Twitter Radio: Afrobeat

>> Sunday, January 31, 2010

I love funk. When I started actually reading about funk in 2005, my folks Siraj Fowler showed me this documentary about Fela Kuti, the James Brown of Afrobeat. Although I'd never heard about Fela, I soon learned that my father used to play his music. In fact, I recognized one song.

This morning, I felt that soulful Sunday vibe, and "Ain't Nothing Like Afrobeat in the Morning."

My favorite Afrobeat song. "Don't Bring That Shit to Me" by Seun Kuti



Here's my #TwitterRadio Afrobeat Mix:

Kicking off this morning mix with some Fela Kuti, Originator of the Afro Beat sound.
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8457944994
It's also important to note that Afrobeat has also influenced Hip Hop. Here are a few obvious tracks:

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POEM: Lil' Black Rose

>> Friday, January 29, 2010


Image: Sunshine Joy


Lil' Black Rose

A seed was planted
from which a flower grew
a Lil' Black Rose, more
beautiful than you ever knew

Fed the freshest water
bathed in the brightest sun rays
grown from the richest soil
where the happiest children play

Its pedals were soft and moist
precious and pure its inner bud
stemmed, rooted in positive energy
it grew up filled with love

The Lil Black Rose grows
unique, rare and one of a kind
none could match its beauty
recognized by even the blind

-Reginald James


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PHOTO: Oakland Rising


Photo: Reginald James via Oakland Local

I shot this photo from atop the 1600 Franklin Building around 8:30 on Thursday morning. I liked this shot because of the imposing sun blast above the foggy morning sky. Within the low mist, you can see a few Oakland icons.

For me, many of these buildings have a personal significance (From left):

  • 1200 Lakeside Dr (Huey P. Newton's penthouse overlooking the courthouse)
  • 1401 Lakeside Dr (used to help walk a woman to her car when I was 7 yrs old)
  • Hill Castle Apartment Hotel (lived there with mom and dad in late 80s)
  • Malonga Casquelode, aka Alice Arts Center (African dance, capoeira, more)
  • Alameda County Courthouse (Images of the Free Huey rallies)
  • Laney College (where I learned more about myself and the world)
  • Hotel Oakland (seniors from here would read to us at the Main Library)
  • Alameda County Courthouse, Hotel Oakland
And the misty cloud streak GO!

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Rename Mount Diablo to Mount Reagan

>> Thursday, January 28, 2010


Photo: California State Parks

There is a proposal to rename Mount Diablo to Mount Reagan, according to the Bay Area News Group.

Makes sense to me: "Ronald Reagan was the devil" - Huey P. Freeman

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I Wish I Could Read Every Book in the World

>> Wednesday, January 27, 2010



Excellent parody of Drake's "Every Girl in the World" by the folks from 2-Cents. Imagine if rappers wanted to put their noses inside "Every Book in the World" instead of putting they dick inside every girl? Ironically, a lot of rappers are well read (just don't reflect it in all their rhymes).

This video actually references some decent literature and even features professor Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. It might be time to revisit "Read a book" (Read a MothaF*cking Book).
Reading Links


And be sure to support Black-Owned Book Stores like Marcus Books
Shout out to Reading Rainbow and Levar Burton.

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Happy Black Revolutionary Birthday Angela Davis

>> Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Angela Davis on Newsweek Cover
Newsweek Cover: BET Blog

Angela Davis speaks at Tookie Williams Summitt at Merritt College in Oakland
Critical Resistance co-founder Angela Davis Annual Stanley Tookie Williams Legacy Summitt in Oakland
Photo: Hella Black
Just got tword (TwitterWord) that it is Angela Davis's birthday today.

And after missing the the anniversary of the launch of Shirley Chisholm's 1972 presidential campaign yesterday, I wasn't missing this.

The first time I saw Angela Davis' iconic image was in a Black Panther documentary. It was around the same time that I first met Marvin X, and learned of Governor Ronald Reagans'. efforts to boot them both out of the California Higher Education system.

I walked by and snapped a picture of her at the Critical Resistance (CR10) anniversary at Laney College in 2008 -- late for a meeting that I really DID NOT need to be at, in hindsight -- but didn't get to hear her speak. Davis co-founded Critical Resistance, an organization that seeks to abolish prisons ... the new plantations.

