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BRPP Magazine:
Special “INK” Edition
BOOM!!! BOOM!!! “I refuse to go quietly. I refuse to let them get the best of me...” Crow
Have a dream of becoming a published author? Need a no non-sense publishing company that is only interested in putting your work out there with style and class and no drama? Then make sure to contact us @...
www.blaqraynpublishingplus.org or blaqrayn2012@gmail.com
ATTENTION: Readers, Indie Authors, Bloggers, Reviewers, Editors and anyone else that has a business in the Publishing Industry...
The anticipated publishing date is July 1st! Email me for details today!
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Indie Love Promotions has the promo opportunity of the year! For only $10 you can get a FULL PAGE ad in the Indie Love Promotions 2014 Indie Publishing Info Book! This book will be mailed and emailed to libraries, book stores, book clubs and other places around the world! Yes, we are going international! The book will be created in professional format with full graphics and editing! The left pages in the book will be full of info and tips for the Indie Author, the right pages will be ads!
Indielovepromo@gmail.com
Indie Love Promotions
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The New CD from Eric “Crow” Draven...his first in
over
featuring
a the
decade, much
acclaimed title track by the same name...
INK!
4/29/14
Tribute To INK Stained Hearts His ink spilled...traveling in rivulets through and around the cracks and crevices in my heart...dead cells lapping at the black gold like water sold to a man dying of thirst and lack...my blood ran black and congealed...it was finished, no more stories to tell...no more lines to scribe...the devil had bet and won the bribe...I was gone...lost in the deepest dark and alone...drifting to the cords of an unfamiliar song...not caring that the end was my own...then came the ink. "Drink it like oxygen" my Soul spake from far away... "take and take until the beat revives and your intellect once again thrives..." My inner woman leaped with joy as the first beat pounded and resounded throughout my once living flesh...my unconscious mind woke to blink through the pain...searching the fog till it found the ink stain that had beckoned...my body reckoned it was safe to feel but my mind restrained, "Is this really real?" Are we alive? Did we truly survive our ride to hell...awaiting the toll of the bell that would summon the soul to eternal rest? Did we really face death or was this some infernal test of faith and will? It was then that his ink was still and his words replaced the space the ink had filled. The sound of his syllables was like life to a dying me...my soul reaching out to embrace the smooth dialect...breaking free from the chains of neglect and circumstance...my battered heart saw a chance and took it...like a flight to paradise... book it...that tasty fish on the line...hook it...never hesitate beyond a glance...for life is precious and to be treasured...every moment stored and measured against the day when the storm shall surely come and try to take it all away. He spoke softly to my soul and the healing began...he spoke lovingly to my heart...�beat and live again�. For it was the pain of your passing and the hurt of your struggle that cried out to me, you see...it was my ink that first heard thee. Being bound by no distance or time, it raced to repair your breach and caress your mind...to reach deep inside where the true you resides and pour forth it's ever altering force. Since that day, I have truly been changed...my life and thoughts rearranged... transformed from all I thought was right and true. Daily into his words my teeth do sink...from the fount of his ink I drink, I drink...I Drink! Ms. Wordetry
Available at Online Retailers
Crow performing in Downtown Brooklyn
Featured Author K. C. BLAZE
K.C Blaze also known as K.C. Baylor is the author of three books including Platinum Dust (Part-One) Currently signed to Just Wright Publications. She has marked her entrance into the literary world with her award-winning site Urban Fiction News magazine.
With a degree in Psychology and her love of the written word. she has always known she wanted to write books that not only inspired but took her readers on a mental journey unlike any they've been on before. Not only does she write books that read like movies but she also uses music as a major component in her writing.
Raheim is the son of a dead man and the woman who killed him. He has deep seeded hatred towards his mother for kicking him out at age eleven simply for looking like his father. With a fierce determination not to end up like either of his parents, he runs from woman to woman in hopes of avoiding love and commitment until he runs right into the arms of the one woman made to love him.
One fateful night in a nightclub will leave Raheim running for his life and endangering the lives of those closest to him. Follow him on his path to forgiveness, redemption and what he hopes is a love made to last!!!
http://ow.ly/i/54R4E
GET YOUR COPY NOW!!!!
