Hello Good People. Before you start grilling me, let me say mea culpa. I was under the impression that I’d have plenty of time to send you a message last Wednesday before the show. As luck, or time, would have it, I did not. Again…mea culpa. Although, I must admit that Saleem came up with some pretty creative suggestions to solve my dilemma. I’ll share one of the more interesting ones. He suggested that I plug into the matrix, and download the Humpday into your brains. My fault, I’m misquoting him. He actually suggested that I “locate everyone’s neural pathway and download the Humpday email directly into their cerebral cortex.” Honestly, I can’t make this s%#$ up. As you can see, Saleem is all jokes and calm before a showJ.
Happy Hump Day Ya’ll. Before I go any further, I want to welcome everyone who joined the Humpday family last week. I promise to take great care of you. Ok, all of you sarcastic folks; you can insert your joke here about last week’s absence, lol.
The De La Soul show was truly incredible. Big shout out to Tangela for getting her first show under her belt. There was a lot of love in the building. Everyone enjoyed De La Soul’s performance, but I was even more impressed with their character. I was backstage with the Music Lovers when they finished their performance and they were by far the most humble, genuine group of artists we’ve met. They acted as if their career were in its infant stage. They actually thanked Saleem & The Music Lovers for making music and encouraged them to keep loving hip-hop. Trugoy told the band that he hoped they could get a 21 year career out of hip-hop. They took time to take pictures with fans, security staff, engineers, etc...I truly feel honored that Saleem & The Music Lovers were a part of the show. They’ve been creating great music for 21 years and they’re still going strong. “We always think things through and put quality into anything we do – we never look to just take the cheque and run."(Posdnuos)
So, what’s up next for the band? They will be performing at Traffic Jam, a three-day festival (9/5-9/7) sponsored by Club Sonar. The festival features bands from various musical genres including, reggae, bluegrass, and of course hip-hop. Check this link out, http://sonarbaltimore.com/trafficjam2009/. I’m sure you’ll be blown away by the amount of performers they have lined up. Saleem & The Music Lovers are scheduled to perform on Saturday, September 5th from 1:15pm-2:15pm. I’ll have more details as the show approaches.
Alright good people…until next time, please tell a friend about GOOD MUSIC you love/discovered that may not get the airplay it deserves. My album for the week is Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump (another De La Soul gem). By sharing, you will continue to help us spread the word—thank you!
08.05.09 The Grind Date
Hello Good People!!!! It’s time for our weekly LOVEFEST. That’s right, Happy Hump Day Ya’ll!!!! I got a lot of good feedback from folks who totally agreed with my choice of Stakes is High as the best De La Soul Album. Unfortunately, a few less enlightened souls didn’t completely agree with me. I won’t say any names (B. Root, James, Chris, Shawn, Jim), but you know who you areJ.
Ok, on to business. The De La Soul show is fast approaching. For those of you who’ve asked for logistics, here you go:
Rams Head Live
August 12th (Next Wednesday)
Show starts at 8pm
Tickets: $29.50
20 Market Place
Baltimore, MD 21202
The ticket train is fast approaching. We’re about to pull into the station. Translation, the tickets are almost gone and you better holla soon if you want one (Rich Nice).
Alright good people, until next time, THANKS for your ongoing love & support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend, and continue to help us spread the word!
07.30.09 Stakes Is High
It’s a late night with, thunder, lightning, a heavy downpour, and whipping winds. The only way we can possibly salvage this is with a little late night Humpin!!! Happy Hump Day!!! My lights just started blinking, so let’s cross our fingers—after I finish typing of course—and hope that Mother Nature cooperates.
First I want to say thanks for all of the emails regarding the Artscape performance. We appreciate all of your kind words. Also, let me address something that came up often in the emails. A lot of people have been inquiring about the “new” song that Caleb and Saleem performed at Artscape. It’s actually a different version of the song Untitled, which appears on the CD Hip-Hop Revisited. You can purchase the CD online at Itunes, Amazon, and CDBaby (links are on the website www.saleemmusic.com) or in person at Sound Garden (thank you Nathan for letting us know we need to make a deliveryJ).
On to the business. As you know, Saleem & The Music Lovers will be performing on August 12th at Rams Head Live, opening for one of the greatest groups of all time…De La Soul!!! Topix has already claimed most of the tickets, so I suggest you get at us asap. We will be delivering tickets this weekend, so holla at us.
Now, for my favorite De La Soul album. I told you last week that I would share and I suppose the subject line kinda gives it away. Yes, Stakes is High is my favorite De La Soul album. Actually, it’s one of my favorite hip-hop albums of all time. Have you ever had that moment where you felt like you said exactly what you wanted to say? That’s how I feel about Stakes is High. They tackled a range of subjects, issues, emotions, etc…with a level of lyricism, skill, and depth that most artists just can’t come near. And the title track…“Neighborhoods are now hoods cause nobody's neighbors. Just animals surviving with that animal behavior. Under I who be rhyming from dark to light sky. Experiments when needles and skin connect. No wonder where we live is called the projects.” Nuff said.
Ok folks, I invite you to share your favorite De La Soul album with me. I don’t know why I’m asking because I’m sure you agree with me, lol. If you’re feedback goes my way, I’ll be sure to share a few comments next weekJ.
Until next time, please tell a friend about GOOD MUSIC you love/discovered that may not get the airplay it deserves. My album for the week is Stakes is High. By sharing, you will continue to help us spread the word—thank you!
07.22.09 Me, Myself, and I
What’s going on good people? It’s HAPPY HUMP DAY YA’LL!!
Let me start this love letter (remember, there is always love) with an apology (did I set you up?). Caleb and Saleem performed last weekend as a part of Joe Squared’s NorthScape stage for ArtScape. Because of some unfortunate and unforeseen circumstances, we did not get confirmation of our performance until late Thursday night. I made the decision not to bombard everyone at the last minute with emails/texts/calls. I apologize for underestimating how much many of you would have preferred to receive those messages… please forgive meJ. After I was admonished several times over (yep, I am speaking to you Petey- lol), I realized the error of my ways. I hereby promise to let the family know whenever they can hear some GOOD MUSIC for FREE (did I just make it worse?). If you can’t make it, it won’t be because I made the silly decision not to let you know (whew, enough of me beating myself up!).
Ok, since I just promised to let you know where/when to hear GOOD MUSIC (set up #2), I must remind you that The Music Lovers will open for De La Soul at Ram’s Head Live on Wednesday 8/12! Tickets are $25.00 & going quickly, so please hit up any band member (or me-smile) for tickets. Be ready for the next humpin’ when I talk a bit about my favorite De La album—actually, this album is one of my favorites period… all genres included. I look forward to the healthy debate that may ensueJ.
Alright good people… until next time, THANKS for your ongoing love and support of GOOD MUSIC. Please tell a friend, and continue to help us spread the word!
07.15.09 Three Feet and Rising
Whew!!! Was today incredibly hot or is it just me? My ankles were sweating (lol)! Anyway, hello fellow lovers of music, it’s HAPPY HUMP DAY YA’LL!
First, I want to say welcome to all of the new folks who joined the movement via www.saleemmusic.com . We promise to take great care of youJ.
Thanks to everyone for welcoming Lady T, the woman formerly known as Tangela, to the Music Lovers. We shared all of your messages with her and she was quite pleased by the reception. I think you may want to calm down on the compliments. We don’t want her to get a big head too soon J.
A big shout out to everyone we saw at Rock The Bells last weekend. It was great to be in the presence of GOOD MUSIC with GOOD PEOPLE. We were there throwing our fists in the sky and jumping up and down to Buckshot (one of Saleem’s favs…I know, I know), Common, MOP, Plug 2, Talib Kweli (Respiration gets even better with time), and THE ROOTSSSSSSSSSS (am I showing my bias). Seriously though, Black Thought is a bad mama jamma—that’s right, I said mama jamma. We had a blast and I’m so thankful that they started bringing Rock The Bells to Maryland.
