AsToldByJess

Jessica is my name. I am the Pop Culture investigator! Watch for all things that are trending. |MUSIC|ART|NEWS|FASHION

[astoldbyjess1]

Changing the Meaning

I'm up early thinking like always🤔💭.... So the quote or saying "The blacker the berry the sweeter the juice" is usually associated with the skin color of a African American. Saying the darker your skin is the more beautiful you are. This quote has caused good and bad reactions through the black community. Mostly bad making us feel that if we aren't as light or dark we weren't as good separating us as black people. So this morning while I was braiding my locs, listening to some Badu and Kendrick Lamar, this idea came to my mind. What if we use the same quote but change the meaning. "The Blacker the Berry the sweeter the Juice" means the deeper I educate myself in my history as black man or woman the sweeter the essence. That if I acknowledge the knowledge that my ancestors are the originators of all things. To realize how ripe the fruit of our minds are. To know when I speak; my tongue heavy with juices of greatness the sweeter I make everything around me. Changing the meaning changes the way of thinking. Know you are great because you are apart of a great legacy and that the melanin of your skin is a bonus that we were blessed with.

[astoldbyjess1]

"The Reasons for Announcement" Last month I decided to announce my pregnancy. Yes, I'm 24 years old and no I'm not married. I posted the announcement not out of pride nor fear of what others may think of me. I posted my status because I live in a world where religion some times trump the facts of being a human being first. I have lived on this earth for a short amount of time but have seen and experienced a lot from childhood to my early twenties, than most would think to see in their life time. This experience like others I tried to push to the back of my mind. I tried to put it behind that steel door with other unpleasant memories. This particular experience isn't one that can be shut out or forgotten. I have slept on the idea, prayed about speaking about my journey and I'm at peace. My announcement of my pregnancy wasn't just for me. I did it for that young lady that who is too scared to talk to her mother about sensitive topics. I did it for the classmate who had aborted their baby because she thought that was the only way out. The daughter who felt alone day dreaming about what her child would of been if she had kept it. Her life becoming a silent depression. The woman who has now buried herself in her work. Drowning herself in a whirlpool of the thought that she might not ever be able to reproduce again. The quiet girl that sits on the third pew at church. Praying for strength that one day she can stand up for herself. She knows the word of the bible but still doesn't understand the true gift of love. The abused the shamed because their life wasn't suppose to turn out like this. Let my experience be your voice. I'm not saying the act of what I did wasn't wrong. I'm not here to send mixed messages. I am here using what God blessed me with to be a testimony to those who felt they couldn't do it. That I understand those tears you cried and your pain you felt in your heart. You aren't alone you can be happy and life does get better. I am Jessie J. I am a blogger, I am loved by God and soon to be Mother.

[astoldbyjess1]

I am almost 4 months into creating the greatest hit yet. I am expecting a beautiful baby this summer. I have been so excited to tell everyone that I can't hold it any longer! So yes, AsToldbyJess is having a baby! I promise I won't be too overbearing with baby updates but I'm totally excited about my little sugar muffin coming into the world 😁😍! #MySummerLove #WhattoExpectwhenExpecting #AstoldbyJess

[astoldbyjess1]

The Secret Lucy

I have been following Kendrick Lamar from the beginning of his career to present date. He really hasn’t changed his style of rap but has gradually given his audience a chance see in a little deeper into his conscience. The constant theme I seem to find in his music is some what of a warning to new artist that want to be in this rap game or “famous” lifestyle. The perks but also the down falls of celebrity. Kendrick latest project “To Pimp a Butterfly” loosely talks about someone named “Lucy” at the end of each track. Some of us may think Lucy is just some woman, but oh is it deeper than that. I had listen to TPAB on repeat for a couple of hours. I needed to get pass the hype of the beats and actually listen to the words this man was saying. In grade school many of us were taught when reading a piece of literature if the Arthur is creating a pattern to zoom in, pay close attention because that pattern will be very important to the book. So using my great listening skills I found the pattern which are these lyrics. “I remember you were conflicted. Misusing your influence. Sometimes I did the same. Abusing my power, full of resentment. Resentment that turned into a deep depression. Found myself screaming in the hotel room. I didn’t want to self-destruct. The EVILS OF LUCY was all around me. So I went running for answers. Until I came home. But that didn’t stop survivors’ guilt.“ This message shows up in each track. I thought to myself, is Kendrick speaking of himself out loud? Is this a conversation going on in his mind or is this a message of warning? Most importantly who the heck is Lucy? I came to the conclusion that this was conversation that he has had with himself multiple times about the integrity of his wealth. Lucy is lucifer or the devil the temptations he is facing in being famous experiencing new money. He doesn’t want to lose who he is on this journey. Well why would Kendrick put this in his music? Why did he think it was so important to play this particular piece at the end of each track? I believe him being in the industry way before he became popular seeing stars of past, present and future get consumed in this industry. So many have gotten in so deep they don’t come out alive physically or mentally. I applaud Kendrick for being so transparent with his music. Giving more than a hot record but a universal message that can reach everyone. Please take a moment watch and listen to his new song on YouTube "God is Gangsta” by Kendrick Lamar -AstoldbyJess

