Turned Up & Tapped Out: Why I’m Giving Up On Black Radio That Plays Rap Music

http://mybrownbaby.com/2013/05/turned-up-tapped-out-why-im-giving-up-on-black-radio-that-plays-rap-music/

by Denene Millner

I officially give up on Black radio stations that play Hip Hop.

Seriously.

I’m over the disrespect. Finished with the blatant disregard for the audience. Totally through with their insistence on force-feeding curse-filled, misogynistic, lyrical porn through the airwaves and expecting this self-respecting, intelligent, passionate African American mother to take it to the head, sans complaint or concern.

What’s got my Victoria’s Secrets in a bunch? Last week, on my way back from dropping my kids off at school, I tuned into Atlanta’s R&B/Hip Hop station V103 to listen to one of my favorite morning show hosts, Ryan Cameron and his cast of funny, down-to-Earth co-horts (whom I can’t listen to with kids in the car) when on came a new song fresh off the New Orleans plantation that is Cash Money Records: Birdman’s “Tapout,” featuring Lil’ Wayne, Future, Mack Maine and Nicki Minaj. What I heard was so foul, so vile, so effing inappropriate, that I actually had visions of smashing my own damn radio with a sledgehammer. Witness the opening lyrics to this musical madness, courtesy of Wayne:

KING E.N.J. INFECTIOUS STRIP CLUB ANTHEM “BREAK IT DOWN” TAKING OVER CLUBS AND HOT SPOTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY RAPPER USES HIS PLATFORM TO ENCOURAGE SAFE SEX

Entrepreneur rapper, King E.N.J. has club-goers and sexy ladies dancing on tables as his strip club anthem “Break It Down” takes over clubs and hot spots across the country. The new party single, which is already invading radio and dance floors, hits the streets on March 20^th. King’s debut album,  Straight Werewolfin’, will be released in Spring, 2013 on his independent label, Werewolf Mafia Entertainment. Both the album and digital single will be available on iTunes.

Being a dynamic wordsmith, King uses his platform in the clubs and as an artist to promote safe sex and HIV/AIDS awareness in young adults.  He finds time during, and in between live performances, to promote his condom line, Werewolf King Condom. Making it clear that as he promotes a fun, easygoing lifestyle in his music, it’s necessary to be responsible in your sexual activity and business.  “Everybody goes out and parties, ain’t nothin’ wrong with doing that,” explains King, “but wrap it up,” he advises.

Billboard And Nielsen Add YouTube Views To Its Platforms; “Harlem Shake” Debuts at No. 1

Billboard And Nielsen Add YouTube Views To Its Platforms; Data Enhances Hot 100 And Other Billboard Charts To Reflect Online Video Activity

“Harlem Shake” Debuts at No. 1 on Newly Revamped Hot 100 and Streaming Songs Charts

New York, NY – February 21, 2013 – Billboard and Nielsen announced today the addition of U.S. YouTube data to its platforms, which includes an update to the methodology for the Billboard Hot 100, the preeminent singles chart. The YouTube data is now factored into the chart’s ranking, enhancing a formula that includes Nielsen’s digital download track sales and physical singles sales; as well as terrestrial radio airplay, on-demand audio streaming, and online radio streaming, also tracked by Nielsen.

Billboard is now incorporating all official videos on YouTube captured by Nielsen’s streaming measurement, including Vevo on YouTube, and user-generated clips that utilize authorized audio into the Hot 100 and the Hot 100 formula-based genre charts – Hot Country Songs, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, R&B Songs, Rap Songs, Hot Latin Songs, Hot Rock Songs and Dance/Electronic Songs – to further reflect the divergent platforms for music consumption in today’s world.

The 5Ws: Red Barton

Who: Red Barton is a world traveler and the Founder and Host of Carnival Live, LLC -www.carnivallive.tv

What: Carnival Live also known as Carnival Live TV (CLTV) is an interactive global portal for EVERYTHING Carnival! We bring various international and regional Carnival festivities to web viewers, and highlight the beauty, energy, and importance of culture and tradition through annual Carnival celebrations around the world. We also provide our audience an opportunity to share their Carnival experiences and lifestyles.