Ok, so at some point Sunday we were back stage at the show. Now, you may be thinking, “Wow, Natashia and Saleem really got the hook up.” Not so fast, we were volunteers (lol). At any rate, one of the volunteers thrust a camera into Saleem’s hands and asked him to take a picture. Who was this picture with? It happened to be none other than Plug 2. He was very personable and seemed to enjoy being around the fans. Little did we know that we’d be spending even more time with him…on August 12th to be exact. That’s right, Saleem & The Music Lovers will be open for De La Soul at Rams Head Live! I’ll have more information next week, but I’m picking up tickets this weekend. If you know you’re going, talk to a sistah soon (we’ll be at Artscape this weekend).
Alright good people, until next time, THANKS for your ongoing love & support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend, and continue to help us spread the word!
07.08.09 Let's Celebrate
Happy Hump Day Ya’ll! I know the last time we spoke (ok, wrote) there was a somber, although necessary, tone to the message. In the light of yesterday’s fitting memorial to MJ, I want to reflect & move forward on how we can celebrate the legacy of GOOD MUSIC.
Before I go much farther, I must send a huge shout out to all of those who responded to last week’s email. You have no idea how much it meant that you shared your memories/stories with me. The on going conversations have helped me—and I imagine others- heal from the suddenness of MJ being gone too soon (Usher did a GREAT job on that song!). My last shout out goes to DJ P-Funk—thanks for providing the soundtrack to North Carolina… you had us jamming the whole way!
Ok, so as celebrations go, finding a new family member for the band is a pretty big one. As you all know, Jason’s last gig with the band was in May. Since that time, Saleem & Nem’ have been doing their own version of Making the Band, by interviewing and jamming with musicians who were interested in joining the group. Needless to say, it’s been an interesting process—late night jam sessions until the wee hours, spending countless days reviewing emails from interested musicians, and debating who should get what we believe is a coveted spot in the Music Lovers. Well, wait no more… please welcome (and yes, celebrate) the new edition of Ms. Tangela. Are you surprised that it’s a sistah? Don’t be… we heard Tangela’s music (yeah, she’s a producer tooJ) and knew instantly we wanted to learn more about the woman behind the smooth vibe. When she came in to jam with the fellaz, they were sold. She of course had to make the case with yours truly (I am smiling too much), and she sealed the deal with her honesty, love and knowledge of music, and her drive to want to support our efforts to expose SOWL MUSIC to as many people as possible. She comes to us (and you) all the way from South Carolina (I guess she had an advantage since that’s where I’m from-lol). So, without further ado, I’ll let Lady T share a couple of words with you:
Hello Hump Day clan. I’m incredibly excited about this new musical journey. From the moment I sat down to jam with Saleem & The Music Lovers, everything just clicked. I wanted to sit with them all night, creating melody after melody. I could talk about my happiness at meeting some really good people who shared a love/passion for music, but I was told to tell you a little about myself. So, here we go…I am a singer, musician, songwriter and producer. As a child, my parents exposed me to a variety of quality music. I can remember being a little girl, listening to Anita Baker and Chaka Khan on my parent‘s record player. I knew every single song word for word. I began playing the piano at the age of seven, violin at the age of eleven, and by the age of twelve, I was a full time church musician. I received a B.A. in music performance with an emphasis in Piano. Although I’m classically trained, my musical influences are very diverse. Along with classical, jazz, and church music, musicians/producers such as Madlib, Jay Dee and Nicolay heavily influenced my musical perspectives/expressions. They showed me that music doesn’t live in a box with neat and clean edges. They showed me that music is organic, a thing to be experienced. So, that’s a little bit about me. I actually don’t like talking about myself, but I figured I needed to listen to Natashia (she’s very demanding J). I look forward to meeting you all in the upcoming weeks at shows and other events. Lastly, thank you to Natashia, Saleem, Topix, and Sinseer for welcoming me into the fold.
When I received this email I cringed. How can I possibly deal with another essay writer? First Saleem’s 400-word brochures, now this, lol. We have much love for Tangela and are happy/proud to have her in the family. Not only can she strike a chord that will tug at your heart, but she can also sing to inspire you to remember why a woman’s touch is so specialJ.
Don’t take my word for it… check out the music attached. When you’re done listening, be sure to congratulate us on the great find! Oh, and please send Topix a few happy birthday wishes. He just turned 67 on July 7th. Ok, maybe he didn’t turn 67, but his birthday was on July 7th J.
Alright good people… until next time, THANKS for your on going love and support of GOOD MUSIC! Let’s continue to celebrate GOOD MUSIC (my find for the week is obviously Lady T)… by doing so, you will continue to help us spread the word!
07.02.09 MJ
Yes, I am one week and one day late, but I would be remiss if I did not write to you on this one week anniversary Before I talk about Mike, I need to explain my tardiness. Over the last four weeks, our Internet service has been on its own time. Despite three visits from the local cable guy, the Internet worked sporadically at best. I hope this message reaches you at last.
Now on to Mike--I struggled with what to say and how to express my feelings on the tragic and untimely death of Michael Jackson, so I just decided to invite you to join in on my stream of consciousness.
Saleem, our sister, Hope, and I were in the car last week when I began to receive text after text about Michael. Soon, phone calls followed, and I hoped for the best, but I knew after the first call with my girlfriend, Ayesha that he was gone. As Saleem shared with the newspaper, B, earlier this week, I cried when we heard confirmation of his death. How serious is that? I cried for a man I never met. I cried for the opportunity that was now gone to hear him create again. I cried because he was the soundtrack of my youth. I cried because I was sad as I thought of his Mom and felt the instant pain of any parent having to bury their child.
I resisted the urge to write sooner because I wanted my reflection(s) to be worthy of his greatness—I now know that won’t be, but I did want to have an open discussion about what Michael meant to you. I want to embrace all the lessons of this divide between people who were shocked silent with grief and the people who only remember Michael by the tabloid press. I want to embrace the lessons of living everyday to the fullest & telling those who touch your spirit that you love them. I want to embrace the GOOD MUSIC that was created and the genius behind it. I want to embrace being free enough to dance in a way that you set trends without any formal training.
The only way I’ve been able to begin that journey is by writing to you. I have been unable to express myself until now (thank you all for the venue). Saleem and I are traveling to North Carolina in the morning for my family reunion—I plan to bring Off The Wall (my favorite MJ album), Thriller, and The Best Of the Jackson Five (Let Me Show You The Way To Go is a keeper!) on the trip. Saleem told Sun Paper reporter, Sam Sessa that Michael inspired him to make GOOD MUSIC… I hope he inspires you that goodness transcends all boundaries. At the end of time, life, love, and great music really matter.
Until next time, please tell a friend about GOOD MUSIC you love/discovered that may not get any or much airplay (Oxygen Released by Jazz Addix is mine). By sharing, you will continue to help us spread the word—thank you!
06.17.09 Fortunate
Ok, so you know I have something to say about the weather, but before I do, I must say HAPPY HUMP DAY YA’LL!!
Seriously, the weather this year has been CRAZY! I can hear you sighing, so I will stop talkin’ trash, but….
Now that I am done my diatribe on the coolness of June (thanks for all of my birthday wishes!), let me talk (write) a while about the subject line. As you know, last Friday Caleb & Saleem performed at a home in Patapsco State Park. Terilynn was the proud winner of an auction held to raise funds for Towson’s radio station, WTMD. Her gift from the auction was a house concert by Caleb and Saleem. To celebrate her auction win, Terilynn invited roughly 50 of her closest friends to a potluck in the woods (smile). When we arrived, there were people of all ages, genders, and hues. We (Saleem, Topix, and I) wondered what could bring this diverse group of people together. As we met Terilynn’s friends, we found that the common denominator was work (social work to be exact) & music (good music of courseJ).