Faith vs Fear Peace and blessings be upon you my beloved brothers and sisters. I come to you in the name of JAH Rastafari, H.I.M. (His Imperial Majesty) Haile Selassie I, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah. Upon His coronation in 1930, He proclaimed: “I am the Father of all Afrikaans at home and abroad” The God of Ethiopia (Kush). The subject of this article is ‘Faith vs. Fear’. The conflict between these two human realities lay at the heart of the Afrikan Liberation Movement or the lack thereof.
Who or What is God? Whatever Force created the vastness of the Universe is beyond human comprehension. Humanity’s most ancient spiritual beliefs revolve around symbols meant to represent our creator’s attributes. Closer to human understanding, there is a Father God and a Mother Goddess and this union brought Kemet (ancient Egypt) to a height of civilization once considered to be The Kingdom of God on Earth. It is important to note that both God and Goddess had their Temples- ministered by Priests and Priestesses- these are who the Bible and Qur’an called angels. How many of us, since our cultural awakening, have wondered what catastrophe could have destroyed this Glory? Who or what was this Serpent- this fallen angelthis rebellious son of God who chose a foreign people (Adam and Eve) to be his own? To teach them that portion of the Mysteries pertaining only to the material world (Freemasonry)? This rebellion attracted even some of the Priests. The images of a devil with horns and tail (animal nature) and his demons along with images of angels with wings (spiritual nature) are the imaginations of artists and to create a perception that these are not the same manner of creature that we are. What made them gods is that they were intellectually and spiritually developed- in service to our Creator. In Genesis 3:22- when God says: “Behold- the man has become like one of us- to know good and evil…” Who is God talking to? The great Gods of Egypt (long before the Pharaohs) were Osiris/Ausar (Son of RA and their King), Isis/Auset (Daughter of Earth- Neter and Queen), Horus (their son and Prince), Toth (the Master Teacher)- the Greeks called him Hermes Trismegistus- and Set- the Serpent-god. It is this symbol of the Serpent that confuses modern scholars- it exists in all ancient cultures and might be best described as the lower mind- whose energies are driven by emotions. The conflict between the races is based on the Aryan tribes
Further confusion and fear comes from these devils using once sacred symbols to describe their domains (Man, Lion, Eagle and Bull). The first casualty of this conflict was the Mother Goddess- for the disciples of the Serpent felt the need to subjugate women in order to indoctrinate their children. Men wrote ‘sacred’ texts not only excluding the Mother Goddess but making Eve the scapegoat for the ‘Fall of Man’. The idea of a Divine feminine (the Womb) makes it impossible to create a new religion based on a male-dominated hierarchy. True Women’s Liberation is not to make her equal to fallen men- but to recognize the Divinity of Women (Afrikan women- the mothers of civilization) and her own teachings to the spiritual development of the daughters of the Goddess. Judaism, Islam and Christianity all claim the Prophet Abraham as their forebear (and what was his faith?). Yet, the written holy scriptures (Bible and Qur’an) are traced back to Moses- who got his story from Kemet- and that story began with a mysterious event that took place around 4,000 B.C. According to Kemetian Priests, they observed the disappearance of a certain star in the constellation Draco (the Dragon). All ancient civilizations read prophecy in the movement of the stars. This particular prophecy foretold the destruction of their civilization, the reign of serpent-kings (6,000 years of darkness), and the Rebirth of a God-King to restore civilization. This 6,000-year timetable became the Holy Bible. Nubia and Asia would be devastated by multiple invasions and wars- not only the first Pharaoh (Menes) leading an army into Kemet- but also the Aryan invasions of Assyria, Babylon, Persia and India- these are the wars spoken of in Genesis- and continued with the European and Arab invasions of Kush (Afrika).
