My Time On Power 96.1!!!

Hello everyone!!! This morning I had an awesome experience! I called in to Power 96.1 and got on the air. Now wait, I know what you're thinking... "Bri, it's not really a life changing moment or anything.". And yes this is true... but come on... getting to talk to Scotty, Riley and Bret... That's pretty cool. What would be truly exciting is if I can find an opportunity to expand what I'm trying to do as a result of this experience. And of course, I'm talking about writing as a career. You thought I was gonna say a Hawks cheerleader didn't you? Get it? The game is today... No? Ok... moving on lol.

Before I get into my hopes and dreams, I have to girl out for a second. OMG!!! I was on the radio!!! Ok, so I was driving to work and Scotty encouraged those awake at this crazy hour to call in. This crazy hour being 6 am... ish lol. Anyways, this is something that they've been doing for about two weeks now, making a list of their callers that are up before the sun... and Jesus. I thought about calling but I figured they wouldn't answer. So, I was listening and they played "When I see You Again" by Wiz Khalifa and some guy named Charlie lol, and having recently found out it's from the Fast and Furious 7 movie and the whole Paul Walker thing, I started feeling... emotional? I guess that's the word for it. Not that I'm into celebrity's lives and deaths, but the loss of a life is sad no matter who it is. I think I was just in that contemplating the universe kind of mood, I don't know. Long story short, I said screw it and gave them a call. Word to the wise guys, don't dial and drive.

After a few rings, Bret picked up and said something like "Power 96.1 what's your name please?"... Now people, when I say my heart was thumping, I mean my heart was Thumb-PING!!! I wasn't gonna say this but I've started writing it now and hitting the backspace button is becoming less and less of an option with every word... so yeah when I heard his voice, knowing good and well who it was, I had to pull over. I just got... a little winded. For my dignity's sake, I am an asthmatic. Just saying.

Before I knew it, I was chatting up with Scotty, Riley and Bret! I'll be honest, it's kind of hard to hear them but it was still awesome. They asked me what I do and I pointed out that I'm a writer as well. Wink. Wink. I told them how I loved the family dynamic they have in and out of the studio. Scotty told me to write a letter to their bosses saying so how awesome they were... from me saying how awesome they were. I don't know if he was joking or serious though. Maybe a little of both? Either way, I remember yelp coming up, I'll try and write a review because sincerely they help my morning along. I never really listened to radio for the actual show, before them. Hold on, I feel myself "slowly drifting" off my point. I mentioned my brief affair with the red hair dye so Riley knew I understood her joy... and pain. Afterwards, they invited me to "hang at the station" with them. Which, I actually plan on doing. They asked for my email... still don't know why but it's cool. I got in a plug on my song writing and also mentioned that I've got my nephew Anthony saying one of their catch phrases... Which ironically, this morning he said he didn't wanna say Friday like that anymore, "Just regular". Perhaps, talking to them built me up for that devastating blow. Overall, my experience was great and Scott, Riley and Bret are really nice. It made my morning!

Now to that opportunity I was talking about. I'd like to think that going to the station and meeting people there might open up some doors. Being able to do what I love isn't easy and even a simple tweet could make the difference. I will admit though, I'm excited just to experience something I've never experienced before! Speaking of tweet, if anyone has twitter, would you mind tweeting a link to this post to (@POWERATL, @ScottyKOnair, @RileyCouture, and @BretMega). Tweeting a link. that's the right term...right? I don't know because they messed up the year on my birth certificate, instead of 1992 they should have put 1892. Easy mistake, but now i Have to live with the consequences of needing to know what a re-tweet and double tapping and instagram pic is. SMH. Maybe I'll have to make one. Knowing me, I probably will just to tweet it to them lol. But enough about my failures in life, have any of you ever had a chance to get on the radio? If so, I'd love to hear about your experience in comment section. Tell me your reaction and what the highlight for you was. And as always thanks for reading!!!

Remember my blog is full of fun material, so feel free to glance over to your right and search through my madness lol... If you have google plus add me to your circles so that you can be updated whenever I put up a new content for you to enjoy. Don't forget to follow and +1 the post!!! If you DO NOT have google plus and you are just paaaaaassssssssing through, please add your email to the mailing list to your right, so that you to can be notified by email of a new post. Being that I am a writer, I am of course currently writing books, songs and things of that nature, so if you want to donate to the cause, feel free by clicking the donation button to your right, underneath my name and picture. Every little bit helps. For more information on my music email me at lovethemusiclivethelyrics@gmail.com

Thanks again and don't forget to SHARE and COMMENT!!!