I was trying to think of the perfect title to convey & capture the feel of Friday when I thought of Maxwell (thanks for bringing your cool sound back). I literally heard his song Fortunate in my mind. How fortunate we were to be in the company of genuine folks—folks who love people, food, and good music (yes!). How fortunate we were to have someone open their home not only to us, but to others to share music that inspired them. How fortunate I am to be on this journey of goodness with talented musicians who want to share their craft. And finally, how fortunate I am to have you to write to each week and share tales of life and music of the SOWL.
On behalf of String Bean (Caleb), The Man (Saleem) & TLC (Topix), we humbly say thanks to Terilynn and her friends for welcoming us with open hearts, open ears, and generous spirits. Thanks to WTMD for continuing to support our efforts to get our music to as many people as possible. Last, but not least, thank YOU for supporting us on this journey… we are truly fortunate to have you.
Alright good people until next time, THANKS for your ongoing love & support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend, and continue to help us spread the word!
06.10.09 Did you miss me? Ok, I know, I know. I received enough hate mail to know that you are upset with me. What can I say? Comcast wasn’t cooperating with me last week/weekend. I wasn’t able to send you my love and so I’ve been consumed with guilt. What did you do last week? Did you pick up a book (yes, Ryan, preferably one of yours J)? Did you rent a movie (Soul Plane doesn’t count)? Whatever you did, I’m sure it didn’t replace my bubbly personality (hold all of the wise cracks). Anyway, HAPPY HUMP DAY YA’LL!!!!!!!
I really missed you all last week. Having said that, it’s thundering in my neck of the woods and I’m quite scared, so I’m going to be quick. Caleb and Saleem will be performing in Patapsco State Park this Friday at 8:30pm. The lucky winner of WTMD’s auction lives in Patapsco State Park—I’d like to meet her realtor—and has invited 40 of her closest friends to spend an evening with Caleb and Saleem. We will be bringing along the five contest winners. Thank you all for sending in your favorites songs. It definitely touched our hearts. For the record, “Outgrown These Walls” is the best song on the album…period J!
Alright good people, until next time, THANKS for your ongoing love & support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend, and continue to help us spread the word!
05.27.09 6/12 Show
Can someone please tell me what’s up with the weather? I had on my air this weekend, and my heat last night! Oh well, at least today is HAPPY HUMP DAY YA’LL! I know I have been so wrong to discuss the weather so often these past few months, but seriously, I KNOW you agree with meJ.
Ok, since my family wore me out (they just headed back to 95 South this morning) since we last humped, this love message will be short & sweet with a little incentive.
Now that I have peaked your curiosity, let me share the goodsJ. As promised during our last hump (YES!), I found out who ‘purchased’ Caleb & Saleem for the WTMD auction (I am SUCH a great detective!). At any rate, we (yes, that would be us) have been invited to share in the music festivities at a home in Catonsville on 6/12 at 8:30 (the day before my birthday… yes, I accept gifts-lol). If you are interested & available, email me asap. The first five people to email us their favorite song from “Outgrown These Walls” will be our special guests and experience a FREE Caleb & Saleem show on an early summer evening in the park (yep, the home is located in Patapsco State Park… wow). I don’t believe you can do much better than this offer on a chilly Wednesday in May!
Alright good people, until next time, THANKS for your ongoing love and support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend, and continue to help us spread the word!
05.20.09 SOLD!
It’s warm & sunny, so HAPPY HUMP DAY YA’LL! I hope this message finds you all doing well (big smile)!
Before I get into the business, I must say THANKS for all the folks who came out to Lucy’s on Friday (Butta got her entire family there!). We know Hip Hop might not be the Irish Pub’s first love, but big ups to them for opening their ears & souls to usJ.
Speaking of souls (yep, you know my transitions now), lots of love to Jason Brown, soul singer and now former keyboardist for Saleem & The Music Lovers (where did the time go?). Thanks for grindin’ with us for three years… we wish you well—don’t stay away long. I attached a picture of the original four to this email… keep it… it may go for big money in 20 years (lol)!
So, since big money is on the table (oops I did it again… wow… Brittany), check out http://www.cmarket.com/auction/item/Item.action?id=88219512 when you get a chance. WTMD, radio for MUSIC people (I love that tag), is currently having an auction to support the station. String Bean (Caleb) & The Man (Saleem) were asked to auction themselves, uhm, I mean their music, as an auction item. At any rate, when bidding closed, the pair was SOLD for $370.00J. All proceeds go to the station, and some wonderful person will receive prime entertainment in their living room very soon. When I find out who paid out the loot, I will give you their address so we can ALL go to the party!
Alright good people, until next time, THANKS for your ongoing love and support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend, and continue to help us spread the word!
05.13.09 Lucy's Swan Song
It’s Wednesday, so HAPPY HUMP DAY YA’LL!! I hope this message finds you all doing swell (smile).
After my darling Saleem’s term paper last week, I will try to try to keep this love message short & sweet.
Before I get to the business, let me once again say THANKS to Mr. Carlberg & his students at Cherry Hill Elementary, Professor Sturm & his class at University of Baltimore, and the very brave and talented students who shared their poetry at City College last week. Saleem (Caleb) and I could not have been more humbled and proud of how his work was interpreted and influenced by you. Thanks again for opening your hearts and minds to our MUSIC. If you have not seen the clip of Saleem through the eyes of Mr. Carlberg’s class, please check out http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/midnight_sun/blog/2009/05/elementary_kids_love_baltimore.html.
Ok, speaking of MUSIC (you missed me, right?), the goodness (I like that) will be on full display at Lucy’s Irish Pub (21 N. Eutaw St. Baltimore, Md. 21201) on Friday, 5/15. This show is not only great because it’s FREE, but it is also J. Brown’s (keyboardist & singer extraordinaire) last official performance with the band. With that in mind, please come to help us create new memories & send off Jason’s last gig in a Sowl Music kind of way (big smile)! In case I did not mention, this gig if FREE, (round up your friends & co-workers Butta, Petey, Nica & Alana) and the music begins at 8:00 pm.
Alright good people (just thank me Friday for the short Hump), until next time, THANKS for your on going love and support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend, and continue to help us spread the word!
05.7.09 Through the Eyes of a Child
Whaddup Good People!!!! I was able to pull Natashia away from the computer after making a few small promises. Is it expensive to book two flights to Paris in June? Also, is a tennis bracelet used with tennis shoes? Feel free to call me with information, I’d appreciate it J Oh, BTW, this is your boy Saleem! HAPPY HUMP NIGHT FAMILY!!!!!!
I know, I know, it is actually Thursday, but before you start shaking accusing fingers at the computer screen, let me explain. I was rehearsing with the Music Lovers for a certain show taking place next Friday (see the lower portion of this dissertation for details) and we didn’t finish until late in the night. I literally started typing while they were breaking down their equipment—scouts honor. So please be nice to me…and don’t tell Natashia I was late J.
So, you know that Natashia rarely let’s me in on her weekly lovefest with you, but she was gracious enough to make an exception for tonight. I know I’m not as nurturing, or succinct, as Natashia, but I believe that I’m enjoyable. Now, before I go any further, I want to welcome everyone who joined the movement last week. You are now part of a really big family. We are very loving, but we do have a few rules. I won’t bore you by going over all of them, but there is one really important one. We have a rule that all newbies must treat the vets to grilled chicken. I would suggest Kentucky Fried Chicken’s new grilled goodness, but do what is most comfortable for you (I prefer chicken wings). Seriously though, thank you for joining us. We promise to take really good care of you.
