Saturday, September 19, 2009

The African American Male in the Church

For so many years while growing up in the church, I can clearly remember many Sundays when me and my siblings would have to attend church without our father. It seemed normal to me at that time because I knew my dad was a hard worker and he was present in our lives and in the home.

What is interesting is that there were many men in the church while I was coming up, but none of them were my father. Over times, it seems as though the male figure within the church has vanished. There are greater number of women compared to men who attend worship service on a regular basis. Why is that?

I can remember at times when my father would argue with my mother because she loved her church, her pastor, and fellowshipping. He would often times make derogatory comments about the pastor and church, not knowing that one day his very own son would be in the ministry! Wow!

In the African-American church of today, many of our male role models have disappeared. Many of the "men" in church are becoming everything else except "men." yes, I went there. I strongly believe that God is calling for the "real men" to stand up and take their place in the home, in the community, in the church, and in society! Men, our women are looking for us and we are making it hard for them to find us! Become God-fearing and get your acts together!!!!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Trenyce Cobbins - Making Things Happen


Trenyce has found success in the theater, while still planning to release a CD.
American Idol’s second season produced a group of talented and memorable singers, including winner Ruben Studdard and runner-up Clay Aiken. Arguably, the most gifted female singer of the season was Trenyce, who made it into the top five only to be eliminated the following week, after she landed in the bottom two against Ruben.

Trenyce auditioned for American Idol in Nashville, Tennessee. After making it into the Hollywood round, she was ultimately chosen as one of the top 12 in the wild card round, as judge Paula Abdul’s personal pick. Song choices such as “Proud Mary” and “I Have Nothing” showcased Trenyce’s powerful voice and unwavering star power.

After the show ended, Trenyce performed in the American Idol II concert tour along with eight other Idols from that season. The tour hit 41 cities across the United States and Canada in 55 days, during the summer of 2003. The American Idol II compilation CD was released around this time, and featured Trenyce’s performance of “Let’s Stay Together.”

Still riding on her Idol fame, Trenyce hit the talk show circuit, appearing on morning shows, daytime talk shows, and primetime entertainment programs. She was featured in many magazines and newspapers, and even received the key to the city of Memphis, where she is from.

While fans waited for word of a studio album, Trenyce was busy exploring all of her options. Plans for a line of designer shoes and clothing were on the table, as well as a line of beauty and spa products. These never materialized, however. Instead, Trenyce turned to the theater and found great success there.

Trenyce played the role of “Deena” in “Dreamgirls”, the same role played by Beyonce Knowles in the film adaptation. (Trenyce auditioned for the film as well, but was ultimately beat out by fellow Idol alum Jennifer Hudson.) She also had leading roles in musicals such as “Not a Day Goes By”, “Mama’s Sweet Potato Pie”, and “Soul Kittens Cabaret.”

In 2006, Trenyce toured Russia with singer Wanda Dee and 90’s band The KLF. Upon her return, the same day that Taylor Hicks was crowned the fifth American Idol, Trenyce became the first Idol to headline a show in Las Vegas. The show, called “V: The Ultimate Variety Show”, appeared at the Aladdin Hotel and Casino. She also sang to sold-out crowds at the Sahara Hotel with her show, “Late Night Idol.”

Currently, Trenyce resides in Los Angeles and is playing the lead role in the musical play, “Love in the Nick of Tyme”. This play will be released on DVD this summer. The summer of 2007 will also see Trenyce joining a star-studded cast in the play, “Invisible Life,” based on the novel of the same name by E. Lynn Harris.

Trenyce recently did an interview with the Memphis-based FOX affiliate, and admitted that plans for an album are still on hold. “I am working on an album,” Trenyce said. “But I really want Memphis to be proud of what I’m doing. I don’t want it to just be something that is a shot in the dark, that is a fly by night, that is a one hit wonder type of situation. I really want my album to touch a lot of people, and Memphis first.”

Has Hip-Hop Gone Too Far


I was sitting up thinking the another and the question came to myself, "has hip-hop gone too far?" Meaning, have this genre or movement of music lost the very essence of what it originally stood for. True hip-hop back in the day was music about communities having social responsiblities and doing the right things. Now, the music that is supposedly deemed as hip-hop only glamorizes young men as having lots of money, fancy cars, and two and three girls on each side.


I strongly feel as though we are causing lots of damage to our younger generation because it almost impossible to find a "hip-hop" artist that speaks out to the communities about staying in school, stay away from gangs, choose non-violence, stay drug-free..don't use or sell the stuff!!!


I think it's important in today's time that we tell the truth and stop painting the falsified pictures about what a young men should look and act like. The truth of the matter is....everyone is not going to become a rich and famous rapper or hip hop artist!!!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Former President Jimmy Carter - Is this Racism or a Political Difference?

Oh my goodness! Did Former President Jimmy Carter go there? Did he pull the "race card?"

Former President Jimmy Carter’s assertion that racism is behind much of the political opposition to President Obama marks a stunning moment in America’s centuries-old racial drama. Mr. Carter added perhaps the most serious charge on Tuesday when he said, “I live in the South and I’ve seen the South come a long way.” But, the former president added, “I think it’s bubbled up to the surface because of a belief among many white people not just in the South but around the country … that African-Americans are not qualified to lead this great country. It’s an abominable circumstance and grieves me and concerns me very deeply.”

Wow! I strongly believe Former President Jimmy Carter has basically stated what so many Americans have been thinking for so long. It seems as though the media has gone above and beyond to find fault in who this great nation has elected to lead.

Whitney Houston - Comeback Queen


I love me some Whitney Houston! Ok, if any of you saw the show last week when Whitney Houston perform on Good Morning America, you probably were asking yourself, "What the Hell!!!" I said to myself, "self, we waited just to hear this?" Her vocals were a little off, but you know what, I give her an A+ anyway because she still performed from the heart! I don't know if she stayed up the night before or if age is getting to her or what, but next time I hear from you Whitney, make sure you have your vocals together.

Remeber the hits, "I'm your baby tonight"; I Wanna Dance with somebody"; "Saving All My Love for you"; and ofcourse, "Didn't We Almost Have It All." I mean, she has carved herself into the history of musical icons/divas. Regardless of what anyone thinks, Whitney Houston deserves a fair chance and deserves to be heard! I purchased her new cd last week and I'm in love all over again with her! Have you gotten your copy! What do you think About the entire new "Whitney?"

Kanye West Outburst at the VMA's

Ok people,
I was truly upset with Mr. Kanye West and his outburst at the VMA's. I hate to say it, but the VMA's are not the BET awards. Did someone fail to give Mr. West the email!!! Taylor Swift deserved her moment to shine. She has worked tremendously hard and accomplished alot just as a young teenager and this joker, Mr. West, does the unthinkable. Are you telling me, just because you are a celebrity, you have the right to get away with disrespectful antics such as this! I was furious. If it were up to me, not only would I have kicked him out of the VMA awards, but he would have been banned!!! Simple as that!!!