Inside this conflict, was born Jesus of Nazareth- who is also given the title of Christ (The Anointed One). Some will debate about the pronunciation of his nameirrelevant. His spiritual lineage is related to Osiris and Isis (Ausar and Auset) and their son Horus. Another Son of god mentioned in the Bible is Melchizedek who met Abraham as a Priest of the Most High God. This lineage of Black gods also include the Pharaoh Akhenaton who tried to restore the belief in the One True God- whom they called RA- symbolized as the Sun. Jesus didn’t come to start a new religion. He continually validated Himself based on Mosaic Law. This connection to Moses and by extension- ancient Egypt- is a reference to His Father- God (many names). While He lived, the Roman empire claimed that their Caesar (Titus) was the God-king and the Hebrews were afraid of his armies. They were allowed to keep their religion (like today’s Christians )- but Jesus claiming to be the Son of God come to restore the fallen Kingdom was a threat to Roman authority. It must be noted that the elite (preachers and teachers) rejected Him- and He was betrayed and handed over by His own people. What hangs on that cross is a symbol of a dead Black god- crucified because His people were afraid to accept Him as King. Once again, to validate their own authority, Aryans/Caucasians/Europeans hide themselves behind the Vatican and their churches- all the confusion in the Christian world is because of all the death and destruction brought with European kingdoms invading the non-white world- backed by the Church. Atheism and agnosticism is a rebellion of white Christianity. We have a chance again with Rastafari- I can only ask you to search for the truth yourself- we don’t seek converts. I am not the only one utterly convinced that he is the Son of God we were waiting for. Our re-awakening began with Him being crowned Emperor in Ethiopia- the only Afrikan nation never colonized by Europe. There are many who are familiar with these teachings- but it seems either they serve our enemies- or out of fear, choose to remain silent. Our people suffer from a lack of knowledge about the forces that shaped this modern world. They hear whispers and rumors about ‘The Illuminati’ and fear makes them forget their faith. Islam is a touchy subject regarding Afrikan liberation because Egypt, Libya and Sudan continue to be victimized by Arab racism. If Afrikan/Black Muslims can accept the idea of gods (i.e.- the Nation of Islam), then perhaps there can be some unity between Black Christians and black Muslims and for that matter Black Jews. We are Afrikan before anything else- and must be rooted in our faith to battle against all the strategies (including military) of the disciples of the Serpent. For those of you who wonder whether or not the war ended with Jesus dying for uswonder why he would have to return.
True Christians (Rastafarians included) must have our churches once again rooted in the traditions of Kush and Kemet (the ‘20’s and ‘30’s but was interrupted by WWII.) We need a re-connect with our Black Father God and Black Mother Goddess- and the lifting of every voice must be so overwhelming that any brother or sister failing to join us- would die of shame. Before any weapon is raised, conquering our fear to be empowered by our faith lay at the heart of our revolution. This is what our enemies are truly afraid of.
Aquarius Khan April 15, 2014
TANNON ROYALT MILLER
Street eyez Photography
"Terrain" & Danial Kla$$ic Peru
My name is Tannon RoyalT Miller I'm a native of MI, presently residing in Grand Haven, MI and I have been photographing people, places and things since I was 8. I have seen the view of my immediate environment and many people, places and things across the country, through the lens of a camera. Growing up impoverished, I used photography as a way to escape the harsh realities of many obstacles. I began to photograph professionally in 2007, beginning a series of shots of graffiti throughout the cities I had traveled to beginning with Detroit, MI...progressing into further cities such as Scottsdale, AZ.,Phoenix, AZ., Tuscan, AZ., Lake Havesu, AZ., Parker, AZ., Victoria, TX., Houston, TX., Irvine, TX., Austin, TX, San Antonio, TX., Corpus Christi, TX., Hoboken, NJ., New York City, San Bernadino, CA., while filling in the gaps in several suburbs, deserts, villas, and small towns throughout.
Tannon and Luna
My first book called "Reflections" available for purchase in hard back form or download, is a compilation of shapes, grades, texture, and color; capturing many aspects of the environment around us that we tend to overlook. So if you will, sip on your favorite drink, nibble on your favorite snack and let yourself imagine being a midst the sites, sounds, and savory scenery as you "C tha world thru MY Artistic Twisted Eye" More of my work seen upon request...
