Saturday, September 18, 2010

House Party Party Connie & Kesha's WAKE UP! LISTEN UP! House Party & BBQ


If you're not able to physically attend the listening party you can always catch all the fun via www.ustream.com! Hope to see you all there! Sacramento hit me up at 916-251-9327 if you are interested in attending the party!


ChicaWest


connie321:
You’re invited to my House Party!

Come join the pre-party action on my personal party web site. See who else has been invited, who’s coming, and what other invited guests are saying on my party message board.
This party is going virtual too! So even if you don’t live near, you can still be a part of the party.  I’ll be ustreaming from 3 -5 pm pacific standard time.
 http://www.ustream.tv/channel/connie-s-wake-up-house-party

Please RSVP as soon as you can so I can keep track of who’s coming. Check below for details about the party.

See you at the party—and on my party site!

Sac Valley AIDS Run/Walk 2010

This past Sunday, September 12th was Sacramento Valley's AIDS 10th annual charity walk! As an active participant for the past four years it gave me great pleasure to be apart of this event again this year! The last two years I have had to walk to journey alone due to my best friend Maharisha succumbing to the effects of a stroke, but I don't mind doing so because it is a life-worthy cause... besides my participation in the walk honors the memory of my uncle Charles Wilkins who passed away from AIDS almost 20 years ago.

Anyway, while waiting to walk the beautiful 5k around the quaint mid-town section of the city I decided to take a second look around my surroundings and to my surprise I discovered a very beautiful side of the city that captured my heart.















Please feel free to donate towards the annual collection for research for a cure. Visit my personal site here to donate. The name is Kesha York-Jenkins for reference purpose when donating.

Thank you all and I look forward to walking for the cause again next year!
Peace & Blessings,

CWest

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Wake Up Everybody....



Wake Up Everybody
John Legend & The Roots

Saturday, August 14, 2010

I AM NOT A STATISTIC!!!!

I tell myself this every morning when I wake up... so why is it that others shroud themselves in ignorance aren't shouting this life saving mantra?! Not accepting the social norm, not settling for the powers that be truths and demanding your life be worth every last breath means you are utilizing every fiber of your being to NOT become a statistic.

Men, reclaim your pride and dignity be realizing your real potential and place in this world.

Women, realize your worth and reclaim your place in this world and the matriarch of civilization.

Stop settling, recognize your love for one another as God's equal pittance for the genders and find compassion and consideration for each other.

Lets change our broken human system by rebuilding the system!

ChicaWest

Sunday, August 8, 2010

LP Review - Soul Evolution by Chaz Mason

Take the funky guitar rifts of Prince, combine it with the crooning styles of Raphael Saadiq, Vant Hunt and Lenny Kravitz and toss in the essence of Martin Luther McCoy and Craig David and you get Chaz Mason's debut album Soul Evolution.

Complete from beginning to end, Soul Evolution is well deserve celebration of the rebirth of feel good soul music.

Mason, a Georgia native admits that he spent three years working on this album and the sincere delivery of each song on the showcases superb melodies that are authentic and real.

Plagued by love's bittersweet temptation and haunted by constant need of affection from the one he loves, Chaz is able to share his soul's evolution through tracks like 'The Groove', 'You Thrill Me', and 'Infatuation'.

Soul Evolution also offers feel good jams like 'Think and Feel' Stay, 'The Dedication' and a beautiful acoustic song that shares a story about a girl who lacks self love entitled 'Love Yourself"... The most powerful song on the LP, Mason sweeter than honey vocals resonates the songs powerful messages "I am a woman, I am beauty; for I love myself" as if to connect with its listener on a personal level.

Soul Evolution is fantastic; the best soul album I have heard in a very long time. I became a fan of Chaz Mason after hearing 'The Way You Make Me Feel' off of his 'Two-Week Notice' EP but 'Soul Evolution' gave me hope in the rebirth of the genre.

RECOMMENDATION: It's a classic album worthing owning!

Soul Evolution Track Listing:
1. The Groove
2. Think And Feel
3. Stay
4. What About Me
5. You Thrill Me
6. The Dedication
7. Love Yourself
8. Infatuation
9. Midnight Star
10. Again
11. Come As U R
12. Modern Girl

Chaz Mason Online:
Chaz on Myspace
Chaz on Facebook
Chaz on Twitter
Chaz on Reverbnation

Purchase Soul Evolution on iTunes here

Special thanks to Chaz for being a wonderful person and an exceptional artist. Thank you for making me a believer AGAIN!

Enjoy!
ChicaWest


Saturday, May 29, 2010

The ChicaWest Show is Coming!

In four days I'll be globally broadcasting an array of music from multi-genre artists that represent the core essence of what I perceive to be some of the best music not being played for music lovers en mass. To say that I am nervous would be an understatement but I am excited and thrilled to be playing for music for an audience that recognizes and appreciates the independent music hustle. 

Along with the music, some of the things you can look forward to the weeks and months to come are:

  • Artist Interviews
  • Telephone Interviews
  • In Studio Performances
  • Tribute Shows
  • Social Spotlight 
  • In Studio Webcasts
  • Topic Of The Day Commentary
  • Plus so much more...
I am hoping to build a long lasting relationship with the listeners of my show! Feel free to offer suggestions, send me some of your favorite music but just remember to tune in! 

Starting this Wednesday, June 2nd the Chica of the West Coast is live and representing from the penthouse to the basement! Let's go!

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest


ChicaWest Online: Twitter - @ChicaWest | Myspace - ChicaWest | Facebook - ChicaWest

Tune in: www.kumsfm.com

Friday, April 30, 2010

Sheila Johnson Slams BET

Sheila Johnson is using her riches from launching BET to raise awareness of the capital’s AIDS crisis with a new documentary. The billionaire talks to Lloyd Grove about the pandemic, why she’s “ashamed” of BET now, and how politics disillusioned her.

