Download the mixtape for free..or I can send you copy...

Black is Beautiful Mixtap Interview from SELIS BLACK on Vimeo.

download it here for free....
http://www. zshare. net/download/57044109b3a13241/

A Woman's Worth...

A Woman's Worth from SELIS BLACK on Vimeo.

Is music,of all genres, to blame for the societal views that promote the decline of a woman's worth?

A Dream Coming True.....

"Selis Black is a Dreamer" from SELIS BLACK on Vimeo.

This is a invite for all of those aspiring to move to L.A. and follow their dreams. If you need someone to connect with when you get here, I'm ya man... just hit me up at myspace.com/selisblack and leave a message and i will give you my number.. so I can help you in any way and vice versa.... peace

Who wears the pants?

Who wears the pants?
Uploaded by SelisBlackTube

It's time that we start to analyze and understand who is wearing the pants in todays heterosexual relationship!!!

The Hi End Theory

R-LES=MUSIC

This is a day that I have been waiting for for a very long time. My favorite artist Ryan Leslie will be dropping his self-titled debut album. On February 10th, please go out and support him, pleassssssee!!!! I have been rockin wit him since he first debuted Cassie and the "Me and You" record. He is truly one of the best artist of our time. So, all that I ask is that you don't buy any fast food for two days and that you take that ten dollars and buy his debut album on February 10th. We have already made history with Barack Obama and now we can restore the quality of music played on radio.... fade..To Black

"I told you Jesus is Black!!"

Black Jesus is the truth!!!!



I've been a member of Radiant Life Ministries my whole life and I can't help but laugh at this... God? Forgive Me!!!haha

Obama Drama?

How long will the Obama bandwagon run for?

It's amazing to me how many people have been bitten by the "Obama Bug". People from all walks of life. People who once screamed, "Fuck the government!!!". People who once, could really care less about the state of the economy. It's like people have been waiting for this change forever but, do we celebrate the victory now? or do we wait and celebrate the efforts at the end of his possible two second term? What will be remembered the mark on history? Or the needed change? Understand that this isn't an Obama bash. This is a question of character. So, read on if you feel like I'm going somewhere that you mentally need to be. On December 4th of 2008, I received more text messages than I have ever received in a single day, mostly from my peers. Many of which I've never had the pleasure of discussing politics with but they seemed to be inspired beyond measures. As I read each text I couldn't help but feel like nothing had been accomplished. Not because I wasn't ecstatic in the fact that I lived to see the first African-American president elect but more so, in the fact that I couldn't see the future of my fellow American peers. I had one thought playing over and over in my mind as I read each text and that was, "Now that he will be in office in which way will you lend a helping hand?" See, because to me the easy part was done and It's going to take a lot more than just a bubbled in circle if we truly want change. I have a strong feeling that the second things start to get a little rocky then everyone will be pointing the finger a blame at the President but, who are we to point the finger of blame if we aren't doing anything to help? When you made your selection on that ballot, you made a commitment to change, a commitment for self, a commitment to do your part. So, after you've had all your fun at the Obama festivities and you've out grown your "Obama is my homie" T-shirts ask yourself, "What can you do to help?", "What can I do to assure change?", then maybe we can really see our future unfold before our eyes. Man, I just pray that we don't run of inspiration... fade..To Black

Owwin',Drinkin', Throwin' up "The Hundreds"(100's)!!

"I gotta face the smell of weed in abundance, it's gettin' in my clothes shirt and jeans by The Hundreds...." (from the song "Out and About" by Selis Black)

If you are a fan of LRG you definitely need to keep an eye out for "The Hundreds"!!!

www.thehundreds.com

"He Be Doin What He Gotta Do"

Mannnnn!!! I remember the first time I saw this dude. I was like, "Who is this Memphis Bleek lookin' dude named Wale(Whale)?" I didn't even give him a chance. I believe a good... 2 months passed,then finally, I watch his video for the song "Artistic Integrity" and half way through the song I was like "Yoooooooo!, this is dude is the truth". That same hour(not day) I downloaded every free mixtape of his that I could find. Through the mixtapes I also learned that his name was Wale(Wah-lay), not Whale or Wall-e(the little robot), who he happens to be standing with in the picture above...haha. I was immediately drawn to his laid back, witty, fresh style of rhyming from the second I heard "Never will I ever utter never to myself..." It was almost like hearing "Check the Rhyme" for the first time. In a sense it was like second wind for the long running genre we as "Hip Hop". The best thing about him is he is bringing something new to the table. Something substantial and not just a open introduction to the most current fad in his area. I know that in the Bay we where Nike's, Jay's, and Vans, but he is doing his own thing reppin' with the "Nike Boots" movement {(On his Scott Storch shh!!! stayin' clear of Timbalands(Timberlands)}. This DMV(D.C.,Maryland,Virginia) representative has definitely got my vote. D.C. is making a lot of moves in 2009. So,make sure you keep supporting two dudes I personally vouch for, Barack Obama and Wale....fade... To Black

"Nike Boots Video"

What Is Black?