Through live video, pictures, other media and testimonials, we capture Carnivals in their purest form. We showcase the music, food, and get to know the locals of every place we visit! Tourism is also a major aspect of our business, so we highlight the best of everything – including hotels, restaurants, activities, shops, events, and more. Viewers get the full experience of Carnival and Carnival Live TV provides the ideal tourist experience for each country that we visit. You will also find interesting photos, the latest music, trivia challenges, relevant news, customized recommendations, the latest Carnival information, and more.

CARNIVAL LIVE TV WEBSITE LAUNCH | Carnivals & Tourism – www.carnivallive.tv

CARNIVAL LIVE TV UNVEILS NEW WEBSITE

Carnival Live TV Gives People A Look At Carnivals Worldwide And Stimulates The Economy Through Tourism

Brooklyn, NY – February 12, 2012 –After much anticipation, Carnival Live also noted as Carnival Live TV (CLTV), finally unveils its new website to the world

The 5Ws: Aiko Tanaka

WHO: Aiko Tanaka

WHAT: I Don’t Camouflage

WHY: “I Don’t Camouflage”  is an ongoing movement highlighting those who dare to stand out. It is especially for the youths who are going through identity crisis. I Don’t Camouflage has been running a video interview series featuring the personal side of creative professionals, including Pharoahe Monch, Jean Grae, Quincy Jones III, among others. Theme song of I Don’t Camouflage, featuring M1 of Dead Prez and Celia of Les Nubians, is available to listen and download on the website www.idontcamouflage.com

WHERE: www.idontcamouflage.com  youtube.com/idontcamouflage

WHEN: July 2011

BIG SEAN PREMIERES NEW SINGLE “GUAP” & ANNOUNCES DEC. 18TH RELEASE DATE FOR NEW ALBUM HALL OF FAME

FROM FINALLY FAMOUS TO THE HALL OF FAME: BIG SEAN PREMIERES NEW SINGLE “GUAP” & ANNOUNCES DEC. 18TH RELEASE DATE FOR NEW ALBUM HALL OF FAME

“GUAP” BLASTS OFF AT RADIO, UKNOWBIGSEAN.COM, AND AROUND THE WORLD – THURSDAY, OCT. 25th, 7:00 p.m. (ET) !

COUNTDOWN BEGINS TO DEC. 18th RELEASE OF HALL OF FAME, SECOND ALBUM FOR G.O.O.D. MUSIC/DEF JAM RECORDINGS

BIG SEAN ON FIRE AT RADIO WITH SMASH CRUEL SUMMER SINGLES “CLIQUE” & “MERCY,” HOT 100 MONSTER “AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME” WITH JUSTIN BIEBER; DETROIT MIXTAPE & RED-HOT STREET RECORD “BURN”

Mickey Factz: “YNot” Mixtape & Boxset Press Release

To commemorate a new era, Mickey Factz will release his 10^th and last solo mixtape “Ynot”, Nov 5^th. – And it is done in true Mickey Factz fashion.  Fans will be able to purchase a limited-edition boxset titled “Mickey Factz: The Artistic Collection,” which contains CDs with all the artwork of his 9 previous mixtapes and “Ynot.”   The twist- The CDs will be blank.  Fans are given the power to choose how they want to organize & receive the music. Datpiff.com is hosting the mixtapes for free download and sponsoring “Ynot” with a countdown to the release.   In order, the countdown features and revisits each mixtape.  Each mixtape will contain never before released tracks such as “Locked Away (NERD Remix).”  The “Limited-Edition Boxset” will be available on amazon.com.  All information is available at MickeyFactz-TheArtisticCollection.com.

“SOLID” ft President Obama released for Nat’l Voter Registration Day 9/25/12

“SOLID” Available for National Voter Registration Day 9/25/12

West Coast Based Hip-Hop Collective ‘The Rej3ctz’ Release New Single ‘Solid’ featuring President Obama & Michelle Obama to Raise Youth Awareness of the 2012 Election

LOS ANGELES , CALIF. , September 24, 2012— Emerging hip-hop superstars Mowii, Pee W33 and Bounc3 of the REJ3CTZ take a political stance to raise awareness of current issues affecting America and its international relations with the release of their socially conscious and patriotic song/visual presentation “SOLID” featuring highlights from the recent campaign speeches of President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama at the Democratic National Convention. In time for National Voter Registration Day 9/25/12, the REJ3CTZ  hope “SOLID” increases focus on the 2012 elections, especially among younger voters. The song will be featured on their highly anticipated mixtape “THE CR33ZTAPE: Rated R” hosted by the LA Leakers JustinCredible and DJ Sourmilk releasing late September 2012.

