much I LOVE New York. The bright lights, the fast paced, 24/7 lifestyle. I never thought that was me before, but being here has made me realise it really is. I miss it so much and would really like to live over there for a while. So after I graduate, that’s what I’m gonna do. Live in New York for a year. You can’t stop me now baby. You can’t stop me now.

I have arrived.

x

My Poetry Workshop Course.

So there’s been set texts that we’ve studied over the semester right? And every week we have an assignment set to write a piece in the style of the person we’ve studied.

I fucking hate it.

I feel like I’m being suffocated.

It’s like someone is holding my head under water and my life is slowly slipping away from me.

I want fucking artistic freedom.

But I guess all of this is going to help me become a better writer.

Still, I’m glad my Professor has decided to scrap the last few books as there’s not much time left this semester.

Coz that shit is annoying as hell.

Rant done.

An update! (Written Nov 13 1011)

So it's 32 days til’ I’m back in London for the Christmas Break. I’m so excited! Definitely got a new found love for London. You never really appreciate home until you’re away from it for a while. No doubt after a couple weeks I’ll be wanting to come back to Miami though!

I didn’t think I’d miss London so much to be honest. But being away has made me realise how much certain people actually mean to me. It’s crazy. Those people, I need to see. You guys know who you are.

I’m definitely a city girl! I love the Bright Lights, the noise, the theatres, the roaming streets at 2am in the morning. Ahhhh, life. Miami is great. It is a city, but it’s a different kind of city. You can’t beat the diversity of London, or New York (gonna be in NY March/April. Can’t wait! I’ve missed it! x). Miami is definitely a first priority holiday destination. But to set up base? Not sure. I’m so glad I’m getting the college experience here though. For a city that isn’t the most diverse of places I’m making up for being at college here. I’ve met people of all races, religions and backgrounds…and I’ve still so many more to meet. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity. I’ve already learned a heck of a lot, and there’s still so much to experience and see.

Contrary to popular belief, Miami is not ALL fun and games. I still have to put in work and get a degree. So Lord knows how exhausted I am tryna juggle a social life and education. But the semester is almost over now! That well deserved break I’m taking back home in London, with all my loved ones is just around the corner.

So I’m about to enjoy London for 3/4 weeks then return to Miami to continue the MIA adventures. Can’t wait to see what the Spring semester has to offer!

This is truly a blessing.

Anyway, finna brew a cuppa and enjoy it with some cookies in bed; while watching the latest episode of Waterloo Road. You can take the girl outta London, but you can’t take the London out of the girl. ;)

Peace! x

Music and me. (My current thought process)

It occurred to me a couple days ago that the only time I am not listening to music is when I am sleeping. And that’s real.

As soon as I wake up, I open up my laptop (there’s no need to turn it on, it’s never off. It’s only sleeping, and iTunes is always open) and start playing some sort of tune. I get in the shower, I bang out tunes on my BlackBerry. I’m on the cross-trainer in the gym, I’m running to something hype. I walk to my classes with my Beats on (you gotta have the Beats, I can’t believe I was without them for so long). I don’t watch TV, I listen to music and all types of music at that. You’ll find all sorts on there, including movie soundtracks. And it’s not because I’m sad (well, maybe a little bit), but it’s because the way Hans Zimmer builds the suspense of an epic movie moment through his integration of electronic music sounds with traditional orchestral arrangements simply takes my breath away.

#NP Time - Hans Zimmer

This beaut is the soundtrack to Inception. Yep, yep, you’re absolutely right. That epic moment at the end of the film where we are confused to whether Leonardo DiCaprio actually made it out of his dream? That moment would be shit all without my man Zimmer and his bloodfire skills.

Music is Key.

You know, everyone’s life has a soundtrack, and right now I’m carefully selecting the songs that will make the soundtrack to my life as it currently stands.

1. Just Wait - Incisive ft. Shakka
Yo, this tune is totally illustrating exactly how I’m feeling right now. Obviously, I’m seeing this from a different perspective as I’m not an artist (although recently I’ve been thinking about taking singing more seriously. #ParableOfTalents and all that), but it’s really making me understand that good things come to those who wait. Also, I feel that at the age of 20/21, I should know exactly what I wanna do with my life, right? Wrong. I’m taking this time to find out what my passions are, and what it is I love to do - and I’m slowly, but surely getting there. I refuse to wind up in a dead end job where I work 9 to 5 to simply pay the bills. Fuck that shit. So I gotta keep on, be strong and just wait. I know eventually the path I will take in life will be brightly lit for me. It’s okay to be lost sometimes, because you always find your way in the end.