Posted using ShareThis

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

A WTF Moment - Sandra Bullock Adopts Baby and Announces Divorce

I’m all for empowerment of women but at what cost must women continue to do things that suit their needs without factoring how the choices they make in life impacts others.

Case in point, Sandra Bullock reveals during her interview with People Magazine that she is filing for divorce from cheating husband Jesse James and have finally adopted a beautiful baby boy name Louis who was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.

When I sent out a tweet stating my disdain this morning I was told by various friend and followers that before all hell broke loose within the marriage she (Sandra) and Jesse had been working on adopting a baby for 4 years. Since I have not followed her personal life or career I can not debate the validity of their argument.

However, here is the problem I have with this entire story. Parenting is not something you’re born into, it’s not something you can wake up one day and decide you want to do nor is it something you should be able to just “purchase” to do. Children are a long life commitment not accessories and I personally feel like some of these Celebes have nothing better to do with their time and money but acquire things to make themselves feel important and/or loved.

As a black woman I find Sandra’s joy of adoption in the midst of a divorce an oxymoron. For years Black women have been on the receiving end of society’s debate about birthing children outside of wedlock and raising children in single family homes and yet here we have an Oscar winning actress about to embark down that same path and everyone (black chicks included) seem to be okay with it.

WTF?! Did I miss the part where yet another black child is going to be raise without a father?! Little Louis may experience all the finer things in life but he’ll be without a father to raise him and teach him how to be a man… He’ll grow to love his mother but yearn for a father to bond and spend time with… what about the child?!

I’m not bitter about Sandra’s adoption at all, although I am very perplexed about the timing of her announcement. Bringing a child into a broken marriage and family is not news and it further shows the shaky state of familiar status within society.

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

Monday, April 26, 2010

Where Have All The Ladies Gone?

Every day I find myself shaking my head at the nonsense I see on the bus.

One of the things that bothers me most is the girls I see on public transportation acting like they have no common sense, decency or tact about themselves.

Too often they are the ones assaulting my ears with ignorance. The majority of the time it's them I hear talking loud on their phones about their baby's daddy or fighting another chick. It's usually them and their girl friends working my nerves.

The sad thing is that this is an everyday occurrence. I rarely meet " a lady" on the bus or light rail and find it really hard not want to shake some manners into these girls I see on the buses and what not every single day.

Now granted that these girls and women may come from a challenged background and might not have been taught what it's meant to be a lady but damn... How long can we keep blaming their home "environment" for their ignorance?

The fact is there is one cardinal rule that women should know and apply when in public: Preservation, Protection and Positive. Always preserve your dignity, protect thy honor and demand respect and always put forth a positive reflection of yourself.

We are the majority and we have to constantly set the example of what it means to be and act like a lady in public. Despite popular belief, guys aren't attracted the "gangsta b!tch" mentality and it isn"t cute to be manISH so stop it already!

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Monday, April 12, 2010

Don't be so quick to upgrade in life!

Last week while getting lunch at Panera's Bread a cashier complimented me on my ring. She thought it to be beautiful, classic and eloquent. The woman was particularly fond of the unique personal details to the mounting and band.

I was flattered by her compliments and felt a bit guilty because for the last year and half I have been talking in my husband's ear about upgrading my ring for a bigger and better one. I spent so much time trying to upgrade the beautiful token on my finger that I didn't realize that I was already wearing perfect ring designed specifically for me.

Just like with everything else in life, usually what is best for us or designed specifically for us is something we already have in our lives; yet we seek the next BIG thing or UPGRADES from what we already have because we're duped into believing what we have is not good enough.

This revolution was so mind blowing that I had to share the experience with my husband and you know what he said? "Wow, all it took was someone to compliment you on your ring to save me money?! Women, I don't understand them sometimes." Although he doesn't understand the "women" logic he was happy that we no longer had to look for a replacement ring for when we renewed our vows.

If this entry serves as anything I want you all to take this pearl of wisdom with you: The things you acquire in life from the ones you love does not require upgrades unless the value of it's meaning has been reduced to a meaningless relic. Like my ring, the personal designed embedded with the love and time that went into making it made it special in it's own right and it's something that I will forever cherished now that I've been reminded of how special it is.

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

Friday, April 9, 2010

What Was Remember The Time by Michael Jackson Really About?

Today while at work I was listening to my newly purchased History: Past, Present and Future - Book 1 CD by the late King of Pop Michael Jackson. I popped in the second disc first to hear my joints Scream, They Don't Care About Us, Stranger in Moscow, Earth Song, D.S., Come Together, You Are Not Alone, Tabloid Junkie and Smile.

The first disc alone provided me with a strong hour and a half of music and you know that I was in the office getting my groove on and singing at the top of my voice along with music maestro himself when the music finally came to an end.

Looking up at my rather large THIS IS IT movie poster of Mike, I shook my head and grabbed disc one to play all the classic joints: Billie Jean, The Way You Make Me Feel, Black or White, Rock With You, Bad, I Just Can't Stop Loving You, Man In The Mirror, Thriller, Beat It, The Girl Is Mine, Remember the Time...

I never did get to hear the rest of disc one because as I was so enthusiastically singing along to Remember the Time certain lyrics caught my attention...

Remember The Times
Ooh... In The Park
Remember The Times
After Dark..., Do You, Do You, Do You
Remember The Times
Do You, Do You, Do You, Do You

Now for those of you who never followed Michael's career those words mean nothing to you... well nothing that would hold significant meaning. For those of us who have spent our entire lives enthralled with MJ's music and personal life these very words gave an exclusive and intimate detail inside of his personal and very private life.

