Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Beat.
Black Melodies
I didn’t much care for what my friends were listening to growing up, meaning I was rarely passed aux. A truth which, I believe, was more their loss than my own... I’ve always gravitated to the oldies—and if genre titles such as shoegaze and folktronica can exist, I say Oldies deserves a legitimate name in the books.
By Hayley Brown3 years ago in Beat
You Might Win Some, But you Just Lost One
“Now, now how come your talk turn cold, Gained the whole world for the price of your soul, Tryin' to grab hold of what you can't control, Now you're all floss, What a sight to behold, Wisdom is better than silver and gold...”
By Latifa Houston3 years ago in Beat
How Stars got me through
During this pandemic, before that even, the lingering malaise that has covered the world, in suffering, in pain, in disease and anxiety, has filled me with dread. It’s more than that basic existential dread, it is more of a sudden burst of inexplicable, terrifying consternation. The worry for the well being of others. Of humanity as a whole.
By Melissa Ingoldsby3 years ago in Beat
Ledisi: Power and Passion
I believe Ledisi is a powerful, talented black female artist we should celebrate. I discovered her about a year ago and I believe she deserves more mainstream recognition. She is a R&B and Jazz recording artist who released her first album in the early 2000s. At that time in my life, I had never heard of her. I was in my early 20s and didn't really broaden my music horizons beyond the current radio jam or my favorite decade of music, the 60s! She may not be as well known as Janet Jackson or Beyoncé but her style is unique and her voice shines in all her songs.
By Sasha Brown3 years ago in Beat
The Phenomenal Monkees
The four very talented young gentlemen who came together to form The Monkees were put together just to create a TV show. What resulted was a strong friendship between the guys and they showed that they were very talented not only musically but also with creative acting. The four guys were Davy Jones, Mickey Dolenz, Peter Tork and Mike Nesmith. They showed everyone that they could sing and wound up creating a musical style that became known as their very own. When you heard one of their songs there was no doubt that the group playing was The Monkees.
By Rasma Raisters3 years ago in Beat
50 Cent
I think it is evidant the reason why I have chosen Curtis 50 Cent Jackson AKA 5o Cent. He went from being in one of the toughest area's and one of the toughest Environments to becoming a renound Rapper, Entrepreneur, actor, Director of film, and TV also has his own novels. I think its safe to say that 50 Cent has probably come across and done every trick in the book and dipped his toe in all avenues of struggles that life can throw at one person, despite all this though he is a worldwide role model for his inspirational speeches to his well known roasting escapades with fellow rappers. 50 grew up in Queens New York, his mother was a drug dealer so 50 was exposed to hard life and hard times right from the start. When he was 8 years old his mother was killed and his father was unknown to him so he went to live with his Paternal Grandma. 50 had to sleep in the basement of his Gran Ma's house. Age 12 he began to sell drugs on one of the toughest places in the world to grow up the streets of South Side Jamaica in Queens. There was a crack pandemic so plenty opportunity for a young keen kid trying to survive the only way he knew how. He had the hustlers ambition and was a very street wise kid with a no fear approach. This is where 50 started his journey on making money and making the best of every opportunity that came his way. Although 50 sold drugs he never touched the stuff he preferred to build abundance for himself. By the time 50 was sixteen he entered the world of hip hop and began to rap this is where he met Jam master Jay a fellow rapper, he taught 50 how to write his own raps. Soon after this he met Eminem and that was it 50 went from being a day time hustler to an International rapper. His first record deal was Get Rich or Die Trying with Shady Records and was one of the biggest hip hop album of that time. Through Eminem he met Dr Dre and this was when 50 was signed a 1 Million Dollar Record Deal. He was 28 year's old. I take my hat of to the man he knew what he wanted and he went out and grabbed it with both hands not only that he grew and became more creative building an empire for himself. His I don't give a F@%K attitude, I mean the guy was shot 9 times and to look at him you couldn't tell, to overcome that it takes a strong mind. He had this business man type way of thinking and he soared and excelled in everything he did. 50 gives out just as much as he recieves, as his name soared he gave opportunities for others for example look at G Unit. He built an entire enterprise that has generated over $100 Million in retail sales that is pneomanal. He has generated Billions in record sales and built a successful brand that continues to do well. He has recently taken a back seat from his rapping career to concentrate on his Tv shows such as Power and BMF. He once rapped the lyrics money makers rule the world and he has proven that time and time again. He is enjoying the royalties of his life and he does not care what anyone says about it. His brutal honesty has earned him a tough reputation, he's looked up at as an idol similar to Micheal Jackson if not more. He has a mutual respect for eveything and always remains humble as he never forgets where he came from, he knows what hard times are he lived it. To go from a young kid aged 8 selling drugs to now having a net worth of $30 million at 45 years old, it used be $200 million but 50 made the descision to move assets around and his net worth dropped. Still not a bad pay cheque if you ask me, he is living the life he sought out to live. Just goes to show it don't matter where you come from if you believe in yourself and fight for what you believe in and grab it with both hands anything is possible. In my opinion 50 has done exceptionally well for himself and has the right attitude, his rewards of all his hard work is evident to see and it continues to grow and inspire generations of people. If my son came to me and said I want to be like 50 cent I would be okay with that, he currently follows the law. he inspires to do well and executes it to a T... yeah I'd be okay with that. 5o cent has done so much its impossible to list them all, one thing for sure he knows what he's doing and does it well anyone learning from him are privilidged he has a lot to teach. I chose 50 Cent because he is everywhere and shares similar views to myself I wished I had his business head always wanted a ferrari. He gives back and helps charities even supplying meals for African people, helping to keep young boys off the street by providing opportunities for them the list goes on. He is living proof that hard times does not neccessary mean a hard life, it is what you make it and with sheer determination, will power and a business man attitude you have the foundation to build something spectacilar. I think 50 Cent was a perfect choice for this challenge as 50 proves you always have to challenge yourself and try and make a difference anyway he can, he is a positive role model and has a strong presence everywhere he goes. His story is inspirational and interesting, it is nice to see people go out and live their best life he deserves it. Stay safe my friends. Peace.
By Michelle King3 years ago in Beat
“How Will I Know” if it’s Healthy or Toxic Love? Whitney Houston Lyrics Answer This Question
Whitney Houston Photo credits goes to this Flickr user. The heart and background image are added. Next year, Feburary 11, 2022, will mark the 10th anniversary of Whitney Houston's death. In year nine since her passing, I'm celebrating her as a human being who loved and desired to be loved in return.
By Julie "US Writer" Anne 3 years ago in Beat
A Tribute
When we think about strong black women trailblazing the music industry, what names come to mind? Patti, Aretha, Whitney, Mariah, Lauryn, Alicia, Beyoncé, Sade (in no particular order). But there’s a group of female artists who receive far less attention; song writers, backup vocalists, even less—, producers. What about the group of women who will never get recognized and written into album thank you’s, or end-scene movie credits?
By Sarah K. Davis3 years ago in Beat