I have not written in so long because I have allowed my career to consume me and for that I sincerely apologize because as I have written here so many times before, your passion should always exceed that which brings you a profit. I enjoy what I do, but this…writing about life and the upward mobility of African Americans is my true passion. I apologize for neglecting it and you, those who are inspired by the words I write.

The new year came with new opportunities, challenges and lessons learned. Although our lives are a gift from God, as with all gifts what we do with them is strictly up to us. Self evaluation is something that should take place on a daily basis and not only when disaster strikes. Have you gotten better or worse with each passing day? At times we all digress, but it doesn’t matter how many times you are knocked down. What matters is how many times you get back up.

We pray when we need blessings, we pray when things are going wrong, but what about just praying because we are thankful for life? What about praying for daily direction for what path we should take and what decisions we should make. I realize more and more every day that things are taken for granted until they are taken away. Why? Why are we programmed to only value something after we lose it. If we appreciated it from the start, maybe it wouldn’t have been taken away from us.

When horrible things in our lives happen we tend to ask why or blame someone whether it be God, others or ourselves. Instead of playing the blame game, how about asking ourselves how we can make things better for ourselves or others from that day forth? How about instead of dwelling on the past we prepare for the future?

Yes, all of these things are easier said than done, but no one said that this life would be easy. No one said it would be hard either. That is why all we can do is continue to better ourselves and try our best to prepare for what is ahead.

Don’t wait until disaster strikes in any form before you decide its time for a change. Life is too short and there is too much greatness on the inside of ALL of us to just let life pass us by.

Blessings my people.

This word has been synonymous with African Americans for years.  It is our strength that got us through slavery, civil rights and even some atrocities that we still face today, but I can’t help but wonder if this same strength has also become our weakness.  Have we become to bent on appearing strong that we don’t acknowledge our mortality and realize that it is ok to be vulnerable?

Being a SBW or SBM (Strong Black Wo/man) has often been something of a badge of honor, but what happens when that badge causes us more harm than good.  There has been a very mixed perception of strength that says strength means you never show weakness.  On the contrary, a person of true strength allows themselves to show weakness when it is merited.  For example, admitting when you are wrong and being strong enough to say you are sorry.  This is an act that some view as weak, but in actuality it takes a lot more strength to admit when you are in the wrong than to ignore your faults.  Those who are taught to never apologize have actually been taught to be cowards because “I’m sorry” can be the most powerful words you ever say.  It took me a while to realize this myself, but the moment I did was the moment I truly began to mature into the woman I am today.

Forgiveness is another form of strength that many of us in the African American community have been taught is a sign of weakness.  We are taught that by forgiving someone we are letting them off easy for what they have done.  This is indeed false. When we don’t forgive others we are really harming no one but ourselves.  I know this has been said many times before, but it is true.  Think about it.  While you are angry, hurt and frustrated about what has been done to you, the other person is enjoying life.  While you are wasting time thinking about them, they are enjoying life not thinking about you.  Let go and let God.  If you truly believe that we all will reap what we sow then there is no need for you to hold a grudge.  We only have one life to live and we MUST live it to the fullest.  The one thing we can never get back is time, so don’t waste it on people or situations that are not worth your time.

To be strong, brave and courageous are wonderful traits to have, but they mean nothing without honor, kindness and some form of vulnerability.  Not everyone should be privied to our softer sides, but trying to mask pain and hurt behind “strength” will eventually break us down instead of build us up.  Another distortion of what strength is says strength means never asking for help.  It says you have to deal with your issues on your own because anything else is seen as fragile.  The reality is that not asking for help when you really need it can cause you to break and everyone will wonder what went wrong because you “appeared” to have it all together.  Recognizing that you don’t have to deal with EVERYTHING on your own is where real strength begins.

At the end of the day, you have to live with yourself.  What others think of you should be the last thing on your mind.  They don’t have to live with your problems, issues or pains…you do.  Even superman had his kryptonite and had to ask for help.  What makes you any different?   Being strong doesn’t mean always being self reliant.  Being strong doesn’t mean ignoring every emotion you have.  True strength means finding a balance and knowing when you have had enough mentally, physically and spiritually.

My strength used to be my weakness until I realized that understanding that I don’t ALWAYS have to be strong is really what strength is all about.  What society has defined as strength has caused stress which eventually led to death.  Be strong enough to admit your faults, let go of anger and ask for help.  This kind of strength can make a world of difference.

The saying that “Stick and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is so far from the truth.  I am a firm believer that you should only respond to names that describe who you are as a person in the most uplifting way.  Bitch, ugly, failure, disappointment, weak…these are names that should never describe you and ones you should never answer to.  When I read my word it proclaims that my name is VICTORY and that I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  I believe this and therefore act in a way to exemplify what my creator has called me.