Sadly the only thing this discovery did for me was validate what I believed to be true all along. As a fan I have always respected Michael's personal and private life and even though he has passed on I still respect that private side of his life even though embedded in every lyric of every song he gave his fans glimpses of his most intimate moments of life.

I remember getting into a heated debate with a fan who doubted the validity of a book that shares the same title as the song that enlightened me today. The fact that I logged onto www.michaeljackson.com to discover a discussion going on about this very book while listening to the song and hearing the lyrics at the same could have been a unlikely coincidence but somehow I think it was Michael's way of easing lingering doubts in my head once and for all.


In 'Tabloid Junkie' Mikey sings so passionately: 

Just because you read it in a magazine
Or see it on the TV screen
Don't make it factual
Though everybody wants to read all about it
Just because you read it in a magazine
You see it on the TV screen
Don't make it factual, actual
It would seem that the truth was always on the surface and written for us all to see. Now that he is gone I think it is up to us all to find relevance in the meaning of his music and determine the truth of Michael's life as a human being... as a man... not the musician we all loved.

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest


Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Rapper John Forte on The Mo'Nique Show



I have been a fan of John Forte since when Lauryn Hill was still rapping and singing with The Fugees. It broke my heart when I heard that John had been arrested on drug possession charges. However, I am elated to know that the prison system didn't break John's spirit. Listening to him share the details of his arrest and incarceration on The Mo'Nique Show made me adore him even more.

His fall from grace served a purpose; to reconnect with the man he was designed to be. Although I'm sure John is fully aware of the man is he, I'm not quite sure he sees how beautiful his spirit has become. Through self evaluation one can see the bad choices made that sparked a course of negative retribution... John openly shared his faults and re-examine his flaws that ultimately cost him his freedom.

As a fan, there is nothing more humbling than the person you look up to admitting that the aren't perfect... I mean this with all sincerity. And as Mo'Nique stated, John is a good dude... a righteous dude... and intelligent dude who just made some bad choices in life and that should be recognized and reconciled and not held against him. I'm just happy that Mr. Forte is back on the right track with his life and music.

By the grace of God if John happens to read this blog post; I want him to know how proud I am of him owning his past and moving forward into the future with a positive and very uplifting mindset. There aren't enough brothers in this world who could travel the road you have and come out mentally and spiritually stronger.

Stay true to you John!


Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

Monday, April 5, 2010

Music Monday - Cornerstone by Adam Stern

As a child of Berkeley Adam Stern knows exactly what it takes to make love and instead WAR. The track 'Cornerstone' featuring Elevaters from his current album The Dreamer Child is definitely an anthem for the socially conscious hip-hop heads and the tree-huggers of the world.


Dipped in an edgy funk and back with the genius lyrical word play by the talented Elevaters, Adam's soul searching tale of finding his strength amidst the distruction of his world as he knows it through family and friends is something we all can relate too.


If you love good music with deep a rooted message, you'll definitely love this track!


Peace & Blessings,


ChicaWest


Cornerstone by Adam Stern featuring Elevaters (download)


RECOMMENDATION: Click the link, listen, download and share it! :)


Adam Stern Bio 

Adam Stern is a Los Angeles-based artist originally from Berkeley, California sharing artistic manifestations of the Soul in the name of oneness, peace, coexistence, love & compassion through music. In 2009, he independently released his debut full-length record, "The Dreamer Child," which is available on iTunes, Amazon and CDBaby. Adam is currently immersed the creation of his follow up effort to "The Dreamer Child" entitled "Planetary Spirits" due in late 2010. 

For more information on this artist visit:


New Movie Alert - Resident Evil: AfterLife

The Resident Evil franchise returns to the big screen September 10th with it's third film reprising Milla Jovovich's role as Alice. James Cameron teams up with Vincent Pace to bring Paul W.S. Anderson's sci-fi thriller to life with cutting edge 3D technology. Prepare for another rip-roaring, heart pounding and jaw dropping adventure as Alice seeks rid the chaotic world of its brain eating zombies and mega-ugly science projects gone wrong.



Enjoy!

ChicaWest

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Twitter Files - Adam Lambert opens up about religion on twitter

To my surprise I logged onto my twitter account to read some very honest words from my beloved Glam Rocker Adam Lambert. According to his tweets, not only does he not celebrate Easter or Passover but he hasn't for years. Proclaiming that he is JEW ish by blood but not by practice, Adam Lambert does believe in a higher power and wished all of his followers a beautiful Easter or Passover anyway. 

I personally found it refreshing to read Adam being open and honest to his fans about why he does or does not celebrate Easter Sunday or Passover. Though I do not believe him being JEW ish by blood diminishes his reasoning, I do wonder if the reason why he doesn't celebrate any Jewish holidays is because he's gay. 


Adam if you read this, please feel free to add clarification to my last sentence. Thanks! :)



Twitter Files - Adam Lambert

@AdamLambert - But just b/c I don't celebrate it: I'd like to wish those who do a beautiful Easter or Passover. Hope your day is grand!!  

@AdamLambert  - I DO believe in a higher power.     

@AdamLambert - I haven't celebrated Passover in over ten years either. I'm Jew ISH by blood not by practice. I'm not religious. More spiritual. Now u know  

@AdamLambert - Thanks for the wishes, but I don't celebrate Easter friends. I'm not Christian. :)

Follow Adam Lambert on twitter: www.twitter.com/adamlambert


HAPPY EASTER & PASSOVER EVERYONE!

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest 

Random Video - Window Seat by Erykah Badu

There has been so much fuss about the indecency of Erykah's nudity in the video. While I do not get the concept behind the video other than draw attention to the release of her new album New Amerykah Part Two: The Return of Ankh the message of killing off what one does not understand seems to be the centralized theme for the video. The depiction of evolution in which Badu speaks of at the end of the video is meant to be received as a tolerable message of love but the video falls short and ends up coming across as a PSA for the mentally ill.