2. You - Goapele ft. Dwele

I mean, if you don’t know about this tune, you need to get to know asapish. In fact, I’m gonna post it after I post this. In one point of the song, Goapele and Dwele both sing together, “One look at you, you see right through me/You know my moods, know what I’m thinking/Feel what I’m feeling ‘cause your my best friend true”. It’s only today I realised how on point these lyrics are. Flip. It is mirroring my emotions as they currently stand. Omg. So over it right now. “Unplug the phone, no more disturbing our time alone…temptation’s strong, it’s what we go through” - SHIT SON. There’s definitely gonna be some unplugging of phones soonish. I can tell you that for free. Temptation is and has been…stronger than ever. #Soz.

3. Off The Wall - Michael Jackson

S wear, this is my anthem for whenever I’ve had a long, hard and stressful day. I listen to it daily without fail. I wouldn’t say it’s my favourite MJ tune. In fact, it’s not. But in terms of really getting me into good spirits and putting a smile on my face, this tune does the trick for me. So obviously, I had to put it on the soundtrack to my life.

Sidenote: Just for the record, my favourite MJ tracks are Liberian Girl, Baby Be Mine, Speed Demon, Rock With You and Stranger In Moscow. #certified.

So that’s all I’ve got for now. Selecting the songs for my life soundtrack is no joke. You may find it silly, but it’s definitely contributing to my quest for self-discovery. Every day, when I listen to a song I may have listened to the day before, I discover something totally different every time. That’s what I find so fascinating about music. Whether it be a certain riff I didn’t realise Brandy smashed in a 90s banger, or a certain note in the violin arrangement of John Williams’s “Return to Neverland” (from the epic 90s movie, Hook). There is always something new to discover and to appreciate. It’s crazy.

A question occurred to me today. What does music mean to you? No two people share the same view on music, or the same relationship.

Music to me, is the best friend that has no face. You decide and are in total control of how you want your best friend to be, and what you want them to look like. They are there for you 24/7, 365. When you are happy, they are happy with you. When you are angry, they too, are angry. When you cry, they dry your tears. When you feel alone, they break the silence.

I wouldn’t go as far as saying music is my life and I cannot live without it (if the day came where I had no choice, I would have to. When you lose a friend, you mourn and grieve, yes, but eventually you mend and get over it.), but it definitely makes up a large segment of myself. It makes me whole.

Monday Meditation 24/10

As most of you know, I am residing in Miami for the next 7/8 months, as I am studying abroad for my third year of university. I am having the time of my life, and to be honest, I still find all of it pretty surreal! This truly is a blessing from God. It just feels great to be out on my own and fending for myself thousands of miles away from home. Of course, I miss my family and close friends, but in terms of my character development and quest for discovery - this time I am spending on my lonesome is truly awe-inspiring. About 9 weeks in, and I already feel like a changed person. I’ve always been independent and quite mature for my age (having an older sister helped that), but being so far away from home has made this more apparent.

Now the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. In fact, there are no negatives, per se. The “negatives” are simply emotions that hit me over the head and leave me in a state of “poortingness” every now and then. If you listened to the audio post I just published, you will have an idea of what I’m going on about.

It’s so hard being attached to someone you care deeply about and you know they feel the same because it’s been said, but the distance between you just makes everything that much harder. There’s no way to describe or define what you got going on. I mean, both of you know yourselves what’s going on, but in these situations - is that even enough? People always say “if you guys are strong then distance won’t matter”, and I believe that, but it doesn’t change the fact that this shit will have you going C R A Z Y. Seriously. Certain pictures you see that are most probably innocent will have you thinking, “WHAT THE FUCK?”

