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That time I met Ms. Susan L. Taylor.

Happy Birthday to the legendary Ms. Susan L. Taylor. Years ago I had the opportunity to meet the former editor-in-chief of ESSENCE magazine, Susan L. Taylor, at my alma mater, Fort Valley State University. She was so kind and spoke about the importance of mentoring and taking care of  your mind, body, and soul. The other day I was going through some old emails and stumbled across the notes I wrote down years ago when she spoke and I felt like sharing them with you all because they are still relevant today.

  • Sometimes you have to shut up and listen.
  • When you wake up in the morning smile and thank God.
  • Be a lifelong learner. College is about exploring.
  • Be personal and write handwritten thank you notes. Call people and remember birthdays.
  • Be kind to your parents.
  • Fire your inner critic who says what people say.
  • Know how to accept constructive criticism that can help you, not knock you down.
  • Read more books and expand your vocabulary.
  • Watch the company you keep.
  • Learn how to be your own best friend.
  • Your body is a temple: Before you sleep with someone think about them being stuck in your life forever.
  • Someone should love you for who you are.
  • Have a ten minute quiet time. (NO computer, NO music, NO phone)
  • Life is change don’t be an empty vessel.
  • If you do not know your history, you do not know who you are.
  • People judge you on your grammar and speech.
  • Elders need to know when to let young generations take reign.
  • The song “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is a powerful song with meaning and paved the way for us now. Lets not take it for granted.
  • Everyone is not a Christian or your religion, have tolerance.
  • Anything that is known is knowable.
  • You are a divine original and have a unique life.
  • Everything in magazines and pictures are edited and Photoshopped.
  • Celebrities and models have flaws and problems..
  • Exercise 20 minutes a day, be healthy, not necessarily a certain body size.]
  • Love Yourself first.
  • Have walk on water faith.
  • Mentor to young children in your community and help them with their reading skills.
  • Sometimes you can physically be here, but mentally elsewhere, so take one thing at a time.
  • Every time you are drunk or high you are eroding brain cells.
  • Know who you are and dream big.
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Chill Mix II

This RnB Chill Mix Playlist featuring a variety of newer and older artists is also available below on Spotify; on Apple Music (click here) and on Tidal (click here).

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Usher

Some people on Twitter started a debate about which R&B singer is better? Chris Brown or Usher? In my opinion vocally Usher is the winner! He’s been a star since he was a teenager in the 90’s til now in 2021. Usher performed on stage with Michael Jackson and helped pave the way for other male R&B stars like Chris Brown. I think Chris Brown is a great performer and dancer, but recently I haven’t heard him sing without auto tune. Also, Usher does not have an abuse track record. Anywhoo, Longevity, dance moves, and good music clearly makes Mr. Usher Raymond the winner! Click the link below to hear the Usher Playlist on Spotify and click here for Apple Music and here for Tidal.

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Travel and Concert Ticket Tips

I still daydream about being in Greece and 🏊🏾‍♀️ swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, eating authentic gyros, and seeing history. I feel blessed to have had these experiences and want to share some travel tips. **FYI- Some of these tips were applicable before the 2020 pandemic.

Santorini, Greece Summer 2016
Travel and Concert Tips on my YouTube Channel
  • Have an open mind and be open to trying new foods and experiences.
    • Ask, research, and Google various legitimate travel groups and payment plan programs where you can pay 💰 for your trip in installments.
  • For concerts sign up to your favorite artists fan club website or use certain entertainment credit cards because they usually offer presale codes or preferred seating.
  • If you travel within the U.S. frequently invest in TSA pre-check, so you can skip and don’t have to stand in the lines as long as others. It’s $85, but last five years.
    • Get a passport from your local post office at least 3 months before your trip. If you already have one make sure it’s not close to expiring because you may need to renew it.
    • Understand the culture and customs and laws of the place you’re traveling to. What you can do in the USA you may not be able to do in whatever country and what’s considered “normal” in the USA may be “abnormal” overseas and vice-versa.
    • Get a visa depending on what country you’re traveling to.
    • Know where the U.S. Embassy is and sign up for their alerts etc.
    • Google or watch YouTube videos of common phrases, courtesy, and sayings in the country.
    • If you’re in college go to your foreign language department or ask about study abroad programs and scholarship requirements.
    • Have an up to date shot/vaccination record.
    • For safety purposes do NOT post your exact location on social media until AFTER you get back.
    • Travel off season. If somewhere is crowded or more expensive in the summer try going during another part of the year.
    • Call your bank and credit card provider to let them know you’ll be out of the country.
    • Call your cell phone company to establish an international phone plan.
  • For more information click here to listen to “The As-I-Amber Podcast” on Spotify and Apple Podcasts by clicking here.
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Whitney Houston: We Will Always Love You!

