However, to be everything else but yourself to achieve success, peace and happiness is a lie.
Being a robot will get you, but so far. You may obtain some material wealth and a few flunkies (users too)…Yes.
But is it worth compromising your purpose and story of your soul?
Read MoreMy gut whispered that everything would be okay. My gut was saying one thing while my surroundings said another. 5 months later and you know what: Everything is okay. It isn’t perfect. Bonafide shit storm. We’re still in a pandemic.
BUT.
Damnit, I am here. And there are a few things that I am thankful for during this quarantine and pandemic.
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James C. Ellerbe
James C. Ellerbe is an author, poet and decorated spoken word artist. Recently, James was a finalist for the 2017 Indie Author Legacy Award for Poet of the Year and a featured author at the BCCLS Books NJ 2015 and 2017 Book Festivals. He also wrote and co-produced A Dream Preserved, a three-act play. Beyond the Event Horizon is his first book of poetry (2015), and Pulsar is his first spoken word album, released by Not Enough Words LLC (2018). Recently his work is featured in the anthology On the Verge: Poets of the Palisades III published by The Poet's Press (2020). He was born and currently lives in New Jersey with his wife.
Even though James C. Ellerbe is a dope poet who has published a poetry collection, I would like to highlight his album. Yes, this month’s Indie Author Tuesday will be about an author’s poetry album.
James C. Ellerbe’s poetry album, Pulsar was released in 2018. Although, I am acquainted with his book, I heard some of his pieces from his album when we shared the stage in Baltimore, MD. I was blown away by his performance and diction. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until this year that I streamed the FULL album.
Whew! From the sound effects in Strange Matter, to the inspiring We are Superheroes, Ellerbe makes sure to leave our ears feeling satisfied. James speaks with passion and that passion doesn’t fizzle out when it comes to romance. What a Song Can Do drips of sultry prose and the sensuously accented voice of Lady Taffy featuring on the track. The heavenly and errie vocals in the intro lured me in as I listened to what a Pulsar really was. As Fraser Cain rides the beat bold, cocky and inspirational, I knew that I was going to enjoy the album. Back to Strange Matter. Besides the effects the lyrics
“Scatter our human rights to the wind, ‘til they’re gone with the wind” -Strange Matter, Ellerbe
It was heavy. It was potent. Addressing black value in this society while calling others to understand that yes, we matter too. The violins that marched along with James C. Ellerbe and Goddess Daye kept my attention as he proclaimed wisdom, exhortations about…. Nope, you gotta listen to it for yourself.
1. What inspired you to create and release a poetry album?
I have always been influenced by hip-hop, Jazz, R&B, and Roots Reggae in my writings. I used to write hip-hop lyrics but found freedom in poetry. It was the natural progression to produce a poetry album. I didn’t have to follow a beat --the beat followed me. The beat is an extension of my pen --the beat doesn’t guide my pen.
2. Pulsar. What’s the story behind the title of your album?
A pulsar is a collapsed neutron star that pulsates as it spins as radiation emits from its core. Each pulsar has its own signature sound wave --like my album --each track has its vibe.
3. When creating Pulsar, did you intentionally use specific poetic devices? If so, what were they?
Yes, a lot of free verse, a lot of allegories, stream of consciousness, and alliteration encompasses this body of work.
4. My favorite poem/piece is, Time, Time, Time. Cha’vaughn O’Neal is featured on this track. Did you initially intend to collab with an artist for Time, Time, Time when writing it?
There are 2 features in that poem --Iam Imega Is also featured in the poem/track. Their contribution was an improvisation in the studio. Something was missing in the poem. They added that extra ingredient. Cha’vaughn was right on time in the studio. I am not a singer, so I wasn’t going to sing the Erykah Badu line. Hahaha! She filled in perfectly.
5. What was it like working with Lady Taffy?
Hahaha, my wife! She wasn’t going to have another woman say those things to me on the track! Hahaha!
6. I Got a Date with the Devil. Without giving away too much, is this based on a true story (sans the symbolism)? What inspired you to write this piece?
Yes, it’s loosely based on one of my darkest moments. Obviously the protagonist was not actually a protagonist, but just the party involved. The dialogue was actually my internal monologue at that moment. She was the object of my temptation, unfortunately. It’s a moment I am not proud of and it took me 5 years to write because the guilt plagued me. Writing it was so freeing though. This poem is originally in my poetry book, Beyond the Event Horizon. It almost didn’t make the book, because I questioned whether it was too revealing. I am glad I shared it in my book and my album because now I am free.
7. Let’s talk about the sound effects. Did you imagine what sounds you wanted to use? Describe that process. Was there a producer or did you do this all on your own?
The sound effects were created by none other than my engineer and poet, Iam Imega. He was the genius behind the effects. He took my themes and concepts and added the effects to punctuate what I had to say. I am still blown away by his genius!
8. Any upcoming projects?
I am currently working on a poetry kids' book, which I plan on releasing before the end of the year. I am also in the brainstorming stages of producing another poetry album.
Order your copy of Pulsar today!