CEELO GREEN TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH “CEELO’S MAGIC MOMENT”

CEELO GREEN TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH “CEELO’S MAGIC MOMENT”; DISNEY’S THE MUPPETS JOIN GRAMMY WINNING SUPERSTAR FOR ORIGINAL HOLIDAY SONG “ALL I NEED IS LOVE”; CHRISTINA AGUILERA PERFORMS DUO WITH GREEN ON “BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE”; ROD STEWART AND DISNEY’S THE MUPPETS SET TO TAKE THE STAGE WITH GREEN FOR “CEELO AND FRIENDS” AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO; ALBUM IN STORES OCTOBER 30TH

Elektra recording artist CeeLo Green has announced early details of his eagerly awaited holiday album, “CEELO’S MAGIC MOMENT.”  The album – which features the Grammy Award-winning superstar performing a collection of holiday classics – arrives everywhere on October 30th.

CeeLo has invited a star-studded guest list to his holiday extravaganza (see attached track listing), including the one and only Disney’s The Muppets, who join Green on an original song soon to become a holiday classic, “All I Need Is Love.”  CeeLo and The Muppets will also appear in the track’s companion music video.  “CEELO’S MAGIC MOMENT” gathers a captivating array of seasonal staples, all newly reworked and re-energized in Green’s incomparable and inventive style.  The visionary singer/writer/rapper/producer puts his distinctive stamp on such holiday favorites as “White Christmas,” “Silent Night,” and “Run Rudolph Run.”  “CEELO’S MAGIC MOMENT” also sees Green joining his The Voice co-star, GRAMMY Award winner Christina Aguilera for the seasonal favorite “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” Additionally, CeeLo will share the mic with the legendary Rod Stewart for an unforgettable rendition of the R&B standard, “Merry Christmas, Baby.”  Other guests on the album include acclaimed a capella group Straight No Chaser who join Green on “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” The album was executive produced by Green who collaborated with producer Adam Anders, known for his work on Fox’s Glee.

A3C Hip-Hop Festival Partners With iHipHop Distribution For “A3C Volume 2″ First Single by OCD: Moosh & Twist

 

Building upon last year’s extraordinary compilation album, the A3C Hip-Hop Festival has once again partnered with iHipHop Distribution to bring a diverse array of new hip-hop to fans across the globe with A3C Volume 2.  Last year’s compilation album, A3C Volume 1, catapulted the festival’s artists to a new level as fans across the world were able to share in the experience of concert-goers and discover flourishing new artists such as Freddie Gibbs, Action Bronson, XV, Rockie Fresh, Chase N. Cashe, Jarren Benton, Main Attrakionz, and Soul Khan, just to name a few.  The album also featured established, and even timeless, acts such as Dead Prez, M.O.P., Bun B, RZA, 9th Wonder, Murs, and Ski Beatz.  iTunes raved, “loaded with 45 tracks, ‘Volume 1’ showcases much-loved and well-established acts from around the country…there’s really something here for everybody.”

NE-YO’s R.E.D., MOTOWN DEBUT ALBUM, ARRIVING SEPT. 18th

As the first major star to join the roster of the newly revitalized Motown Records, multi-platinum, three-time Grammy Award-winning artist NE-YO moves into the next phase of his career with “Let Me Love You (Until You Learn To Love Yourself),” the new single pick from his new album, R.E.D., arriving in-stores on September 18th.  “Let Me Love You (Until You Learn To Love Yourself),” launches globally today and officially impacts at Pop and Rhythm radio in the weeks ahead .

“Let Me Love You (Until You Learn To Love Yourself)” is the follow-up to R.E.D.’s first advance single, “Lazy Love,” which heated up Urban radio.  The explicit version of the “Lazy Love” video has generated over 320,000 views since it premiered late last month on NE-YO’s website (http://www.neyothegentleman.com/lazylove/) and on BET’s “106 & Park.”  The video has also logged over 880,000 YouTube views to date.  The video is also in rotation on VH1 Soul and MTV Jams.

Karmin Heads Out on Tour with Flo-Rida & CeeLo + “Brokenhearted” Goes Platinum!