As a female I wanna be able to control everything and keep everything in order, and I’m now realising that will never work. How much can you control from across the Atlantic? There’s no strings involved, simply an understanding - and that’s really not enough to keep someone from doing what they want to do. Therefore, I must do the same. I just wish it didn’t take me this long to understand that. I’m not saying I’m going to go wild and act like a hussy because that is most definitely not me; but a little harmless flirting never went amiss. I know there’s nothing for me to worry about, because what I got is something that not many people have - an amazing friendship above all with a person that means a heck of a lot to me. I just have to be grateful that I have something special, which will always be there - at least for as long as we permit it to be.

Forever Michael

A tribute to the late great x

Forever, Michael

He danced as if that apple did not fall upon Sir Isaac Newton’s head in 1687. He sang as if calling for birds from the east and the west on the steps of St. Paul. His music succeeded in unifying crowds from all over the world. Children would try his dance moves for generations to come. His lyrics never lied.

When faced with issues such as

The pain of PREJUDICE.

The pain of HATE.

He answered with, “They don’t care about us”,

And though the media scrutinized, he said,

“I am the voice of the ACCUSED

and the ATTACKED.

I am the voice of

EVERYONE…”

He then said,

“I am the skinhead, I am the Jew, I am the black man, I am the white man.”

UNITY.

That is what he gave us.

And when concerned about the welfare of our children,

And the unrest that many suffered from,

He said, “Heal the world.”

Betterment for all is what he wanted.

AND HE WANTED IT

“For you

And for me

And the entire human race”

KNOWLEDGE.

That is what he gave us.

And when judgmental

Or ungrateful

Or selfish

he reminded us to look at the MAN IN THE MIRROR,–

… AND CHANGE OUR WAYS.

REALITY.

That is what he gave us.

And when I felt tired

Or down

And felt like the world was against me,

He told me to

“GROOVE, let the madness in the music get to you -

And live life OFF THE WALL”.

PASSION.

That is what he gave me.

But it saddens me now to listen to Thriller 25;

Disheartened by the loss of the KING OF POP;

Still, my CHILDREN’S CHILDREN will know of

The Last Dance.

Moonwalked

by Michael Jackson, June 25, 2009.

I’m in Miami Bitch!

MIAMI: WEEK 2/3

*Sorry about the beginning of the video being a bit etchy. All I can say is soz for this. Soz*

I’m in Miami Bitch!

WEEK 1: It’s all about the U baby!

This is actually too much for my life. I’ve got about an hour and a half to go before my first class. I’m sitting in Starbucks on US-1, Coral Gables; chilling with a skinny vanilla latte and a Panini. The weather is a bit unpredictable since it’s Hurricane Season, but who gives a shit? I’M IN MIAMI.

That still hasn’t sunken in. I’m actually in Miami. I feel like I’m in a dream, and this is inception. Any minute now, that spinning top is going to drop and I’m going to land right back in shitty old Catford. Like, seriously dude. I’m truly blessed right now.

I’ve been here just over a week now, and already my life is that much better. Obviously I miss my family and friends back home – but the way I’m just oozing positivity right now. I genuinely feel happy ALL THE TIME. It’s something in the water man, and obviously the sun is helping too. Even when it’s raining, it is still HOT. So you can still be in shorts and a tank top like it’s nothing. As long as you got your brolly, you’re good to go (I’m already saying American words; allow it).

The people here are so friendly and polite, it makes London look shameful, sorry. They will just casually talk to you, no agenda attached. Like, they genuinely want to know how your day is going and that you’re okay, and that’s live. The way if you’re on the underground at London Bridge, and someone so much as smiles at you, you’re there thinking “Why’s he smiling at me though?” Like, fully confused init. I know I’ve been guilty of that. But here, it is the absolute norm, and that’s amazing. Anyway, on to the actual stories.

The first week began pretty slowly. I mean, I am in a new country after all – I guess that is to be expected. I found myself a nice little group to go around with, who were also exchange students. However, I didn’t want to restrict myself. I wanted to meet some locals. I wanted to meet people who understood me, and so I began to branch out. I met my babies (you guys know who you are) and it was perfect from the start. When you meet sincere people who have so much in common with you, it makes being thousands of miles away from home that much easier.