The song is wonderful and I believe Miss Badu could have been really creative (like she has been in the past) with this video for the single; however what has been done is forever archived. Now she is being fined by the city of Dallas, Texas and possibly to have her video restricted to late night rotation on popular television stations only or removed from the airwaves all together.

The Saga Continues... Bad Lady! lol

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest


Saturday, April 3, 2010

Spring Reading List - Sarah's Key

It's been a long time since I've been emotionally drawn into a book. However, Tatiana De Rosnay's book 'Sarah's Key' is not only an emotional story detailing the lost of innocence and life; it's a bittersweet tale of two families intertwine by the inhuman actions of the Jewish roundup that took place in the late 1940's throughout France.


The past and the present collide when the truth is revealed by Sarah's Key and the gruesome life changing discovery of Sarah's 4 year old brother Michel in the apartment that becomes occupied by a Parisian family oblivious to the thousands of Jewish/French citizens being sent to the concentration camp in Auschwitz.


This is an unforgettable book is worth reading and sharing. The beautiful backdrop of the city of Paris softens the emotional core of the story, but the characters are compelling and real. It's a heavy read but a MUST; this is one to discuss with family and friends.


RECOMMENDATION: Buy it, read it and share it!


Visit www.tatianaderosnay.com for more information and other books by this author.


Enjoy!


ChicaWest


Tuesday, March 30, 2010

On The Music Scene : Red Devil Lounge - March 26, 2010

Where: Red Devil Lounge

When: March 26, 2010

Time: 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM

Who: Adam Stern, Damon Castillo, Matt Masih and The Messengers and Elevaters



My best friend Connie Harris and I are first and foremost music lovers, secondly we are HUGE fans of the Elevaters so when we both heard that the band was going to be back in San Francisco we had to be there! So Connie ordered our tickets with the anticipation of seeing our guys rock the stage once again.

Both Connie and I have frequent the Red Devil Lounge in San Francisco for past shows, however last night Friday night (03/26/2010) when we arrived to the venue a highly charged energy seem to consume the place. People were happy and in a positive mood as Connie and I entered the venue. We were greeted by familiar faces and most of all by the musicians set to take the stage. Matt Masih (a long time friend and brother from another mother) was the first to greet us with his BIG smile. Just earlier that day I'd sent him a facebook message letting him know that Connie and I would be at the show... he was thrilled to see a familiar face in the building.

After exchanging hugs with Matt both Connie and I made a beeline to the front of the stage so that we had the best seats in the house. While standing mid center of the front row Sam Golzari of the Elevaters stepped off the stage to greet me. I gave him a smile followed by hug while asking about the show for the night.

"It's gonna be fun!" He said... "The new songs are dope, I think you're gonna like em!" To be honest, those guys could sing the Alphabets backwards and upside down and it wouldn't matter to be because they are that damn good.

Anyhow, we embraced one last time before he made his way over to give Connie a hug and as he released me he was like "Damn girl you smell good what are you wearing?"

"Versace Bright Crystal," I stated with pure confidence and smiled.

"Like that?!" he asked.

I laughed and answered back, "Hell yeah!"

Then as Sam left to go back stage I ran into Miles at the bar and was greeted with a loud "KESHA YORK-JENKINS!" For those who know Miles, you know he is crazy as hell but loveable nevertheless. The interaction between he and I was similar to what Sam and I had shared only moments ago. He greeted Connie and gave her a hug as well and told him that he was excited that we had been able to make it out to the show... he said that it was going to be a good show.

Now it has become cliche' to promise a good show even if there is a chance that the show may be dreadful. However being that they won us over nearly a year ago to the date with their highly charged performance at Hotel Utah Saloon in San Francisco we knew that when they said we were in for a good performance; we were going to get just that!

We're also really good friends with Berkeley's favorite flower child Adam Stern, so while tuning up on stage for his performance Connie and I dropped by the stage to say hello and give him a hug for good luck. He like Matty and the fellas from Elevaters was excited to see us as well. It had been a year since he'd seen us and just was happy to see friendly familiar faces back in the Bay.

Now out of all the shows I've ever been too I had never felt such a personal connection with the performing artists but it felt great to know that the guys really appreciated our support and enjoyed being in the presence of true music connoisseurs that understood their passion for the music they played for their fans.

As a dedicated soul to music I can dig the hard work and dedication that these artists put into a show. So as the lights dimmed as Adam took the stage I made it a point cheer on my dear friend as he strummed his guitar to classic tunes like  Stronger Everyday, Backstab Baby, California Sun, The Dreamer Child and War. The one song I would have loved for him to do with Elevaters is Cornerstone but he gave a solid performance that left me out of breath.

However what neither of us counted on the San Luis Obispo musician Damon Castillo and his band to grace the stage with such fierce determination that Connie and I could help but notice how deeply rooted Damon's groove was. Belted out tunes like All I Know, Surrender, That Ain't Love, Breakdown, Encore and Prince's Musicology brought the level of intensity to a feverish pitch as the band's saxophone player jazzed up the funk on the band's cover of Prince's tune.

By the time Matt Masih took the stage the crowd was really digging the vibes and rocking to the Messengers as Matty sang pitch perfectly to Take Me Away, Commotion, Just Friends, the Jackson 5 I Want You Back and Stevie Wonder's Superstition. As a long time Michael Jackson fan I found Matt's tribute to the late King of Pop to be fitting and wonderful.

Once Matt's set was over there was about a 10 minute break as the Elevaters prepared to take the stage. Every artist that performed made their way into the crowd to witness the phenomenon about to happen on stage. Both Adam and Matt know the musical genius of the band... after all they are all friends. Just as the energy began to erupt from the eager fans to the left and right of me Sam took the stage with Miles and Benjamin in tow.