A color? A persona that has evolved over time?

Now, that's a good question. "What is Black?" We can't seem to get enough of labeling something or someone as "black". When I say "we", I mean people in general. No matter the ethnicity because it seems that ethnic groups across the board have an oral fixation for verbally labeling things "black". The worst part about it is that there is almost always a negative connotation that follows the usage of the word. Is it me, or when people refer to us doing good, we are "African-American" and when a crime is committed it turns into, "two black men wearing... such and such...haha". I chose to say almost always because I find myself saying,"I love to see other black people doing positive things", but when I sit back and think about it, what does that mean? Ahhhh!!! It's frustrating just thinking about it. I've ask nearly everyone this question and this is the same thing they always say, "Being black is a mix of all the the customs and traditions that have been passed on from generation to generation." (Sound good) But if this were true then why is it that James, who live in the suburbs and knows nothing about soul food and gospel music is faced with the same racial prejudice as Deon, who lives in the inner city and knows nothing about green bean casserole and alternative music?haha. The two things that trip me out the most are when someone who is not of African-American descent but was raised in the "hood" is given the ability to say that they are more black than a black person who wasn't raised in the "hood". Secondly, why is it that a black person who chooses to speak proper English is considered trying to be white?
It's almost like we forget that Martin Luther King and Maya Angelou are two of the most educated and well spoken people of their time, and these are go-to figures when trying to symbolize what black is!!!! How many RocaWear shirts and "Yo! What up my nigga's?" does one person have to display before they are given the respect that they deserve for simply just being in the skin? When I was younger I used to pray that God would move us out of the hood, in hopes that we wouldn't have to struggle as much. Now that I'm somewhat out, how frequently do I have visit just to prove to people that I haven't lost touch? How many rappers and singers must I resemble before you realize that I'm nothing of the sort? You know what I've realized about being black? I've realized that at certain times I'm supposed to be ashamed of who I really am. Mostly when people say things like, "Ow, you ghettooooo!!!" Ghetto? How am I ghetto? See, "ghetto" is like the term "black". It's one of those words that we use but never take the time to analyze what it means. Most people don't even know that the word "ghetto" derives from the Holocaust. Ghettos were European cities or areas that Jewish people were restricted to. So, how can I be ghetto? Just like there is a misconception of the word "ghetto", there is a misconception of the word "black". If you ask me, I would say that African-American is our ethnic group. Black, is the non-politically correct way to describe us as people. Black is that swag, that confidence, that side of us that we reveal without effort so we can more easily identify with those who look just like us no matter where we are in the world. Black is the fabric of our culture. Black is Beautiful. Black is what I am. So, with that said, fade... To Black..

Tell Me Have Muhsinah (Mu-see-nah)?

"Once Again" this "Discovery" is for the "Millions" who can no longer "Gogh" without the needed "Construction" of new music....haha (These are a few song titles off the album, "The Oscillations" by Muhsinah)

Sooooo.... I have to be the most bugged out blogger ever. How could I possibly start a blog stating, that I would put you guys up on the artist that I have grown to love without mentioning the one person who seems to constantly make me fall in love with her from a distance? A distance that only sound waves can make its way through. I'm talking about the phenom from our nations capital (D.C.). The one artist whose name you can never pronounce correctly but her melodic tones will have you uttering her words verbatim. Yesssss!!! You guessed it! MUHSINAH! I love everything about her and from the second I saw her I knew there was something different (meaning special) about her. She came into my life via Schememag.com, where I stumbled across her photography and said, "She is different looking". Little did I know, I would go on to listen her entire LP. I mean, there isn't enough I can say about this young woman. From her ability to place a strong vocabulary with intricate wordplay over baselines and sampled sounds is simply mind blowing. (Recognize that what I just stated was all based on her musically abilities). Her humble heart and aspirations to be something that you have never seen before is prevalent. I can't even watch a YouTube video of hers without wanting to go pick up an iTunes gift card and getting copy of her latest project ("The Oscillations", by the way, "Billieclub" is my favorite joint). Some of you big time Common fans like myself, may recognize her from the recent Common and N.E.R.D. tour, where she opened each show and played keys with the band. I know I sound as if I'm super on her jock but, it's for a good reason. Like I always say, "Don't be a follower when she blows up, climb aboard NOW!!!" I know it's hard enough just coming to my blog and reading so, here is a video of hers called "Construction", enjoy it and continue to support new artist so, music can continue to thrive from the relics of yester years...haha....fade...To Black

"Pressing Forward"