With them, the first week has turned out to be pretty amazing. We experienced South Beach for the first time, and it was THE SHIT. Can I just say, HOTTIE central. Oh my life. Men and women mate. Miami is very focused on image, so the way everyone’s body is flippin’ on point. The guy’s have their abs speaking for them and those strong ass backs giving me flamin’ heart palpitations. The women have them toned, flat stomachs and them J-Lo asses and J-Hud boobies. Swear. Now I would say I’m almost there, but an LBT and Zumba class wouldn’t hurt. I’ve never been a gym goer really, but best believe I have paid my Wellness fee and I will be in that gym sweating it up! It’s serious.

Now I know you guys want to hear about the nightlife init? Okay, so I don’t have that much to report. As you probably know, you have to be 21 to get into most places in Miami (the good places, anyway). But I have a plan. So don’t worry about me, haha. However, the fact that I’m studying at the University of Miami means you will always find something live. We fully just have fun jamming in dorms (I’m still waiting to be assigned, but should have a room next week), playing tunes, meeting people, talking and bussing joke. The vibe is just too live. We’ve been to two frat parties. One that was dead, one that was live…and both had red cups. We were fully gassed. These fraternity houses were MASSIVE. They were both bungalows, but the floor space was ridiculous. And the swimming pools? CRAZY. We will be attending another one on Friday, and this one is a black fraternity, so you know this shit will be live. Well I hope it will anyway. From when I met some black guy who didn’t know about bashment O_O. I was mortified. So here’s to hoping mate *raises glass*. I’ll update you guys in the WEEK 2 installment.

I am now in my second week, and already I’m wishing I could have done my whole degree here. The school spirit here is so endearing and encouraging. The whole Miami community is behind this institution. From when the UM line is endorsed by Nike. Like, this is a big deal. People wear orange and green proudly (the UM colours). I can’t lie, I am fully building my UM apparel. I’ve got two tees, one tank, a UM notebook and a couple pens. And I’m not stopping there. Gonna cop me some gym shorts tomorrow.

It’s Great To Be A Miami Hurricane!

I’ll be back next week with I’m in Miami Bitch WEEK 2.

UNTITLED POEM...JULY 4th finished 03:01am...

Young black women,
We are the daughters of Eve, and the mothers of tomorrow;
And although we were not birthed of the same womb, you are my sisters.

Your pain runs rampant through me.
I silently shed a tear for you.

Having rather share your body and bed with an alien
Than allow those who care to keep you afloat as you meander on
Unsure of whether you’ll ever join the big sea.
Why do you insist on disrespecting your temple?
You lock Flat 12A at night but your cat flap is left wide open
Inviting the most conniving of creatures right into your stronghold.

Your pain runs rampant through me.
I silently shed a tear for you.

As you search the darkest crannies for love,
Dress provocatively for attention and
Please these fiends in the name of significance.

When will you realise you matter?

Young black woman,
You are a daughter of Eve and
a mother of tomorrow.
Although we are not birthed of the same womb, you are my sister.

You are strong.
You are significant.
You are loved.

And while you stand with your torchlight, trying to find your way out of darkness

Your pain will continue to run rampant through me.
I will shed a tear for you.

Written By Lydia Rose © 04/07/2011

Shane Prince Collins - Watch This Space!

So I'm in the midst of creating a new blog entry init. It's been time, but I'm tryna make it good. I've had a terrible case of writer's block, but hopefully what I'm conjuring up will be ready to get on here by the end of this week. In the mean time, look what I found.

So today I received a broadcast on BBM telling me to check out this guy, Shane Prince Collins, who has done an acoustic cover of Chipmunk and Chris Brown's "Champion". Obviously, I ignored it init. I mean BBM broadcast? Get out of it. You lot know I don't read them. So I was on Twitter now, and I see this same guy's name pop up on my timeline like twice - Shane Prince Collins. So at this point, I'm like okay...he must be decent. Let me see what he's saying! So I did. And I was really quite impressed. When it comes to music, I'm a tough critic. But this guy is talented! The tone of his voice is actually lovely! This vid is just under 3mins, so have a look guys! And follow him on twitter: @ShanePCollins.

Disney gave me unrealistic expectations of Love...

Nah coz, this is bullshit.

