Posts Tagged ‘God’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Throwback Thursday!

This is one of my favorite songs. And here’s why: Jewel wrote this song when she was 18 and homeless. She was in dire need of medical treatment (due to a kidney condition) and was turned down by the hospital because she had no money or health insurance. A doctor overheard her plea at reception and saw her waiting in the parking lot of the hospital crying. He treated her for free. She wrote this song shortly after in part to thank the doctor for his kindness.

I find so much beauty and hope in that story. Especially when I’m going through something dark in my own life.

“We are God’s eyes. God’s hands. God’s heart.”

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

To anyone who’s ever felt trapped, this one’s for you.

[Intro hook: Gabe Saporta of Cobra Starship]

When I close my eyes
I can see me fly in the hope
High above the clouds
Swear I won’t look back if I get chance
Oh – I won’t come back around

[Verse 1: Eve]

Yo, have you ever laid in bed and it’s late in the night
Staring at the ceiling talking to God about life?
Asking when it’s gonna happen, just maybe it might
Made a lot of life turns, some wrong and some right
Wanna know when it’s your second, your minute, your time
Sick of dreaming, wanna lay the pictures in your mind
Never been like all the others, you’re one of a kind
I know you’re feeling like you wanna break free, it’s a sign
Just wanna fly above it all, see where you can land
Know that you can do it on your own cause you can
Know that you can conquer all with a plan
Forget about the negatives buried in the sand
Yeah, never forget this is your life
Your path, your dream, this is your fight
Victory you’ll see, you’ll be alright
Get through the darkness, on the other end is pure light

[Hook]

When I close my eyes
I can see me fly in the hope
High above the clouds
Swear I won’t look back
If I get chance
I will come back around
If I make it out this time, yeah
I gotta make it out this time, yeah
I’m gonna make it out this time, yeah
I’m gonna roll the dice
And take a risk tonight
Gotta make it out this time

[Verse 2: Eve]

Have you ever felt alone like the whole world was missing?
And when you prayed it seemed like no one was listening
You try to keep the faith and keep on living
But when you struggling the future looks distant
All your hope seem to be just pipe dreams
And you really gotta wonder what your life means
That’s when you gotta pick yourself up out the dust
Make a change and find a place in your heart you trust
You ain’t always gotta take the first card your dealt
In this life only you can represent yourself
Never let your circumstances hold you back
You were born free, never gotta feel trapped
And on the pursuit to happiness you’re gonna feel pain
But the only way to win is to stay in the game
The naysayers they’re gonna try and embarrass ya
But I’ve learned that the struggle builds character

[Hook]

[Bridge: Eve]

Put your hands in the air now
If you feel it let me hear you loud
Put your hands in the air now
Yeah, ain’t nobody gonna hold you down
Yeah, come on, come on

[Hook]

Eve’s first studio album in ten years, Lip Lock, will drop on May 14th!

[Related Post: New Eve Featuring Gabe Saporta of Cobra Starship]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Grammy Award-winning artist Eve is back and werkin’ for a cause! Her brand new single, Make It Out This Town (featuring Cobra Starship frontman Gabe Saporta), first premiered last month as part of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ National Mentoring Month conference in Washington, D.C. The track is a radio-friendly pop gem, an inspiring and uplifting ‘overcoming the odds’ type of anthem.

Eve was recently named a National Celebrity Ambassador for the charity.

Says Eve: “I am releasing Make It Out This Town as my first single from Lip Lock because I wanted to share the positive place I have come into. I went through obstacles to get my music and message out and nothing embodies this more than this song, which also mirrors my recent honor and connection that comes with my role as an ambassador for Big Brothers Big Sisters. The song is dedicated to them.”

Make It Out This Town is the official single released from Eve’s long-awaited, much-anticipated album, Lip Lock, due out May 14th.

Can’t get enuff! Such a feel-good jam!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“It started as just common place; it was just part of the language. I think the overtones that it creates, is not what really exists. I don’t think if you are gay and you go to a hip hop club that you’ll get beat up for being gay. That’s not what is going to happen. I think words are the way that people express themselves—just like if you say ‘bitch’ on a rap record for a long time, you can rally thousands of women that will say that’s incorrect. You can’t focus on one single thing or bad aspect of what happens in hip hop and try to blanket it. That’s not the root of the problem. It exists, I think it’s how you portray it, and it’s how you use it. You gotta paint with a broad brush when you talk about homophobia, because it’s a lot of things that exist in hip hop that aren’t exactly right, but it’s part of the landscape.”

-Xzibit

Last year, the suicides of gay teens splattered across headlines in what felt like a bloodshed massacre brought on by violence and brutally ugly words. These words — spit like bullets — packed a deadly punch.

If there’s anyone who knows how to throw an uppercut with word venom, it’s a hot-mouthed rapper.