Fortunately, I did get to meet the legendary Angela Davis when she spoke at the Stanley Tookie Williams Summitt at Merrit College in December 2009.

LONG LIVE ANGELA DAVIS!
ABOUT ANGELA DAVIS:
Activist, author and professor Angela Davis was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on January 26, 1944, the daughter of two teachers. Active at an early age in the Black Panthers and the Communist Party, she also formed an interracial study group and volunteered for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee while still in high school. At fifteen, after earning a scholarship, Davis traveled to New York to complete high school. In 1960, Davis traveled to Germany to study for two years, and then to the University of Paris for another year. After returning to the United States, she attended Brandeis University, where she graduated magna cum laude in 1965. Davis then returned to Germany for further study before enrolling in the University of California, San Diego, earning an M.A. in 1968.

Books by Angela

Upon earning her master's degree, Davis became an assistant professor at UCSD, but due to her connections with the Panthers and the Communist Party, she was removed a year later. Following her dismissal, Davis worked to free the Soledad Prison Brothers and befriended an inmate, George Jackson. In August of 1970, Jackson and several other inmates attempted to escape from the Marin County Courthouse, and a judge and three others were killed. Davis was quickly put on the FBI's most wanted list, despite the fact that she was not at the crime scene, and was apprehended in New York. After spending eighteen months in jail during her trial, Davis was acquitted in 1972.

While in prison, Davis wrote her first book, If They Come in the Morning: Voices of Resistance, entirely by hand. After her acquittal, Governor Ronald Reagan vowed she would never teach in California again, but nevertheless, she was immediately hired by San Francisco State University, where she stayed for another twelve years. Entering the political ring, Davis ran on the Communist Party ticket as vice president in 1980 and 1984. When the Soviet Union began to fall apart, however, Davis gave up communism.

Davis tours across the United States and the world lecturing on prison reform, and she currently serves on the advisory board of the Prison Activist Resource Center. She is also a co-founder of the Committees of Correspondence, an organization that seeks to unite all socialist groups in the United States. Davis teaches in the History of Consciousness Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Source: The History Makers

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Haiti Solidarity from the Bay Area

The Haiti Action Committee held a Candlelight Vigil for Haiti last week at the Federal Building in Oakland. Here's a photo slide show of Oakland's Haiti Vigil by The Black Hour:

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Simple is Sexy: Adina Howard


As part of my late night Twitter After Dark mix, I highlighted a song I'd never heard. I grew up enjoying Adina Howard -- and her sensuality -- so when I came across the video for "Nasty Grind," I was impressed.

First off, I'm an Afro-Lover (and I used to be a lover with an Afro), so I'm diggin' the natural. But the simplicity in this video is way more attractive -- and empowering -- than the random booty shaking and sexual oppression in your average soft-pornish Hip Hop video.

I didn't do justice to it by just putting Adina Howard in the middle of the ultimate baby making mix. This video is simple, and simply amazing.

What do you think?

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Music Monday: Hip Hop Tributes to Oscar Grant

>> Monday, January 25, 2010

I am Oscar Grant

Earlier today, I uploaded a video me reciting of Jasiri X's Oscar Grant Tribute on YouTube. It was performed on the one-year anniversary vigil organized by Grant's family at the Fruitvale BART Station. Grant was shot in the back by a BART police officer in the early hours of the New Year (2009).

Inspired by Oakland Local's Comprehensive Oscar Grant Memorial and Davey D's Hip Hop speaks out for Oscar Grant here is a collection of Hip Hop Tributes to Oscar Grant.


Each song captures a different energy, aspect of the 'story' and emotions.
Other tracks:


You can also check out my "I am Oscar Grant" Black and White Photography Essay on OaklandLocal.com.

Do you know any other Hip Hop Tributes to Oscar Grant?

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Twitter Radio: Ultimate Baby Making Mix

In the mix with Rafiki "Afro Thunder(Bird)" Jones

Photo: Black Dynamite/Edited by Mr. JE



After my experiment with Twitter Radio this morning (Smooth Jazz) I went into the zone with the late night mix for Twitter After Dark.

