5 Things That Make My Hotline Bling
There's no question that Drake's Hotline Bling is the most played song everywhere right now. I can't walk to the corner store without hearing the bass humming from a car driving down the street, or a ringtone disturbing the entire train. The song, in true Drake form, talks about an ex calling him for a night of lovemaking. Here, eh not so much. Hotline Bling is more of a metaphor, a bright idea. It's provocative, it get's the people going. (See what I did there? Watch the Throne reference. No? Okay.) Well, I'm learning that inspiration is all around us if we actually take the time to sit still and allow our inner being to listen. Here are five creative projects that are nothing short of pure motivation:
5. ET The Hip Hop Preacher (Motivational Speaker)
Everyone needs a little motivation every now and then. I'm one of those people where a simple talking to doesn't do it for me. I need someone to yell at me to get it together, and that's exactly why I love Eric Thomas also known as ET the Hip Hop Preacher. Every Monday he posts a video he titles TGIM (Thank God It's Monday) where he motivates viewers to embrace the week and put their best foot forward. A friend put me on to him a few years ago, and I've been a fan ever since. I often equate being a writer to an athlete. The intensity and discipline required to be great is similar. Although the video isn't part of the TGIM series, it's one of my favorites. On the days where I'm not motivated, I watch this video then give myself an additional pep talk. I hope it has the same effect for you. Please feel free to explore more of Eric Thomas' content.
4. Stages: A Short Film (via Issa Rae Production channel on YouTube)
I am a huge fan of web series and films that are directed, written, produced, and played by African-Americans. It's rare that we see art of that caliber make it mainstream. YouTube has become my source of inspiration as well as countless hours spent watching new content. Actress and writer Issa Rae, who built a strong following with her Youtube web series The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, offers her channel as a platform to help other series develop a fan-base. The show First, which is similar to a modern day Love Jones, is a must-watch. The production team from the series recently released the short film Stages. The film explores the complex emotional stages a man deals with after a recent break up. A perspective that we don't often see. Actor Will Catlett, who also plays the main love interest in First is also the main character in this short film. He's easily becoming one of my favorite actors. His range is impeccable. It won't be long before we see him on the big screen. Check out the short film above. Be sure to spread the word.
3. Sugar by Bernice McFadden
I'm asked for book recommendations all the time and currently this is one of my top picks. I had the pleasure of hearing author Bernice McFadden discuss her book Loving Donovan at a reading earlier this year with author Terry McMillan. I read it and immediately fell in love with her style of writing. The first sentence of Sugar punches the reader right in the gut. "Jude was dead." This novel explores two characters who are generations apart, suffered lost, but somehow manage to fight their way through life. Their unexpected friendship is what I find most intriguing. Sugar is an alluring 30-year-old young woman who started turning tricks at age 12. She is the definition of liberal. Ms. Pearl is a 60-year-old bible toting conservative who has suffered the lost of her daughter and frowns upon Sugar's prostitution. Despite their differences, they find they both have something to offer the other. I don't know if my description does the story justice. McFadden's writing is so captivating that I didn't want the book to end. Please click the book cover above and read for yourself.
2. Being Mary Jane Season 3
Being Mary Jane is my favorite show currently on air. Writer Mara Brock Akil has such strong character development that it immediately resonates with her audience. I know Mary Jane Paul, I've worked with her, I've admired her, who knows one day I may be a fragment of her. I love how MJ engages in debates with the beautifully flawed characters around her about balancing love, ambition, and economic upward mobility. The show also uses its platform to touch on important social issues. Last week was an extremely intense episode about depression and suicide. Two topics we tend to gloss over, especially in the black community. I'm completely invested in the show. Make sure you tune in every Tuesday night at 10/9c on BET.
Honorable Mention: Actress Loretta Devine is guest starring this season in a complex role. She's phenomenal! I have to remind myself that it's a show and I love her in real life! lol. Jill Scott will also guest star later this season. Be sure to click the Twitter icon below to follow and tweet with me during the show. #BeingMaryJane
1. Ta-Nehisi Coates writes Black Panther series for Marvel
Author Ta-Nehisi Coates has teamed up with Marvel to write a new take on the Black Panther series. I can't say that I'm a huge comics fan, but this is one series that I'll be tuned in for. Earlier today he tweeted that a picture that insinuates he's finished writing for the super hero. The combination of Coates hard-hitting views about what it means to be black in America in form of a superhero character? Yes please! Even though the Black Panther character isn't new to the Marvel family, the new contemporary perspective is sure to be innovative. Coates' book Between The World and Me, released earlier this year, captivated me in a way that I've never felt before. His honesty was refreshing and it helped me better understand the world around me. It definitely makes my list of books I have to re-read every year. If you haven't already, I strongly recommend it. As for the Black Panther series, it is slated to begin next spring.