I'm currently listening to the score that features in Disney's The Little Mermaid. It is such a beautiful piece of music - but it's the perfect example of the way in which Mr. Walt Disney gassed us up while we were kids, and still (arguably) continues to do so. I tried to figure out the best way in which I could write this blog, and figured featuring screenshots from various films with an attached explanation would best do the job. So without any further ado, LEGGO.

Take a close look at the following pictures, if you will:

What the hell is this, please? Two flamin' mutts sat at a table eating spaghetti and meatballs, complete with breadsticks and an old vintage glass bottle as candle. What's more, they are sharing a single string of spag. I'm sorry, what? For a young girl like me, a candlelit flippin' dinner is hard to bloody well come by, not to mention the sharing food aspect of things. When I was a wee bairn, this is exactly how I wanted my first kiss to be. And yes, I truly believed this is how it would happen. Little did I know that the only place romance such as this lives is in Disneyland. Needless to say, my first kiss was not at all like this. It took place on a dusty brick wall at the end of my road. Far from blissful. I'm not sure why these pooches are living the high life, while I'm existing just in between the faint lines of luke-warm reverie.

Beauty and the Beast definitely remains one of my favourite disney films of all time. The message is beautiful. Instilling the idea of beauty being 'in the eye of the beholder' into us at the early age is a very good look - but when it comes down to the crunch - who is falling in love with a monstrosity? Coz it ain't me mate. Also, who's to say a 'beast' will always have a nice heart? His traits could end up being as hideous as his mug, and boy - I am not about to take that chance.

Now we all wish that some day we'll find that perfect man who will sweep us off our feet, and carry us into the sunset on his horse, right? I like to think that too. I like to think that I will be one of those lucky girls who will find a guy whom is perfect for her. But the sad truth is, not all women do find their prince. In fact, a lot of women don't even find a flamin' pauper; and these women are all beautiful, intelligent, and graceful women, but still they get left on the laundry line. And if they're left out there too long, they may get ruined. And if they're ruined, what's the point. She wasn't good for you then, so she's not gonna be good for you now. "Some day my Prince will come" she says. Yeah, well good for you, Snow White. Good for bloody you.

I think we could all do with a fairy godmother. To design and make our custom-made outfits for our dates, especially for our men. Can you imagine how easy it would be? And then we'll get in our carriage (made from a pumpkin of course, duh!) and it'll take us to the ball, where we'll find our Prince Charming, dance the night away, and it will be as if we were the only two people in the room...

No. Because your Prince rahtid Charming is a freshie, the music playing is that everlasting Afrobeat noise and you'd be damned if you entertain any type of hope that this freshie has of getting your number. And hold tight my guy managing to find you on facebook, sending you God-forsaken pokes. That's his equivalent of tracking you down using the lost glass slipper init. 10 for effort, but lose the slipper. That only works for Disney.

Now I know I've ranted on for a while, and it's all sounding a bit cynical, but there is one disney film, which I believe breaks the tradition of 'unrealistic expectation of love'...

These screen shots show the last few moments of Disney's Pocahontas. If you've seen this, you know that this film defies the rules of 'happily ever after', as in in the end, Pocahontas does not end up running way in the sunset with her beau. Pocahontas is my favourite Disney film, and it is probably because of the fact that it is the most true to life. Pocahontas being a Native American and John Smith, a white Englishman, their racial differences served as an obstacle in the film. This is something that is still so present in our society now. Pocahontas fought for justice and for the life of her man, but despite all this, still was not able to be with the man she loved. She chose her family over him, and so many women nowadays make this same decision. The famous lines of John Smith read: "I'd rather die tomorrow, than live 100 years without knowing you."

POWERFUL.

I truly believe that this statement is the shit. Although, Pocahontas and John Smith were not able to be together, nothing is more beautiful than experiencing love, first hand. Of course, life-long marriages are ideal, and fairytale weddings are a dream, but unfortunately at times, it doesn't last. But at the very least, you've had a taste of what love is. Maybe sometimes, one has to be content with just that.

REVIEW: Spike Lee's "Do The Right Thing"

DO THE RIGHT THING

Certificate: 18

Directors: Spike Lee

Writers: Spike Lee

Cast: Danny Aielo, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson, John Turturro

Running Time: 120 min

Plot

After Buggin’ Out (Esposito) insists the black community of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn boycott Sal’s famous pizzeria. He is not taken seriously at first, however the community soon reconsiders their feelings towards Sal (Aielo), his sons, and the police, as their racist attitudes are revealed as daytime turns to dusk. What begins as a fair and blissful day will soon turn into a heartbreaking disaster.