Here's some of the testimonials from our satisfied listeners:

"I looove that" - SLiMoe

"Goo Thunderbird Jones! #TwitterRadio #TwitterAfterDark! Has all the #throwback jams!" -
Tin2Times

"your twit radio show is pure genius..." -
mayasongbird

"#shoutout to
@ReginaldJames he had #TwitterAfterDark on #TwitterRadio groovin tonite. a lot of babies made to these songs." - TheBest510

"u pushin out the baby makin #twitterradio mix of a life time...I think my time line got pregnant tonight!" -
OGPenn

But check it out for yourself.



The Ultimate Baby Making Mix
By Afro ThunderBird Jones

"Turn off the Lights" - Teddy Pendergrass


"They like it Slow" - H-Town

Slow and Easy - Zapp and Roger

"Feenin’ " – Jodeci

"Seems like You’re Ready" – R. Kelly

"Nice and Slow" – Usher

This Lil’ Game We Play - Subway ft. 702

"What’s it Gonna Be" - Busta Rhymes – ft. Janet Jackson


Get it Wet - Twista

"Tell Me Do U Wanna" – Ginuwine

Nasty Grind - Adina Howard

How Does it Feel - D'Angelo

"Would you Mind – Janet

"Freak Me" – Silk

Stroke U Up – Changing Faces ft. Baby Face

P***ycat – Missy Elliott

Can we get Kinky Tonight - S.W.V.

Between the Sheets - Isley Brothers

Sexual Healing - Marvin Gaye

"I Want to get Next to You - Rose Royce

I’d Rather be With You" - Bootsy Collins

"Footsteps in the Dark" – Isley Brothers

"Give me your love" Curtis Mayfield


"Computer Love" – Roger & Zapp

“Doin it” - LL Cool J

"RU Still Down?" Jon B & 2Pac

"I need to be" - Ma$e

Turn Your Lights Down Low – Bob Marley & Lauren hill

Top of Me - Tyrese

"Neighbors Know My Name" – Trey Songz

Anytime, Anyplace – Janet Jackson

Art of Noise - Moments in Love


Don't know when I'll do Twitter Radio again, but best believe -- it will be poppin (on a handstand).

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Smooth Jazz on Twitter Radio

>> Sunday, January 24, 2010

WREG #TwitterRadio on your internet dial featured some fresh smooth jazz joints for your early Sunday morning. Here's the Twitter Recap

Sunday Morning Smooth Jazz #TwitterRadio

Good Morning Twitterville. Beautiful morning. Took a jog 'round the hood, pull ups at the park, washed 2 loads of clothes and I'm in the mix
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8153968121

DJ Reg E. Reg on the 1's and 2's. Bringing you some smooth jazz tunes on this cloudy Sunday morning.
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8154048571

Just because the sky is gray doesn't mean the Sun don't shine, you feel me? Sit back and enjoy some smooth sounds on WREG #TwitterRadio.
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8154061699

http://bit.ly/4wY1nS "In the Morning" by Ledisi #Oakland
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8154105196

Speaking on mornings, we're gone take you back with this one. http://bit.ly/106vrd "Mornin" by Al Jarreau
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8154205901

If you like Al Jarreau, you must know about George Benson. They of course collabed on that track back in the day.
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8154330951

Our next song is for you Twitter cupcakers out there. Still in bed hoggin covers. "Companions" by The Rippingtons http://bit.ly/7Elv1W
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8154447049

Up early on a Sunday morning. It's @ReginaldJames brining you a Smooth Jazz mix on #TwitterRadio
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8154595728

Since I've rocked both Jill Scott and George Benson, here's "Summertime" http://bit.ly/p0z3L (Summer weather would be nice)
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8154667500

For y'all that love the Wind and the Rain here's "In the Rain" by Boney James ft. Dwele http://bit.ly/1qGi9F
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8154773697

Planet Earth lovers, enjoy this tribute Najee, called, "Skyline" (not about the #Oakland HS) http://bit.ly/8FEvjN
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8154910284

And I love that you loving it! RT @kreacjny: @ReginaldJames I'm lovin #TwitterRadio w/DJ ReggieJay hahaha
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8155034486