[astoldbyjess1]

The only reason I watch "The View" is to see what shoes Whoopie Goldberg will wear next! Today in honor of the new #StarWars movie coming out this weekend December 18th. The shoes have the heads of Darth Vadar & StromTrooper at heel of the shoes by #IrregularChoice. Y'all already know these are sold out everywhere! The force is truly with this outer space foot wear.

[astoldbyjess1]

Spending my time wisely. Each day will be done purposely......#MovingForward #TheComeUp #goals #NoWorries #AllGod #OutofSeasonBlessings

[astoldbyjess1]

All things are working for my good He's Intentional Never failing I know that all things are working for my good He's #Intentional Never failing #TravisGreene

[foodieapprovedeats]

Dream Edges

dreamhairlife.com // IG: dreamhair

$25

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[dopenmind]

😍

[naija-southern-belle]

Finally an edge control that will for my edges!!!

[astoldbyjess1]

One thing I've learned this year is to take all #limits off my #imagination removing the #box...I learned that anything is truly possible. I'm excited about what's next in my #life #AsToldbyJess

[astoldbyjess1]

I'm so glad @eastside_ivo made this lol!!! MY #BIRTHDAY IS TOMORROW!!! #Dec1st #sagitarius #KobeYear I'll be 24 🎂🎉🎉 I'm accepting all cash, gifts, and meal outings of any form #breakfast #lunch or #Dinner 😁

[astoldbyjess1]

Wearing my #TealGreen #HeadWrap form @thewraplife! I love this #material...adds some #color to the #outfit on this #chilli #saturday #AsToldbyJess

[astoldbyjess1]

#ErykahBadu has #broke #itunes from dropping her #mixtape at midnight "But You Caint use my Phone"....she features Andre 3000 on the track "Hello" and Drake is featured as well on the #Mixtape. I'm waiting for the #traffic to #slow down so I can #purchase my own! #erykahbadu #GoodMusic #AsToldbyJess

[astoldbyjess1]

When you turn into #SuperFan because your favorite #fashionDesigner & #Stylist #retweeted your #tweet!!! Excuse me while I have a fan moment 😍😳😍😍 @juneambrose you're amazing!! You did an #awesome job on cohosting #fablifeshow

[astoldbyjess1]

The Silent Treatment

I'm so grateful that I have confidence in myself and trust the God I serve. The reason I say that is because not everyone will give the same respect or passion for your own dreams. Some can't see pass the mistake you made or your set back which was a set up for the come back. These are reasons why I don't and I suggest others shouldn't tell everyone your ideas. Their vision versus yours will not always be equal. Be aware of those that are always chatting but not moving. Just because they are willing to listen doesn't mean they are supportive. I've learned to work in silence because I don't want to prematurely put my ideas in the atmosphere. People catch wind of what you are doing and it doesn't live up to their expectations; they will find ways to tamper your entire brand. Ask God for guidance to the right people that will lead you in the right direction. I've learned sometimes that's just you, God, and your notebook. Remember to Go Big. Stay Fresh. Live Passion Forward. -AsToldbyJess

[astoldbyjess1]

This #TrenchCoat by #LondonFog was the perfect #statementpiece to make my #simple #black and #white #pop! What's an #outfit without a little #sparkle? #NudeSparklePumps makes any #weekday feel like the #weekend...#jewelry by #Rocksbox #AsToldbyJess

[astoldbyjess1]

Follow me on #snapchat AsToldby_Jess_ #dudes be trying it #early in the morning....have #severalseats sir..I will talk to you later at a decent #hour like #Noon

[astoldbyjess1]

I didn't see the point of putting the especially "black queer women". Like it isn't official until the lesbians join in as well? I thought this was about joining together as a race and fighting for the same cause dropping any titles from sexuality to religion back ground. Knowing we have to come together being recognized as a unit not individuals. This statement was unneeded and very juvenile. Queer or straight we are all black and aren't judge by our personal preferences first but the color of our skin. It's as if they were saying queer black women or stronger than regular straight women? That's like saying "Without the dark skin black women, especially the Light skin black women, there would be no movement at #Mizzou. Remember that". Sounds crazy right? We are all black people, come together period. That movement happened because they all came together not because one type of black joined the movement and made it stronger. The immaturity of some black minds is starting become too much. The "foot in mouth" is happening too much lately. Think before you speak.