It's 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the people of a Bed-Stuy block take to the streets to enjoy the amazing weather; some wanting nothing more than a simple water fight and Double Dutch tournament, others however, wanting a lot more from the day. We meet Buggin’ Out, the neighbourhood’s black activist, whose main aim is to raise awareness amongst the community. Then there’s Radio Raheem (Nunn), who you can find walking around the block blasting Public Enemy’s Fight the Power from his beloved boom box. Mookie (Lee) works the day away delivering pizzas from Sal’s Famous Pizzeria (owned by Sal and his two sons Vito and Pino), a pizza place that has been a winner on the block for years. “I grew up on Sal’s Pizza!” says Ella (Rivers), and this is the same for most of the black people in the neighbourhood; so when Buggin’ Out calls for a boycott of Sal’s Pizzeria because of the lack of black faces on Sal’s all Italian-American wall of fame, they exclaim “you crazy!”, and concentrate on enjoying the rest of their day.

While Mookie sneaks off and abandons work to visit his girlfriend Tina (Perez) and his son, the neighbourhood drunkard Da Mayor (Davis) tries everything in his power to woo Mother Sister (Dee); and three veterans of the block set up plastic chairs and an umbrella observing the street and its inhabitants, things get intense back at Sal’s. Buggin’ Out, Radio Raheem and Smiley (a mentally impaired young black man who sells photos of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King) seem to be the only people on the block who can see the open racism coming from Sal, his sons and the Police. As the former come together at Sal’s and Radio Raheem’s boom box becomes deafening, the story concludes with a regrettable loss that truly shakes the block.

When it comes to Do The Right Thing, Lee has no qualms in ‘telling it how it is’. He elegantly addresses the issue of racism by progressively building up tension between the opposing crowds; collating the stress released from the smaller incidents and using them to produce the big finale. He changes the Bed-Stuy atmosphere and the attitudes of its people so subtly, we almost don’t notice, and this is why the finale works so well. The ending of the film flawlessly conveys the message that Lee is trying to get across to his audience: no matter what society or neighbourhood we live in, when pushed over the limit, even those who strongly disagree with open racism will be forced to choose a side. Though some viewers may believe this view rather risky, the finale proves that in situations like these, we must take responsibility for our actions and the part we play. In the end, no division is better off than the other, and this is so very true to life.

An intelligent study of racism and its effects, as well as a rich and entertaining homage to Brooklyn, New York.

THE GOODS BABY!

The highly anticipated mixtape from THE GOODS is finally here! Entitled This Way Up, this mixtape is just a lil taster of how talented these guys are! I'm fortunate to know them, so it's really amazing to see how far they have come and they are on a beautiful journey right now! They are VERY unique and adventurous in their sound and it shows in their music. You will NOT be disappointed! They've got the full package - they're talented, they're sexy and they're humbled.
Say nizzy.
Download the mixtape here:

Follow them on twitter, @TheGoodsBaby!
They're definitely on the road to success so ride the wave and support UK music!

Blocked By KOJO. Should I be flattered or offended?

Firstly, I wrote the following piece at the end of January, just for my daily writing journal i gotta do for
my journalism module. Didn't plan on posting. However, I thought to myself, nah. This is good blog
material, so why should I deprive the people of some good humour? So 'ere we are ladies and gents. Enjoy.

I’m sitting here laughing so hard right now. I mean, what I’m laughing at is something that happened a few days ago, but you know when you’re sitting alone and you have so much time to just sit and think, then things that happened ages ago come back to you? Yeah, that. So let's get straight to it.

Twitter is the place I really just say what I feel, without having a care in the world. Some of the things I “tweet” are probably a bit too controversial, but hey, freedom of speech and all that jazz, right? Wrong. Not according to this guy.

Kojo. I'm sure you all know him. Fresh Prince of Hackers and all that. He could be seen as a veteran, since he has been in the game for so long. Seems strange for a so-called vet's jokes to be sliding downhill at 30/31 years of age. :-/ Maybe I am being a bit unkind. He has had a lot of success in the, what, 10 years (I’m guessing) he’s been about, but I just don't think he's as funny as he used to be. I really don’t understand what’s happened. Anyway, let me move on to the actual matter at hand.