Whitney Houston’s self-titled debut album from 1985 is still a classic. Whitney’s voice was everything! It has been 10 years since the singer-actress passed away. Whitney didn’t have to distract audiences with flamboyant sets, dance routines, and costumes she just sang. It’s very rare that a performer can just rely on vocals and personality to emotionally captivate an audience in song and film. Whitney, like lots of other people had her share of struggles, just displayed on camera. It’s bittersweet, because she was on a comeback. However, Whitney’s legacy will most definitely be her vocal range and ability to sing every genre from Gospel to Pop. People forget that “I Will Always Love You” was a country song, written and originally performed by country star, Dolly Parton and “I’m Every Woman” was originally performed by R&B diva, Chaka Khan .Whitney paid respect to other female vocalists, but her version of the song is what people of a certain age usually think of first. I will always remember where I was when I found out about the deaths of Michael Jackson, Aaliyah, and now Whitney Houston. I remember being at a college basketball game and everyone started looking at their phones thinking it was a cruel internet joke, but it wasn’t. I remember going to my dorm room and crying on the phone to my momma and watching CNN and going on YouTube to listen to her musical catalog.

Whitney’s debut on vinyl from my Daddy’s vinyl record collection.

When I was little my mother use to play Whitney’s music on cassette tape in the car all the time! I think their impact is different for various people, but I grew up listening to their music, singing their music around the house, and watching them on award shows and movies in the 90s. For young black girls growing up in the 90s, we didn’t have “Princess and the Frog”. “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella”; starring Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as “ The Fairy Godmother” was a “big deal”! Whitney Houston paved the way for other solo artists like Brandy, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, and Monica. There will never be another “Whitney Houston”, she will be forever missed by her family, friends, and fans.

Check out Singer Jade Novah’s Tribute. – Click here

Apple Music Playlist Click here:

Spotify Playlist below.

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Missy & Timbaland VS The Neptunes

These super producers have created some of the best songs from the 90s and the 2000s! I would love to see them in a Verzuz Battle. Here’s a playlist I created below on Spotify. Click here for Apple Music and click here for Tidal.

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Michael Jackson Playlist

It has been 14 years since Michael Jackson passed away. I’ll never forget when I heard the news on the radio as I was picking up my brother from baseball practice and all the pop and r&b stations started playing Michael Jackson’s 🎶 catalog. I had a chance to write about Michael’s song “Stranger in Moscow” from the HIStory album. Click here to read it. What are some of your favorite Michael Jackson songs or albums?

Check out my Michael Jackson playlist available below on Spotify and click here for Apple Music.

Spotify Users:

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Black Women in House Music

House music has been around for years, but often times the powerhouse voices singing the songs have been forgotten about. In honor of June being Black Music Month here’s a playlist featuring House Music from Black women.

Click below for Spotify and here for Apple Music and here for Tidal.

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The Donna Summer Musical and Documentary Review + Playlist

My friend Zac and I went to see the theatrical performance of “SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical” at The River Center in Columbus, Georgia back in January of 2022 and it was good!!! This is coming from someone who doesn’t really like musicals, but I liked some of the songs and learning about the life and times of the “Disco Queen.” The musical was about an hour and thirty minutes with no intermission and masks were required for audience members. The cast did a great job singing and portraying the different phases of her life. Also, the stage, set design, and lighting were nice too.

Donna Summer was a groundbreaking Grammy award-winning artist who paved the way for lots of women and broke barriers as a Black woman singing pop, electronic, and house music in the ’70s and ’80s. Born on December 31, 1948, LaDonna Adrian Gaines grew up one of seven children to a schoolteacher and butcher in Boston and sang at church growing up. As a teenager, Donna would skip school to go on auditions and eventually drop out of high school to do theater in New York. She eventually moved to Germany as a young adult to do theater there too and became fluent in the language.

The As-I-Amber Podcast also on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

While overseas in Europe Donna started recording demo records. In the 70’s one of the sensual and provocative songs she recorded overseas, “Love To Love You Baby”, became a smash hit at discos in the U.S. and around the world. The song was banned from some radio stations due to the sexual moaning in the song, but it was still a top hit. Eventually, Donna went on to get married and have three daughters and still make hit records like “Bad Girls,” “Hot Stuff”, and “She Works Hard for the Money”, which have been used in various films and commercials throughout the years.

The stage at The River Center before the musical started.

Donna battled with depression, domestic violence, racism, prejudice, sexism, and shady record deals, but found her faith in Jesus Christ to be her solace. In 2012, after battling cancer Donna Summer passed away, but her musical legacy and influence are felt throughout multiple generations. In later years younger artists such as Beyoncé went on to sample the song “Love To Love You Baby” in the 2003 hit single “Naughty Girl.”

Even if you’re not as familiar with Donna Summer’s music you’ve probably heard her songs before and didn’t realize she sang them. If you remember watching the film “Selena” starring Jennifer Lopez Donna Summer’s songs “On the Radio” and “Last Dance” were played in certain scenes in the film. I learned a lot from the musical and I think in the future there should be a Donna Summer biopic and actress-singer, Kelly Rowland, who has a striking resemblance to disco diva, should be cast as Donna.