Photographs by Street Eyez Photography
Crow wows the crowd in Texas in March 2013
Featured Poems of the Month My Muse She came to me in a dream An angel dressed in white What is the matter my son Your voice has gone silent I cannot write My muse is gone I have no words My ink is cold She was my rock My Gibraltar A life line A port in any storm She was my biggest fan
Author /Poet Anthony Arnold
My ardent supporter She would tell anyone These words came from my son Your words are needed Your faith in your people A beacon of hope A life an example Who am I to speak out? To criticize injustice
Our Star
To educate anyone To bring ancestors to life If one is touched If one is enlightened If one is helped Your task is done Looking at the angel With tears falling Who am I to speak? How do I express my heart? With a smile that brightened the heavens And a voice that rang with music She took my hand and said My son you already have RIP my muse Marolyn Martin 1942-2014
Šaa2014
I Was Your Flower~ I was your flower
you found me
there I was for you in the rise of the morning you kissed me desire. For you wanted me as much I wanted you you had that way even I flirted with you so you caught my heart. You caught me by surprise when you be the one to place special beautiful flower to place along side of hair make me smile. You call me your special Rose how I was radiant just as beautiful as in always you look into my eyes.
Your words became the collections that felt kept close into my hearts always you are my special love that I embraced now. I'll be your flower you be that Man who love given who makes me happy now kiss me again yes. I'm Your Flower~! Let me give you that same look that took you to come to me brought life back into my life that here to stay.
Author/Poet Rosalind Cherry
MAMAS MAKIN’ MOVES MAMAS MAKIN’ MOVES is a monthly column by Tiffany D. Glover a.k.a. Jayne Phlow, that spotlights mothers making moves in the community and in their careers. Now, not ALL of the women featured are MOTHERS, but they are STILL hot MAMAS in their own right and deserve their piece of the limelight as well. This column will do something that we, as women, should ALWAYS strive to do among ourselves, and that’s LOVE on each other.
Jayne aka Tiffany Since I didn’t have an interview lined up this month with a MAMA who’s MAKIN’ MOVES, I decided to pen an article about something that seems to be near and dear to ALL of our hearts: SOCIAL MEDIA. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Foursquare, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Yahoo, Gmail, Vine, Skype, OoVoo, Kik…..ALL of it. Most of us have profiles on at least ONE of these pages and some of us may be set up on ALL of them. The question is, what exactly are we using our pages for? Are we being productive, or are we simply wasting our time trying to stay in the know with what everybody else is doing, which is, sadly, probably wasting time too? Speaking from experience, I can honestly say that I killed A LOT of my brain cells when I first came on Facebook back in 2009. Initially, I didn’t even WANT a Facebook page, but I finally gave in and allowed my homie /brother/friend to go on and set my page up for me and oooooohhh BOY! It was ON and poppin’! I started building up my friends list, taking pictures for my profile
pic and photo albums, started “liking” and commenting on every single post from just about every single person and even had me a little farm going on on Farmville for a while. Throughout my first year on the “Book,” my friends list grew because you know, QUANTITY is everything; I started joining groups so that everybody could see that I was a part of SOMETHING whether I actively participated or not, and I made sure that I was never too far away from all of the “goings-on” on there because who really wants to be THAT person that doesn’t know what’s happening at ALL times? So basically from 2009, up to approximately the middle of last year, my time spent on Facebook was literally time wasted. So around July of last year, with the big 4-0 quickly and steadily sneaking up on me in February, I knew it was time for me to make a HORRENDOUS shift in my focus. I was already a member of a highly productive women’s networking group, Low Country Women of Color, on meetup.com, and it opened the door for me to join other networking groups, like the Charleston Power Connection
and the Charleston Travelers. These groups presented me with the opportunities to travel, participating in various networking events and activities across the city and beyond and eventually forced me to reevaluate my current circle of “friends” by choosing to surround myself with more productive sisters and brothers who were using their Facebook pages for what I should’ve ALWAYS been using it for: NETWORKING. From October 2013 up until now, I have gotten more use out of my Facebook page than I EVER have because I actually spend LESS time on there than I EVER have. As a now published author and working spoken word artist, I use my page to not only promote my book but to advertise any and all events I may be performing in. Now yes, I do TRY to stay on top of all of the events going on in and around town, as many random conversations as possible and even some juicy “gossip” here-and-there; but for the most part, these days, I miss A LOT, and I’m not necessarily upset about it either. Sometimes it really does bother me when my notifications ding on my phone because as much as I would LOVE to sit there and respond to every single post or pic that I’m tagged in, I know how easy it is to get “stuck” for the next two hours
how easy it is to get “stuck” for the next two hours responding to those notifications. Before you know it, half of the day is gone and you haven’t done a THING you were supposed to because you’ve been in and out of your inbox all day. Yes, you most definitely feel like one of the “popular kids” because you’ve got everybody wanting a little piece of you, but at the same time, if you’re giving all of your little pieces away, what do you have left to do what needs to be done? By no means am I telling any of you to shut down your social media accounts because I can almost guarantee that none of you would do that anyway. What I AM saying though is, as with everything else we latch on to in this world, we need to practice some form of moderation. Whether we only allot an hour a day to all things social media or whether we save it all til the weekend, we have to gain control over the time we spend mindlessly scrolling through our news-feeds or re-tweeting everything that we think will set our page on fire. Staying “in-the-know" IS detrimental to keeping you alive in the social media world, but it can be murder to your reality, or lack thereof.