For Immediate Release

June 21, 2012

KARMIN’S ”BROKENHEARTED” CERTIFIED PLATNIUM; #1 ON BILLBOARD’S DANCE CLUB PLAY CHARTS; TOP 10 AT U.S. RADIO

TOURING THIS SUMMER WITH FLO RIDA AND CEE-LO GREEN

NOMINATED FOR TWO TEEN CHOICE AWARDS

JUSTIN BIEBER REVEALS FINAL TRACK LIST FOR BELIEVE, NEW ALBUM DUE JUNE 19th ON ISLAND DEF JAM !

Global superstar Justin Bieber officially takes the wraps off his eagerly anticipated new studio album today, BELIEVE, scheduled for June 19th release by the Island Def Jam Music Group.

BELIEVE takes flight on the wings of “Boyfriend,” its first worldwide smash single, which hit #1 at iTunes the second it was released, and set a world-record for debuting #1 on iTunes in 32 countries.  The “Boyfriend” video has shattered all YouTube records since its MTV premiere (on May 3rd). The clip generated 8 million views in its first 24 hours, and has garnered over 44 million views to date.

BELIEVE is Executive Produced by Scott “Scooter” Braun and Usher Raymond IV, and track producers include Max Martin, Mike Posner, MdL, Diplo, Hit-Boy, The Messengers, Zedd, Rodney Jerkins, and Justin’s vocal producer, Kuk Harrell. The album features guest appearances by Ludacris, Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Big Sean.

BIG K.R.I.T. ‘LIVE FROM THE UNDERGROUND’ ALBUM COVER ART – IN STORES JUNE 5TH

 

BIG K.R.I.T. LIVE FROM THE UNDERGROUND

ALBUM COVER ARTWORK – IN STORES JUNE 5TH

 

#WarriorPoet- Free Head?!?

http://warriorpoetbk.com/warriorpoet-free-head/

By Kel Spencer

Webster’s defines a Slave as; 1.) a person who is the property of and wholly subject to another; a bond servant. 2.) a person entirely under the domination of some influence or person: ie “a slave to a drug.” So I ask you… What are you a slave to? What are you influenced by? What do you serve? What’s that thing that when it calls, you go running?

“Yalwz could stay ’round here if ya wants to but I’ze a going fa muh freedomz, even if I gotsta die!”

#WarriorPoet- Your Tunnel-

http://warriorpoetbk.com/warriorpoet-your-tunnel/

By Kel Spencer

Some of you can relate. Some of you will have to imagine. But paint this picture in your mind. It’s the big game. The team is in the locker and they can feel the electricity in the air from the packed house of people waiting to watch. Some players are off on their own down on their knee saying a prayer. Some players are sitting still with their eyes closed with headphones on. Some players are getting their ankles tapes up by the trainers while a few other players are stretching and running in place to get their muscles warmed up. The office door opens and the Head Coach walks out with an evil grin and an intense focused look in his eyes. He calls the team together to take a seat and listen…

EZ-MAK Records &Entertainment’s Artist “Quanche” “What You Got To Say” (Dream)

EZ-MAK Records & Entertainment has recently struck a deal with Universal for their artist Quanche and his “What You Got To Say” (Dream) single. Produced by Fonz of Dramatic Trax, this cutting edge lyrical rap etude of a person’s dreams and what his surrounding peers think about them. Accompanying this single release will be a video directed by Zion One and produced by EZ-MAK Records and Entertainment. The single is scheduled to drop in March 2012.

#WarriorPoet- Solid Lines

http://warriorpoetbk.com/warriorpoet-solid-lines/

By Kel Spencer

You’re driving… the car in front of you slows down and you automatically hit your signal to switch lanes and go around it. We do it all the time. You may or may not cross over the dotted lines when switching lanes but who cares? When ya gotta go, ya gotta go…

#WarriorPoet- Emotional G.P.S.

http://warriorpoetbk.com/warriorpoet-emotional-g-p-s/

By Kel Spencer

Have you ever asked someone for advice? Of course you have. What about for directions? Well, whether you have or not, today’s term is Emotional G.P.S. Pretty much what that means is whe… Ya know what? Let’s get back to that, I’ll show you what I mean…

Scenario #1- A man walks down an alley as a shortcut to the super market. Halfway down the alley, he steps in a puddle and messes up his new suede loafers. Weeks later, his neighbor asks him for directions to the super market. He gives her the directions but steers her clear of that alley even though it’s the quickest way…

BIG K.R.I.T. RELEASES NEW MIXTAPE ’4evaNaDay’; ANNOUNCES HIGHLINE BALLROOM SHOW, SXSW, J.COLE TOUR!