First, I want to thank Mr. Carlberg, Mr. Sturm, and Ms. Lena for inviting us into their worlds--Cherry Hill Elementary, The University of Baltimore, and City College respectively. Thank you for doing an amazing job working with our young people. Thank you for going above and beyond what is required to help provide them with life-shaping experiences. I feel really good knowing that they are in your very capable hands. I want to thank all of the students for inviting us into their worlds. They were all incredibly engaging. I can’t possibly put into words how privileged I felt to be around them. Finally, thank you to Caleb Stine. I’m so appreciative of the music we’ve been able to create together. It was truly humbling to hear the students tell me how our music has affected them.
The last two weeks have been extraordinary. I was given the opportunity to meet some really great young people and it touched me in a very profound way. I’m sure you already know where I went. For those newbies (or seriously trifling individuals) who missed out on the details, you can check out the Hump Day emails online at www.saleemmusic.com. Being able to interact with 3rd graders, high schoolers, and college freshmen was a blast. I was reminded of why we all started loving music in the first place. It wasn’t about product placement, repping neighborhoods, hooks, or finger snaps. It was about the way songs made you feel. Remember “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin? Or “Summertime” by Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince? What about “Walk Like an Egyptian” by The Bangles? Or “Ribbon in The Sky” by Stevie Wonder? I know I’m dating myself with my song choices, but my point is that all of those songs made us feel good. They made us smile. Even if we were too young to understand the deeper meanings of those songs, we understood the spirit of the music.
Although each of the classes I visited were at different stages in their educational journey, the one constant was their response to the spirit of the music. The 3rd graders didn’t know about the Steel Mills I was referring to in the song “Baltimore,” but they understood the idea of loving your environment. They understood the notion of taking stock in the simple pleasure of your surroundings. The high school students couldn’t fully appreciate some of the concepts I talked about in the song “Hope,” but they understand the idea of hope. They have experienced special moments in their lives that gave them hope. Many of the college students we spoke with weren’t from Baltimore, but they can appreciate the emotion behind a song like “Baltimore.” They can appreciate the special places, images, and people that make their hometowns feel like home. In fact, I think the beautiful thing about young people is their ability to simplify all of our adult concepts. They are able to take away all of the flowery language, strip away the nuances, and focus on the basic emotions in each song. No, they can’t always explain each word or metaphor, but they don’t have to. Sometimes, they just know that a song makes them feel good and that is the most important thing.
I can honestly say that I learned more from the students than they learned from me. I hate to admit it, because I’ve worked with children/young adults all of my life, but I underestimated the students. I didn’t think they would be able to digest all of my words and find the deeper meaning. But I was thinking like an adult. They didn’t need to digest all of my words to find a deeper meaning. At the end of the day, the songs made them feel good. Whether I used a word like prosaic or cobblestone was negligible. They were attracted to the spirit of the song.
Okay family. I’m sure you started bad-mouthing me by the third paragraph. I’m sorryL. I can’t help it if I’m verbose. Grit your teeth and bear it because I have a little more information for you. Don’t forget about May 15th!!!!! What is May 15th you ask???? IT’S A FREE SHOW AT LUCY’S PUB!!!!!! That’s right family, your boy, along with The Music Lovers, will be rockin’ out all night next Friday. Seriously, I really mean all night. We are the only entertainment (lucky devils) so we will be playing a lot of songs. Many of them are songs that you’ve come to know and love, while some are new gems that we hope you will fall in love with. Bring a few friends, a camera, and plenty of energy and prepare to get your rock on! The logistics are as follows:
Lucy’s Irish Pub
May 15th
Show starts at 8pm
21 N. Eutaw Street Baltimore, Md. 21201
Last, but not least. I’ve included a video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu90iLIl28Q) and pictures from my visit to Cherry Hill Elementary School. The gentlemen playing guitar is Mr. Carlberg. I’m not ashamed to say that the video brought tears to my eyes—and Natashia’s. I was genuinely honored that they learned the words to the song “Baltimore.” I’ve had the privilege to perform on some grand stages, opening for people who inspired me to become a writer/emcee. And yet, hearing those 3rd graders sing my song was one of the most memorable moments in my musical career.
Alright good people, until next time, THANKS for your ongoing love & support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend, and continue to help us spread the word!
04.29.09 Under the Radar
Okay, I know you all probably think I’m being lax with this late email, but try this on for size. I waited to send this email late so you could have something great to read before you went to bed. Go on, apologize. A lot of you should feel really bad right now J. I know there were some trash talkers out there (brushed suede and J.J at the top of the list). Anyway, HAPPY HUMP DAY YA’LL!!!!!
First, I want to welcome everyone who joined the movement last week. We promise to take great care of you—ask everyone, they’ll tell you I’m a sweetheartJ.
Ok, I know you’re used to Saleem throwing it down on stage at pubs, parks, clubs, stores, living rooms, dining rooms, attics…you get the picture. However, Saleem will be busy sharing his music, message, and experiences in a different way over the next week. Friday, Saleem will be at Cherry Hill Elementary School speaking to students about how his educational experiences have helped him musically.
Next Tuesday, May 5th Saleem and Caleb will be at the University of Baltimore. One of the classes did a research project based on the lyrics to the song “Baltimore.” Caleb and Saleem will be there to discuss the creative process of making a song. They will also perform a few songs off of their album. I’m kinda jealous because I think they’re having a pizza party in their honor and I won’t be able to attendL. Feel free to send me gift cards to Papa John’s (I also take money orders J).
Saleem and Caleb will also be performing at City College on May 5th. No pizza or class discussions, just words and music. So, although he won’t be at your local fruit stand (lol), Saleem will be out and about Baltimore throughout the next week.
On a serious note, I am very appreciative that the music Saleem has created (with friends) has resonated with so many people. We understand that music has more than entertainment value. From Nina Simone’s “Strange Fruit” to “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy, music has always been able to move beyond the dance floor into areas of socioeconomic and political discourse. For some, that’s actually the true beauty of music…for some.
Alright good people, until next time, THANKS for your ongoing love & support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend, and continue to help us spread the word!
04.22.09 Midnight Hump
I know, I know. I’ve been a good little girl for the past few weeks and you are all spoiled. Yes the email is late, but the love is still the same! HAPPY HUMP DAY YA’LL!!!!
Before I start, I want to thank everyone that came out to Eco Fest last Saturday. We had a great time. Big thanks to Baltimore Green Works for putting on the event. It was wonderful seeing so many familiar faces and getting acquainted to a few new ones. Also, welcome to everyone who joined the movement last week. We promise to take great care of you—yes, even this close to midnight J.
Okay, so what’s next on the calendar? Lucy’s Pub!!!!!!!! To all of those folks who were fortunate to come out the last time we stepped foot into Lucy’s Pub, I’m sure your eardrums are still vibrating. Saleem & The Music Lovers rocked the house with classics that you know and love and some new material for your pallet. Here’s the pertinent info:
Lucy’s Irish Pub
May 15th
Show starts at 8pm
21 N. Eutaw Street Baltimore, Md. 21201
Oh, did I mention that it’s FREE!! I know, I can’t believe it myself. The Lovers will be jamming all night long so I know you’ll be in the place.
Last, but not least. Outgrown These Walls has been added to Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0026HDWYQ/ref=dm_dp_adp?ie=UTF8&qid=1240456762&sr=301%5F1. No, I couldn’t find a shorter link L. Now you have several ways to purchase the album. Of course, I’m sure all of you already have it (I’m pointing my finger right now at the screen) so you’ll probably just pass this information on to a friend J.
Alright good people, until next time, THANKS for your ongoing love & support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend, and continue to help us spread the word!
04.15.09 Druid Hills
Happy Hump Day Ya’ll!!! Saleem and I are just returning from South Carolina and rubbing our bellies from all the good food we ate (thanks family). I give you that backdrop because I am a bit behind in catching up with emails/calls, so this will be a short love message (I feel like I said that same phrase recently and it was a lie—lol).