In the bling and booty-drenched culture that is hip hop, often these overly excessive and flashy accessories distract from some of the same brutally ugly words that still shoot from rappers’ tongues. In the game of hip hop, the mouth is a gun. The in-the-ear and out-the-other mentality clearly doesn’t hold true in regards to certain stars who many urban youth idolize.

If you read this blog regularly, you would know that I support hip hop. Besides the love given to underground/indie artists, I’ve been known to drool over Drake, and I also truly connect and relate to Eminem’s story and lyrics. My post on Eminem’s sobriety + sponsorship with Elton John went viral and landed on the front page of Reddit, leaving a few wondering how I (someone who falls under the LGBTQ umbrella) could support Eminem when his earlier work was covered in homophobic themes. My response has always been the same: I respect the art form, not always what lies underneath. Truth be told, I think music and the art of rhyme can be a cathartic strand of therapy for these men, even when that strand becomes tangled with homophobia.

The questions remain:

Should hip hop be held responsible? My answer is no.

Should the form be watered down? My answer is no.

Confused? Let me explain. As much as I know that these rappers have influenced a generation, the problem is much bigger than pointing fingers. I do not support hate, but I do support art and creative expression. I know from personal experience that creative outlets can help to shape, to understand, to relate, to retaliate, to vent, but most importantly it can be a vehicle, one that gets the poison out of the system in a way that isn’t entirely toxic. I can’t speak for all, but this is what I think (certain) rappers do. Granted, there are some rappers who seem clueless to their behavior and words, and for these individuals I think it’s more a statement of character versus the state of the hip hop art form.

A prime example would be 50 Cent, when he sparked controversy by tweeting (excuse his poor grammar): “If you a man and your over 25 and you don’t eat pu**y just kill your self damn it. The world will be a better place. Lol.”

Clearly, this isn’t a part of any artistic creation except ignorance and hatred, the exact opposite message that I hope bleeds through this post.

As a matter of fact, I would like to say that these rappers aren’t afraid or repulsed by us. No, not at all. After researching hints of homophobia in rap lyrics, I wouldn’t say they’re purely homophobic either. I would say they’re a bit obsessed with us. Besides the fact that many of these alpha males create rap about bitches and Bacardi, a style/mindset was also created for the masses by these same men, one that we all know all too well: The Baggy Pants Syndrome. If rappers were indeed afraid to taste the rainbow, I can’t imagine how one could tread the pavement with his boxers hanging out, exposing the top half of his basketball-shaped derriere.

All playfulness aside, it’s now a matter of expressing what lies outside the harmful language, what lies outside the three minute song that our generation has on repeat. Who are these arrogantly confident rappers when the lights go down?

I do not think the hip hop community (or any entertainer) for that matter is solely responsible for any child’s moral code (this is where parenting comes in), but I do think (in a perfect world) this should be a concern in their hearts. Yes, vent. Spill your guts. Ruffle feathers. That’s what artists do. But also, use your platform to never justify hate and to speak out against the victimized and abused. This is a genre formed on the freedom to be heard and the freedom to bring about change, and yet it’s sprouted legs that seem to be walking in a totally different direction. It’s glorifying drugs. It’s picking on queers. It’s belittling women.

And as much as I’m against censorship, I’m also an extremist for positive change. And if that requires a little editing, so be it. Because besides being lame, homophobic lyrics are played out and lack originality, thought, and spark.

Metaphorically speaking, perhaps it’s time for those in the rap game to pull their pants up.

[Related Post: Macklemore Breaks Ground]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

This song/video makes me cry like a baby. Absolutely beautiful.

That is all.

[Related Post: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Takeover]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Two things we all have in common: Everyone has a story to tell, and everyone has a wound to be healed.

A beautiful truth found in the new single from Tiffany Arbuckle Lee, better known as Plumb. Need You Now (How Many Times) showcases Plumb’s soulful vocals poured over her always sincere/always heartfelt lyrics.

Plumb’s new album, Faster Than A Bullet, will be released in early 2013.

Listen to the gorgeous new single below.

By: Natalie Yarden
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

There’s a new thing that I like to do, where I make myself discover new music every few weeks. It’s a great way to listen to music you would have probably never known existed. I do this with the help of Rolling Stone and NME. My theory is that the best musicians are the undiscovered ones.

This week I discovered Patterson Hood.

I usually don’t listen to country music, but when it’s this amazing I just can’t help myself! It’s not your typical country music; it has more of an edge to it. Nevertheless, I love it!

Hailing from Alabama, Patterson began writing songs in the 3rd grade, later playing guitar in a local band by the age of 14. He was formerly in the band Drive-By Truckers, before pursuing a career as a solo artist.

His lyrics and melody are what makes his songs utterly unique. His songs have a country base with a pinch of indie and good old fashioned rock. His lyrics are sometimes hard to digest, talking about his past and small stories about people in the South.