BIG K.R.I.T. RELEASES NEW 2012 MIXTAPE 4evaNaDay WITH MIXSHOW PARTIES AT HIGHLINE BALLROOM IN NY (MARCH 8^th), AND SXSW MUSIC CONFERENCE (MARCH 15-16^th) 

3-WEEK, 17-CITY U.S. COLLEGE TOUR WITH J. COLE ANNOUNCED, RUNNING APRIL 11^th (UNIV. OF RHODE ISLAND) TO MAY 4^th (SETON HALL U. IN NJ) 

NEW MIXTAPE, WITH “BOOBIE MILES” SINGLE, IS PRELUDE TO BIG K.R.I.T.’s OFFICIAL DEBUT ALBUM LIVE FROM THE UNDERGROUND, TO BE RELEASED THIS SUMMER ON DEF JAM/CINEMATIC LABEL

“Mississippi’s Big K.R.I.T. embodies all the best lyrical elements of Southern rap: street wisdom, freaky sex, car culture, sports metaphors, general weirdness.” (SPIN)

“Big K.R.I.T.’s zero-to-60 career trajectory has taken the rapper mere months…to become one of the more buzzed-about blog-rap phenomenons… K.R.I.T. is a talented artist, a rapper with dimension and ambition…” (Pitchfork)

#WarriorPoet- Sex 9.0

http://warriorpoetbk.com/warriorpoet-sex-9-0/

By Kel Spencer

Ok… For the record, I’ll get into my own personal business for a minute here; My goal is something called Sexual Purity. What that means is, I try to… (Key word “TRY”) make a habit out of aligning not only my actions but my mind and my eyes (guys know what I mean) with God’s sexual standard. I went into this in greater detail -▸▸▸ HERE. I’d be a liar if I told you that I’m 100% succesful in this arena. I’d be lying if I told you that I’m a virgin. But through my relationship with Christ, my sex life has gone from rocket ship speed to turtle mode with the hope that it will return to rocket ship status once I’m married lol. According to what the Bible says, That is the best sexual standard for us all. Now…

Fans Show Overwhelming Response to Las Vegas Rapper Dizzy Wright “Solo Dolo” Release on Funk Volume

On January 30, 2012 Dizzy Wright, the newest member to join the Funk Volume family released a video for the first song off his forthcoming “SmokeOut Conversations” debut album.  The song which is titled “Solo Dolo” has received an overwhelming response from the young hip-hop lyricist fans.

 

In just two days the video has received over 40,000+ views collectively from the combined websites in which the video is currently featured on.  The main website YouTube; currently has more than 39,000 views.  Other sites that have featured the Las Vegas raised rapper include: www.hotnewhiphop.com,    www.xxlmag.com, www.fatboyradionyc.com, www.realhiphopdaily.com, www.hiphopdx.com and more.

5 Reasons Why Black Folks Should #Occupy

http://thehotness.com/2011/12/09/5-reasons-why-black-folks-should-occupy/

By Nicole Moore

Black folk have been in the 99% since the Middle Passage. Slavery made sure the majority of us would never be in that 1% by terrorizing our African souls and dismantling our families, our language, our culture, our religion, our bodies, and our spirit. As poet Nikky Finney reminded us when she accepted her National Book Award last month, “Black people were the only people in the United States ever explicitly forbidden to become literate.” Long before Occupy Wall Street, thanks to Nat Turner, Harriet Tubman and the like, we already had Occupy Massa’s Plantation so excuse Black folk if they didn’t come a running to Zucotti Park.

Personally I’m down with Occupy Wall Street although I have not gone down to occupy Wall Street. I’ve been busy working and then I figured I’d let my young radicals handle it this time around. I had paid my dues when I marched for Rodney King, Abner Louima and then again, more recently, for Sean Bell. To be clear, I’m more than frustrated with the state of our economy and our selfish government, but even after seeing Angela Davis, Kanye West and Russell Simmons down with #OWS, I still wasn’t moved to pitch a tent and participate. I was all tapped out.

