» Erykah Badu

Did Somebody Tell Erykah Badu to “Cover Up?”

Shavar — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 20:11:28 +0000

LOL, yeah, it’s one of those “attention-getting” titles but I don’t think anyone told Ms. Erykah Badu ANYTHING, lol.

Say watcha ya want about the lady–gotta admit–she’s definitely a very interesting individual. And it’s also “interesting” that she’s been very “covered” since all of the hoopla over that “Window Seat” video.

Check out the pics and Erykah performing live in concert at the American Airlines Arena in Miami on Thursday night ( April 8 ) to promote her latest album: New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh.

Erykah Badu Could Face Indecency Charges for ‘Window Seat’ Video

Shavar — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 23:30:12 +0000

Although I never actually posted the video on the site, I did write an article on the artistic and spiritual aspect of Erykah Badu‘s ‘Window Seat’ video because it showed empowerment and freedom of expression in America.

I enjoy blogging because it allows me to cover many aspects or “angles” to a single, particular blog post or topic. There’s always two sides (sometimes three, lol) to every story and that’s what makes blogging exciting to me.

When it comes to certain topics of discussion, I do not consider any of my blog posts “the standard” simply because there are many so-called “standards,” voices, and/or opinions about every aspect of life and from peoples from all walks of life.

And though I make no apologies in regards to my previous post about the artistic nature of Erykah Badu’s ‘Window Seat’ video, I must address “the indecency” aspect of the video.

Let me get to the point. First of all, when the video was first released, there was much speculation as to whether some parts of the video was shot on a “green screen,” not actually shot on location. Honestly, the video was somewhat blurry and it did look digitally enhanced to some extent. Note: I am not referring to the so-called digital manipulation on Ms. Badu’s physique as I don’t think any of that was manipulated.

But I did assume that the “background people” could have been manipulated in some way. People seemed somewhat ‘out of touch‘ with the subject (Ms. Badu). I only viewed the video once so I could be mistaken.

However after watching the below news footage and now realizing there were actual “live witnesses” during the video shoot, I can certainly understand why parents would be offended with Ms. Badu. There were children on the scene. With that being said, I do not think the video should have been shot in a location where there were children involved.

Finally, I do not believe Ms. Badu made the video with the intent of arousing anyone.

Erykah Badu: The Few, The Proud, The Free

Shavar — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:00:12 +0000

At first I thought, “Is she just gonna “walk” in this video?” Ooops, knock-knock, lol. It’s Erykah Badu, remember? Oh yeah.

I really like “one-take” videos but this one seriously pushed the envelope in its artistic style.

Erykah went there. Allll the way there, lol. OH YES SHE DID.

From the moment she took off that first piece of um, “garment,” I had a funny feeling…

(Hey, I’m just the messenger, don’t shoot me!)

But I “caught” her message at the end and it reminded me of Adam and Eve for some reason; how they started off naked in the Garden of Eden. “Window Seat” ended in nakedness.

Adam and Eve only became ashamed of their nakedness after they sinned. But before that, they were free.

Interesting to note that God may have never intended Adam or Eve to be “covered.”

And today? LOL, they’ll take your behind to jail if you tried to walk the streets naked. And with “prison” somewhat being the “opposite of freedom,” it makes you wonder how “free” we really are in Amerykah.

With that being said, do I think it’s okay for women to exploit their bodies in music videos or any other form of media?

No.

Why?

Well for one reason, this country is too “sexually distorted.” It’s driven, for the most part, by sexual lust and many do not necessarily appreciate “the body nude” simply for what it is–a resplendent creation by God.

This issue on women and nudity in these United States is quite trivial to God, otherwise he wouldn’t have made women (and especially those of African decent) to have more “cushion” on their backsides. He knew exactly what he was doing when he created woman.

Study the Aramaic Old Testament scriptures of the book of Genesis, if you will, and you’ll see that when God made Eve (woman) in the Garden of Eden (present-day Africa), you’ll learn that he took “extra” care in forming “woman,” even more so than “man.” LOL, anyway…

…but you go to Africa. You’ll see tribes of families–fathers, mothers, children–ALL walking around naked. No clothes…nothing. It’s normal for them. They’re free where they’re at. And observe the beauty of their dance. It’s the spirit of African culture in one of its purest forms; nothin’ “nasty” about that.

The real question is, are you free (with yourself) where you’re at?

Anyway, so did “the message” in Erykah Badu’s controversial “Window Seat” video outweigh any form of exploitation you perceived?

Are music artists going too far in their videos or is this pure Erykah Badu “genius” at work?

Random Trivia: Erykah Badu and my daughter both share the same birthday, February 26. She was also born just six days before me and ironically, we both have sons named Seven. My son was born some four years before her son.

Erykah Badu Live on Jimmy Fallon – ‘Window Seat’

Shavar — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:00:23 +0000

Yeah, I’m an Erykah Badu fan. Love her music.

Wanna hear some interesting trivia?