If you have questions/comments to or concerning any of our articles or you would like to submit a topic for discussion, please submit them to
our
@
blaqrayn.001@gmail.com
and
thank you for your continued support! The BRPP MAG STAFF
Featured Books of the Month Urban fiction Author Treasure Blue does it again with this 5 Star Banger telling “Rain’s Story”, another phenomenal character in his powerful arsenal. Available at all online retailers and from Treasure Blue himself!
“Rat Hunters”, one of Bebo’s best offering to the world of Urban Lit is hard-hitting, fast-paced and a 5 star winner, as you would expect nothing less from this fascinating and original Author. Make sure to check him out wherever good books are sold!!!
Author Jayne Phlow brings us this gripping book of poetry that speaks from her Soul and from the souls of countless women AND men dealing with real life issues. This, her first offering to the literary world, is amazing and we eagerly anticipate what she will gift to us next!!! Available at online retailers.
“The Search for Substance” is Eric “Crow” Draven’s 4th book of poetry and he simply tells it like it is. His poetry almost reads like an urban fiction novel and wraps you in his soul and his journey as you read his words. If you have ever found yourself searching for substance, purpose and meaning in life then this book is for you and about YOU!!! All Crow’s works of poetic art can be found wherever books are sold!!!
Featured Poet Jason G. Pierce
Jason G. Pierce was born in Gary Indiana and attended LSU, where he earned his degree in anatomy. He’s currently in the air force. He currently resides in Lancaster CA. Multi faceted, Jason practices massage, kickboxing and DJ s in his spare time. His favorite quote of "acceptance is failure" will always drive him forward in being a well rounded individual.
Jason G. Pierce
His current work derives from pure unbridled emotion. Like a raw nerve he reacts only to what he perceives. Which wrought the creation of his 1st book "Bordello of the Subconscious." Depth in every line. Emotion in every phrase. Jason is a master of erotic writing!
He pens as Brandon Heat/Arik Frost
J.G. Pierce
Crow gets a taste of history in Savannah GA.
It Was On My Mind
Illusion of Success Muhjahid Qahhar It seems the higher we rise on the economic scale, the more reasons we find not to have children. The more education we garner, the more excuses we make to not have children. Really, there is a peculiar logic that seems to accompany what is being taught to our people in college that somehow shines a positive light on black people not reproducing. It has become acceptable for the career driven black woman or man to hold off on breeding until they're in their late thirties, even early forties. This is even encouraged, people marrying their career. I understand the concept of it, but it is hardly African. This manner of thinking was adopted, it was not native to us. What is so ironic about it all is the fact of the so-called successful, educated ones among us are the very people who need to be reproducing. You all are the people who have the most to offer our children. You're smart, disciplined, driven...but in many cases not very intelligent. Knowing that 2+2=4 is smart. Understanding the power of numbers and how to make them work scientifically is intelligent. On the contrary, those of us on the lowest end of the economic and educational scale seem to have no problem breeding. We're spitting out babies left and right while being criticized by the black intellectual for...in my opinion, keeping our race alive, though that is not what they call it. Let them tell it, many of us shouldn't be having children. We're not fit to do so, and that may be so.
