According to Wikipedia, Emily King was born in New York, 1985. She was nominated for a Grammy for her 2006 debut album “East Side Story” on J Records. Ms. King’s newest work, The Seven EP, is a sit back, settle your mind cd. Ms. King’s voice brings to mind an early R & B vibe, with a soulful delivery and a no-rush style of pacing.

Her first piece, “Down”, evokes a bluesy room with a nice hook draped around her melodic voice. This is music to listen to with someone you love; or make you wistful for someone you loved. My favorite, “Radio”, is a slow cruise, packed with a punch. “…but ain’t no preacher like Aretha when I’m feelin real blue”. Amen-turn the radio on. This CD is the softer side of neo-soul. Her song “Georgia”, is a jazz tune simmered with a simple, understated back beat and what could be interpreted as a same-gender love song as she sings it. I almost picture her with a flower behind her ear.

There is not a missed song in this CD. Ms. King doesn’t need aural gimmicks to make her point. Chillax and enjoy The Seven EP. These are songs to cuddle with. Ms. King is a wonderful vocal treasure.

I’ve often heard people speak of bisexuality as if it were only a verb. You do bisexual stuff like roam the streets/the bars/the grocery stores – wherever.  You dangle your bisexual chains in a graveyard of lovers, haunting whatever you can get on. It’s a sexual free for all. Nothing is off limits – men/women, dudes/chicks, bros and…well, you get the picture. To be bisexual is to be promiscuous and unfaithful. You’re conniving, manipulative, and greedy because one sex just isn’t enough. Perhaps, maybe, maybe not.

Before we go any further, let me state a disclaimer: to each his own. We define our own complex selves and present that self to the world. My definitions or experiences may not be yours, but common ground is my goal on this journey – the journey: to further examine and document my life as a bisexual woman and put into practice those things I’ve learned through dialog with you.

Now, I can be as monogamous as the next person. If I am in a relationship with someone, I don’t feel incomplete, or like I’m lacking any specific element concerning gender. The range of my desire is just vaster. I am attracted to people. Energy exchanged between someone I like and myself, regardless of their sexual identity, is the most important to me. Humanity turns me on! I’m not listed, though, my dear friend, in the ‘I don’t see gender’ category, ‘cause I do. That’s part of the attraction for me, emotional or otherwise. It’s not the deciding factor, but I understand the concept.

By definition, bisexuality is simply responding sexually to both genders. But, in practice, it is so much more. It’s having the same struggles with relationships and self-identity as anyone, multiplied by two. It’s a headache – for me. In fact, Q-Roc’ers, your homework is finding a bisexual person, and giving ‘em a hug because it’s so, so hard out here!

Think on This… what do you think of bisexual people having gender preferences?

Dear Tasha Truth,

Every time I come to my parents about anything that I’m struggling with in my life, they always blame it on my sexuality. They don’t want me to leave them alone, yet they continue to ostracize me by blaming everything wrong in my life on the fact that I am a lesbian. What should I do?

Anonymous,
Houston, TX

Dear Anonymous,

How do YOU feel about it? Do you think your struggles are a direct result of your sexuality? If not, you will have to sit them down and let them know what’s up. Tell them that EVERYBODY struggles in this life, including them, and people will struggle regardless of their  sexuality! They need to understand that you would like their assistance and support, but not if it means putting you down and degrading your lifestyle. I don’t think you have to completely leave them alone, but you might not want to go to them with your problems. There are other support systems that you can tap out, such as friends, other family (like cousins you can confide in), and Tasha Truth! You ALWAYS have a place in our family here!

Your Fam for life,
Tasha Truth, the ATM

Do you have a question for me? [click here to Ask Tasha Truth]

Nice to meet you. I’m Chan, the lowliest woman who “goes both ways.”  I am the lonesome “B” in LGBT. The exclusive occupant of the itty-bitty space where pink and blue merge in rectangles on flags or interlock in triangles – the bi-angles. That’s all me. Sure, this is very dramatic, but bisexuality is the drama of the (all encompassing) queer movement. Call it what you want, though undeniably, we’re the most misunderstood, and often times the ignored or forgotten. The kid caught in the middle that can’t make up her mind on whether she wants to stay with mommy or go with daddy.

But it’s not that at all. Bisexuals, I hope, are real people. People who face discrimination for whom they choose to express their desires with. In our time together, I hope we can come to some…understanding. Maybe others will emerge from the pages of fantasy and erotic notions to live amongst the queer community in solidarity and peace. Or at least, let us just dialog on the concepts that have created these feelings of dissidence and rejection.

So get ready! We’re going to laugh and cry, put in work, and mostly plant and sow the seeds of mutual love and respect!

Think On This… what does being bisexual –whether you are or not- mean to you?

Peace,

Chan

The rumors are true. Patrizio is celebrating Bellini Fest throughout the month of July with $1 (yes, ONE DOLLAR) baby Bellinis. Bellini Fest is being held at each of their six North Texas locations listed below.

* Cedar Hill – Uptown Village Shopping Center (305 W. FM 1382 Suite 316)

* Fairview – The Village at Fairview (101 Fairview Station Parkway)

* Fort Worth- West 7th (2932 Crockett Street)

* Highland Park- Highland Park Village (25 Highland Park Village)

* Highland Village- Shops at Highland Village (4131 Deer Creek Suite 110)

* Plano (1900 Preston Road #343)

GET THERE EARLY, IT WILL BE PACKED!!!

Bright and warm synth tones of the track, “Sunbeam”, usher in this second project from Jomama Jones, the three-dimensional dramatic character created by New York-based performance artist and playwright, Daniel Alexander Jones. Together with the musical direction and production of Los Angeles-based musician, Bobby Halvorson, the songs on Radiate feel more like early eighties grooves as disco was about the give way to electronic pop. The sensual and playful, “Everywhere”, complete with its thick bass line, could have easily been from Taste of Honey’s bag of tricks.

So the narrative goes, Jomama Jones, is an early 80’s superstar returning to the spotlight after some time overseas. Radiate continues the soul searching started by last year’s recording, Lonestar. Lyrically, the entire project speaks of the need for personal revolution and it’s in no way approached with kid gloves. In that sense, the starter “Sunbeam” is much lighter in theme then the following tracks, “Dark Matter”, and the angry rock anthem, “Out of Time”, of whose lyrics uncannily mirror the sentiment of the people’s revolution begun on January 25th , 2011 in Egypt. Furthering the conversation, Jones sings about “The Green One”, the prophet/angel that has been referenced to appear at times of revelation and change in various sacred texts.

Jones, Halvorson, and company have released an engaging melodrama with even more melodies that resonate with repeated listens. The CD and download is available at www.cdbaby.com. Watch for dates of the touring production in 2011 via Jomama Jones Facebook page.

by JW Richard

Bonus: B. Scott’s video, “A Full Circle Moment”, is one of the most powerful “It Gets Better” testimonies that I’ve seen.  A must watch.

After a 13 year hiatus, the Sisters with Voices are back and once again ready to take the R&B world by storm. SWV has inked a new deal with Mass Appeal Entertainment and E1 (formerly Koch Records) to release their fourth studio album.

Along with the forthcoming effort and a planned tour, SWV is also in development to star in their very own documentary series that will highlight their previous success, their breakup, return to music, the rebuilding of their relationships, as well as the groups desire to inspire other women to follow their dreams.

I can honetly say….I CANT WAIT! THE BRAXTONS AINT GETTING IT!!!

by The Infamous Ro