Per our last Humpin’ (do you think of Bobby Brown when I say that?), Caleb & Saleem will headline the Eco-Fest this Saturday, 4/18 at Druid Hill Park. The dynamic duo will step on stage at 4 p.m. for a 40 minute set. For more information, or directions, go to http://baltimoregreenworks.com/events/ecofestival/. Remember, this is a FREE family event, so get there early, and bring a little extra loot to cop a CD or two (big smile).
Alright good people (that was shorter than even I expected), until Saturday at the park, THANKS for your ongoing love & support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend, and continue to help us spread the word!
04.08.09 Please Tell a Friend
Do you know that it SNOWED yesterday? That can only happen on HAPPY HUMP DAY YA’LL!!
Seriously, if I continue to talk about the weather, I am going to change careers and become a meteorologist!
Ok, enough (I am learning to monitor my own special behavior… to all those who know me well, please don’t comment), let’s go to the heart of the subject line. There are a few great things on my calendar, so who else would I share them with but you (smile)? Mark your calendars for the following:
April 18, 2009- Eco-Fest at Druid Hill Park from 11a.m.-5 p.m. This festival is the official kickoff of Baltimore Green Week. Mr. Stine & Mr. Heggins (Caleb & Saleem that is) have been booked to headline the music for the afternoon. The day promises over 200 vendors/exhibitors showcasing and selling eco friendly products and services. Mark your calendars and meet us there—this sounds like an event to bring the entire family to (hint Petey). For information, go to http://baltimoregreenworks.com/events/ecofestival/.
Also mark your calendar to go check out the folks formerly at the New Turntable Club… you can now find them at Club Reality Bar & Grill! If you were ever at the Turntable Club, then I don’t have to sell this case. If you weren’t, just know that the Carter Crew (yes, it’s a family affair) is bringing live music, good people, and great food to a new level in Baltimore. I am so proud of their new spot (so proud I need to get there real soon… I know, trife…) and happy that we have a spot like this to go to in Charm City. That being said, let’s all be good patron saints and go to a show, stop in for wings, or get your laugh on during comedy night. If you want to learn more, go to http://www.myspace.com/turntableclub.
And finally, the song attached was just too good to keep to myself. Sistah Dionne is bringing a lot of love to all of us with Crazy Sometimes. Every time I get in the car with Saleem lately, this song comes blasting through the speakers. One would think we’d have tired of it by now, but our heads start nodding as soon as the beat drops. Check out more music from Lady D at http://www.myspace.com/raspysoul.
Alright good people (you have work to do-lol!), until next time, THANKS for your on going love and support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend (YES!) and continue to help us spread the word!
04.01.09 Krucial Keys
These April showers better produce May Flowers…. Ok, I will stop talking trash and just wish you a HAPPY HUMP DAY YA’LL!
I hope you are all doing FAB!! Before I go too far, I must say thank you & WELCOME to all the folks in Easton who joined the MOVEMENT last week! We appreciate the love you extended our way, so we will be sure to take good care of you (smile).
Speaking of taking care (I know), CD Baby has now signed on to get you Outgrown These Walls expeditiously, so just go to http://cdbaby.com/cd/calebsaleem to cop it. Many of you asked where to get the CD online, so we answered your call and hooked you up (we try to make it easy for you J)!
Now, maybe you can make it easy for us (don’t you just love my segue). We need your help. J. Brown, the Music Lovers’ keyboardist is leaving the group. We are happy to share with you that he is pursuing a career in R&B—yes, it was an amicable split. We wish him well on his journey, and will miss him terribly (‘when you’re out on the grind…’). However, now we need to find another keyboardist-thus the title of this email (don’t you love my forced alliteration?). Saleem & the fellaz are looking for a new keyboardist; someone who preferably has a background in jazz & hip hop. It is also a plus if you can carry a tune (‘you put your life on the line…’). We are currently meeting with interested candidates, but wanted to reach out to you so that we can have a larger pool to work with. As you know, we are music/fun/flexible/business folks, so only reply/send like-minded folks our way (thank youJ).
Alright good people, until next time, THANKS for your ongoing love & support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend, and continue to help us spread the word!
03.25.09 The City Paper
Isn’t it supposed to be spring? Ok, no harping on the obvious (that spring has not sprung I mean)… I will just wish you a HAPPY HUMP DAY YA’LL!!
I hope all is well in your respective worlds (smile). Since sleep is not overrated, this will be a brief love note. Before I get into the business, I want to thank everyone who sent pics & comments from the Common show (thanks Zizwe!). You can check out those pictures at www.saleemmusic.com. You all are a major part of what we are able to share via the website, so please, keep sending photos & footage so everyone can recapture a bit of GOOD MUSIC in action!
Speaking of GOOD MUSIC (you know I had to do it), the City Paper took a bit of time to recognize Caleb & Saleem’s Outgrown These Walls. If you missed the review from a few weeks back (yep, I am wrong for just sharing it), go to http://www.citypaper.com/music/review.asp?rid=14545 and catch up on some good reading (yes!).
Since I know the article will have you jazzed and ready for to hear Caleb & Saleem, join us on 3/27 at Night Cat (5 Goldsborough Street Easton, Md. 21601). Showtime is 8 p.m. and tickets are $10.00. If you need more information, go to Tom’s Space at www.myspace.com/coffeeeast. I already shared that I am sleepy, but you read the address right, String Bean (Caleb) & The Man (Saleem) are traveling (and performing) in Easton on Friday… we play GOOD MUSIC for fans wherever they areJ.
Alright good people, until next time (this really wasn’t short), THANKS for your ongoing love and support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend, and continue to help us spread the word!
03.19.09 THANK YOU!
Oh my… I know it’s late, but I could not miss telling you HAPPY HUMP DAY YA’LL!!
The economy is crazy so I won’t complain that I’ve worked 33 hours this week with two days to go (hmm… I guess that was complaining—no, I was sharing-lol), so please accept the indecent hour that you are receiving my love messageJ.
Before I go too far, I must mind my manners and WELCOME all the good folks that joined the MOVEMENT at the Common show on 3/12. You have joined the home of all things good, so open your ears, minds, hearts, and enjoy—we promise to take great care of you!
Speaking of taking great care (yes!), the band & I (and yes, Mr. Patrick) would like to thank all of YOU that came, brought friends, cheered, and stood in line a long line to buy yet another CD. Our hearts were filled with love and appreciation—you have always respected us for producing GOOD MUSIC… we hope we always respect you for being fans of GOOD MUSIC (and great people). Dionne, Antonia, Josh, the dude with the dope ass hat (lol), and the other 70+ of you that came on the strength of us, we humbly say THANK YOU! For those of you who love us, but could not stomach the long line (smile), go to www.saleemusic.com to cop a CD. If you live in the area, go to Sound Garden in Baltimore and they will point you in the right direction!
I have attached a picture of the lovely Ms. Antonia and YOUR MAN, Saleem (with a special scarf on-wow)… I felt this picture captured the love we felt that nightJ.
Alright good people, until next time, THANKS for your ongoing love & support of GOOD MUSIC! Keep telling your friends (thanks for all of the help Butta!) and continue to help us spread the word!
03.12.09 "03.12.09"
Daylight Savings Time is kicking my booty, but I am just in time to wish you a HAPPY HUMP DAY YA’LL!!!
Per the previous line, I am sleepy (and tired), so this love hump (ooh, yes!) will be short and sweet (smile).
Saleem & The Music Lovers + Wendel Patrick will open for Common tomorrow night at Club Sonar in Baltimore. We are sold out of our pre-sale tickets, so if you still plan to go, get to the box office early to ensure you are front & center for a night of GOOD MUSIC!
The doors open at 8:00 & we go on at 9:00. Unlike other shows, we are the only opening act, so don’t be fashionably late, or you will miss the good mix the brothas have been cookin’ up just for you (BIG SMILE)! And yes, for those that have asked, I will have copies of Saleem’s debut release Hip Hop Revisited and Caleb & Saleem’s Outgrown These Walls available for purchase (yippee!!).