He has released three solo albums:
-Killers and Stars (2004)
-Murdering Oscar (And Other Love Songs) (2009)
-And most recently; Heat Lightning Rumbles in the Distance (2012)

My favorite song of his is Back of a Bible, which appears on his sophomore release. This song literally gave me the shivers when I first heard it.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

The Rocket Summer has just released the music video for new single 200,000 and it’s pretty rad. The clip, directed by Marshall Burnette, features Bryce Avary trekking through some sticky situations: smoking cars, desolate woods, and gangsta kiddies! All for the sake of delivering a song to his soulmate (played by his real-life wife, Tara Avary). Too sweet!

[Sidenote: Loving the subtle explosion at the end of the vid. Nice touch!]

The song is taken from TRS’ latest effort, Life Will Write The Words, which dropped earlier this year via Bryce’s label, Aviate Records.

This album, like all of Bryce’s previous work, is heartfelt and piercing.

The new clip + watch former So You Think You Can Dance winner Benji Schwimmer move to one of my favorite tracks from the album, the goosebump-worthy Scrapbook below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Last night, I attended ‘A Conversation with Alanis Morissette,’ hosted by Rolling Stone editor Anthony DeCurtis. Yup! Little ol’ me was in the presence of music biz royalty, y’all!

Besides a few awkward moments, the entire conversation was blistering and brilliant. Alanis spoke with such eloquence and depth, that at times, I felt like my brain was freezing with splendidness.

The woman is so deep, she’s a gaping hole! (Compliment, people.)

But for real, besides the fact that she’s been a revolutionary comet for women in music, she also came across as enlightened and vulnerably potent; an undeniably genuine human being.

Below are a few of my favorite quotes from the night:

“I feel like I have these gifts, and if I don’t use them, things start to go terribly wrong.”

“We’re all expressing pieces of God every day, whether we know it or not.”

“The songwriting process is exhausting and effortless at the same time.”

“I’m an alpha woman – and there’s tons of us – and at one point, we would have been burned at the stake and had our heads chopped off, but now we’re being championed. There’s never been a greater time to be a woman.”

“Marriage and committed relationships are a hotbed for healing.”

Love her!

Havoc and Bright Lights, Morissette’s eighth studio album, is out now.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I WAS HERE.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

God bless Beyonce! Talk about a heart of gold…

In conjunction with World Humanitarian Day, Beyonce will release a video for her stunningly beautiful ballad, I Was Here. Ahead of the release, she’s encouraging fans to spread the positive message and to take a stand at whd-iwashere.org.

The video will premiere on World Humanitarian Day (August 19th), and was shot in front of a live audience at the U.N.’s General Assembly Hall.

Says Queen B: “We all see the headlines, and we think, what can I really do to help? World Humanitarian Day is an opportunity for all of us to work together to make a difference. This is our time to leave our mark on the world and show that we were here and we care.”

Watch Bey’s inspiring World Humanitarian Day campaign video below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

The Christian music scene isn’t usually stomping grounds for the most innovative or unique artists. However, brothers Joel and Luke of for King & Country are the exception to the rule. Together, they have the potential to change the genre completely, leading a new wave of fresh and interesting Christian talent who not only fuse real, passionate faith into their music, but do it in a way that’s modern and refreshing.

Their philosophy is simple: “The power of music can impact our mood, emotions, our day. But when you merge the strength of music with the heart, hope and passion of the Gospel…it has the ultimate power not only to change someone’s day, but to impact them for eternity. This is why we write music and sing songs – we hope that people will be moved, encouraged and stirred to live a life for Someone greater than themselves.”

I friggin’ love their debut album! Def. a record you need to be playing.

Check out a live performance of my favorite track from the release below, the emotionally charged The Proof Of Your Love.

Ummm, yeah… These boys are nothing short of incredible!

Beautiful stuff.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

If there’s one album I absolutely cannot wait to hear this summer, it would be The Rocket Summer’s Life Will Write the Words. Bryce Avary is, without of a doubt, one of my favorite artists of well, all time. I cannot get enough of his music. It simply leaves a mark and breaks through.

Check out the premiere of the new music video for Revival, a feel-good track that sits well in any car- windows down, breeze blowing.

The new album drops June 5 via Aviate Records.

Stoked!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“My goal when I’m playing shows is just to make people smile.”

–Katy Perry.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Bought a cupcake and the guy at the deli gave me another for free. That alone was a sweet gesture, but what made it sweeter was passing the kindness to the homeless man sitting outside. Seeing his face was the highlight of my Easter. I don’t always speak of my good deeds, but sometimes I think it’s necessary. Sometimes people need to share these things to remind us all that compassion still exists in this crazy, messy world.

Happy Easter, everyone… Much love to all of you.