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a crucial time to shed light on the alarming prevalence of intimate partner violence, affecting nearly 1 in 2 women and over 2 in 5 men. This blog post explores the definition of domestic violence, its emotional and physical impacts, and the importance of breaking the silence surrounding this issue. We highlight the history of DVAM, the need for education to prevent violence, and the advocacy required for meaningful policy change. With resources available for survivors and a call to action for community support, we emphasize that no one is alone in this fight. Join us as we raise awareness, challenge societal norms, and promote healing for all.
As I woke to the scent of burnt plastic, little did I know that an emergency demolition was about to temporarily turn my world upside down. Evacuating our apartment, I had the power of support, the thrill of unexpected change, and a safer space to reside in.
Check out Jessica Fuller, the featured Indie Author Tuesday Author. A North Carolina native, she recently published that motivational and empowering collection, A Different Kind of Rising. Read her e-interview and my thoughts on her collection.
I expanded distribution as an indie author in 2022. Read more about my journey from opting out of KDP Select to embracing platforms like Ingramspark and Smashwords, snagging a wider audience beyond Amazon's realm.
Roll with me as I share activities and stuff about what I do to return to the present. Slow down and read my shit. Mindfulness is key for me in all this chaoticness.
That one time my formatting was shot…Ya’ll 🙄🙄. Fellow writers, don’t be like me. Please format before you hit publish!
Get to know Pat Parker- the Fearless Poet and Activist. From Houston, Texas, Parker's sharp and unforgettable poetry tackled taboo topics. She founded the Black Women’s Revolutionary Council, leaving an indelible mark on activism. Celebrate her life and be inspired to write with your chest out.
Join me as I share my goals for February 2024, including daily journal writing and submitting! Ya’ll got any January goals?
Oh nothing....just me, reflecting on my growth.
If I wanted healing in all areas, that includes the hurt that hides in the crevices of my soul. That includes the pain that I didn’t know I had ‘cause I was too busy trying to survive and elevate in other areas. Tears ran down my face as I forgave myself. I cried and released all the ache that was boiling from this wound, I was so sure had become a scar by now
Read MoreShow your body love and care. When our loved ones are sick, we are quick to be of aid. Let us show up for our own bodies!
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Zhane'l Speaks
"Writing is where it began." Zhane'l expresses. "Above all, I am a storyteller. I've always wanted people to journey through my mind and feel what I had once felt while they read my stories."
Zhane’l Speaks is best known for communicating her raw feelings through her poetry. She loves to tell the world her euphoric and sensual thoughts through her narratives. Learn more about Zhanel as Jasmine interviews her on her latest collection, The Women Inside of Me
Read MoreZane St. Juste is the featured Indie Author Tuesday for June. He speaks on his writing process, advice to fellow Christian writers and his other projects..
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Bob McNeil
Bob McNeil is a phenomenal poet, writer editor and artist. A consistent host of the Harlem Book Fair, McNeil’s poetry can be steadily found in various poetry magazines, websites and journals . With a voice that booms when reading his pieces and balmy when giving writing nuggets, McNeil is unforgettable.
Lyrics of Mature Hearts is a poetry anthology that gives a voice to those who are aging: And, my oh my: Is it a wonderful, raw and new journey.
Read MoreYou are the Butterfly Poem by Jasmine Farrell
Read MoreRobert Cornegy III is a Brooklyn native with enough heart and courage to fuel an army. He has been writing creative stories since he was 5 years old. With the rise in popularity of superhero stories, lessons of self-empowerment and confidence are not uncommon. He aims to extend this narrative to those that are often underrepresented in these stories.
Read MoreThere are multiple reasons as to why many have left, but these are of most interest to those of us in exodus, and not critically examined by church leaders or researchers. The focus is what happens to us after we've left and chased after who we are; and not what we were indoctrinated to believe we are.
Read MoreD. Chauncey Taylor’s new book, “Obsession” is a poetry collection sourced from the pages of our own hearts. Taylor was bold enough to speak on it poetically.
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A.R Shaw
A.R. Shaw is a journalist based in Atlanta with over 10 years of experience in the media industry. During his career, Shaw has covered Atlanta's vibrant music scene while also covering national stories in politics, sports and culture.
Photo Credit: Geulden_Eye Photography
A.R Shaw’s book, Trap History is an essential read when it comes to Hip-Hop literature. Giving a voice to those within “the trap” and the icons of trap music, A.R Shaw digs a little deeper into the music that’s spreading like wild fire.
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Dara Kalima
Dara Kalima has performed at Bowery Poetry Cafe, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and Inspired Word. She’s authored three books, Black Man, Black Woman, Black Child, Casualty of Love and Two X Chromosomes with an Extra Shot of Melanin. Dara explores difficult topics to foster discussion and encourage critical thought.
Two Chromosomes W/ an Extra Shot of Melanin is a poetic journey that black woman can relate to. Plights and Victories Included.
Check out Dara Kalima’s E-Interview on Jasmine Farrell’s Blog.
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I am celebrating the birthdays of 3 my poetry collections in September! "Long Live Phoenixes," "Orange September," and "My Quintessence." No matter how old or new, I hope my vulnerable works inspire readers and showcase my evolving poetry journey over the past 6, 1, and 10 years.