Alright good people (told you I was sleepy), until next time, THANKS for your ongoing love & support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend, get them to Sonar, and continue to help us spread the word!
02.25.09 Like H20 4 Chocolate
OOH… I am getting so good… it’s Wednesday AND it’s EARLY, so HAPPY HUMP DAY YA’LL!!
How are you guys? I know it’s February, but why is it still cold (ok, I know… it’s winter and all)?
Before I go too far, I must say WELCOME to all the folks who joined the MOVEMENT on Saturday at Sound Garden. You all showed up, showed love (thanks Dionne, Brush, and Topix), and brought other people with you (thanks Linda, Char, and Willow)…now that is spreading the word! At any rate, you have entered the realm (I like that word) of all things good, so enjoy the space, and keep loving and sharing good music (smile).
Like Water for Chocolate… speaking of goodness (big smile)—what is your favorite song from this classic album? Before Common was asking was a Sister’s eyes still green, and before Ms. Badu turned him out (wow), he penned what I believe is his best album. If you have good memories of this album, or want to hear a little more from his extensive catalogue, holla at me for tickets to the show on 3/12 at Club Sonar in Baltimore. Your band, yep, Saleem & The Music Lovers & Wendel Patrick will set the stage for a great night of GOOD MUSIC. Tickets are $27.50 in adv/$30.00 at the door. Saleem will be in Baltimore on Wednesday and Friday, so let me know if you want to meet him to swap loot for ticketsJ.
Until next time (dig in the crates for that album!), THANKS for your ongoing love & support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend, and continue to help us spread the word!
02.18.09 Sounds of the Garden
Wow… it’s early (relatively speaking) & it’s Wednesday, so Happy Hump Day Ya’ll!!
There is so much goodness in this email, so I won’t delay the business too long. Before we begin, let me apologize for the grammatical debacle of last week. Because we have grown so much, I am no longer able to send mass emails the same way. Saleem and I (& MAGGS) have been in search of a program to send out bulk emails. At any rate, and before I digress too much, we tried such a new program last week, but it coded all of my commas and periods as question marks, the font was difficult to read, and it changed all my smiley faces to the letter J (what the freezer is that?). To add insult to injury, the flyer that was attached had a word spelled incorrectly, so I had to apologize for all the craziness (can you tell I have not gotten over it?).
Ok, I am done (with that at least)… I am using my old email system & you have a new flyer attached, so I am good (big smile). Speaking of goodness (you knew it was coming), please join us at The Sound Garden in Fells Point this Saturday, 2/21 at 7 p.m. Caleb & Saleem will perform songs from Outgrown These Walls during an in-store concert. This show will begin on time, so get there early to reserve a good spot. We will also have a new batch of CD’s in, so bring your warm spirits and a little loot to spendJ Remember this gig if family friendly, so invite everyone you know… we want to pack The Garden with good Sounds.
And since we are on the subject of good sounds (smile), Chi-Town’s finest (that would be Common) is coming to Charm City via Club Sonar on March 12th… Saleem & The Music Lovers will share the stage with him on that dayJ. You know these tickets will go fast, so holla at me real soon if you want to go ($27.50 in adv/$30 at the door). I will have tickets with me at Sound Garden on Saturday, so be sure to stop byJ.
Alright good people (wasn’t that plenty of great stuff?), until next time, THANKS for your on going love and support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend (and bring them with you on Saturday) and continue to help us spread the word!
02.11.09 SOLD OUT!
Oh yes --TWO weeks in a row and it comes before midnight. Believe it or not, it really is HAPPY HUMP DAY YA'LL!!
I hope you all have been enjoying the welcome reprieve of this great weather the last few days at least we have officially thawed out :).
Before I go too far, I must mind my manners and say THANK YOU for all the folks that joined the MOVEMENT last week at Lucy's (poor Lucy's will never be the same) you have joined the house of all things good, so feel special and do your part to share GOOD MUSIC!
Speaking of good music (YES!), because of YOU, the first batch of Outgrown These Walls has SOLD OUT (yippee!!!)! We more than appreciate how much support you've given this project as Saleem said, we thank you for listening.
To show our appreciation, we hooked up with Sound Garden (1616 Thames Street Baltimore, Md. 21231) to bring you a FREE (yes, another FREE show-check the flier out :-) in-store concert featuring Caleb and Saleem on 2/21 at 7:00 p.m. This performance is family friendly (just for you Petes) so bring everyone you know. Just think? get off work, get a bite to eat, and stop by to hear the melodic sounds of Outgrown These Walls. We will have our new shipment in by then, so you can cop a CDJ.
Before you come to the show, be sure to check out Caleb & Saleem?s new Tom's Space page at www.myspace.com/calebandsaleem. We need new friends, so be sure to request us (lol)!
Alright good people, until next time, THANKS for your ongoing love & support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend, and continue to help us spread the word!
02.04.09 WE DO IT FOR YOU!
It’s early on Wednesday (wow), so HAPPY HUMP DAY YA’LL!!
I am my way back to work, but I wanted to holla at you guys early (yes, early Brush)J.
As you know, the band will perform on Friday, 2/6 at Lucy’s Irish Pub (21 N. Eutaw Street Baltimore, Md. 21201). The cost is FREE, and the music will begin at 9:00 p.m. I want you all to know how sweet of a deal we worked out for all the fans of GOOD MUSIC—we are inviting you to rock with S&TML (plus Wendel Patrick and Caleb Stine) for THREE HOURS for FREE (I know, it’s unbelievable!). When the manager called to book us for the gig, I asked him was he certain Lucy’s was ready for a Hip Hop band, he answered ‘I think so… we are trying to broaden our horizons’. Since we all signed up to share GOOD MUSIC with as many people as possible, please join us to celebrate all the opportunities the new-year brings… Lucy’s will never be the sameJ.
In case you still have room for more goodness (yes, I am smiling), check out brother Saleem on Morgan State University’s radio, WEAA 88.9 on Sunday, 2/8 at 9:50 p.m. Saleem will talk to host, Ryan Greene, during his ‘briefcase radio’ segment. The segment is intended to give entrepreneurs suggestions/guidelines on how to cultivate effective relationships. Saleem decided since he had a good relationship with each of you, he was an expert on the subject (lol—that is totally me)! If you are out of the frequency of the Baltimore area, tune in on line at www.weaa.org (yes, you E-Double).
Alright good people, until next time, THANKS for your on going love and support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend (Uni & Mel, Nessa & Caroline), and continue to help us spread the word!
01.29.09 MONSTAH MAGGS!
It’s late, and I am writing, so I KNOW it must be HAPPY HUMP DAY YA’LL!!
The email would have come sooner (as in yesterdayL), but the internet wasn’t cooperating with our lovefest. What’s going on? I hope you have all been warm and safe on this slippery slope of a dayJ.
Since I am sleepy (you’ve heard that before), this is going to be short & sweet (unlike last week’s novel-lol).
Speaking of last week, I must give a big shout out to brother Saleem for sharing such a heartfelt letter to all of us. Thank YOU Saleem for caring enough about your craft (and respecting your listeners) so much that we feel the love in the music. You are such a talented and humble person… I promise to do my best to get your sound out to all the people who crave GOOD MUSIC!
And since we are on the topic of goodness (and per the subject line), I want to share a bit about a person near and dear to my heart (and Saleem’s). Maggie Walsh (of W3 Promotions)—aka Monstah Maggs, has been supporting our movement for some time now. A few weeks ago, we decided to update Saleem’s website, MySpace page, and create a new page for Caleb and Saleem’s project, Outgrown These Walls. Without skipping a beat, Maggie created what I believe is a work of art (especially for Saleem’s website). I’ve said it before, and I will repeat here for the record—if you have a business, or just in need of an official website, give her a call before she realizes just how good she isJ. Check out Maggie’s work at www.saleemmusic.com, www.myspace.com/salimmusic, and www.myspace.com/calebandsaleem. Thanks Maggs for all that you’ve done and will continue to do!
