What does one do when all of the odds are against them? What action does a man take when the naysayers are watching and looking for him to break? CEO TRU gives us a look into the mind of a man on the ledge. The mixtape opens up with “Man On A Ledge” an exclamation from the artist that makes the statement ” You thought it was a done deal for me but I’m still here and strong!” The mixtape is filled with anthems and gives you a look into the mind of a man who is making attempts to be focused toward his goals. In addition to Track 1 “Man On A Ledge” I think listeners will enjoy track 5 “Chasing”What I like about the mixtape is that it pulls back the curtain on the mind of some of our Black men. Quite too often we write them off but CEO TRUE shows us that he is resilient and focused . The beats and the catchy chorus’s definitely will extend the shelf life of “Man on a Ledge.” I had the opportunity to meet CEO TRUE on a visit to Atlanta while in line at an album signing for David Banner. He definitely seemed like good people. If you are looking something that you can get crunk I think this will definitely get you there. To keep up with CEO TRU make sure that you follow him on social media. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CeoTru/ Instagram @Ceotru
Your Wings Are Ready!
On July 15th 2017 Blaque ButterFli made her debut with her first CD “Your Wings Are Ready.” She spread her wings among family and friends at a packed showcase that featured; David Jarecki, Kai Love, Tebe Zalango and Mannarzm. The event was hosted by Hood Raised, General of Team At Ease . First and foremost the event was pretty much sold out which is not an easy task for most people! It was well organized and all the evidence of a well oiled machine was there. Blaque Butterfli is a major piece of the puzzle at Team At Ease and you could definitely see why, I don’t think there was a stone that was left unturned in regards to making the event a success. She definitely set the bar high with her launch. The atmosphere was energetic, there didn’t seem to be any lags in the program and everyone seemed to genuinely enjoy themselves. In addition to being a cd release she was also celebrating her birthday. I personally can say that this cd was a great debut! You could tell that this was not a rushed product. Often times artists can be in a rush to get something out and don’t dot all of their i’s and cross their t’s but this was not the case with this cd. The project consisted of a mixture of signature pieces as well as new offerings that were not only pleasing to the ear but made you think. I have not seen one negative review about the album. One of my favorite pieces on the album was: “Your Wings Are Ready” which describes her life her life inside of her cocoon which enabled her to emerge with strength. Another one of my favorites on the project was “Black Man.” I liked this piece because of the flood of people who often make it their business to attack, and belittle the Black man. Blaque Butterfli proves that she is definitely not one of these women, she instead chooses to uplift the man in her life “I Am A Writer” who coincidentely is featured on the piece as well. Rarely do you purchase a project where you enjoy all of the pieces but I do on this one. You will be inspired, laugh and get a closer look into the mind of the woman that we know as Blaque Butterfli. She is a woman of many talents; you will see her as a solo artist, co-host of Rhema Rhetoric, and instrumental piece of Team At Ease. You can connect with Blaque Butterfli on her fan page https://www.facebook.com/B2flyInk/ as well as her individual page https://www.facebook.com/2bflyink In addition you can reach her on Instagram at @Blaque_butterfli7207.
Her project is also available on CD Baby https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/blaquebutterfli
Truth and Honesty In Sex
Are you open and honest when you are getting to know someone? When is it appropriate to disclose things like sexual status?