Last year some time, (I recall it being early summertime), there was an incident on twitter surrounding Kojo the comedian. At the time, I had been following him. I mean, everyone else was, so I thought why not eh? He must have some funny tweets if everyone is following him. So, I had been following him for a while, but as time went on, I became very alarmed at the fact that someone who was meant to be SO funny was so UNENTERTAINING. The main thing that was really annoying for me was the ‘trending topics’ that he would create – and it seemed to be only him partaking in them. WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL?

So at this point, I was feeling quite irritable. This guy is meant to be a comedian, but right now, I feel like I’m doing his job better than he is! So me being the person that I am, I tweeted exactly how I felt didn’t I? Now this was about nine months ago, so I can’t remember exactly what I said, but it was along the lines of “Sorry to say this, but @KojoComedian isn’t funny :/ “ I had every intention of him seeing it. Soz. After I said that, I realised a few people had been tweeting the exact same thing as me. It was obvious I wasn’t the only person who felt this way. Anyway, after all that, I thought to myself, eff this. He’s not funny, he does NOT make me laugh, why am I following him on twitter? So I unfollowed him, and that was that. Or at least I thought it was.

So as I said, that was nine months ago. It is now January and Kojo and I have gone our separate ways on Twitter. I’ve gained more followers than I have lost, and him? Well, who really knows? But what I discovered this week is that he hates losing. I happened to just stumble across one of his tweets, as someone that I follow ‘retweeted’ something he said. And so, the annoyance returned. It came back in full effect. His tweet read “Has anyone introduced @NICKIMINAJ to Nando’s? #GhettoTourOfLondon”. No. Just…no Kojo. You failed. What an epic fail. Nando’s is far from ghetto, and as far as I’m concerned Kojo, your attempts have botched. Miserably.

Anyway, after seeing that tweet, something in me told me to go to his page and follow him so I would be able to see what other claptrap-filled tweets he had been composing. Dunno what it was. So I clicked “FOLLOW”, ready to have a good old laugh - but the request to follow him bounced back. This is the message that came up on my screen: “Could not follow user: You have been blocked from following this account at the request of the user.”

Is this guy for real? Did Kojo really block me? Kojo really blocked me? HAHAHAHA. My guess was that he blocked me nine months ago when I tweeted at him saying he wasn’t funny, but I hadn’t realised at the time, because of course, I had already ‘unfollowed’ him. This is all the confirmation that I need, at this point. Any other witty, first-class comedian would have seen my tweet, laughed, and turned it into a joke.
I mean come on, lighten up b, it's just Twitter.

Old flames...blow em' out.

So I figured, I'm not very good at this updating blog thing. Maybe if I stick to once a month, we might get a good thing going. We'll see anyway.

Still, let's get straight to it boys and girls.

Subject, Old flames.
Definition, A person that somebody has had an emotional, usually passionate, relationship with, who is still looked on fondly and with affection.


I don't know what the hell is wrong with me. It seems, 'old flames' are what is actually dominating my love life right now, and it is quite frankly, a joke. I've got about two flames blowing in the wind as we speak, a flippin' third trying it's best to reignite, and a fourth that I blew out on Tuesday.

So many of my friends are telling me "Lydz, be grateful! At least you got something going on!". I guess that's true. If an old flame wants to take me out and wine and dine me, that's cool. I'm not exactly gonna reject the idea. However, at the same time, let's not forget that they are and old flame for a reason. They either fucked me over, or we severed ties for one reason or another. On the most part I got fucked over. So why am I now being so fast to run and burn my hand on the stove? I don't wanna burn my hand anymore. To be honest, I'm fed up of having to nurture the scalds. So what do I do?

Meet new people they say. Mm. Seen. Easier said than done though, Billy. You think I ain't tried that? You tink seh mi nuh want dat? Everyday I'm telling myself "strike a match and burn a new tea light", but it just doesn't seem to happen for me. I've looked outside of the box. Gone to new places and still, no luck.