Kelly Rowland on the left and Donna Summer on the right. They look alike!

In the meantime if you have a chance to see the musical in a city near you I recommend going! For more information go to https://thedonnasummermusical.com/tour Also, check out the #LovetoLoveYou documentary about Donna Summer’s life coming to HBO May 20, 2023.

Check out the Donna Summer playlists I have curated on Spotify & Apple Music below!

I have also created a Donna Summer Spotify playlist below. Click here for the playlist on Apple Music.

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Then & Now : 90’s Sitcom Actresses

Before “reality tv” and Instagram models took over our screens these actresses graced our televisions and magazines playing iconic roles from some of our favorite childhood shows. Whether you wanted to be the Pink Power Ranger on the playground or have your hair straightened like “Ashley Banks” these characters left a mark on us 80’s and 90’s babies. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and also see what these actresses are up to now.

  1. “Laura Winslow” was played by actress Kellie Shanygne Williams- Jackson best known for her role as “Steve Urkel’s” neighbor, classmate, and love interest on the ABC sitcom“Family Matters” and is now a wife, mother, producer, speaker, and philanthropist.
  2. “Topanga Lawrence” was the character “Corey Matthew’s” high school girlfriend on the ABC sitcom “Boy Meets World.” The character was played by actress Danielle Fishel. After the series ended she graduated from with a degree in Psychology from Cal State Fulerton and has reprised her role in the Disney Channel’s “Girl Meets World” and works behind the scenes in tv and is now a wife and mother.
  3. “Ashley Banks” from the NBC sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” played “Cousin Will’s” youngest cousin. She was played by actress and singer Tatyana Ali. After the series ended Tatyana’s 1998 debut album, “Kiss The Sky” went gold. She also graduated from Harvard University with a degree in African-American studies and government. Tatyana still acts, produces, sings, and is also a wife and mother.
  4. “Kimberly Hart/”The Pink Ranger” from FOX Kid’s “Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers” sitcom was played by actress Amy Jo Johnson. Amy Jo also starred in The Disney Channel Original Movie “Susie Q.” She is now a singer-songwriter and producer-director that lives in Canada.
  5. “Zaria Peterson” from Robert Townsend’s WB sitcom “The Parent’Hood” was the oldest and stylish daughter on the show. She always had the best hairstyles! After the series she married and had children and starred in different music videos such as T.I.’s “Whatever You Like” and Reuben Studdard’s “Sorry 2004″ More recently she was the voice of the cartoon character “Roberta Tubbs” on “The Cleveland Show” and is the voice of “Jenny & Kiki Pizza” on the Cartoon Network series “Steven Universe” and made an appearance as “Chantal” on The OWN Series, “Queen Sugar”.

6. “Tiffany Warren” the daughter on the NBC Sitcom “In the House” was played by actress and model Maia Campbell. After the series ended Maia went on to be in the music video for Tyrese’s “Sweet Lady” and films like “Trippin” and “Seventeen Again.” More recently Maia appeared on the reality series “Iyanla Fix My Life” a few years ago to get some guidance with her battles with drug addiction, parenting, and mental health issues. Keep her in your prayers.

7. “Hilary Banks“, cousin Will’s at times ditzy, yet fashionable cousin on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” was played by actress Karyn Parsons. Karyn went on to be in 90’s films like “Class Act” and “Major Payne.” More recently Karyn is a mother, wife, and now an author of the children’s book “How High The Moon” and creator of “Sweet Blackberry“, a line of animated films about unsung Black heroes.

8. “Kelly Kapowski” the popular high school student from the NBC sitcom “Saved by the Bell” was played by actress Tiffani Theissan. After “Saved by the Bell” ended Tiffani went on to star in “Saved by the Bell: The College Years” and the FOX series “Beverly Hills: 90210.” Tiffani went on to star in the 2020 “Saved by the Bell” Reboot and is the star of the MTV comedy clip food show ‘Deliciousness.

9. “Lisa Turtle” the wealthy and fashionable friend on NBC’s “Saved by the Bell” was played by actress Lark Voorhies. After the series ended Lark made appearances in movies such as “Civil Brand“, “How High“, and “How to be a Player“, more recently she appeared on the Dr. Oz show talking about her issues with her mental health, and will be making appearances on the 2020-2021 reboot of “Saved by the Bell“

10. “Denise Huxtable” who was the free spirited rebel character from “The Cosby Show” & “A Different World‘ sitcoms was played by actress Lisa Bonét. After those shows ended Lisa was married to rock star, Lenny Kravitz and had their daughter, actress Zoe Kravitz. After Lisa and Lenny divorced she married actor Jason Mamoa and had two other children. Lisa appeared in 90’s films such as “Enemy of the State“, “Biker Boyz“, and “High Fidelity“, but hasn’t really acted in a while.

Who were your favorites growing up? Comment below.