Word Warrior presents “Elements of a Warrior”
On July 9th Word Warrior presented to the world “Elements of a Warrior” his first studio project. His launch party was on the beautiful rooftop at the Phantom Gallery Chicago in Bronzeville. The event was hosted by Blaq Isis with features by Windy Indie, Sam Trump and the Sax Preacher. He has been known by many names; The Loud Poet, Poet Crazy, Mr Well Spoken and currently Word Warrior. One of the things that sticks out with his performances is his energy. He knows how to stir up a crowd during his performances which is a very important element of performing in the spoken word community. In addition to being a performer he also cohosts an open mic set entitled Well Spoken Live with ALIEN another talented Chicago poet. The stand out pieces on the project for me were #7 “Chicago” Where he calls his city to the carpet on the amount of violence that exists. #8 “Grandma’s Hands” He reminds us of the important role of grandmothers in our lives. and #5 which was a P.O.E.T radio exclusive interview where we learned more about the life of the man that they call “Word Warrior” We loved the production on the album and wish Word Warrior much success on his future endeavors. If you are looking to connect with Word Warrior you can do so on Facebook as Eddie Felton/Word Warrior, Instagram @Eddiebword , Twitter @Amasterport and email, [email protected]. As always you can find us on social media on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Openyonated/ and Instagram and Twitter as @MrOpenyonated
Save Our Children Save R Streets
On June 30th Just Mike Da Poet released his 2nd studio album entitled “Save Our Children Save R Streets. The album starts out with a prayer asking for God’s covering in what seems to be a dire situation in the city of wind. If you are familiar with the headlines you will know that discussions about Chicago are in constant rotation. Murder and all kinds of crime are on the rise it seems that there is no hope but, Just Mike is putting his money on those who are willing to get out there and make change happen. In this project he speaks to things as they are, he does not sugar coat the situations that many people are experiencing and he uses snippets from his life to teach and inspire the user. On this project there are a few things that stick out, Just Mike is a believer and not ashamed of stating the fact. In addition, you can tell that he is a man that truly cares about what is going on in his city. We have a few favorites on this album #5 “Vision N Dream” featuring Chris Johnson where he inspires his listens to keep pushing towards their goals, #7 “Our Little Bros featuring Peter Scott & Love God First where he encourages young men to take their rightful places in society and their families , and #8 Only Begotten Son which is dedicated to his son. Mikes CD has moments of inspiration, accountability and teaching. We’ve seen Just Mic perform on Chicago’s spoken word but the cd gave us a closer look into his story. We think that you will find it uplifting and in his words “never give up,never give up and you will succeed!” Grab that album and be prepared for a dose of inspiration! You can find Just Mic on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001593354956 and Instagram as Justmicdapoet
Epic Night Open Mic July 2017
Check out Epic Mic Open Mic’s July edition. This open mic is hosted by Kells & Prolific of Team At Ease. It occurs every second Friday of the month. Be sure to follow them on their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/epicnightopenmic/ As always you can keep up with Openyonated.com on all social media Facebook-@Openyonated and all other social media @MrOpenyonated
Blaq ButtaFli releases “Your Wings Are Ready!
Blaqu ButterFli released her debut cd “Your Wings Are Ready. Her launch event was Fantastic! Check out some of the footage from the event. Official CD review coming soon!
You can follow us on all social media at @MrOpenyonated
Restore “Repristinate”
Alicia “Restore” Spikes is a graphic artist, hair stylist,founding member of Solace Souls and most importantly she is a survivor. On June 25th 2017, Openyonated.com had the opportunity to celebrate the release of her first solo project “Repristinate” We’ve been watching Restore perform for quite some time on the scene even before Solace Souls was officially formed. Her message and delivery have always been powerful and impressive. Restore does a lot of work and it’s normally behind the scenes. She is one of those people who helps to hold things together, those people are always needed in a collective. When you’re part of a collective it’s easy to get lost in the ensemble but she is a force has not gotten lost while serving in a group. We were excited that despite some challenges Restore persevered and is able to present the world with her project. Restore’s album gives you a view into her life, she shares her personal stories. The pieces that are included on the project show strength, vulnerability and I believe that women as well as men will be able to relate to some of the lessons that she presents. The stand out pieces on the project for us were #3 “Addicted” and #8 “Cycle Breaker” In this project we see a woman that has been on a journey, been hurt, used, but has emerged triumphantly. Restore is a CYCLE BREAKER! You can find her on Facebook as Alicia Restore Spikes, on IG as RestorePoetry and of course at Solace Souls Open Mic every 3rd Sunday at the Quarry 2423 East 75th Street Chicago, IL at 7 pm. Be sure to follow us on Facebook @Openyonated on IG @MrOpenyonated as well as Twitter.
Let’s Talk about SEX!!!!
Spoken Word Artist Amy Penrod joins Openyonated.com on it’s talking tour! Listen in as she shares her perspective on the hot topic SEX.
Let’s talk about SEX!!!!!!
SEX is still a taboo subject in many arenas. Why are so many people uncomfortable with discussions surrounding it? We all have different views on it depending on our backgrounds, beliefs and philosophies. It’s also worth discussing since so much is going on in the world! Openyonated.com will be bringing along some friends to tackle the topic over the next couple of weeks.