Thoro Gem Thursday: Jazmine Sullivan, Da Brat , and Dej Lof( Name that girl group)

NO seriously what would you name this group? It's definitely a bad ass combination of boldness, sex appeal, and unique sound.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to this week's thoro gems Jazmine Sullivan, Dej Lof and Da Brat.

Dej Loaf, born April 8th, is such a beautiful artist with a unique sound that you never mistake for anyone else. Her music and style makes her sound out. Her song " No Fear" currently has me going all the way up.

Jazmine Sullivan,born on April 9th, has been compared to the late, great Phyllis Hyman because not only does she resemble her in features but her voice is just as powerful. Jazmine's music is so well rounded that one minute you'll find yourself crying your eyes out then the next ready to say "fck this sad shyt...I wanna dance".

Da Brat tat tat tat tat on that azzzz. Da Brat was born on April 14th. She is so gorgeous and is another women that came into the rap game with a new,fresh sound. At one point in her career, she traded in  the baggy clothes and braids for weave and  cleve...and then went right back...slightly. And I don't blame her. Be comfortable in your skin. Either way I'm here for it and her.

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The ladies are Ground-breaking, Beautiful, and Extraordinary in all that put their hands to. Everyone notices these women when they come on the scene.

Dej, Jazmine and Brat, you ladies truly are thoro gems

Thoro Gem Thursday: The Writer, The Poet, The Songbird and The Raptress(s)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to this week's thoro gems Maya Angelou, Jill Scott, Billie Holiday, Phara Funeral and Young M.A

Young M.A born April 3rd is a young female rapper reigning from the borough of Brooklyn, NY. Her word play,confidence and delivery makes her a beast. I'm always looking forward to what she has in store.

Maya Angelou, born April 4th was, is and will always be a voice for women. As an activist she stood up the rights of all people but especially women. Her strength, perseverance over past life experiences, and dactylic delivery makes her words and works timeless.

 

Also known as Jilly from Philly, Jill Scott, born on April 4th is the Mama of Neo-Soul. She's also gotten her feet wet in the acting pool in "Baggage Claim" ,"Why Did I Get Married" and the HBO original series " The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency".

Some may not know of this gem just yet but she is one of my favorite battle rappers. Phara Funeral, born April 4th is a rapper from the Bronx,NY. With her word play and aggression , she has most definitely made a name for herself and solidified her spot in battle rap culture as one of the queens of the ring.

Billie Holiday or Lady Day, born on April 7th, was a jazz singer in the 1930s and 1940s. Although she struggled with the abuse of substances and in relationships that eventually effected her career, that does take away from the impact she hold on the culture with the song "Strange Fruit"about the lynching of black people during that time in American history. Her fellow Arian Diana Ross, played Lady Day in the biography Lady Sings the Blues.

Strong, brave, legendary, and authentic, these women have used their words and platforms to bring change and pleasure to the world through art.

Young M.A, Maya Angelou, Jill, Mz Funeral and Lady Day, you queens truly are thoro gems.

Thoro Gem Thursday: The Queen, The Diva, The Powerhouse, Sugar and Spice

Continuing in the spirit of unity and spreading love, I want to wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my fellow Arian sisters , this weeks thoro gems Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and Cheryl "Salt" James.






Aretha Franklin was born March 25( that's also my sister's birthday). The power in her voice and her songs such as  "Chain of fools", "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman", and of course "Respect" are clear examples as to why she was crowned the Queen of Soul.

Diana Ross born March 26. Singer. Actress. Diva. Diana's musical career started when she was 1/3 of the singing group The Primettes who later became The Supremes before going solo. Her sweet voice and beautiful acting in "Mahogany" and "Lady Sings the Blues", has rooted her in the spotlight.

The often imitated, never duplicated Mariah Carey born March 27th. As far as I'm concerned, Mariah was one of the first female pop artist to bridge pop and hip hop successfully without compromising her sound or image.

Me and Mariah go back like babies and pacifiers. Excuse me, just a little ode to the late ODB.

As one of the members of the female pioneer Rap group, Salt-N-Pepa, Cheryl "Salt" James born March 28th,has opened the door and paved the way for female rappers with hits like "Push It" and "Let's Talk About Sex".

Ledisi born March 28th. I cant even describe how much I love her. For me, listening to her music sometimes feels like I'm thumbing through my diary. With her soulful voice and pure lyrics, she can stand toe to toe with anyone.

In each of their genres, whether past or present, these four women have showed up and showed out. proving they are Originators, Innovators, Visionaries and Show Stoppers.

Aretha, Diana, Salt, Ledisi and Mariah, you ladies truly are thoro gems.

Thoro Gem Thurday: It's Officially Aries Season

Despite this awkward weather we're having, not only is it my favorite earth season, Spring ,but also my favorite astrological season. That's right, ARIES GANG!!!  We Aries women get such a bad rap about being bossy( which we might be) and divas( uh..duh) and maybe a little hot headed( sloooowly raises hand) BUT we are some of the most loving, honest ,and loyal people you will ever come across. To know us is to love us and if you don't love us, chances are...we honestly don't care. So in honor of all Aries, I have decided to highlight and celebrate just a few of my fav Rams on or around their birthdays.


This week's Thoro Gem is Chaka Khan. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my fellow arian.


Chaka Kahn  was born March 23rd as Yvette Marie Stevens in Chicago IL. Known as the Queen of Funk, her hits "Sweet Thing", "Tell Me Something Good", "I'm Every Woman" ,"Aint Nobody" and "I Feel For You" and my favorite "Angel" have solidified her as an icon and pioneer in R&B Soul, Disco, Jazz and Funk. She's a multiple Grammy award winner, human rights activist and still fly with her signature ruby red mane.

Caring and Courageous, Chaka Khan you truly are a thoro gem.