After a brief introduction the Elevaters kicked off their set with their brand new single 'Tonight' followed by crowd pleasing tracks like Take Me Out, Can't Stop It, Trippin and a saucy dedication of Patience to my best friend Maharisha. By the time they ended the show with The One I was dripping buckets of sweat and my hair was all but shot! But it was well worth it! The Elevaters gave a high energy, high impact performance that left me wanting more.

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

TMI - When is it too much information (original post date 03/29/2010)

We all have at some point in our life share a little more about ourselves than we should have. Telling our business when it wasn't necessary and often sharing too much of our private lives with the wrong people.

I too have done it a time or two, but to error is to be human, right? But when is too much information just that... too much?! Granted one can only learn about the human condition through sharing experiences, but shouldn't there be limit on what we share with whom we share that information with?

The social networking has allowed people from every corner of the globe to come together under a veil of social technology to learn about each other via myspace, facebook or twitter.

While I find it fascinating to learn about the people I socialize with online, I'm not quite interested in really knowing what unsavory activities their involve with offline.

For instance I recently had to give some chick the boot off my twitter followers list because she was a bit of a hoe bag. She and I had corresponded for about six months and she seemed like a cool person... that was until I started noticing her raunchy late night tweets in my feed the next morning.

I try not to judge, really I don't but it's hard not to wonder why someone who indulge in such loose behavior like using twitter as a universal black book to hook up with men and women and then brag about it on twitter.

It's cheap and tacky and I didn't want to have anything to do with her little exploitive game she was playing on twitter so I gave her ass the boot. Had she kept her little escapades to herself I would have never known what she was doing.

However, being that she was so comfortable sharing that part of her life with whomever would read her tweets without questioning her actions made it all too easy for her to share her business online with random ass strangers. Let me say it again, I try hard NOT to judge but she made it real easy for me to cut her loose without looking back.

Some of the other things I have run across on twitter and facebook is people in relationships drawing attention to the flaws of their relationships by inviting others in speak openly about the problems they (the couple) is having.

Now there is nothing wrong with friends seeking the advice and guidance of other friends, but I do have a problem with pulling EVERY friend into a situation that does not call for an audience.

Allowing everyone into your business only complicate things, yet I can't tell you how many times instigators from the outside were invited in only to cause online drama between girlfriend/boyfriend or husband/wife.

The point I am trying to make with this post is that when you share too much of yourself or your business online you open yourself up for all sorts of foolishness and manheim. When you limit what you share online, you spare yourself from being butt-hurt when someone says something about you that you don't like or they judge you because you say something that they don't like. Either way it's a screwed up situation that you should stay away from.

People having issues in their marriage are better off sharing their deepest and most private secrets with a marriage counselor, not your "online" friends. While it's great to have them as a source for guidance and support, depending on what the situation is you may want to get to the bottom of your disparaging marital issues without the peanut gallery messing up your chances for reconciliation.

Just saying...

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

Random Video - 'Grandma's Hands' by Elevaters (original post date 03/28/2010)

The band pays homage to the grandma's of the world! It's a cleverly written song consisting of equally impressive musical blend of harmony backed by the head nodding rhythm and ridiculous bass line. It's one of my favorite songs and sure be a favorite of yours as well.

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

John Legend teams up with Rick Ross & Cassidy for 2 new hot tracks! (original post date 03/258/2010)

The very talented John Legend lends his unique vocals skills to both Miami rapper Rick Ross and Philly hoodstar Cassidy for two separate but equally pleasing tracks.

Check out:

Sweet Life by Rick Ross featuring John Legend

Searching by Cassidy featuring John Legend

Click to download, listen and share the music.

Enjoy!
ChicaWest

Big ups to Nikia Leslie and the KUMSfm Family! (original post 03/25/2010)

Last night I co-hosted Brown Sugar Radio with Nikia Leslie on www.kumsfm.com and if you were listening you know we were acting up!

There was plenty of good music and a lot of discussion about bad ass Bebe's kids and the future of our youth, haters versus people with valid opinions and dumb ass co-workers who don't know when to shut the f*ck up!

Oh yeah, Nikia and I blew up the spot with straight wisdom and knowledge... and an occasional b!tch slap. The night was fun as hell and hopefully I'll get a chance to co-host Brown Sugar Radio again with my girl. With us you never know what the discussion will be when you get Nikia and I together but it's guaranteed to be on point and real... believe that!

Big ups to KUMSfm.com radio for providing listeners with a stations that plays good music not that commercialize ISH you hear 50 times a day!

Hope those who tuned in enjoyed the show!

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

Blind sided by the ignorance of the youth (original post date 03/22/2010)

This past Saturday I attended an event with a friend (Nikia Moore) who is managing Sacramento hip-hop group Major League Spittaz at The Roadhouse off Bell Avenue.

I had never been to this venue nor had I heard the group perform live, so this opportunity provided me with several firsts. Well, a local Sacramento organization came up with a great venue so Sacramento pre-teens and teens could have a positive place to hangout and enjoy the company of their peers in a friendly and hostile free environment away from the streets.

Nikia, Courtney aka Century of MLS and other members of the group arrived at the venue ready into kick start the Safe Haven event in high gear, but instead of a warm welcome MLS was met with curious and confused eyes.

I say confused because Nikia and I both notice before, during and after the group's performance (which they killed it by the way) that our youth of today have become complacent with the commercialized brand of hip-hop heard on the radio or seen on the television. They missed the opportunity to see the genre in it's rare and creative form.

The group completed their set with a resounding silence that created the void between the hosts and the attended receivers of the lyrical messages provided by Major League Spittaz. The truth became evident as the adults witness the disconnection not only from the music but the purpose of Safe Haven.

