Affirming the Others

Highlighting creative works by people of the African diaspora. 

[affirmingtheothers]

I just finished this tiny gem of a novel. If there were ever such a thing as a perfect writer, Miss Morrison would be the closest to it that I've encountered in my life so far. She is extremely purposeful in her approach. Every word is intentional; every story development is carefully planted. Each surprise is resolved like a breath of fresh air, yet tension lingers from beginning to end, leaving you pulled, questioning, and longing for more. Centered around a troubled war veteran of the Korean War, and the shame, passion, and loyalty associated with his acclimation back to semblances of normalcy, Home read like a Sunday movie. Though there were some parts that felt a bit too formulaic, Miss Morrison's nuanced, multilayered storytelling shines brightly throughout. For explorations of identity, family, survival, courage, and shame, I recommend this one.

[affirmingtheothers]

The clarity in Adam Ness’ voice fits perfectly on this uplifting, spirit-filled tune. His tone is dazzling – a bright gift that’s made all the more brilliant with his mastery of soulful, well-placed runs. 

The live instrumentation on this track also adds to the exuberance, and the light shade thrown at the end make it even more infectious. 

[affirmingtheothers]

Jaime Wood’s voice is like the warmest of memories: the soft patter of rain, the scent of a comforting mother or the lushness of a Hawaiian paradise. 

Her breezy tone and lovely vibrato float over the guitar strums and full-bodied drumming on this uplifting love song to new beginnings. It’s the perfect backdrop to a vivid dawn. 

[affirmingtheothers]

You can almost the feel the soul and passion that Brandi of purlBKnit puts into her fiber art through the calming way she visually shares them. Using natural wool and soft wool blends, her artistic stitch work and original geometric designs make captivating fashion statements. 

[affirmingtheothers]

For his sleek song 1986 Sh*t, B. Slade brings back the classic DeLorean and neon Malibu nights of the Eighties’ heyday. In this remixed version by J. Fuzion, a low, pulsating beat moves like a confident night’s breeze, though never taking away from Slade’s controlled, expressive and layered vocals. 

B. Slade (formerly Tonéx) is one of the most versatile talents in music. His agile, sweeping voice has stretched and bent over gospel, pop, r&b and everything in between. And his unique approaches to producing and songwriting has crafted unforgettable songs for singers like Kierra Sheard and Tisha Campbell Martin. 

[affirmingtheothers]

Talented hands craft things worth cozying up to. As a skillful fiber artist, Nathan Bryant knits and crochets colorful accessories like hats and fingerless gloves. His textural work comes to life in the vivid, crisp and thoughtful photographs he takes. And he offers patterns for many of his creative works – a godsend to fellow crafters. 

[affirmingtheothers]

As I write this, New York is still in winter. Still, Jonathan Lawrence’s “Malibu” is dripping with so much ocean mist and hazy sunshine that I immediately feel like I’m in the middle of summer. The production, created by the brilliant B. Slade, wraps around Jonathan’s sensual voice and rocks in all the right places. 

Play this as the backdrop to a perfect summer love. It’s an irresistible breeze. 

[affirmingtheothers]

Discovering Rolynne on Soundcloud was like unearthing a rare treasure. Her voice is rooted in something deep and solid, yet it’s also smooth and fluid, like perfectly aged red wine. She couples this stunning voice with a keen ear for nuanced harmony; her vocal layers fill spaces like a sparkling cloud. Many of her recordings were also written, arranged and produced by her alone. She’s truly a great talent. 

Sit back, close your eyes and enjoy her.