From our #HowardU bureau in DC, @iamcaps wants you to hear "Sweetest Taboo" by George Howard http://bit.ly/6WX2Ep
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8155057556

For my #HipHop heads, you'll love this #SmoothJazz remix of Tribe's "Electric Relaxation" http://bit.ly/6512NX #TwitterRadio
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8155110451

This #SmoothJazz remix goes out to @JazzzyOne "One More Chance" http://bit.ly/8T7auq LOL #TwitterRadio
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8155233685

Winding down this hour of #TwitterRadio, here's a #SmoothJazz tribute to Erykah Badu http://bit.ly/6KUt2r "Next Lifetime" @BeautyNubian
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8155375776

As we come to the end of WREG #SmoothJazz Sunday Morning #TwitterRadio here's Sade "Soldier of Love" http://bit.ly/8ZXm5c
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8155450009

This hour of WREG #TwitterRadio was sponsored by http://haitiaction.net/ "Aid, not Troops" AYIBOBO! #Haiti #ACTION
http://twitter.com/ReginaldJames/status/8155561290

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Looking Like a Fool With Yo 'Pants on the Ground'

>> Saturday, January 16, 2010

Oooh. I know this is about to be an anthem.

My sista Salina just shot me this video on Facebook.

The song, although obvious is "Pants on the Ground" and its performed by the General Larry Platt.



Now, some folks will be tempted to laugh at the General. But this brotha is representing FOR REAL!

Besides the fact that he obviously is an elder tired of seeing "fools" walking 'round with they "pants on the ground," his wardrobe lets us know where he stands.

Red, Black & Green. You see those wristbands. Those are the colors of the Pan-African flag, first flown proudly than none other than Marcus Garvey.

Free Troy Davis. The button on his shirt has a picture of Troy Davis, an innocent man on Georgia's Death Row.

Definitely pull yo pants up, and salute the General Larry Platt.

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Wake up Everybody

>> Thursday, January 14, 2010



I was once told, "If it wasn't for Teddy Pendergrass, you wouldn't be alive." That's a wake up call for yo ass. Glad to be alive.

Rest in Peace Teddy Pendergrass.

Oh yeah, thanks :)

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Cannabis - Legalize it or not?

>> Wednesday, January 13, 2010


Photo: Oaksterdam Myspace Blog

On Thursday, Jan. 7 -- on the one year anniversary of the Oscar Grant Uprising -- I attended the grand opening of Oaksterdam University's new downtown Oakland campus.

I missed the pomp and circumstance of the ribbon cutting and speakers, but have some baked goods. The brownie was delicious But it did lead to me not functioning at my normal level of optimization for the next few hours.

Oakland Translation: I was ON ONE!

I did manage to do some meticulous organizing when I got home, and wrote some 'interesting' poetry.

Oaksterdam is at the forefront of the California movement to legalize marijuana. Oaksterdam was even featured in the Wall Street Journal (Oaksterdam University gives new meaning to Higher Education.

The video below, produced by the Minister of Information JR, asks: Should cannibas be legalized. It features Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Oaksterdam spokesperson Salwa Ibrahim, as well as advocates and even someone "from the streets" who may be adversely affected by legalization.

Cannabis: Legalize It or Not from New America Media on Vimeo.



Like JR, I too wondered how would the underground economy of marijuana sales be affected by legalization. Like the man in the video says, many people eat off of selling the leaf.

Ironically, I entered Oaksterdam University with this in mind, and was surprised to see a number of Black faces within the 20+ graduating classes. A few instructors are Black also.

Will legalization lead to more "green jobs" for Blacks? Will legalization lead to more business and entreprenurial opportunities for Blacks?

If you're interested, Amsterdam ... I mean, Oaksterdam is enrolling students for its spring semester. The cost is somewhere between Laney College and UC Berkeley (closer to the Laney side).

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About This Blog

Insight into my daily regimen. Obviously of a different specimen. Me, myself & I. So fly. Welcome to the Daily Regiment.

This blog is an outlet for me to write about my life experiences. While there will be consistent themes in my writing -- because I am what I project in written form -- the topics will vary from day to day, and post to post.

If you are interested in my formal news reporting, you can visit The Reginald James Report or The Black Hour.

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