Last, but certainly not least, if you are in need of a S&TML fix, come see the band for FREE at Lucy’s Pub next Friday, 2/6/09 at 9 p.m. Wendel Patrick and Caleb Stine will join the band for their THREE HOUR set (whew… good music will be all around!).
Alright good people, until next time, THANKS for your ongoing love and support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend, and continue to help us spread the word!
PS Saleem said thanks to all the people who responded to his email last week—WE were really touched (ok, I cried a bit, but don’t tell anyone else).
01.22.09 Just Listen
Hello Good People!!! You are now tuned in to the Thursday edition of the Hump Day email. I know, I know, please try to keep the grumbling to a minimum. I’ve already been brow-beaten by Natashia. Oh, did I mention that this was Saleem writing to you. Well…this is Saleem writing to you J
Last week, Natashia did her annual year in review; going through all of the highlights of 2008. Today (yes, it’s Thursday, I get it J) I want to say thank you for being an integral part of those highlights. You helped make 2008 an incredible year for us. One of the best ways that I can express how important you are is to describe what happened to me on December 31st/January 1st at the Wu-Tang concert.
I was standing backstage at the Wu-Tang show when Sonny Brown introduced us. I was thinking through the introduction to our set when he said, “Make some noise for Saleem & The Music Lovers.” My focus was broken when I heard the crowd cheering loudly. And when I say crowd, I’m not talking about a few fans that we know. A large contingent of people in the audience were cheering loudly for us. I was humbled to receive the applause and excitement that is usually reserved for featured performers. The crowd continued to cheer and give us energy from the introduction of our set to the very end of our performance. They put their hands in the air when we asked them to and pumped their fists throughout the set. As soon as I walked off of the stage, a fan came up to me and said, “Thank you for making great music.” I said to him, “Thank you so much for listening.”
That’s what this email is about. Most of you on this mailing list never heard of us before the night you signed onto this weekly humpfest. Most of you were at shows ready to hear your favorite artist bless the stage. You could have easily tuned us out. You could have taken a bathroom break while we performed or arrived fashionably late to the show in hopes of missing us—and any other opening acts scheduled to perform. But you didn’t. You decided to listen. You gave our music a chance and for that, I thank you.
I thank you for not only signing on, but for also getting on board this train and traveling this wonderful journey with us. Thank you for following us to dimly lit bars (Michael, Alana, Shelly, etc…) late at night to pump your fists in the air. Thank you for standing in front of the stage and mouthing the words to all of my songs (Kareem, Conflict, Jason, etc…). Thank you for purchasing several copies of my CD’s (Robyn, Cherise, J.J., etc…) to give out to family and friends because you felt that passionately about the music. And thank you for your kind words and responses to our weekly hump day emails (Ryan, Calvin, Houston, P-Funk, etc…). There are so many more people out there to thank, and so many more things for us to be thankful for. I couldn’t possibly fit it into a single email, but please know that all of you are appreciated.
Thank you to all of the people that make this possible. There are so many people working behind the scenes to help bring this music to you. Thank you to the Music Lovers for helping craft the sounds that have inspired me to write and be even more creative. Thank you to Wendel Patrick (our go-to-guy). Some of the most memorable shows from last year were when you added your passion for music to our lovely band of misfits. Thank you to Caleb Stine. We started the year as “lab partners” and ended the year with a CD—heckuva ride. Thank you to Dan, the owner of Club Sonar. I’m thankful that you love music enough to resist labels and restrictions. You’ve never treated us like a “local” band. Thank you to Bridgette and all of the staff that make Sonar run. You are creating a haven for music to thrive. Keep up the good work. Thanks to Kevin, Tracey, Missy, Chenire, and Chris. The New Turntable club has a new name and a new location, but the love you have for music, in all of its incarnations, remains the same. Thank you to Ayesha for being our sounding board and resident Editor-in-Chief. Thank you to all of our business team members both formal and informal. Thank you to Maggie for being an integral part of our business team and family. Your light is so bright. You’re our shining star. Thanks to Sam, Nick, and all of the wonderful people at WTMD. You’ve created an amazing platform where artists from all walks of life can come together to share one frequency, 89.7. Thanks to DJ P-Funk and Sonny Brown. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. You continually put together quality hip-hop SHOWS. All of us music lovers are grateful. Thank you to Derrick, J.J., and Ryan. You are the entrepreneurs that I look to for inspiration. Again, I know I can’t thank you all in a single email, but please know that all of you have been instrumental in our evolution and we’re truly thankful.
Finally, I want to thank my wife and manager Natashia. Thank you for traveling this journey with me. Thank you for believing in me and loving music enough to tell me when I suck. Thank you for helping me balance work, music, and everyday life. Thank you for taking care of the wonderful group of people you affectionately call your Wednesday Humpers. And thank you for making this life such an amazing experience.
I know this email is long (I had to lock Natashia out of the basement so she wouldn’t see it and fuss at me) and I apologize for it, but you should be accustomed to this by nowJ. I don’t know what 2009 will bring, but if this week is any hint of what we have to come, it’s going to be another grand ride. And I know you will be right alongside us, helping us create more memories to place in our scrap book.
I have attached a song that is near and dear to my heart, from my new CD with Caleb Stine. The song is called Hope. When I saw the Inauguration on Tuesday, the words from the song kept running through my mind. I Hope you enjoy. I’ve also attached the 1st verse to a song that will appear on the upcoming Music Lovers album. It is a song that was inspired by and written for you.
My pen hits the paper and words start to form. Ideas start to form and paragraphs burst forth. Locked into my composition binder are essays and stories that I hope will inspire. I ask that you JUST LISTEN.
Yours truly,
Saleem
01.07.09 Happy New Year!!
Brrrrrr! I am wrapped in a blanket right now drinking hot chocolate. I can’t seem to make my house hot enough to shake off the chill L I’m thinking about creating a bonfire in my basement using some of the Pennysaver magazines I keep collecting (lol)—does anyone use them? Whaddup Ya’ll, Happy New Hump Day Year!!!! I tried to get it all in one sentence—stop with the wise cracks.
Seriously, Happy Hump Day and Happy New Year folks!!!!! The beginning of the year is always a hopeful time. There are so many possibilities. Do I sound like a hallmark card? Okay, don’t answer that. Welcome back good people. I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday (whether that meant celebrating the established ones or sleeping through them). Before I continue, I want to send a warm welcome to everyone who joined the movement at the Wu-Tang show. We promise to take very good care of you.
The Wu-Tang show was wonderful. We’re usually in our house watching Dick Clark and drinking eggnog on New Year’s, so it felt strange being away from home. However, if you’re going to be away from home, why not rock with Saleem and The Music Lovers, The RZA, The GZA, Inspectah Deck…ok, I’m sure you get the point. We really enjoyed ourselves. Hats off to all of the great people at Sonar. They continue to bring high-quality hip-hop to the citizens of Baltimore and for that they should be celebrated. I particularly want to thank Dan, Dave, Jamie, Sonny Brown, and P-Funk. Dan, you are one of the coolest club owners I know. You truly care about your people, the fans, and the artists and it shows in the product you put on stage. Dave, thanks for always taking care of Saleem with the lighting. I’m trying to bring you on the road with the band J. Jamie, thanks for putting up with Saleem. You put as much care into his sound as he does. That speaks volumes about you. Finally, Sonny Brown and P-Funk, thank you for being committed to putting together hip-hop SHOWS. You always try to take fans on a musical journey. I hope you know your efforts are appreciated. Also, it’s always good to see you out and about Sonny. Keep moving man, we’re right behind you.
I just received news that Outgrown These Walls has been selected by WTMD as their CD of the week. YEAH!!!! We also made their top ten list for albums released in 2008. We didn’t think we qualified since the album was released so late in the year, but apparently, we just made it. YEAH!!! We are genuinely humbled by their accolades and support.