Lebron James' mother was probably not fit
Lebron James' mother was probably not fit to be having children, but she was woman enough to let him live and come into this world. Look at where her boy is now, all because she gave him a chance at life. Not a fair chance, not even a decent chance, just a chance. It is really simple arithmetic, Ethiopia and Somalia understood it. Years ago when they would show us the images on TV of Ethiopians starving, bellies swollen, walking the dry, parched land, looking like there was no tomorrow, I would always wonder, why do they continue having children when they clearly have no future to offer them? Decades later I realized that if they would have stopped breeding, they might not be here today. They couldn't wait around for the perfect conditions to have a child, it was about survival. And here we are crying about we don't have a big enough house, I'm not earning enough money yet, I haven't earned my Masters yet, I'm not where I want to be in my career yet...Meanwhile, our race is falling apart, and the only reason we're even still here is because of those among us who are not scared to have children no matter their circumstances; 50% of viable, black pregnancies end in abortion. As a black person, it requires a lot to just make it into this world today, and even more to survive unscathed. In a nutshell, this message is dedicated to our educated, career minded, successful black folks. HAVE SOME DAMN CHILDREN. Have as many as you can. Bring them into a loving, structured, nurturing environment. Give them a real shot at a future...or otherwise keep your mouth off of those among us who are at least selfless enough to reproduce. Shout out to the parents, good or bad, because of you, at the very least, black people will always be around.
Muhjahid Qahhar
John D. Green Sr. His Movies...His Music...His Rise John D. Green Sr. was born May 14, 1971 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the 2nd youngest of 10 children, 5 boys and 5 girls born to Geraline Green a loving, hard-working disciplinarian. As a small child he moved to the South West side of Detroit where he spent many years in childhood cultivating his love for music. Even in early childhood, John was captivated by the choir at catholic school, the street corner do-wop singers, the glee club and the sounds coming from his older siblings radios. Of course the biggest influence was watching his mother and her sisters playing on the piano and singing.
John was in band, glee-club, and Ms. Champion's Dance Club. He played the Clarinet in Band (not very well, he adds). His cousin, Raphael Bonner spent a lot of time with Pastor Davies at Mount Abram Missionary Baptist Church. Raphael used to take him to the pastors home where the cousins were allowed to play the upright acoustic piano and Hammond B 3 Organ. At that time John's cousin told him that he should start putting together the pieces of his creations to make songs. High School was a different story, a whole new direction for him. In his high school years he didn't spend time working on music in school. His music "education" came from hanging out in the parks, hitting the different clubs and experiencing music from the streets. It was a life shaping experience. Music was everywhere. There were so many different influences, nationalities and genres, which helped influence his sound. Detroit was alive with music. That is when he joined his first group, "Total Control" which consisted of his cousin Raphael, and a young lady named Violanda Mccuuin. They wrote a lot and they practiced a lot, but they spent more time writing and practicing then they did performing.
An earliest childhood memory, he tells of a time when his mother left the home to go visit her sisters. He was hanging out with some friends but couldn't control the temptation to play the forbidden Steinway piano and decided to bang away on the keys. As he was playing and singing, he neglected to notice the room got awfully quiet, it was too late, his mom, who strictly played gospel music, was standing behind him with a "its whoopin time" face on. The direction of his music career would change at that moment, when she told him to move over to the higher 88s and started playing boogie woogie with him. Who was this woman sitting next to him? At that time she had just been his mom, a lover of God and gospel music and there she was playing Jerry Lee Lewis "Great Balls of Fire" with him. That was the start of the creation of the man he would come to be.
This and many more experiences have shaped and molded this young man into the musical performer and composer that he is today. But like life's lessons are ongoing, so is music and creation and evolution's lessons. He is ever growing-ever experiencing - ever evolving. Article and interview by: Tannon RoyalT Miller
1. ROYALT: What are your future plans in this industry? JOHN: To work behind the scenes composing music for radio and film. 2. ROYALT: If you could choose a single artist from the past to work with, who would it be?, and what do you think you would gain by working with them? JOHN: Scott Joplin -- ex-trone discipline of focus and music perfection. 3. ROYALT: What has been the most fulfilling part about your career thus far?, and how has it impacted your life? JOHN: Composing, Arranging, and performing with my son, music that has reached the world; its been such a bonding experience, growing together as musicians. 4. ROYALT: Is there someone specific that keeps you focused and pushing you through rough times? like, for instance, moments that seem like your dream won't become a reality? How are they making a difference in your life now? JOHN: My Wife, Children, and grand children, they always have something positive and uplifting to say when I'm feeling less than motivated... lol 5. ROYALT: What is the most difficult obstacle you have faced pursuing your career?, and what did you do to overcome this obstacle? JOHN: Maintaining originality and staying true to what feels right in my sound. society's idea of a "hit"
NOT, conforming to
6. ROYALT: If you weren't pursuing a career in music, what would be your chosen profession? JOHN: Fire Fighting 7. ROYALT: If there was one thing you could change about this industry, what would it be?, and how do you think that change would make things better? JOHN: I would get rid of the, "Who you Know" factor... and hopefully, it would be about the music and not just who is getting backed and promoted. 8. ROYALT: (When asked these two Questions, John just kinda laughs to himself and drops his head as to let me know that he would just rather keep the answers to these two close to the chest... Not, to say that he is doing anything bad... but just to keep this part of his life to himself... ) JOHN: 9. ROYALT: JOHN: 10. ROYALT: Do you have any, "shout-out"/ or, announcements you would like to share? JOHN: Mrs. Ruby Roberts, My no.1 supporter and dear friend... "Much Love Ruby!"
