Atlanta's Gems

Moving to a new city, or even being willing to explore your own, affords you the opportunity to discover new places, faces, and experience fresh vibrations. My lack of pocket change has left me with little motivation to track the A. But as the weather clears and the heat rolls in, I've gotten a renewed energy to see what's out there. After hitting my one-year mark, I realize that I'll be sticking around for a while and in the spirit of not boring myself with the same ole same ole, I've made it a priority to check out what Black Hollywood has to offer. Most recently, I've found three places that I can proudly add to my "places to go when I need to relax, work, mingle, get inspired or create" list.

1. Grounds Coffee House. The art in this place is amazing, the seats are plush, but don't ask me about the coffee. I'm a tea drinker, and ike most "coffee houses" there's an array of drinks and snacks to choose from. More importantly, free Wi-Fi. It's in the West End but the 20-minute drive from my place whenever the freeways are clear of ATL's bogus traffic is a non-issue. But meet you there at 5:30? Think not.

2. PAS. This place pretty much has the same vibe as Grounds and it's right across the street on Abernathy, but they boast a full menu of raw food dishes… all vegan of course *smile*. They also sell natural personal items (Shea butter and the like) and candles. If you're just looking for a place to relax or get some work done in a positive atmosphere, it's pretty hard to choose between PAS and Grounds. I'd suggest letting your tummy decide.

3. City of Ink. Tattoo enthusiasts in and around Atlanta should already know about the City of Ink Art and Tattoo Gallery. But, if you're a virgin at getting "inked," or new to the city and looking for a spot place to get quality body art, the City of Ink should be the first place you stop. The gallery's owners and tattooists are all fine artists as well, which is why the tat shop doubles as an art gallery so perfectly. Stop in to check out the art and swag, and inquire about some of the great events that are held there.

4. Sketchy's Art Pad in Smyrna. YES! I went here for a Yelp.com mixer with a friend and the place is amazing. I'm an artsy fartsy who digs colors, and a "Green" lady who recycles pretty much anything the center will take. Sketchy's meshes fine art with recycling in a cool and creative way that makes my heart swell. The first time I went we made flowers out of plastic bottle and wire hangers. They host art classes, poetry readings, and such. You can also go there and simply chill.

Hip Hop Saved My Life...

This is "old news," but since I've dubbed this video one of the best of 08, I decided to post it. For the love of Lupe, watch it. If you're not a Lupe fan-- maybe b/c he put that cap on the number of albums he'll release during his Hip Hop career and you refuse to get too attached-- the video is still a beautiful tribute to the art.


I know that I'm constantly ragging on Hip Hop, but I have to admit, the industry does allow for a few real artists slip through the cracks. By no means is the playing field even, which is why I write for SchemeMag.com (plug). We all know and hate that the fluff far outweighs the real. But until more videos like this one make it to BET (Belligerently Evil Television?), keep on diggin'. As much as I'd hate to admit it, Myspace is a great place to start if you're looking for phenomenal Emcees. Unfortunately, the site is cluttered with too many nonsensical rhymers who couldn’t get a deal if they were related to Diddy (Ugh) himself. If you can't stand to sift through the shit to find the gold nuggets, check out labels like Stones Throw, Definitive Jux, and Barak Records to start

My Bookshelf is Dusty

Reading is a lost art. In the midst of a million channels and endless internet pages, my book collection has fallen to the ranks of priority number [insert unbelievably high number here]. I'm back on the mission of sprucing up my bookshelf with pieces of literature that challenge the imagination, poetry that inspires more words from yours truly, and non-fiction manuscripts that will make me a better rounded thinker and writer.

Unfortunately, books cost money (it's a shame, right?). Luckily, my thrifty genius keeps my wish list on Amazon updated regularly so I can catch the used books that fall under my meager budget of $2. :-) My most recent additions, which have me regularly checking the mail now-a-days, are Toure's Never Drank the Kool-Aid and Soul City.

Now, some of you die-hard lit lovers and fellow struggling writers may disagree with my pension for buying used books when the money obviously doesn't go back to the wordsmith. Sorry, momma raised me shopping at Goodwill. And to answer your question (should you dare pose it), if the shoe were on the other foot, I wouldn't mind people copping my collection for a nickel at their local garage sale. Hopefully the hands my work pass through are inspired to do something fruitful… and that doesn't include spending money.

Anyway, if anyone has suggestions on some worthy reads, please spread the love. I need to read before my pen dries. Plus, someone said that shit is fundamental.

Today's My Anniversary!

One year ago today, I drove to Atlanta in an Echo full of clothes so I could sleep on my friend's floor. That was 366 days ago. Since then, I've quit three jobs and got laid off from one. I took a dive and self-published my poetry collection. So far, I've been blessed enough to sell 50 copies to my closest friends and family without doing any pub or appearances. I've dated a few lousy cats and found the most beautiful soul I could ever come across, KJH. I've gone from the friend's floor, to an apartment (in which my girl Laina and I have housed three different people in our third bedroom), to closing on a townhouse I can call "my own" in one week and three days. Life has been bitter and sweet all in a bite...