Ok folks, get ready because next week we’re going to bring you our 2008 year in review (trumpets are blaring in the background). I’m starting to get hungry. Saleem started a bonfire in our kitchen trash can and he’s roasting marshmallows—or is that melting plastic that I smell? Alright good people, as always, THANKS for your ongoing love and support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend (cop the CD), and continue to help us spread the word!
12.17.08 Outgrown These Walls
Oh my… I know it’s late, but HAPPY HUMP DAY YA’LL!!
If you knew the week I was having, you would have some sympathy (thanks for checking on me Brush), but no excuses, time to get to business!
Before I go too far, I must WELCOME all the good folks who joined the MOVEMENT on Saturday at the 8x10! You believed the possibility of Country meeting Hip-Hop would be a good thing… I hope you feel vindicated by your hopeJ. For your faithfulness, you will receive Wednesday messages filled with love, information, and GOOD MUSICJ.
Speaking of good music (you know I had to do it), we heard plenty of it at the house that Ms. Abigail and Brian built (the owners). Big thanks to both of you for being professional enough to respect music no matter where it’s from, and loving music enough to embrace all the fans that come to your club. You run an A-class place, and we were all happy to be in your spaceJ.
Another big shout out goes to all that gathered (and battled the parking) four days ago—this project has joined worlds that prior had no knowledge of the other. We know that good people & good music dwell in Baltimore… we just have to find each other and stay connected! If you missed the CD release (boo-hiss), you can pick up a copy of Outgrown These Walls at Atomic Books, Sound Garden, or Record & Tape Traders. Beginning on Friday, you will also be able to purchase the CD at www.saleemusic.com (thanks Maggs!).
Now the flyer—as you know, The Music Lovers with Mr. Patrick will usher in the Wu Year at Club Sonar in Baltimore. If you want to celebrate with us, get at me soon…Meth is quite popular ‘round these parts, so tickets are going fast (lol)!
Alright good people… as always, THANKS for your ongoing love and support of GOOD MUSIC. Please tell a friend (to pick up Outgrown These Walls), and continue to help us spread the word!
12.11.08 Hump Day the Late Thursday Edition
And after two weeks of the Early Edition of Hump Day, I ask for your understanding on this late edition of my weekly love letter to youJ.
I am home today suffering with the stomach flu (I never knew it existed until Monday). There was so much to share with you from yesterday, but alas, I suppose my stomach intended that I slow down and rest a bit.
Now that my sob story is over (I hope it worked and you feel badly for talkin’ trash about me Brush), I have plenty to cover in a limited time, so here it goes:
-Check out today’s copy of the Baltimore Sun. Saleem and Caleb are featured in the ‘You and Your Weekend’ section of paper (page two upper left hand). If you are not in the area, go to the BaltimoreSun.com. I would love to give you the direct link to the article, but our Internet is also suffering from some bug or the other (lol). Seriously, I am sure if you go to the above link, you will navigate your way to the article.
-If you missed Tuesday’s Baltimore Unsigned show, you can hear an encore airing on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. Sam Sessa once again did a wonderful job taking the listeners on a journey thru the timeline of the Baltimore Music Project to Saleem & Caleb’s CD release show at the 8x10 on Saturday.
-Speaking of Saturday (yes!), the CD release for Outgrown These Walls will be front and center at the 8x10. Per the Baltimore Sun, ‘Saturday’s show will be one to remember’, so be sure to be in the crowd for what is sure to be a memorable evening. Doors open at 8, and the music begins at 9. Tickets are $10.00 – you can get them from a band member, or at the door (if you do this, get there early). Sowl Music, LLC is proud of this project and looking forward to sharing the culmination of good melodies, great writing, and a fortunate friendship with all of you.
Alright good people, as always, THANKS for your ongoing support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend (and bring them with you Saturday!), and continue to help us spread the word!
12.03.08 December Dates
What’s going on good people… for the second week in a row, HAPPY EARLY HUMP DAY YA’LL!!
I hope you are all doing well and in recovery from all the food you ate last weekJ. Before I get into the business, I must WELCOME the folks that joined the MOVEMENT last week in the Magic City (Florence, South Carolina that is). Since we are always recruiting and sharing GOOD MUSIC, we added a few good spirits over fried chicken and mac & cheese (sorry, good food flashback-lol). At any rate, you have stepped into the hub of goodness, so we promise to take care of youJ.
Now to the business of the last month of the year—please mark your calendars for the following:
12/09- Tune into Baltimore Unsigned on 89.7 at 8 p.m. to hear Caleb Stine & Saleem talk about their upcoming CD release… they also give a sneak preview of what you will hear a few days later at the 8x10. Big ups to everyone at the radio station for respecting and supporting this project. Thanks also for all that you do to promote GOOD MUSIC whether the artist is from Baltimore or Budapest.
12/13- Join us for Saleem and Caleb’s CD release at the 8x10 (No worries, The Music Lovers & Brakemen will also perform). Doors open at 8 & tickets are $10.00. This collaboration has produced some of the most honest & creative music I have heard. Don’t take my word for it… just be thereJ.
12/15- Saleem will join Caleb Stine and his band, The Brakemen at The Meyerhoff Symphony Hall for a night of storytelling. Saleem is one of several musicians who will join the band on stage for the evening. For more information, go to http://www.calebstine.com/shows.
12/31- Oh my… New Year’s Eve at Sonar with Saleem & The Music Lovers + Wendel Patrick… and WU TANG! Yep, that’s right… we will bring in 09’ with Method Man & Crew! I am sure Wu Year’s Eve will sell out, so if you want bring the new- year in right, holla at me soon for tickets.
Alright good people (whew, that was a lot!), THANKS for your ongoing love & support of GOOD MUSIC! Please tell a friend and continue to help us spread the word!
11.19.08 Say Something
By Rafaela de la Ghetto AKA Robyn Johnson
I was half listening to something I heard on television the other day. I find myself doing that a lot lately. I think it’s because usually, what spits from the tube, makes me feel tired. At any rate, I glanced at the screen when I heard someone rhyming in a language unknown to me. I began to pay attention. The man spoke of how he loved American Hip Hop because of the beats and the music. He told of how, one day, he asked a friend to translate the lyrics for him. Once he knew what was being said, he replied that he was glad he didn’t speak English. There is no content behind the track, he said.
I thought of Saleem. He hadn’t heard him. I was sure of it.
I’ve only seen Saleem perform once. I still have the flyer. I suppose it’s somewhat of a collector’s item now, since back then he was known as Salim. I can remember walking into McGuire Hall at Loyola and meeting Natashia. She hugged me like we’d known each other for years; I showed her my Al B. Sure moves. I felt at home.
I could see Saleem mingling with everyone just before the show. There was nothing different about the man I see every day at work. He glided along just as slow and methodical as always, offering genuine greetings to the fam.
But, for me, there is something about watching a person function in their God-given element that fascinates me to no end. When the show began, I no longer saw the co-worker. I witnessed the transformation and could not stop smiling. I was so blessed to be in that moment with those who call themselves music lovers. I watched that love radiate from each man and I could not stop smiling. There it was -- beautiful music married to thoughtful content and a renewed sense of hope for the things that we can create.
So – this is what it is like? I closed my eyes and thought of when I would see such a day in my own life.
Come closer, beckoned Saleem, as the music went down. He sat on a chair telling us not to miss what he was saying. He was talking about our lives and how we are intertwined. That I need to know what is happening with my sister and brother.
I sat on the floor looking up in awe of the man, who endeavors in his heart to say something. And then, I determined to do something. I determined to sharpen what I have to say and work to add my voice to those who are already shouting.
Thanks Saleem. Thanks Tashia. Thanks Music Lovers. Your voices are being heard.
10.26.08 Say Something
Click here to download the high quality version of the video for "Say Something"