We were blind sided by the youth and their appetite for everything opposite of the purpose for the event. The ideal of wanting to keep them safe by providing them with a Safe Haven from the streets had eluded them all together.

Every adult in that room had a look of fustration because as current leaders we felt a bit helpless and while looking around the room we realized that we are not only fighting with the streets but with popular urban culture to save the youth from itself.

I am going to pray that the Save Haven program is a success because the youth of Sacramento really do need it, especially with the looming summer months ahead.

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

Make An Impact on Finding a Cure for Breast Cancer (original post date 03/19/2010)



When she was only 38, Sonia was diagnosed with breast cancer. This young mother of two entered the race of a lifetime in her passion for beating the disease. Today, five years later, Sonia has won her battle and is actively supporting Komen Sacramento's efforts to win the war. She leads one of the largest race teams, that over the last four years has raised $96,174. Sonia, like so many of our registrants, is inspired to save lives. Survivors and activists alike are making an impact on the disease, and will not stop until we've reached our goal.

YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT BY REGISTERING FOR THE
KOMEN SACRAMENTO RACE FOR THE CURE
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Cal Expo - Sacramento
5K run/walk or 1 mile fun run/walk

CATCH THE EARLY BIRD SPECIAL BY REGISTERING BY FEBRUARY 26TH
You can now register online by clicking on the Race icon to the right
Team captains - register yourself, name your team, and start recruiting

PREFER TO SLEEP IN? - Register for Sleep In for the Cure® and support Komen Sacramento without sacrificing your beauty sleep! You'll receive through the mail a door hanger that lets the world know you are Sleeping In for the Cure and a t-shirt. You can also collect donations and win a prize.

NEW T-SHIRT DESIGN - As always registrants will receive a free t-shirt (while supplies last). This year the shirts have a new design voted on by the public. We think you will love it!

If you would like to register to walk please visit www.komen.kintera.org.

Also I am hosting a fundraiser event in support of  the Race for a Cure event on May 1st. If you would like to attend the Pink Panties Cocktail Social please e-mail me at chicawestpromo@gmail.com.

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

Attention Independent Artists & Bands (original post date 03/18/2010)

Are you an independent artist looking to spread your music via the internet? Let the music diva ChicaWest review the music and blog about it! Send all MP3 submissions along with the name of the artist and/or band with the proper contact information to chicawestpromo@gmail.com.

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

P.S. All submissions are reviewed and all genres are accepted. ;)

Tiger Woods? Please! (original post date 03/16/2010)

The buzz on Twitter and Facebook today is centered around Tiger Woods returning to play in the Masters. Personally I think it's great that Tiger wants to return to golf to play in the sport he is good at and loves but seriously there are just wayyyyy too many people tweeting this information with glee like they have been watching The Masters before Tiger could walk.

"I mean really? How many of y'all really watch golf even if Tiger Woods is playing. That ish is boring as hell... no fuss, Tiger doing what he does best... swinging his balls at random holes. (pun intended) HA!"

I tweeted that less than an hour ago and here are some of those responses I've gotten via twitter and facebook.

On Twitter

@geneeeva: @ChicaWest ~laughing at you ; ) golf is a pretty big deal around here dearie!

@DeeJayClyde: @ChicaWest OMG how dare u! I love golf! Its one of da bestes spor...t....s. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

On Facebook

Jenicco DeLoach Cotton - Well I like Happy Gilmore. Thats about it. :-)

Johnny Florence - Blood that's how u feel u r crazy for that one!!!

Kesha York-Jenkins - he he, I'm saying right?! Girl Black folks is all giddy about Tiger playing in the masters and they know their black asses ain't watching no golf tournament. It's like The Tiger Effect, now that he has been prosecuted by the media because he cheated on his wife all of a sudden blacks want to support him. Psst, give me a damn break!

Mayra Felix - Hahaha. Yeah seriously who watches golf?

Kesha York-Jenkins - Shit I don't... not gonna lie to kick it with all the Tiger supporters. lol

Mayra Felix - Random white holes that is Lol

Bussaina Nubi Ahmed-Mohamed - I know! Like what kind of a sport is that, waiting for the ball to roll into a white hole. Wow. Almost as much as a sport as poker on Espn. Intense as hell.... NOT

Kuji Amani - Actually, I started watchin golf when I learned of Tigers story re his father. Great story. Havent watched since he stopped playin No ones as good as he is. Cant wait to see him do it again.Clinton didnt lose his presidency, politicians dont resign. I support brothers in all sports golf, tennis, swimming, speed skating, bmx, classical music included. There isnt anything we cant master and I enjoy our diverse abilities.There are plenty who support Tiger which is why the PGA is losing money every second he's out.

Kesha York-Jenkins - Kuji your support seem genuine, so kudos go u for supporting Tiger and the golf sport. I personally have never nor will I ever watch golf.

Melanie Wilbur - You are a mess girl! I love it!

Sandy Highland - I don't know who Kuji is...but they are smart ;) I can say "we knew him when"....or maybe "before"....and the story with his father is genuine. So was his love for his extended family...who he gifted generously when he hit it big. Fame is a drug....and he failed the test. But, I never watched golf until he played...and it IS boring as ish without him. Charisma....

Kesha York-Jenkins - Kudos to all people who watch golf... Kuji gave a great explanation as to when, where and how he became a fan of golf. That's great and all but the posts was meant for the bandwaggoneers... only.

Connie Harris - You got a lot going on here..... LOL

Kesha York-Jenkins - @Connie I know right?!

Patricia Castille - You are Crazy Kesha!

Robert Florence - my sister is da only person n da world that understand me.

Sarrah Nunyabidniz - No you di-ent, Mija! Nasty-coshina-girl! But I LMFAO at that! Muahzies!