Check out my latest post, the beginning of my first blog short story: #girlstuff

Check out the first edition of "That's My Show!!!...", where I talk about my new obsession: Empire

Ever wonder "What Has The World Come To?..." check out: Put Em in the Coffin

That's My Show!!!... Empire

Hello my beloved bloggers! It's time for a brand new series! This idea came to me as I was thinking of all the new (and surprisingly awesome) shows that are on TV and of course, the greats from the past. And being the TV and movie fanatic I am, I realized that I had a lot to share on the matter. Soooo... without any further ado, let's talk about my newest FOX obsession.

The show was written by Lee Daniels, the genius behind the 2013 film The Butler. It stars Terrence Howard and (my girl) Taraji P Henson, along with some extremely talented new stars. I'll leave cast information at the end of the post. Simply put, this show is nothing but pure, blazing fire! I'm talking supernova level hotness. It has drama and suspense, mystery and betrayal, characters that you hate to love and love to hate! No wonder they approved a second season before the first was even over. 

Now that the first season is in fact over, we have to talk about it! 

First off, the show starts with Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson) getting out of jail after being locked up for seventeen years. You heard me right, seventeen! And that's her getting out early. She gained my respect when I learned that she went down alone so that her family could thrive, even though it meant without her. Right off the bat, Cookie established that she was not one to be messed with.

I'm not mad at her for that though. As a matter of fact, I think I love her character so, not because of her undeniable fierceness but her undeniable love. Even when those she loves don't love her back. She starts off with that "I'm a mad, inconsolable black woman" vibe, but you soon see what's behind it. That frightened and lonely inmate, who had nothing but music and the hope of having her family back to keep her holding on. That being said, let's look at the man who helped her get there.

Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard) is a not so ex thug, who (with Cookie's money) established the record label, Empire. He built the life that he and she dreamed of. Only problem is, she wasn't included it. He tried replacing her with fake Rihanna a.k.a. Boo Boo Kitty... I'm not being bias, I honestly don't remember her name. At the start, it looks like he has everything under control and his family is his legacy but as you get deeper you see his motivation is selfish and obsessive. Through out the show you feel bad for him because he thinks he's dying of ALS, though you can't help but question everything he does. I'm serious, just when you think he's turning over a new leaf, you find out it was all a plot to get what he wanted from whoever he wanted it from. In the season finale, he has this rant in his sleep that is just as scary as it is revealing.

Ok I tried to attach it to the page but it wouldn't work so I'll drop the link at the end of the post. If you haven't seen it, it is a MUST WATCH!

So these two divorcees have three sons. Andre (Trai Byers), Jamal (Jussie Smollett), and Hakeen (Bryshere Gray). And all this time, I thought the boy's name was Hakeem lol. Anyways. When Lucious finds out he's going to die, he pins the brothers against each other for the bosses chair. Or as I would call it, the platinum chair. Get it? Platinum records.... It's a record label... Platinum Chair... Never mind. I'm not going to go into every detail, that's for you to discover. What I will tell you is that,  Luscious has messed these kids up. Andre was so spent, his psyche couldn't handle much more, Jamal was being oppressed in more ways then one and Hakeen was so pampered he didn't know who he was. But it all comes to a head at season's end and OMG I can't wait for season two!

So let's get down to it...

Best Thing About it:

Definitely, the character's chemistry between one another. I don't know about you. but I can't really get into a show unless the character's realistically grow according to their experiences, however that may deal with them, depending on what kind of person they are. And if the character's in the show don't have realistic reactions and conversations, then that kind of defeats the purpose. I'm watching a show to see how whatever the story is plays out. If the conversations and characters are recycled and predictable then it's hardly enjoyable. Empire does not do that. You can clearly see that the show was well acted, well cast and very well written. 

Something You Wouldn't Expect:

Two words. THE MUSIC. OMG, I kind of knew that the show was about a music label but never did I think they would commit to the music as they did. They went and picked up Timbaland, who is in my opinion, one of the greatest producers possibly ever. I mean come on, the man beat boxes and it's a hit! But seriously, as a song writer myself, I have serious respect for the fact that they stayed true to the plot and made it feel real by backing it up with some of the hottest music ever coupled with film. The first scene of the whole pilot is of  Veronika Bozeman, singing her little bald heart out, setting the stage for the raw pleasure you are about to experience while watching this show. At that moment, I knew... things just got real.

My Predictions For The Show:

Hmm... It's hard to say, simply because this show takes you from here to there, then here again. But being who I am (the queen of predicting shows and movies), I'm going to try.

Obviously, Lucious is going to come back with a vengeance, but I think he's going to start plotting and putting a plan in place whilst in his current predicament. (Trying not to include spoilers lol)

I think Cookie is going to right some of the wrongs of Lucious, family wise. and also make a name for herself as the talented producer she is.

