CEDTalks

Sometimes it's the little things. When I was 11 or 12 years old, I played Little League baseball. Basketball and Football were my sports of choice, but Ken Griffey, Jr. truly had me believing I could earn this major league money. A few days before the start of our season, the coaching staff ended an afternoon practice by handing out our brand new uniforms. No problems , I thought, about to get this #24 jersey; this "finna be a BREEZE"! Unfortunately, another teammate overheard my excitement and sneakily claimed the jersey before me.   I broke down and cried. Cried like a little kid...a biatch, by any other standards. When that so-called teammate grabbed that jersey and no one stood up for me, the only defense available was shedding tears. My teammates and coaches stood there. No one consoled me; nobody prayed for me either, Kendrick . All of a sudden, my dad appeared. Just when I expected him to reign down with tough love and tell me to stop crying, he led...

Quick story in regards about my brother Garvin Reid. I've known the esteemed photographer and career/style coach for over 10 years. During our college days, my friend G and I had a penchant for pursuing high quality sistas in tandems. We were like the Serena and Venus of couples dating (Garvin is Venus because he's skinny). While no true gentleman lavishes in details, revisionist history would show that this was arguably some of the most fun I had (before I met my queen of course) and it is directly attributed to the high risk, high reward approach of New York's other 5 foot assassin. Despite the great times and what I'd call a successful conversion rate, every so often we'd have a hiccup and it would always lead to me being highly pissed at my teammate. One example in particular that still befuddles me is the time we were wooing upperclassmen AKAs before we were Alphas and my particular interest wasn't having it. Shut me down like a reparations request...

  "You can do anything as long as you have the passion, the drive, the focus, and the support."                                                                                                                                          -  Sabrina Bryan   While the quote above is inspirational r...

Lydia René is…multifaceted. It almost sounds like an understatement when listing all the incredible talents and skills she possesses; she has a say (or song) in every part of her creative process. In an era that does not always demand an assortment of talent from its artists, the Singer/Songwriter/Producer/Pianist captures hearts and ears because of her abilities. Her voice is powerful yet graceful and calming, and her neo-soul melodies immediately grab listeners and create the urge to hear more. Lydia’s enchanting style, and flowing hair, create the comparison to songstress Jill Scott, but it is clear that she is a stand-alone vocalist that has a unique gift and sound. The Westampton, NJ native (now residing in Los Angeles) not only offers an remarkable vocal range of Tenor to Mezzo Soprano, but depth in her songwriting that gives love, power, and perspective.   “I love singing and writing about love and relationships as well as life,” the musician states. “I want people ...

" Friendship multiplies the good of life and divides the evil. " Baltasar Gracian Reunions carry a certain mystique. At high school and college reunions, alumni both accomplished and otherwise return to find the answer to a few questions: Did so and so get their life together? Is shorty still fine? Do they still call him " Pretty Ricky "? When classic bands reunite after years away from the spotlight, we all wonder do they still possess the voices and energy, or have years of partying, eating, and in-group fighting stripped away their allure. Needless to say I was extremely excited to reunite with my crew of best friends last weekend, known to people near and far as the Young Men of Empowerment (Excellence), "Y.Me".  Eleven years ago, 5 ambitions men (which grew to 6) from incredibly different backgrounds were brought together by competition, music, Black pride, and aspirations to be the best. Years and accomplishments later, we still come toget...

Renaissance Music artist Ruff Trenton-born rapper Ruff provides listeners a relaxed, easy going affair with his debut EP titled "Smoove Sail". The EP offers a unique perspective as the project discusses relatable subjects such as economic struggle and relationships through a calm and unwavering approach. During "Smoove Sail", Ruff combats the rough waters of our existence with a poker face, inspiring its listeners to address their respective with the same unconquerable attitude.  On "Smoove Sail" Ruff, the Wesley College senior and Kappa Alpha Psi member, couples captivating lyrics with a smooth delivery and a voice synonymous with his name and the result is a relaxed voyage through life’s various circumstances. In the lead single “Bottle Wraps” featuring label mate Johnny Quest, he emphasizes the importance of celebrating life, while on the captivating track “Reminisce”, Ruff channels classic hip hop tales of the 90s and embraces his upbringing...

"The beat is crazy though!" "This song just gets me hype!" In his 2004 comedy special "Never Scared", Chris Rock talks about growing tired of defending his beloved rap music. While highlighting the songs, he mention how fans of hip hop overlook how incredibly tasteless, misogynistic, and crude some of the lyrics are: While I laugh insanely at this clip and the special every time I see it, my recent involvement with music causes me to laugh to stop from crying (or the infamous, "ha hah...not really funny"). As I've grown older and have become more aware of the music and its ramifications, I can't just laugh it off. I can't just dance to this music because "the beat's hot" or "it's so catchy". I'm not grooving just because Chris Brown is on it anymore. I've supported Usher for years but bruh I DO mind. I mind that you're not pushing our women to have employment that speaks to their ...