Obama: God, Hit Me on My Blackberry
After wading through the obligatory questions about the Henry Louis Gates’ drama and additional commentary on Health Care reform, President Barack Obama shared an update on his faith in an interview with ABC News. Asked how the presidency is affecting his spiritual life, Obama confessed to Nightline’s Terry Moran that he no longer prays only before bed, as was his habit. “I pray all the time now,” the president laughed. “I’ve got a lot of stuff on my plate and I need guidance all the time.”
One way the president gets guidance from God is through his Blackberry. And while God doesn’t send Obama instant Blackberry messages (because let’s be honest, God probably uses an iPhone), the president’s Faith and Neighborhood Initiatives Director Joshua DuBois does provide daily spiritual direction right in the palm of the president’s hand.
“He has a devotional that he sends to me on my Blackberry each day.” President Obama explained. “That’s how I start my morning. You know, he’s got a passage, scripture, in some cases quotes from other faiths to reflect on.” It’s this type of communication that keeps the president’s faith nurtured and growing while he and the First Family continue their search for a place of worship.
“We haven’t selected a permanent church home in D.C. I mentioned earlier that with all the transitions for the girls, but also, still trying to figure out how to move this big apparatus called the presidency without being hugely disruptive to congregations. How do we time that, how do we think about that? That’s something we’re still sorting out.”
Meanwhile, the Obamas worship at Camp David when they have the chance. Obama praised the service offered at the small chapel, saying, “There’s a wonderful young pastor up there–chaplain–who does just wonderful work.”
Considering all of the resources at the disposal of the President of the United States, it’s fascinating and a bit sobering to see that he still feels a need to draw on a higher power for navigating the tough decisions of his life. Beyond that, it’s humbling to see that the leader of the Free World recognizes his place as an instrument or tool for God’s plans.
Obama summed up his work in vocational terms, saying, “This is something where you just hope that you are aligning your work with His purposes and that you’re attuned to the needs of the people you’re there to serve.”
Click below to watch the video of Terry Moran’s interview with President Barack Obama. His commentary on faith begins around 1:55.
Eric Roberson is Paving a New Road in Music
If you wanted to meet the godfather of the independent neo soul music movement, after sneaking past Luca Brasi you’d find the Don is Eric Roberson. He’s gentle and quiet-spoken, but five minutes into a conversation with him and his swagger overtakes you. Like a Corleone, he’s a man who knows exactly what he wants and who long ago chose to create his own rules, paving a path on the independent music scene for other brazen artists to follow. If you haven’t heard of Eric Roberson, give it time and you will.
Back in the day Erro, as his fans call him, landed a recording contract with Warner Brothers. But after a stalled career on the label, Roberson left to pursue his own creative dream as an independent solo artist. For nearly a decade he’s successfully worked as a producer and songwriter for numerous mainstream artists like Jill Scott, Dwele, and Musiq Soulchild. And in the midst of helping round out the sound of other artists, Roberson has found time to record his own material. He’s released several albums to date—most notably The Esoteric Movement, The Vault, The Appetizer and Left. Now he’s getting ready to release his latest endeavor called Music Fan First (August 25th, 2009).
I had the pleasure of seeing Eric Roberson perform a couple weeks back at Gospel Uptown, a hot new inspirational entertainment venue in Harlem, NY. I sat down with him in between sets to talk about his faith’s influence on his music, his upcoming album and…well, fashion.
Do you tap into any spirituality for your work?
Songwriting and recording for me is the most potent factual evidence I have that there is a God. We are mere fisherman. I walk out of the studio everyday and I pretty much open my hands and say, “Please give me melodies; please give me words.” A lot of songs through the years I realize that I’ve written were songs that I was not wise enough to write.
I do have a lot of friends who work in the gospel field as well. Some of us have a secular battle like we shouldn’t do secular music. But I do believe that there’s a ministry in secular music.
Give us an example of how your faith intersects with your work.
