Eight studio albums, dozens of hit singles and numerous collaborations with some of music’s most renowned entertainers; R&B quintet Mint Condition has withstood trends and industry turbulence for years, incorporating an eclectic blend of funk, jazz, soul and rock influences into grooves that touch hearts and move crowds around the world. Their song catalog is… Continue reading Mint Condition: Blending Anguish & Optimism With “Healing Season” CD
Category: DMN Briefing Columns
Weekly published columns that appear in Friday’s paper version of Briefing and online @dallasnews.com/local voices, make sure you check for the new ones on Saturdays to add your .02 :)
Anthony Anderson: “Black-ish,” “Cosby Show” Comparisons & The N-Word
In this day and age, it’s a pretty plausible scenario: Your African-American son recites lyrics during a school talent show that include ‘the n-word’ and is subsequently expelled. As their parent, how do you feel you should respond? If your answer is to appeal on his behalf to the school board and caution the members… Continue reading Anthony Anderson: “Black-ish,” “Cosby Show” Comparisons & The N-Word
Culture Vs. Commerce: Isis Brantley’s Hard-Fought Battle To Braid
“Isis Brantley, you’re under arrest for braiding hair. You’re going to jail.” The year was 1997, two years after the state of Texas cited the natural hair advocate and expert ‘braidologist’ for doing hair in her home without having a cosmetology license. It was the single catalyst that resulted in 18 years of legal wrangling… Continue reading Culture Vs. Commerce: Isis Brantley’s Hard-Fought Battle To Braid
“Straight Outta Compton”: Watching, Remembering & The Impact Of NWA
I was a junior in high school, safely ensconced in North Texas suburia and youthful naivete when I discovered the music of NWA. The hardcore beats and clever sampling in their songs was what drew my attention at first, but what ultimately earned my support were the rhymes. The verses were more than catchy couplets… Continue reading “Straight Outta Compton”: Watching, Remembering & The Impact Of NWA
Piper Huguley: Expanding Expectations In Historical Romance
“There just wasn’t a lot written by African-Americans back then.” “No such thing as college-educated black women in the 1860s.” “Beverly Jenkins is already writing African-American-themed historical romances, so why bother?” Piper Huguley, a professor at Spelman College, grew tired of hearing the misconceptions and wanted to set the record straight, so she poured an… Continue reading Piper Huguley: Expanding Expectations In Historical Romance