Keep the comments going. I'll post them here to share with the world! This post is NOT to diss tiger (per se) but to draw attention to the fake hooplah surrounding his return by those who have never probably watched a golf game in their life!

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

Music Monday - Murder by Music Monday - Murder by FreshCoastICON feat J. Luttrell (03/15/2010)

Today I started my search for brand new music from some of the hottest artists you have yet to hear about. My boy Aydin sent me a tweet with the download link to FreshCoastICON's new track Murder featuring J. Luttrell.

As your official Chica of The West Coast, I am stamping this one a summer banger. Hold on to your butts because this song is going to murder the competition!

Peace & Blessings

ChicaWest

RECOMMENDATION: Click the link, listen, download and share it! :)

www.sendspace.com/file/krd52w - Murder by FreshCoastINC feat. J. Luttrell


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FreshCoastICON's Bio via Myspace.com

He is NEXT. Iconic in every sense of the word, it’s no wonder that even Wikipedia rushed to print his name. With swag like some, lyrical play like none and a smile that entices all, its quite clear why ICON answered his calling to hip hop. Born in a tumultuous post-revolution Iran, ICON (born Ila Parvaz), stepped into the world at the height of another mass movement taking place in the U.S. Hip Hop was pressing into the music scene at the hands of Russell Simmons and other legendary figures. When “Walk this Way” hit the Billboard charts in 1986, it was more than a welcoming introduction for ICON, whose family made the U.S. their home that same year. While the East Coast was bumping, the N.W.A. was making major noise in the West Coast. Landing in Orange County, California ICON took notice at the major influences of American culture and felt the strong presence of Hip Hop. It was at age 13 that ICON entered the ring for his first freestyle battle. Awakened by N.W.A., but inspired by the evolving East Coast culture, ICON rests his influence on the likes of those rappers who could creatively deliver a message while containing their emotions ingeniously in their bars. Almost a decade after he went in for his first taste, ICON is now more than an ingredient in this melting pot some call hip hop. He is the product, uniquely branded and individually wrapped. He represents the legacy and the continuation. a new era has begun.

For more information on this artist visit www.myspace.com/hiphopicon.

For more information of 80hAydin visit www.myspace.com/aydinmusique.

Are you a hater or highly opinionated? (original post 03/15/2010)

Ever browse some of the pages on social networking sites like myspace, facebook and twitter? What did you see? Things that made you laugh things that make you cringe and probably a lot of self-absorption, right?

For every one good correspondence that is taking place on the World Wide Web, there are about 10 correspondences that are liable to end in disagreements which often leads to hatred.

Why is that? Let's take me (because it's my blog) for instance. I potentially hang out among like-minded people in various online communities but always manage to butt heads with several members because they dislike my views on a discussion or they either find my approach too straight forward therefore writing me off as indifferent or a HATER.

While I am strongly opinionated I am definitely not indifferent nor am I a hater. The thing is; I am not obsessed with hate, so  when I speak on a subject it's usually with clear and concise understanding of the matter with an opinion derived from logic and knowledge not passion and lack of knowledge.

Sometimes it's hard to understand how others draw their conclusions about this world we live in, but then again those same people have grown sensitive while becoming obsessed with labeling people as haters if someone disagrees with what they have to say or what they do.

Well I won't digress because I think people need to understand the difference between people who discuss opposition to offer evident truth as oppose to those who could care less about the truth but seek to make your life a living hell by disagreeing with you say or do.

People who don't know you can only offer up their opinion of what they perceive as an honest answer and/or observation. This is the case with most of the interaction that takes place via the Internet. So then why is it while I am roaming those mentioned social sites do I see people tripping over what people have to say?

You can't possible put yourself out there expecting EVERYONE to agree with what you say or do? It's unrealistic to think that your audience and followers are accepting of every single post and/or update that you give.

I have found that in this voyeuristic age the more personal information you provide for yourself to the world, the more likely to be met with disagreement, opposition and in small rare cases sarcasm. Should you accept it? No; but unless you live in a fishbowl where social events are just centered on your thoughts, feelings and emotions it's most likely that those "so-called" haters are going to slice you up a piece of humble pie.

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

Family & Money equals Nonsense

This morning I awoke to a text message from my brother Shawn asking to borrow money. Shawn is the eldest of my three brothers and has 8 kids with the same woman and lives in Texas. He works at UTMB in Galveston and makes enough money to take care of his family.

At first glance of his text message I laughed, then I re-read it again and was stumped and upon another read and I became pissed. Shawn is two years younger than me and very capable of taking care of himself so I found it odd that he would be asking me for money.

You see, I hardly ever hear from Shawn and usually when we talk I am the one doing the calling. Through conversations with my grandmother I assume he was doing well because of his job at the hospital  but I was wrong.

Anyway, I called him this morning to get more insight on the story before giving him a resounding NO and you would not believe how quickly the conversation soured when he realized that I was not going to give him money.

Ok, here's a little advice for those of you who like to hit up your family members for loans:

- Be ready to answer a shit-load of questions about your lifesytle and financial management.

- Be ready to hear the truth... whatever that is. So if you are one of those people who only call when you need something, be prepared to hear it.

- Suck it up! Nobody cares that your pride is suffering. If you are bold enough to ask for money then be strong enough to take the criticism that comes with borrowing money.

- DO NOT insult the person you are asking for money. I revealed to my brother the reason I thought he was broke was because of all them damn kids and he told me flat-out, "I should reach through this phone and smack the shit out of you!"

- DO NOT assume the person you are asking for money is financially wealthy just because they manage their money well. My brother said I MUST be rich if I could afford a family vacation in South Lake Tahoe.

I share these pointers with my fellow "loaders" so that in the distant future you don't add insult to injury by asking for money and insulting the person all at the same time. It's not a good look and could lead to some resentment or fallout.