I think Jamal, unfortunately, is going to side with his father since they bonded over the music and have a new respect for each other. I also think he's going to turn towards the darker side as his fame increases and become bigger, better, and perhaps worse than his father. I don't want these things to happen but it's just what I foresee.

I think Hakeen. I could've swore they said Hakeem, is going to bond with Cookie more and start to find himself in both his music and as a man. Perhaps, even step away and make his own brand, clothes and things like that. Maybe become a business man and have Andre deal with that side, while he does his music thing. If he had a brand, I'd name it Keen. It's both a shortened version of his name and a slang term for "down for whatever". The slogan would be something like "I'm keen, are you?"... I don't know, it just fits.

Honestly, I have no predictions for Andre, but that alone could make him the dark horse of this show. He might just shock us all. Think about it.

All and all this is a great show and definitely worth buying on blu ray. Check it out on FOX and HULU Plus.

Last but not least... The Cast:

Taraji P. Henson as Cookie Lyon

Terrence Howard as Lucious Lyon

Jussie Smollett as Jamal Lyon

Bryshere Gray as Hakeen Lyon

Trai Bryers as Andre Lyon

Ok I'm sorry but i had to add some supporting characters that cracked me up.

Fake Rihanna a.k.a. Boo Boo Kitty

That Chick From Precious

The Sneaky White Woman Behind Every Successful Black Man

Before I forget, the video I promised: Lucious Lyon Vs God?

Remember my blog is full of fun material, so feel free to glance over to your right and search through my madness lol... If you have google plus add me to your circles so that you can be updated whenever I put up a new content for you to enjoy. Don't forget to follow and +1 the post!!! If you DO NOT have google plus and you are just paaaaaassssssssing through, please add your email to the mailing list to your right, so that you to can be notified by email of a new post. Being that I am a writer, I am of course currently writing books, songs and things of that nature, so if you want to donate to the cause, feel free by clicking the donation button to your right, underneath my name and picture. Every little bit helps.

Thanks again and don't forget to SHARE and COMMENT!!!

Check out my latest post, the beginning of my first blog short story: #girlstuff

For a look at my first series "What Has The World Come To?..." click here: What Has The World Come To?... Wubbing

Last but not least, check out my take on the movie "Fight Club". It's pretty interesting and from what I'm told funny, so definitely check it out.

Series: #girlstuff

          "You do know that this is pointless, right?", I groaned as Zumi continued to tear through my closet. She stopped what she was doing and leaned back, just enough to glare at me from behind the closet door.

          "No matter how much you insist on looking like a conflicted nun, I won't stop until you look like an actual teenage girl."

          "No, you won't stop until I'm in nothing but party paint and glitter, like I'd just been hit over the head with Ke$ha's purse.", I mocked. She rolled her eyes and continued to destroy what was my once organized closet. I fell back on my bed in surrender. Once Zumi put her mind to something, there was no stopping her.

          Last week for example. It was 4 am, on a school night and I was deeply entangled in my sheets, as any 16 year old girl should be at that time of night. Suddenly, my phone started ringing off the hook. Needless to say, it was Zumi calling to tell me about her "pastel epiphany". Her words, not mine. Next thing I know, she's at my front door with a tub of bleaching powder and a tube of Manic Panic hair dye. Like I said, once Zumi put her mind to something, there was no stopping her. But what can I say, it's part of her appeal.

          I leaned up and watched this skinny Japanese chick fling pieces of my wardrobe left and right, giving a look of disgust every few pieces.Who would've guessed that the two of us, being complete polar opposites by the way, would become best friends. Though she doesn't let me call her my best friend. She says it puts a label on our relationship, which restricts it in some way or another. I'd be lying if I said I understood her logic but somehow we work and I'm not gonna question it.

          "Aha!", Zumi exclaimed. "Finally, something suitable for the human body,"

          "Wow, I actually have one of those?",

          "Joke all you want but this skirt deserves to see the outside world and if you don't take her out on a date, I will."
          She held the turquoise pencil skirt against her waist while admiring herself in my floor length mirror. She does this quite often, but then again why wouldn't she? Yakazumi is beautiful. She's tall with a frame, like a Parisian model. She's not a curvy girl by any means but what she lacks in boobs and booty, she makes up for in long legs and even longer hair. I'm talking, super long. The kind of long that gets caught in door behind her. But it is her "crowning glory" and her "main channel of self expression", again her words not mine. This somewhat explains the Lilac hair a.k.a. her "pastel epiphany".

          "Please tell me again why I even have to go in the first place? You have a social life that's big enough for the both of us.", I teased.

          "Because my dear, you're becoming so much of a hermit crab that you're starting to grow a shell.", she said sweet yet sarcastically. She cocked her head to the side and pursed her lips as if she had made a near prophetic point about my pitiful situation. I hate to admit it but she was kind of right. Besides school, I hadn't hung out with anyone outside of Zumi in over a month. No particular reason, I just don't feel like dealing with people right now. Unfortunately, it seems like my anti-social vacation is over via hurricane Zumi.

