Not Another Summer Reading List [2019]

Summers here and the time is right for dancing in the street…with a book of some kind. Like a kid in a candy store, I got excited looking at new releases for this summer and the upcoming fall. My email has been one ongoing notification signal after another with: good reads reviews, e books, local library updates, audio book subscriptions etc. Needless to say I’m drowning in more literature than I can keep up with…and I couldn’t be happier! Allow me to share what I’m reading currently and I hope you will do the same.

“Buck: A Memoir” by MK Asante

Asante was actually a professor at Morgan State University when I was studying some years ago. I never got to take any of his classes, but we spoke a few times. I was told that his lectures were all the rave due to his love of the Hip Hop culture and views on the world as we connect to it. “Buck” is his autobiography, growing up the mean streets of Philadelphia and overcoming adversity to become a filmmaker, writer, emcee, and professor to name a few. I JUST snagged this hard copy and will dive in head first soon.

“Brief Answers to the Big Questions” by Stephen Hawking

I just finished this read a few days ago and got damnit am I thankful for the mind of Mr. Hawking. I know nothing of cosmology, but this book gives us the short answer to the timeless questions that are unanswered today…according to Hawking of course. Do aliens exist? Should the human race try and relocate to another planet? Is God real? I absolutely LIVE for the existential moments in literature that feed my inner question mark. You are not alone science nerds. Come one, come all. You have friends here. Rest in Peace, Mr. Hawking.

“I Will Teach You To Be Rich” by Ramit Sethi

What is a summer reading list without a self help book? I think I’m half way through this, but there are some REALLY good tips for the financially challenged here. If we are ever going to get ahead, we have to stop running from our finances, crack a book, and take a hard look at our retirement options before it’s too late. Sethi offers readers the play by play on choosing banks, investment options, and automation to make money work for you. This book is a quick read, I recommend it to anyone.

“Music Theory: From Absolute Beginner to Expert” by Nicolas Carter

I play entirely too many fucking instruments to know nothing about theory. I guess it’s time to crack a book on it, eh? I have this in audio book form and it’s only bout 2 hours long. I’m hoping to get some insight.

Well, that’s my list of current reads for now. I’m hoping to add some fiction to the list soon. What books have your hands occupied this Summer? Follow me on Twitter @Dropajewel and let me know your thoughts. #doitnow

[Article] iTunes is dead

Apple may be getting rid of iTunes, according to the Rolling Stone article below. My thoughts? ITunes, along with any other apple program I’ve ever tried to run, has crashed every computer I’ve ever had…especially among various radio stations in the Mid Atlantic region. *sigh* Good times…the end of an era indeed. See you on the other side of the Jordan, iTunes.

http://flip.it/FHYk6p

50th Anniversary Woodstock Festival

No way.

Woodstock was that iconic rock festival that music junkies of my age bracket would only dream of attending. And it’s back, again. Spin magazine is reporting that one of the co founders of the festival is bringing a three day Anniversary concert to New York this summer.

https://www.spin.com/2019/01/woodstock-50th-anniversary-festival-2/

I vaguely remember it making an appearance some years ago…something about setting port a potties on fire and mob rioting. Let’s hope for a smooth ride this year. Lord willing, I’ll be there. May the spirit of the late great Jimi Hendrix light the way.

[Podcast] The Corner Radio with Kil

This week Kil plays a game of hip hop Tic Tac Toe with Jas, DJ Wreck 1, Vegas & Jon about who are our top 5 artists/groups who have the dopest 3 consecutive albums in a row. Check it out and follow his twitter @Kil889 and peep the site www.willmakebeatsforfood.com for more dopeness. #DoItNow

[Video][Doc] Missy Elliott ft. Lamb- I’m Better

I can’t salute this lady enough. Missy Elliott has been a innovator and trendsetter in the hip hop and pop culture for eons now. She has ALWAYS been light years  ahead of the music industry with her creativity and I feel like she hasn’t gotten the respect she deserves. It’s odd to me that her name doesn’t come up in the 10 top femcee conversations or anything. What gives?!

In any event, check out her new video featuring Lamb titled I’m Better. 

Also, check out the trailer for her upcoming documentary. Salute Queen!

{New Music} Kiara Nelson-Bulletproof

Helsinki based artist, Kiara Nelson, has been building a name for herself. Her debut single Cool My Rush was released earlier this year, earning loads of love from the music media in both her native Finland and around the world, and drawing comparisons to the likes of Dua Lipa and Zara Larsson. Now the 18-year old rising star is back with Bulletproof, another slice of confident electro-pop.

Check it out and like her on Facebook