Instead of getting angry with my brother, I decided to explain a few things to him before telling him NO. I realized that although we were raised in the same household with the same values my brothers didn't absorb the life lessons as I had.

However, being that he is an adult now and having kids that he can't afford I only felt it necessary to tell him to get a second job or take out a loan with his bank if he needed the money so bad. After that I told him that I had to get ready for work myself and bid him adieu.

For the first time in my adult life I didn't feel bad by turning m brother away AND I kept it civil instead of loosing it! I issued a soft b!tch slap without dislocating my elbow! LOL :)

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

B!tch Slap Wednesday (original post date 3/10/2010)

It seems the earth DID NOT align with the stars so that my day could be a peaceful one. First my both of my sons decided that they wanted to work each other’s nerves early in the morning. My youngest son was hell-bent on taking a shower before heading to school but my eldest son thwarted his plans by beating him into the shower first.

I didn’t say anything to either of them because I wanted to see how they would handle the situation without my input. So I continued getting dress for work and kept my ears open for the never-ending bickering between the two of them.

Needless to say I left the house without having to lay the smack down on some children. So here I am feeling good about the start of the day, I get on the bus headed to work listening to Adam Lambert and browsing twitter through my Snaptu application when all of a sudden the heifer cow driving the bus decides to slam hard on the brakes; sending my $600 cell phone flying out of my hands and onto the floor.

To make matters worst, the screen calibration on my phone starts tripping, and then it freezes in the middle of my tweet to my Sexy Face Lady sister Patricia, turns off completely and comes back on. Once the welcome screen is done spazzing out, a phone call comes in from my youngest telling me that he was rushed out of the house by his big brother without grabbing a jacket.

 So you know I had to go crazy ass mom on the phone with the two of them and set things straight. I told my youngest that from now on he would rise at the butt ass crack of dawn to take his shower, get dress, brush his teeth, comb his hair and eat breakfast and I told my eldest to turn his ass around and GO BACK to the house to grab a sweater for his little brother.

By the time I was done having that conversation the bus was at my stop. Still steaming from dropping my phone I threw the bus driver an eat-shit-and-die look as I exited the rear of the bus.

It took me about 5 minutes to walk to work and get settled. I grabbed a cup off coffee and logged into twitter to respond back to Patricia when I spotted a tweet in my in my stream from Michael Jackson’s make-up artist Karen Faye. She, like the rest of us had learned of the death of actor Corey Haim but she was the only one standing on a soapbox sounding off on potential circumstances surrounding Corey’s death.

First off @wingheart has not earned the right to be pointing fingers at anyone in Hollywood when she was just as much of an enabler to Michael as the doctors who often prescribed him the pills. But she had the nerve to tweet - "Drugs take another artist! Hollywood must put a magnifying glass on the enablers, so we as a society can help save our precious artists."

I hate hypocrites with a passion and she sparked the urge to issue virtual b!itch slaps via twitter so I let her have it:

@wingheart Cut the crap, how many times did you know Michael was doing something he shouldn't and you did NOTHING about it Karen?!

@wingheart He was merely a paycheck for you as well and now you're standing on your soapbox calling out Hollywood enablers?! Please!

KF: Our artists are GIFTS, we need to protect. Society and the media uses them for money, vilifies them, then glorifies them in death. 4$$$

@wingheart Life in general is a GIFT from GOD. Just because they are artists does NOT make them less accessible to the wicked ways of the world. The fact of the matter is Karen is that Hollywood creates and control how society embraces celebrities. The Media is used to perpetuate certain levels of celebrity as well as exposed their little secrets and the fans glorify them for personal reasons. WHAT IS YOUR POINT?!

KF: @QueenBee_73 You most certainly are attacking me Tina...quite consistently.

@wingheart Did @QueenBee_73 bruise your EGO Karen! Just like you have the right to spout off lies, she has the right to dispute them!

KF: @QueenBee_73 I am not here to convince anyone of anything. I do not agree with you, but I do not go on YOUR pages and tweets to attack u.

@wingheart Welcome to twitter... you may want to close off your page if you can't handle public opinion Karen.

RT: @wingheart I am going to see Captain EO....sad for me. So many beautiful memories. - Make sure the paps are there to catch you crying for Michael. SMDH

I am so sick of Michael’s "so-called" friends speaking on “stuff” they know nothing about. The fact of the matter is, until the medical examiner has listed the cause of death for Corey Haim, we DO NOT KNOW WHAT KILLED HIM.

 She spoke out-of-place and then reference Michael Jackson to solidify her argument... NOT COOL. These Hollywood insiders looking for their 15 minutes of fame off of someone else's demise is not enduring or forthcoming and she needs to shut the hell up. Karen is a snake in the grass using Michael's death as a step ladder to a successful career.

 After my minor head butt with Karen Faye I decided I needed to be amongst other loving MJ fans only to read some condescending nonsense from Michael’s #1 stalker Miss Moonstreet. She titled her thread If June 25th Hadn't Happened...

Um, hello it did happen and Michael is gone so I don’t quite understand the purpose of her juvenile post. The stalker turn sour puss obviously need a little excitement in her life because Michael’s death has caused her such pain;  so to make herself feel better she starts a discussion that is bound to earn her countless virtual b!tch slaps from fans all over the world?! Paint me confused… please.

Let me just clarify that this b!tch is crazy, PLAIN AND SIMPLE. Why Jackson fans must clarify how and why they became a fan before or after his death is not her concern. For someone who is grieving, she surely knows how to flaunt her stalker express card at the wrong time.

B!tch has been served her ass and then some by the homies at www.michaeljackson.com. Shout out to the PYT’s and MJ’s Sexy Face Ladies.

Who’s Next!

ChicaWest