I talk to God all the time. I have a song called “Def Ears.” It’s a completely secular song about meeting a girl and not knowing what my purpose is with her. But if you listen closely, the song is a conversation with God. It starts out with “God I’m so lost I don’t know where to begin/I’m so lost I can’t pretend.” I just don’t think there are rules. Right now, I may write a gospel song. Next I may write a secular song. I think it’s all about getting out of the way. And the moment I start judging what I’m writing, I’m not being the messenger.
I really appreciate the opportunity God has given me in being a songwriter. The messages are given to you and it’s the challenge of following your message. To me, that’s the first proof that there’s a God. All we do is we polish our instruments, make sure our pens are filled and our paints are clean. We practice on how to listen to the vision and message we’re given. I don’t know how I can become a better songwriter. A better songwriter is merely a better listener.
What is the new path you’re on for the new album Music Fan First?
It’s about self-awareness. My first album was about pain. How could you hurt me? My second album was about searching. What do I do? This album is about realizations. I can’t live without her or if I don’t change this, I’m going to destroy every relationship I have. Other than that, I let the music go a little crazy. I wanted the music to be more expressive.
What do you think is fashionable in faith?
Not allowing rules to change who you are. It’s all about finding your own lane. I think in all forms of fashion we wear everything–you wear your message; you wear your brands; you wear your spirituality; you wear all of it. I think the dopest brand to rock is what you’re about.
Fashion Eric Rocks:
- PRPS jeans
- Hugo Boss
- American Apparel tees
- Nike Dunks
Who Inspires Eric:
- Stevie Wonder
- A Tribe Called Quest
- Commission (Commission was like a punch in my chest. I couldn’t avoid the conviction in their voice.)
To listen to Eric Roberson, check out the video below or visit EricRobersonMusic.com.
Chris Brown Consults Minister and Mom
When celebrities make a faux pas like drug use, criminal activity, or bankruptcy, we all know there are only two ways to get out of trouble: rehab or spirituality. So it should come as no surprise that following his arrest for assault on girlfriend and singer Rihanna, Chris Brown says he’s consulting his minister and mother for help. In a video released last Monday, a remorseful and scripted Brown publicly apologized for his violent actions.
Many people who watched the video felt it was an ill-advised idea, serving as a pathetic and disingenuous attempt to salvage what’s left of his career from the ashes of public disgust. However, Brown did seem to take some responsibility for his actions. Recognizing the disappointment he caused among family, friends, and fans, he said, “My mother and my spiritual teachers have taught me way better than that.” Then he went on to say, “God has been generous in giving me the ability which has brought me fame and fortune. I have done a lot of soul-searching and over the past several months I’ve talked with my minister and my mother and I’ve spent a lot of time trying to understand what happened and why.”
My question is, who knew Chris Brown had “spiritual teachers,” and more importantly, how is his minister guiding him through this healing process after the fallout? Though the video alluded to some sort of soul-searching, sharing a few details of what he’s discovering about himself and his relationship with Rihanna might actually be the ticket to restoring Brown’s career. Many young couples who have been in similar situations could benefit from this public couple’s growth. Unfortunately, Brown remains tight-lipped until future interviews.
What to do you think? Chime in below in a quick poll.
Pop & Circumstance
A new edition of Pop & Circumstance is up for your viewing pleasure. This week I’m talking about Chris Brown’s apology, Michael Jackson’s love child, and CNN’s Black in America 2. Check it out at UrbanFaith.com and share your thoughts!
Mormons Can Be Funny
Sometimes, Mormons can be funny. And I’m not talking funny as in the great punchline to a joke; they can actually be good comedians. New York Magazine, one of the only mags worth reading these days, has a great blurb up on 27-year old Mormon comedienne Elna Baker. 
Though Baker doesn’t have me rolling on the floor laughing with her “virgin humor,” she’s good for a wholesome chuckle or two. I’ll admit that I laughed at her joke on the challenges of dating an Atheist when she doesn’t believe in sex before marriage. She quips, “As a Mormon, I don’t believe in having sex. And eventually, as a guy, he didn’t believe in that. So Atheists do have beliefs.”