Welcome to the "Wonderful" world of... Weave? Call me crazy fellas but... I think I'm starting to understand this whole "weave fad" that our generation has adopted. I say adopted because history shows that weave (artificial hair) dates back to Egyptian times or maybe even further back than that but, let's focus on a period that most of us can more easily identify with. Do you remember a little group called "The Supremes"?...(haha) Led by music icon Diana Ross? In the 50's, The Supremes were one of the many R&B groups of that time indulging in the use of wigs as part of their collective "outfit". Which influenced African-American women around the world to take part in the wearing of wigs. This led me to believe that the African-American women of today's society may have been reintroduced to the wearing of synthetic hair through familiar faces in the media. (Reality Check) Fellas? When was the last time you heard a woman say, "When I go back to the shop,I'm gettin' the Felicia." Never!! It's always "The Halle Berry", "The Beyonce'", "The Rihanna", or whatever face is plastered on your nearest T.V. screen. Mannnnn!!! What I would give to see ONE woman today rockin' the "Cleopatra Jones"(Afro for the unknowing) but, the likelihood of that is slim to none. Who's to blame? the obvious answer is.... Men? Yeah men. Our opinions and responses to women in the entertainment industry play a major role in the decisions that our women tend to make. For example, every time we watch T.V. and make comments like, "Beyonce' is hella sexy" and "That n@#%a Jay is lucky", our women take heed to that and make these drastic hairstyle and wardrobe changes,when really we don't even want a Beyonce'. We just want to see something different every now and again to keep us interested (so we don't go looking for it elsewhere...Message!!). Okay! Okay! I've bashed us brothas enough. I've even confessed to our wrong doings but, even if we change ours ways I think it goes deeper than that. Let's take it back to where I believe it really evolved from. Are you familiar with the terms "House Nigger" and "Field Nigger"?(notice my use of the "-er"...Yeah! It's about to get serious). For as long as I can remember there has been a sense or "favoritism" toward the lighter skinned African-Americans. They've always seemed to be looked upon as the "more attractive" African-Americans(male or female). So, it came to me as no surprise when I learned about the terms "House Nigger" and "Field Nigger". (For those who don't know) These terms tie back into slavery days where the majority of the darker-skinned blacks worked the fields, giving berth (not like a baby..haha) to the term "Field Niggers" and the lighter skinned blacks worked in the house also, giving berth to the term "House Niggers". It was said that the lighter skinned blacks were given better treatment because they more closely resembled the "slave master"(or maybe it was because they were relatives of the slave master?). This "special" treatment created a lot of hostility between some blacks,causing separation amongst the slaves and in a lot of cases envious feelings toward one another. (Fast forwarding nearly a century)This "favoritism" is still present. Lighter skinned women are considered more attractive than darker skinned women. The major factors surrounding these ideas are eyes and hair. Hair, that has the ability to curl when wet and the ability to be straightened nearly to the consistency of a white woman's hair. Now, I don't know about you but, in my lifetime I've heard countless numbers of darker skinned African-American women, at young ages, being called "Nappy Headed" and they were often put into comparison with bi-racial children(Ring a bell?). Having naturally coarse hair in our society is frowned upon but, there is always a solution. Brace yourself for what I like to call "The Survival Kit". Consisting of, the ever so popular "straightening comb/flat iron" (Courtesy of Madame C.J. Walker) and the "perm". (Comic Relief) Shoot!!! A lot of yall reading this right now are product of a "Just for me" and "Luster's", or if you are grown "Dark N' Lovely" and "Motions"...haha. All jokes aside, I don't have a big issue with perms and weaves. My only issue is that we let these thing dictate whether we will be comfortable with ourselves or not. Insecurities stop us from securing a solid foundation in relationships. Which can be the reason why a lot of black families dwindle or seize to exist. I'm going to leave you with this... In the 50's, around the same time The Supremes and other groups wore their wigs, another fad was being carried out amongst African-American men. Conking ("The Conk"), a lye that is very similar to today's "Perm", but consisted of far more chemicals, was being worn(for those who need reference, think of the S-curl, times five..haha). This hairstyle had a buzz in the African-American community for nearly thirty years but,as time went by black men grew against "Conking" because they felt it was just a black mans attempt to look like the white man of that time (For example, Frank Sinatra)and that they should celebrating their culture, heritage, and natural beauty . So, what is it going to take for our women to step outside the box? for them to dare to be different? Does Beyonce' have rock a Afro for a whole year?!!! All I ask is that you analyze every aspect of what you are doing before you do it and you might be inspired to be yourself... because I love who you are and what you stand for as black women. Not what you can become after a couple hundred dollars of product and alterations. It's the struggle that you have been through as single parent mothers, supporters of black men, it's your ability to be strong minded,and your ability to adapt in your OWN way that what makes me get chills at first glance. Not your ability to conform to what society says you should be. I love black women and just want yall to be the best YOU. Remember that!!. (Shout out to Melanie Renchie for daring to be different) God Bless... fade.. To Black...

