In Black American music there are few forms in the electronic era that truly speak to our roots.  Although I am not a rap aficionado, I understand its real importance and also that rap has been on life support since about 2003.  You may have your own opinion but let's see if you agree with my opinion; when rap had a message just as R&B had a message it was revolutionary but good.  Real poetry driven Rap with message based lyrics is pure and is delivered best when it is a small crowd of 30 to 600 people all on the same vibe and of the same mind.  It is reminiscent of being at a tent revival.  See any early Public Enemy concert footage. 

We all agree that the father of Rap is Spoken word, for brevity of this post young people listen to a single track by the legendary Gil Scott Heron and it will make it clear what I am talking about.  The Grandfather of Rap is thee Blues. 

The Blues is a wholly African American construct born out of the spiritual hymns of slaves played with the instruments of Bluegrass (banjo, fiddle, viola, violin, piano, harpsichord/organ and guitar), it is the music of the people.  For me it describes the saddest and lowest points of humanity, but celebrates it with revelry.  The Blues played live dares sadness to remain in the midst of an explosive vocal exorcism, putting the lyrics and storytelling on the front line, doing battle with what's causing the pain. 

I gave the gift of music appreciation to my children from the cradle, before they knew what they were listening too.  I continued that education until they were in their early teens.  This journey is unique for every household, take a moment to think of those households that do not have a rich appreciation for music, art or anything that does not cultivate forward thinking.  They may be rich in finances but poor in open mindedness.  I most recently acquired an Aretha Franklin compilation (7/2010) which contains 100 tracks, in my collection it replaces the previous 30 Greatest Hits 2 disc from 1990. 

This allows me to restart my long tradition of Blue Lady Sunday's at my house.  Blue Lady Sunday's are my tribute to Big Momma Thornton, Ruth Brown, Billie Holiday (depending how depressed I am), Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin and if I am feeling upbeat Dionne Warrick singing Burt Bacharach.  Of course if I have time I follow that up with Blue Monday featuring Albert King, Bo Didley, Bobby Blue Bland, BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughn (doubles for Guitar Thursdays too), Robert Cray and Sweetback. 

A short note on Sweetback the band, they are the collective members of Sade without the female vocalist.  Yes Sade Adu is the lead singer of Sade the band.  The band by itself is awesome too. Check out their cover of a Bill Withers tune in the reply section of this post