ESTELLE UNVEILS “ALL OF ME”

ESTELLE UNVEILS “ALL OF ME”;

GRAMMY-WINNING SINGER SETS HUGELY ANTICIPATED

FOLLOW-UP TO 2008 BREAKTHROUGH, “SHINE”;

NEW SINGLE, “THANK YOU,” AVAILABLE NOW;

TV APPEARANCES SCHEDULED,

INCLUDING TV ONE SPECIALVERSES & FLOW,

THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO,

E!’s FASHION POLICE AND VH1 DIVAS CELEBRATES SOUL;

“ALL OF ME” ARRIVES EVERYWHERE FEBRUARY 28^TH

GYM CLASS HEROES UNLEASH “THE PAPERCUT CHRONICLES II”

Decaydance/Fueled By Ramen recording group Gym Class Heroes has announced today’s release of their new album, “THE PAPERCUT CHRONICLES II.”  The album – which includes the #1 hit, “Stereo Hearts (Feat. Adam Levine)” – is in stores and available at all leading digital retailers now.

“THE PAPERCUT CHRONICLES II” sees Gym Class Heroes continuing to push the envelope with their trademark fusion of rock, pop, and alternative hip-hop.  The exhilarating collection finds the band collaborating with a stellar line-up of studio talents and special guests, including such top stars as Adam Levine, Ryan Tedder, Oh Land, and Neon Hitch. 

Musings on the GALAXY Nexus

http://www.themanly-man.com/2011/10/galaxy-nexus/

So Samsung and Google just announced the Galaxy Nexus and below are my thoughts on the device which will ship with Android 4.0 or “Iced Cream Sandwich” if you will. Let me be the first to say that I liked the code name “Nexus Prime” much better than Galaxy Nexus. I suppose Samsung had to get some branding recognition since Google seems to be using them as the handset maker of choice for their pur-bread Android experience.

That said, there are a few things that I’m excited about:

{Let’s Talk About Sex} How A Single Mom Talks To Her Son About Sex

http://mybrownbaby.com/2011/10/how-a-single-mom-talks-to-her-son-about-sex/

By MICHELLE BOND

When I close my eyes and think of my man taking me in his arms and passionately kissing me, I imagine us in a movie where the camera pans away to the beautiful star-filled sky and the time lapses and we see the bright early morning sunrise illuminating the earth.  Sounds sweet and cheesy, right?

Yeah, well, it’s all roses and romance until this same magical image involves my 14-year-old son and some girl wanting him to make her feel like a woman.  I gasp and my mind goes blind from the thought.

Teen sex is only mildly cute and humorous when scripted in the movies. At the risk of dating myself, I think back to Cooley High, when a fight breaks out at a “make out party.” Or any 80’s movie where Molly Ringwald somehow becomes the must- have girl and always finds the conviction to save herself until the time is right.  These movies set up us parents—and especially single moms—to fail. Because they delude us into thinking our teenage kids are automatically going to know to say “no,” or something comical is going to happen to stop them from doing the do.

Only in the movies, folks.

Former Death Row Records R&B Songstress, Jewell, Sets Release Date For Tell-All Novel “My Blood, My Sweat and My Tears”, e-Book And Soundtrack, Out October 25th

The release date for the highly anticipated and controversial novel, “My Blood, My Sweat and My Tears” by Jewell, is set for October 25, 2011, available as a digital e-Book, along with the official Soundtrack of the same title, from Besthand Entertainment. The commercial for the tell-all book is available now on YouTube, containing music from the soundtrack.

The books physical release date is yet to be announced, but expected later this year. Songs featured on the commercial include “Sleeping with the Enemy”, “Everything’s Gonna be Alright”, and “If You Believe”, which will be the first single taken from the soundtrack.

On the MyBrownBaby Bookshelf: Dancer

http://mybrownbaby.com/2011/09/on-the-mybrownbaby-bookshelf-dancer/

By JANELLE HERBERT

DANCER, by Lorri Hewett (Dutton Books)

The incredibly intriguing book, Dancer, is a fascinating read about the struggles of a 16-year-old African-American teenager as she pursues her passion for dance. Stephanie is a girl growing up in a low-income, urban area with her mother and father, blue-collar workers who don’t understand her adoration for ballet. They prefer she focus on getting good grades at the private school she attends on scholarship and set he sights on attending an Ivy League school. But for Stephanie, ballet is life—her everything. Things that humiliate, embarrass, worry and trouble her disappear when she is doing what she loves: dancing.