"Roth" The Hook

Okay! So, everybody knows by now that I'm a super Hip Hop Head and always looking for new talent and guess what? Thanks to my boy Carlos Grejada, I am able to put all you none knowing folk up on.... Asher Roth!!!... Normally I'm not one for gimmicks like the "Rapping White Boy" but, Asher Roth is the truth. He is just trying to be himself and he actually has talent. So, I give respect where respect is due. I encourage you to actually check him out and see what he is about before implying your "It's always easier for a white man to succeed in a black mans market" theory...haha. The Pennsylvania native is said to have spit 150 bars for Jay-z (unfortunately, he didn't get signed that day) and has been continually murdering the mixtape circuit. Roth recently accepted a deal from Universal Music Group and is excepting to drop an album...Man!! who knows, but don't be all on his tip when he comes out, support him now. Check him out on Myspace, Facebook, YouTube, where ever music is playing... Keep doing ya thang Asher... fade.... To Black

"Roth Boys"

Father Time

"Why Can't Black Men Be Committed?"

This is the second most asked question that I have received from African-American women, no matter where I go(parks,dinner tables,clubs,Sunday service,grocery stores, EVERYWHERE!!!). And this is the answer that I give them.... In my opinion, black men can be committed. It is to my belief and understanding that we have no knowledge as to how we should go about doing so. When participating in a sport or anything where there is a person who has achieved great amounts of success in their field of interest, someone who is aspiring to have that same success will model themselves as if they are that person, until they reach the point where they have found themselves and have established their own sense of individuality.(Sidebar)This is why we buy products that have been endorsed by celebrities and this is also why every rapper that is trying to make a name for themselves sounds like Lil Wayne. (Back to regularly scheduled programming) If you haven't guessed by now I'm talking about a father figure. Most of the families today are without a father figure for various reason. Having that type of figure is essential to the development of the male(and the female, but we will get to that at a later time).The lack of a father figure exposes the young African-American male to continuous break ups, abusive behavior,gives them no knowledge of a woman's worth, a lack of respect for women, but worst than anything, it teaches them that if one relationship isn't working out you can start over elsewhere. Which makes the capability of working through problems unknown to the young African-American male. Being raised by a woman is not always a proper form of upbringing and can actually be damaging to a males development. OKAY! I know I just gave you the super analytical, politically correct version of what I mean, but!! (Let's take it to the barbershop!!!) Being raised by a woman could be the reason why a lot of dudes today are feminine and on the D.L.(Down Low.. in lame man terms. What we have to understand is that psychologically you begin to develop into and learn your role as a male or female at a young age. Mostly by identifying with the parent of your gender. When this process is not possible due to the lack of the fathers presence, a boy can begin to adopt some of female characteristics.(Does that ring a bell?)'Cause is it me or are we as men more emotional? more territorial? and more insecure than we have ever been? I know I got sidetracked but, think about it!!. To truly know the answer to this question you have to first ask, What is it that makes a man, a man?!! no matter his ethnicity because everybody is becoming a victim of this plague. But we just happen to be the ones suffering from it in massive numbers...fade...To Black..

Tyrone + Kaitlin = Love

Why Do Black Men Date White Women?

This question is interesting because I have been asked about it and answered it a million and one times. There is no true answer as to why black men date white women, but if I had to give my opinion... I would say that it is because todays African-American woman is more independent and dominant than she has ever been before, and on the flipside, todays African-American man is less motivated and ambitious than he has ever been before. With that said, it is in a mans nature to want to be the more dominant figure in the relationship and being in a society that absolute power and dominance is solely dependent on monetary value, the African-American woman reigns supreme in almost every existence of a relationship. But why do they go to white women instead of just going to a colored woman of less economic worth, you might ask? The ultimate goal for us as Americans is what? The American Dream {(Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Property, which was later changed to Happiness, after being recognized as contridictory, due to the writers of the Constitution being owners of slaves (property), sidebar (Message!!haha)}, this dream in the eyes of many African-American men is more obtainable if married to or in courtship with a white women. White women are known to be more submissive than black women and being that they are more submissive, black men do not have to experience the pressures of meeting their expectations as a male figures. You know what I'm talking about. The constant nagging. The belittling and blows given to the male ego ("Get off yo ass and get a job!!). I personally love this approach, I love a woman who can make me want to be my personal best, but sadly, most men are not like that today. My beautiful black sistas, your day will come. Where you can have a figure that your children can look up to. I hate to break it to you but it will be a long time before the black men are back to the way they used to be. Which means there will be more single parent homes and more bi-racial people in the world (not that that is a bad thing). But that chocolate musclar build that makes your knees weak as we speak will slowly be no more. Unless. we teach these young boys today how to be the men they should be... fade... to Black..