I have been suffering from NBA withdrawal…these last four days have been rough with no game to watch on TV. But the day is upon us; the Finals are here!

The Lakers versus the Celtics…Black Mamba vs. Jesus Shuttlesworth…who you got?

Basketball owns a piece of my heart. The excitement of the game, the personalities, the rivalries…I love it. It is the epitome of a team sport; no one man is bigger than the team. KB has finally realized that, and with that lesson has come recognition of him as the league’s MVP finally. I don’t necessarily agree with it, but I can’t sleep on his skills. I’m not one of those haters who wish to diminish what he brings to the game…I just don’t like dude’s personality. I think he’s a whiner, and he caused a big enough ruckus in L.A. to get what he wanted. And get it he did. He now has the team that he wants, and to show his appreciation, he has had a helluva season. Now he is out to prove that he can win a championship without Shaq, and if we are real with ourselves, he is likely to do so.

But I’m a betting chick, so I’m going with the Celtics. There is always a Cinderella team, a snowball’s chance in hell that they will win, so I’m hoping for that. I’ve watched KG since he was drafted by Minnesota in 1995. There was something about this tall ass, skinny ass, black dude who could get down. I watched in frustration as year after year, Minnesota kept getting bounced from the playoffs. I watched Kevin’s face in all those games and watched him try to hide his emotions with little luck. When it came down to leaving Minnesota, I like the other fans who loved him, revered him, understood his decision and didn’t hold it against him. We wanted KG to have what he deserved: a ring; and knew that moving to Boston was maybe the best way for him to get it. It did my heart good to see the warm reception he received in Minnesota when Boston returned to play there after the trade. Even though I think that KG is the key to Boston’s success, it is going to take more than him to get this done. Paul Pierce is going to have to show up like he did against LeBron James in the Conference Semi-Finals, and Im’ma need to see Jesus Shuttlesworth put on a show, raining threes from all over the floor.  It’s going to take all of them to bounce KB and ‘nem from the party…it’s a tough task, I know…but dreamer’s always have dreams.

Her voice is hypnotizing…as you listen, you are taken to a place of calm and pure enjoyment. Quietly, Ms. Lalah Hathaway has established herself as a stellar artist, one who’s music you can count on to deliver something worth listening to.

On her new release, “Self Portrait,” Ms. Lalah uses her smooth, husky voice to enchant you with songs that speak to your heart. The music is laid-back and non-intrusive, and allows you to relax your mind and flow with it. If you are looking for something to put on as you are riding in the car, or reading a book, or just sitting and thinking, this is it. Hell, just put it on and do whatever…it’s good.

I can’t even pick a set of favorite tracks; they are all worth listening to. Ms. Lalah does right on this CD…being the eldest daughter of Donny Hathaway, you knew that she would have music in her blood and it shows through. She has her own sound and her own image and does not lean on her dad’s name in any way…no, Ms. Lalah stands on her own and shines her own light brilliantly. Even if you are introduced to her because of her name, you will stay because of Lalah…she will satisfy your soul.

This is definitely one that you will want to Take A Listen to. I’ve been so turned off on new music lately, but it is music like this that gives me hope for the future of R &B…

video credit: originally uploaded to YouTube on May 19, 2008 by jarabanda

June is Black Music Month…I’ve been trying to think of a way to celebrate this and have just decided to post a song of the day, celebrating the many artists that contribute to the eclectic and wonderful array of music and talent that is Black music.

Black Music Month was signed into proclamation on May 31st, 2002, by President George W. Bush. It is imperative that we recognize the contribution of jazz and blues musicians, as well as other Black music icons who have heavily influenced not only the music world, but life as we know it. The music goes beyond just being music; it has evolved into fashion, language, and a culture that is undeniable.

Today, we begin with the indomitable Ray Charles…the video is in the sidebar…

Your suggestions are welcome…