Life can sometimes discolor our perspective from the shadows of heaviness or grief. It can take form through a sudden loss, a broken relationship or alterations of our hopes and dreams. When we’ve held our breath in anguish and pain, Lalah’s song reminds us of a simple but powerful process for healing – just “breathe”. It’s only in this practice that you make room for an atmosphere of peace that strengthens your soul. Just as you inhale in life, you must also exhale and “breathe”.
Check out our Artist of the Month Lalah Hathaway, bringing this bonafide steppin’ and roller skatin’ jam, “Let Go” from her 2008 release “Self Portrait”.
I recall at one point before joining the GFM family researching the definition of Grown Folks Music and this work from our Artist of the Month was cited. And as they say… the rest is history.
More goodness from Outrun The Sky… this composition combines the sultry and sanctified, makes you just wanna stand up and wave your hands because you know what that sister is talking ’bout. Sometimes you just have to break it down and Lalah does that right here. This is for the listening, the contemplation, the connection, the story stored in all of our collective memory banks because unfortunately sometimes you have to go through the bad to get to the good. Lalah lets us know it’s alright because the were means it’s passed and in the past.
An All-Star cast of musicians cover The Stylistics classic, with our Artist of the Month holding down the vocal duties… doesn’t get any better than this!
This track from Outrun The Sky finds our Artist of the Month documenting a story of lovelorn melancholy. The warmth of Lalah’s voice coupled with the arc of the melodic line and harmonic palette creates a five-star aural theatre of the mind. Press play close your eyes and go on a journey.
Forever, For Always, For Love has always been a much cherished song in my musical voyage. It’s a song that conveys a certain romantic tenderness composed to warm the reflections of love’s brighter moments. First serenaded by the impeccable vocalist and songwriter, Luther Vandross back in 1982, Lalah Hathaway stays true to channeling his intimate approach of stroking a song with a smoldering anticipation that makes you await every note. To fully enjoy this melody, curl closely to the one you love and rekindle a love that will “fill your heart with joy and make you remember”.
We wanted to send a special shout to all the members of Omega Psi Phi including our esteemed contributing writer “The Ricker” on this their 100th Founder’s Day.
We live in a very different world now than in 1911, but there is something to be said for striving to achieve excellence in one’s endeavors, concern for humanity, rigorous intellectual pursuit and tenacity. These virtues have no expiration date and I was fortunate to be raised by a man who’s life was the blueprint for this unfinished personhood that I am still working on. (more…)