1. Her birthday is on the same day as my daughter’s–February 26.

2. Born the same year as me, six days before my birthday.

3. We both have sons named SEVEN.

But I always like to joke and point out that I named my son some four years earlier than she.

Anyway, Ms. Badu recently appeared on ‘Jimmy Fallon’ and performed (backed up by Quest Love and The Roots) her new single “Window Seat.”

Actress Regina King was also a guest on the show.

Throwback Video: The Roots – ‘You Got Me’ ft. Erykah Badu

Shavar — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 05:42:09 +0000

Check out this throwback video from The Roots featuring Erykah Badu entitled ‘You Got Me.’

Love the end.

New Music: ‘Window Seat’ by Erykah Badu

Shavar — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:13:55 +0000

It’s finally here; singer Erykah Badu’s first single off her “New Amerykah, Part II: Return of the Ankh” album is called “Window Seat.”

So while you unscramble…lol, why do I feel like Don Cornelius right now?

Anyway, Erykah Badu’s 5th studio album (set to drop March 30th on the Universal Motown label) is a follow-up from her last 2008 album with the same title.

The new album will feature more live instruments, unlike the last release, which was all digitally produced.

This song right here…this song right here? Classic Badu, so check it below.

Throwback Video: ‘Honey’ by Erykah Badu

Shavar — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:21:32 +0000

This is my song. Love this video and the song Honey by Erykah Badu. Very well directed.

I would like to get into directing some music videos. Maybe I’ll work on that next year.

I like music videos ’cause they’re short and quick to produce–just like this blog post!!

Years ago, in my late teens, I was suppose to direct my first music video for MC Trouble but unfortunately she died unexpectedly. So young. Really sad. Anyway, I never really pursued it after that.

Now here’s some trivia for ya: Did you know that both Erykah Badu and I have sons named Seven? Cool, eh? But I named my boy 4 years before her. Now, there’s all kinds of lil’ Sevens and Sixes goin’ around, lol.

When my son was born, the hospital thought we missed a “T” and started to put “Steven” on his birth certificate. They were like, “Steven?” I was like “No, Seven.” LOL. Whole lot of meaning to that number but that’s another story!

Happy Birthday Chelsea

Shavar — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 02:44:00 +0000

My daughter turns 3 today. Happy Birthday baby. I need to take new photos of her. This photo is over a year old.

Also birthday shout outs to Chelsea’s uncle Herbie and Erykah Badu.

Our beautiful baby daughter Chelsea Lynn Ross was born on February 26, 2005. After trying for 10 years to conceive a second child, my wife and I finally mustered up enough strength and courage to try and make the fertility appointment that day.

We never really wanted to go…but at home, right before our appointment, to our surprise, we found out she was also pregnant and yes, the same day as our long dreaded fertility appointment. We cancelled our appointment. God is good and always on time…

Erykah Badu: Honey

Shavar — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000

Mellow Weekend

Shavar — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 04:53:00 +0000

Didn’t really do anything this weekend. Pretty much spent time breakin in my new laptop and spendin time with my family. Wonderin if I’m addicted to the Internet, lol. I need to finish writing that book, that’s what I need to be doin!

I miss my photography, been thinkin bout that alot lately. However because of the crazy weather here (Oklahoma), I usually don’t look forward to going out much. : (

-A few of my old elementary school friends found me on Facebook so that was cool.
-Watched a really cool, fly, Erykah Badu video (“Honey”) for the first time today. I would love to direct a few videos. I’m a big fan of Erykah Badu but just know that I named my son “Seven” first lol.

Man I miss directing.

They say you’re never supposed to use your own money to make a movie. I suffered MANY a consequence because of this but at least I had complete control of my film. At least I own the majority of my film. At least we got it completed. At least my film got distributed. At least my vision came to fruition. At least WE stepped out and did it. I’d rather die tryin to achieve somethin than to stay in the comfort zone of fear all my life.

I know people who have been trying to raise money for years just to make one movie. They spend half their lives trying to raise money. That’s the Hollywood game but I don’t like to wait for people. God gave me a mind and His strength to achieve whatever he’s placed on my heart (my desire).

I was happy to pick up the special Valentine’s Day boxed DVD of our movie at Walmart the other day. I felt blessed. Not because of how well in sales the movie may be doing. I felt blessed because of what the movie actually stood for. The overall message it had. Some misinterpreted the movie’s “true” message and I realize now that people will always have their opinions about something or someone–not matter how sincere your intentions. That’s life…and that’s okay with me. It must also be noted that many people truly enjoyed the movie simply for what it was. They got the message…and that’s okay with me too.

So what’s next? I have no idea. I just know that the knowledge, wisdom and direction of my future lies solely with God and my thirst to know more of his will for my life. This goes for anyone.

I’m at peace with where I am right now. I have a wonderful agent that has no idea why I’m not back in L.A. right now, but right now? I know what it means to be “On Call”.

“And he said to them, Come away by yourselves to a quiet place, and take a rest for a time. Because there were a great number coming and going, and they had no time even for food.”

Matthew 6:31
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