Actually, fuck it. I just lied my way through that whole paragraph. Truth is, I don't want to meet anyone new. There's one old flame in particular that always has me thinking, "What if?" And the wickedest thing is, I was fine and he hadn't even crossed my mind in a long time - until I saw him this week. Now I've been fantasizing and thinking that maybe there's a chance (even if it's the smallest chance, like, ever!). But the true story is, having these thoughts in the long run eats away at you. And it's eating away at me. I'm trying my utter best to make this blog entry in every way non-moist, but I know I'm failing. Still, my blog is where I tell no lies. And this is no lie. I think I want that old flame back. #SadMuch?

I know what I should do, and it's what I should have done a long time ago. But, looking at the situation, is there even any point? I know what the outcome will be - so in the grand scheme of things, do I really wanna suffer the same hurt I did from this old flame? (As I said before, the flame is old for a reason).

The answer is, (and very annoyingly so), no.

In life, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do, even if you don't wanna do it. And when it comes to 'old flames', I'm learning that this is exactly what you have to do. Or else you're just gonna let it burn until there's nothing left and you're in total darkness. No warning, no nothing. Unable to even find a lighter, or a match. YOU take control before it takes control of you.

Blow it out, light a new candle and hope for the best.

UK STAND UP!

The way I haven't updated this blog in months is SHAMEFUL. I know it is. I am so very ashamed. Nevertheless, I'm here now!

It's a new year and I'm coming with something positive!

You see the subject of this blog init. It's more than a lot of things. As I write this blog, my eardrums are being filled with the sweet sounds of Ed Sheeran and Mikill Pane "Little Lady", which is featured on Ed's new EP No.5 Collaborations Project. Don't ask any questions, just buy it on itunes! It will be money well invested, TRUST ME! With some of the biggest MC's in the UK game featuring on this EP, this is definitely a winner. If you listen to Ed's other tracks for his other ep's such as "Songs I Wrote With Amy", this is a very different feel - and I'm loving it. Connections are being made between two totally different genres of music and it WORKS. It's fucking sick. Excuse my language but I'm a flippin' gas station right now. I'm being filled with unleaded, it's that real. Here's a track from the masterpiece for you to just fester on right quick:



Yeah. Need I say more?

This ep is all I've been raving on about for the past few days so you can imagine how excited I was when @edsheeran tweeted earlier tonight:

So after 4 years of grinding independantly, touring, releasing, sleeping on sofas, I just signed to Atlantic records :)

UK artists are doing big things, and it is SO inspiring! This guy so deserves this and I am so pleased for him! His voice is gorgeous. So gorgeous how can my mum even be gassed?

Moving on though, I mentioned earlier in this blog a man by the name of Mikill Pane? So, I first heard about him not too long ago, when I heard one of his tunes on Muzik Radio. I'm more of an Old Skool R&B and Hip Hop girl, so forgive me for being out of the loop init - shit happens. Anyway. So they played this track, and the way my head started bopping beyond belief. I began doing as much research as I could to find out who this guy is and WHY I did not know about his ass. After that, I never looked back boy. Youtube that init. In fact, eff it. Eff it all. Let me just hook you up.



It don't get any realer than that. This guy's flow is just too sick. Mikill Pane speaks the truth and his "Eff it all" attitude burst through the seams of his music. And I'm loving it mate. Flippin' adoring it.

I've never really been too supportive of UK acts. It's not because I don't think they are any good, but I just feel as if they have never appealed to me. I can be very stubborn, and it even shows by looking at my iPod. If aint old, usually I don't wanna know. But these artists have really shown me a different light. 2011 I'm definitely coming with a different approach as far as the UK music scene is concerned. The spontaneity and individuality of UK music is something that really sets us apart from the rest, and it definitely is time for it to be embraced. I could go on for ages about the UK artists that have caught my eye in the first two weeks of 2011, but its almost 3am and I'm beat so i'ma cut this shit short. I'm just wrap this up with a couple twitter @'s and Bob's your uncle.

Just remember this for 2011 guys; NAKED EARS. That simply means, don't be closed-minded about the music you listen to. Embrace something new!

@edsheeran
@MikillPane
@Franklynmusic
@TheGoodsBaby
@Brewbagz

These are the UK artists that are doing it FOR ME right now! Check them out!

Likkle more!