John D. Green Sr.
MUSICIAN
PERFORMER
The
Actor
Song by Song Review of CD Review of each song in CD order: Don’t let the track titles fool you...u have no idea until you actually hear each song in its entirety! Son of Frankenstein: In this initial track, Crow begins his journey from his beginning...his father. Believe me, the man was no Frankenstein but he was a giant and his song pays him homage as only a son can. With a forceful, powerful music composition, you feel every word! Shepherd in Boys Town: A man that has pretty much seen it all and done a lot of it shares wisdom and a word of encouragement with the young men in his life without judgment but with a heavy word of warning to take heed to those who have “been there...done that...” Tifini Lewis is on vocals; the music slows and mellows a bit because in this particular piece, the message is of the utmost importance. Fairytales: Hip Hop vibe for real! This track is all the evidence you will ever need of Crow’s genius with a pen! Really??? To take the nursery rhymes and stories we all heard and read as children and in some cases are now sharing with our children and word them to apply to the hardships and struggles of life in the hood...BRILLIANT!!! 2 Late: When you listen to this track, pay attention to the drumming in the music...sometimes in order to survive, we must learn to march to the beat of a different drummer! Crow gives us a glimpse into his world of Social work. At times in life, no matter what we do we cannot save those around us, so please take heed before it’s too late. These Hands: Again, who would think to do a piece and put it to such dramatic and dynamic music about “hands”, but these two (The Legend Nathan P and Crow) did it and Wow did they do it! I can’t lie, I had to look at my hands and remember all the good, bad, wonderful and not so wonderful things they have touched and done. Talk about a song taking you on a walk down memory lane! INK: The title track of the CD and such a cosmic song, in that at the moment you began listening, it takes you out of yourself to whatever place you need to be. It’s a song that opens the imagination like a door and welcomes you to come and explore all possibilities. The music is so reminiscent of old school classics, Vida McWhite really does her thing on this track and Crow’s words...his voice strokes every syllable like a gentle lover...it simply takes you there! Beautiful: The Latin feel with that d*^m guitar is so freaking hot!!! Ladies, he did this one just for us! If you have ever had a second of doubt about your power as a woman, ever lacked that necessary self-confidence or sense of self-worth; ever dealt with jealousy or envy to the point where you just wanted to give up and give in? If you answered yes to anyone of these questions, this is the song for you!!! Crow does what he does and does it like no one else...remind you of just how Beautiful you really are!!! Unapologetic: The music on this track has a very spiritual feel with the Lord’s Prayer and Kiera singing the children’s good night prayer I recited as a child and taught to my children...this song is a celebration of life. You can connect with it because of its simplicity, yet the message is so clear. Live your life to the fullest and make no apologies because at the end of the day...the memories are all that linger. Talk To Me: Crow allows us an exclusive look at himself through his own eyes as he talks to Crow. The music is very gentle and uplifting...his words give us a glimpse into his life from birth until now. He trust us enough to let us see the real Eric “Crow” Draven as he finally takes a look inside himself...as he looks on the good, the bad, the ugly and the Great...for all his Greatness shines in these 9 songs and I am blessed to have been given the pleasure of hearing them. Thank you Crow
Poetry Author/Spoken Word Artist of the Year
NOMINEE
Crow and Nathan P. at the Official Release Party for INK CD April 29, 2014