Let’s see, the word “random” is defined as “made, done, happening or chosen without method or conscious decision.”
To “muse” is to be “absorbed in thought, say to oneself in a thoughtful manner.”
That being the case, it seems to me that “rando-musing” should be a word. Actually, I thought it was, but I could find no verification of that on the Internet or elsewhere. I even called the Main Library and had them try to find “rando-musing” in one those very old dictionaries that are about 24” thick.
No luck.
But I decided to use the word anyway, justifying it as “journalistic license.”
So into “rando-musing” we go.
SADE is an artist I have a lot of respect for (“Is It a Crime?” is my favorite song by her) and I am so pleased that her “return” album, “Soldier of Love,” is doing so well. She is cool, sophisticated and jazzy.
That said, I wish that Sade would occasionally pick up the pace. An uptempo song by Sade — now there’s a thought! She is a fine artist, but her albums always sound basically the same and put me to sleep. They work better than Sominex.
TRACY MORGAN, best known for his work on “30 Rock” and “Saturday Night Live,” is one of those comedians that I feel uncomfortable with. So often what he does borders on being buffoonish. I can understand Bill Cosby’s concern and criticism.
Another one who makes me uneasy is Flavor Flav. He and Morgan both seem to, all too often, play up to racial stereotypes. Which brings to mind Jimmy “J.J.” Walker on “Good Times.” No wonder John Amos left show after the third season.
THE BLACK EYED PEAS and the Pointer Sisters are two acts I enjoy because they perform at such a high energy level and never disappoint.
Obviously they enjoy what they do and are cognizant of the fact that people are watching (television, YouTube, etc.) or attending a concert because they want lively entertainment.
And when it comes to creativity, no one out there today can match the Black Eyed Peas, unless you count Lady Gaga who, for me, is “creative” to the point of it being distracting and detrimental to the music.
DIAHANN CARROLL, legendary star of screen and stage, made an interesting point recently — that there are not nearly as many movie and television roles for older actresses, such as herself, Ruby Dee, Cicely Tyson, etc., as there should be. (Angela Bassett should also be seen more often, and she’s only 51.)
“I would like to work more than I do,” Carroll said succinctly.
Actress Lonette McKee, who is in her mid-fifties, made the same observation, but was even more blunt. She said producers, directors, studios, etc., make it clear that they do not want older women in front of the camera much, particularly in lead roles.
This is in sharp contrast to, for example, Morgan Freeman, 72, and Samuel L. Jackson, 61, who make one movie after another. And you can be sure that Laurence Fishburne, Don Cheadle, Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker will continue to work nonstop.
Not fair.
BEYONCE and Jay-Z are to be admired for managing to maintain a substantial amount of privacy despite being one of the most high-profile couples in show business. People want to know a lot more, but that information is not forthcoming.
Shawn Carter (that’s his real name) and Beyoncé Knowles were married in early 2008, and even the when and where of the upcoming nuptials was widely speculated on before the couple chose to make the facts available to the media and the public.
“B” and “J” seem to be very happy together. To quote the Whispers, “It’s a love thing.” But private space is essential.
ROBIN THICKE is one those White artists who, like Teena Marie, Eminem and a few others, is impressive because he is fully immersed in Black music, and is accepted completed by the Black community.
No one ever accuses Thicke, or the others, of ripping off African-American culture, posturing, scamming or any such thing. On the contrary, Black music is what Thicke does, period. It’s as natural as breathing. It would be phony for him to do anything else.
Thicke, who is married to Black actress Paula Patton, ascended to major stardom in 2005 with his breakthrough album, “The Evolution of Robin Thicke,” although he had been around a while.
His current album is titled “Sex Therapy.” (Marvin Gaye might be pleased.)
LOQUACIOUS. Now there’s a word you don’t often hear or see written. After decades of conducting interviews, I was asked which artists were the most talkative.
Interesting question.
That distinction would go to actor Giancarlo Esposito (“School Daze,” “Spenser: For Hire,” “Malcolm X,” “NYPD Blue,” etc.) and Peabo Bryson.
Esposito, who by the way, was born in Denmark, gave new meaning to the word “conversationalist.” The friendly actor’s words flowed as freely and consistently as the water at Niagra Falls. After we sat and talked for nearly two hours, he asked if I wanted to call the next day to talk some more. I told him thanks, but I had enough material for the story!
As for Peabo Bryson, he had so much to say that there was virtually no need for many questions to be asked. I had prepared 15, but only ended up using three. I would ask one question and Bryson would take off like a rocket, occasionally pausing for a second or two to catch his breath.
RIHANNA, of course, went through something no woman, or anyone else, should ever have to. Chris Brown is be commended for paying the price with courage and resolve.
There is nothing whatsoever humorous about what happened. However, a very outspoken friend of mine (initials, D.M.) said something — a sexist, rather crude joke, yet he was very serious — that made me laugh even though I knew I shouldn’t. (You can’t help what tickles you!)
D.M. said Brown was completely wrong and got what he deserved. Nevertheless, he added, “But I’ll bet she pushed his buttons! Women know how to do that within an hour of meeting a man.”
Hey, I said it was wrong for him to say that!
ONE MORE THING: There is more to at least one celebrated “minister’s” determination to battle with City Council, especially its president about adult nightclubs. That’s because the minister is very anti-gay. (“In the name of the Lord,” of course.) People being who they really are means nothing to this minister and others like him, nor do these words from the Bible: “There is one lawgiver who is able to save and destroy. Who are you to judge another?”