Baker’s main comedic obstacle is really one of timing. Her storytelling M.O. is probably better suited for the page, not the stage where the audience’s attention span can last for a maximum of about 20-seconds between funnies. Or if she does decide to appear before an audience, she’d probably shine in an anecdote-friendly environment, like “This American Life” or The Moth (both of which have hosted Baker in the past).
Luckily for us, this fall, Baker will release a new book called The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance published by Penguin. The title alone makes me smile, but the description is pretty good too. On her site, she says the book is “a coming of age story about Elna Baker’s experience as a practicing Mormon in New York City. Elna’s life changes when she loses eighty pounds and gets the sexual attention she’s always wanted…. only to discover that as a Mormon she can’t follow through. The book takes on identity, faith, sex and love as Elna questions traditional values in modern times.”
Good stuff.
Who Was That Asian Girl At Michael Jackson’s Memorial?
After the parade of stars crossed the stage at the Michael Jackson Memorial on Tuesday, only one question remained–who was that Asian girl singing “Heal the World” like she was somebody? Well, I’ve been grinning from ear to ear, because while the media’s been speculating on her identity, I recognized her as the incredible vocalist, Judith Hill, a fellow Biola University alumna.
Back in the day Judith’s powerhouse voice could be heard echoing off the walls of Crowell Hall at the Biola campus, while she studied under Dr. John Browning to get her degree in music composition. The biracial artist (her mother is Japanese) has been a Christian since she was young. On her website, she says, “I had a pretty good life in my childhood. Me and God were friends since the beginning. That helped a lot.”
After college, Judith went off to France to sing background vocals for pop star Michel Polnareff. The tour opened her up to a host of experiences, enriching her life story and deepening the richness of her sound. After a brief hiatus from music to battle some personal demons of family issues and depression, this June she was back and stronger than ever, ready to join Michael Jackson on tour in London…that is until his fateful death.
BlackVoices columnist Jawn Murray says somebody better sign Judith Hill.
Her strong appearance at the Michael Jackson Memorial has been praised by the industry and fans alike. Now Rolling Stone reports that Judith and her fellow members of the Michael Jackson “This Is It! Tour” will be a part of a tribute concert AEG is planning.
Well, all I can say is good luck to you Judith. Despite the bleak circumstances of Michael Jackson’s funeral, you couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to showcase your skills. In front of an audience of literally every record label, musician, producer, executive, etcetera, you held your own, out sang Mariah Carey and literally stole the show. Just keep the faith and remember your Biola friends when you blow up!
Want more of Judith Hill? Check out the performance below of her performing “One Love Forever” back in 2008.
A Night at SALT artspace in NYC
Faith Huckel, Restore NYC and Caleb Clardy, Trinity Grace Park Slope
Recently I had the pleasure of attending a benefit for the Haven at SALT artspace in New York. I was there to see one of the pastors from Trinity Grace Church make a brief foray into rock & roll as his band, Lion’s Share, broke its “one gig per year” rule to donate their time and talents to the cause.
If you haven’t been to SALT artspace, it’s a really cool venue in the Flatiron neighborhood of Manhattan. SALT is run by artists who value community and collaboration and are seeking creative ways for sustainably fund new projects and emerging talent. Under the sponsorship of The Gallery Church, SALT provides creative types an outlet for artistic expression, refinement, and collaboration at a fair cost.
SALT artspace social experiment on community
I’m not sure I would ever hunker down there to work myself, but I might rent out the space one day for a cocktail party or birthday bash. If you’re at all artistically inclined, I imagine you’ll instantly fall in love with the venue. In a cut throat New York culture, I’m enchanted by this concept of artists encouraging one another and working together to create inspirational work. Classy.
I hear SALT just debuted a “social experiment on community: an installation built in 2 days, with 2 projects, 4 carts and 200 balloons, and evolving over the span of 2 months.” I’m not sure exactly what it entails beyond assuredly fascinating art, but I like the idea of an artistic experiment. And I like balloons.
For more details on the space, contact Grace Hwang at SALTartspace@gmail.com or visit their website.
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