          "Now get up and put this on, I have to pee." At that, she tossed the skirt in my lap and clogged her platforms to the door. Halfway through it, she spun around to warn me.
          "If you're not out of those clothes when I get back, I'm stripping you naked and dressing you myself." And on that note, she disappeared into the hallway.

          I learned very early on in our friendship that Zumi always does what she says she will do. So, I put on the skirt. I could only imagine the look on mom's face after walking in my room, seeing Zumi trying take off my shirt with one hand and forcing a bracelet on my wrist, with the other. Ah, good times.
          After a few minutes, I had managed to find something suitable to wear, by Zumi's standards of course, and then it was time to tackle the monster that was my hair. I sat at my vanity mirror, staring at the frizzy red curl factory that had found it's home on my head. It was a struggle, but manned with a detangling brush, some water, and a turquoise butterfly clip, I was able to make it look half decent.
          Unfortunately, being that I'm mixed with black and native american, my hair's not naturally this amazing, Rihanna red color. I'll be honest, the story behind it is both empowering and extremely embarrassing, but out of it came a beautiful friendship. Yep, it's the story of how me and Zumi became friends. It's not time for all that yet but don't worry, I'm not gonna pull a "How I Met Your Mother" and drag it on for 9 years, Great show though.
          By the time that I finished my hair, Zumi had appeared in the door way with a cheeky smile.
          "My little girl is all dressed up and ready for the ball."
          "Ok, ok. Your point is made.", I confessed. She basked in her victory as we headed downstairs.
          Mom was bustling around in the kitchen per her usual, washing dishes, cleaning counters, you know, mom stuff. Zumi lazily strolled in, as she does, and wrapped her arms around my mom and kissed her on the cheek.
          My mom froze and glanced subtly over her shoulder.
          "Um... is there anything I can do for you Ms. Yakazumi?", mom asked cautiously.
          "Mhmm.", Zumi moaned. "Stay this beautiful forever and I will be eternally grateful."
          Let's pause here for a second. This is a perfect example of a Z moment. A Z moment is a natural occurrence that each and every one of us could easily become apart of. Most of us already have. Simply put, it is a situation that is awkward to all involved... but the one who's making it that way. In this Z moment, the initiator or the Z offender also has a tendency to encourage the awkwardness to progress, not understanding or acknowledging it whatsoever. I don't think I need to tell you that Zumi is often the Z offender. Almost always actually. It's like she lives by a completely different set of rules as the rest of the world. Anyways... let's continue.
          Finally after a few more awkward moments, that seemed to linger just to make sure the entire room was slightly uncomfortable, Zumi let go of mom and leaned against the kitchen counter.
          "Okaaaaay. So, hi mom.", I chuckled, shaking off the passing Z moment.
          "Hey baby, what's going on?, she asked oh so southernly sweet.
          "Nothing much, just figured I'd get out of my room and oh i don't know, see the light of day."
          She laughed. "Then where do you plan on going in the moonlight of night?", she asked suspiciously.
          I, unlike every teenage girl ever, don't lie to my mom. I figure she and I have been through to much and lost to many to not have each other. And let's be real, what's a relationship without trust? So, being that I don't lie to her, Zumi doesn't tell me what our activities are going to be beforehand. Thus, tells my mom a true lie.
          "Unfortunately Mrs LittleFoot, Arya has no idea where were going. It's a surprise.", Zumi said excitedly. Mom looked over at me for conformation.
          "It's true mom, she's been going on about it all week and won't tell me." Zumi nodded as if she were proud of herself for being able to keep a secret that long. Mom peered at me even harder.
          "I know you've been having a hard time with everything so I'm gonna let you go. You're a good girl and you need to get out the house. Just make sure you stay a good girl while you're out there, ok?"
          I rubbed her arm to comfort her. "I will, mom."
          Before I knew it, Zumi and I were walking down the street, arm and arm, trying to hail a taxi.
          "So, where are we going exactly?", I asked Zumi.
          "Are you ready for it because it's pretty amazing?!"
          "Well then, let's hear it!", I urged.
          "We are going... to an illegal rave, at an abandoned warehouse that's been condemned and is going to be demolished at 8 am tomorrow!". She squealed. " And the best part is, my new boyfriend is the DJ so we're getting for what?... Free!"
          At that moment, a taxi pulled up. She opened the door for me.
          "Your chariot awaits.", she sang.
          "What am I doing?", I asked myself as I stepped into the taxi.
          As I look back now, getting into that taxi was the first step in both the best and worst experiences of my life. After that came everything that made me who I am and everything that i regret.