Listening to what others may say about you can always be a recipe for disaster.  It doesn’t matter what other people call you, but it’s about what you call yourself.  What name best describes you and the woman/man you are trying to be everyday.  Throughout life many names will be thrown at you, but what matters is the name you respond to.  Once you respond, you give that name life and accept it as part of your existence.

When I was younger I was called all kinds of names by kids in my school.  Fat, ugly, nappy head, immigrant…all names with negative connotations that sent me home in tears because I took them in as truth.  I felt that since so many people were saying these things then they must be true.  Those names were ingrained in my heart until I realized that they continued to call me those names because I would answer to them.  I acknowledged the childish ridicule, but once I realized I was so much more than those names; I gave myself new names.  Names such as royalty, intelligent, sweet, kind and anything else that I knew was the proper reflection of who I was.  Once I saw these things in myself, others recognized them too because I refused to let any one give me a name that didn’t correctly characterize Risa.

People will always try to bring you down not only with their actions, but with their words.  Understand that you are who YOU say you are and that when no one else encourages you, you have to encourage yourself.  Your name is part of your identity.  If it doesn’t identify with the person you know you are, then it is not your name.

“Whats in a name?  that which we call a rose by another other name would smell as sweet…” (Taken from William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet)  I believe what the great writer was trying to say here is that no matter what name you give it, a rose is still a rose.  No matter what name someone else tries to give you, you are still YOU.  No one can take your identity away from you unless you let them.  So…what’s your name?

Bruno Mars is a new artist who already has my fan card.  Although he is only 23 years old, his musical ability and lyrics are worthy of mention and admiration.  This latest single from his upcoming debut album “Doo Wops and Hooligans” hit me when I heard it because he speaks about one of the many vices that people run to when they are unhappy with their lives, alcohol.  I wonder what in our lives could be so unhealthy to our mental and spiritual well beings that we at times turn to an external source to numb the pain.  Quite possibly we could have a vice and not even realize it because it is so much easier to ignore the deeper issue inside and simply dismiss the vice as “having a good time”.

There have been many times when I have turned to a vice in order to drown my trouble, only to realize that the only way to obtain that true joy was to face whatever issue was driving me to this vice head on.  If that issue was a job I hated I had to make the conscious decision to leave because my happiness was more important than any amount of money I would receive from a job.  If it was a person in my life, whether a friend or companion, I had to find the strength to let that person go because I knew deep down that they were not what I needed in my life at the time.  Knowing when a persons season is up in your life can be hard, but if keeping that person in your life leads to abusing alcohol, drugs or even sex in order to escape from the pain then it is not worth it.

This song resonates with me as I am sure it resonates with many of you after hearing it.  The one topic that I will continue to stress throughout this blog is to never compromise your happiness in order to make someone else feel good.  There are enough blessings in this life to go around without you giving yours away in order to gain something that is of less value in retrospect.  I have had my share of nights when I had liquor store blues, but when I woke up the next morning the problem was still there and I had a terrible hangover.  Artificial satisfaction only lasts but for a second and after it goes away you will still have to face your problems until you are able to drown yourself once again in that artificial euphoria.

The pursuit of happiness is one that we should all be after.  Continual self evaluation is key in order to assess where you are in your life, how you can get better and what needs to be removed in order to get to where you need to be mentally, spiritually and physically.  There are many people wandering out in the world today who would rather ignore the issues inside of them instead of confront them.  Growing up in Brooklyn, I was thought to never run or back down from a situation that presented itself to me.  If I won’t run from others, then I shouldn’t attempt to run from myself either.  The truth hurts, but it can also free you from a cycle of self loathing.

Reflect on your life and state of being before you end up with the liquor store blues.

I had to re-focus because I found myself getting caught up in how many page views I got, how many comments were posted and who shared links to my site.  By getting caught up in all of that I lost sight of the real reason I started this blog; hence the mini hiatus.  I am a lover of all things honest/true, soulful and intellectual.  I write in order to ignite a spark in someone’s mind about a topic that maybe they never thought about before.  My aim is always to start a conversation and hope the conversation will turn into a positive action.

As I analyzed myself I looked at others and wondered, “Why do we do what we do?”  Are we still chasing our dreams or in the midst of dream chasing we began to run after the other things in the wind such as money and notoriety?  Those things I realize can come and go in the blink of an eye (especially money), but your dream is something that lives inside of you and grows with you.  It only begins to diminish when we set our eyes on something that doesn’t contribute to the dream coming to pass.  Many people sell out in various ways in order to get the money and the fame just to realize that in the end it wasn’t worth it.  That’s a feeling I never want to experience.  All that I do has to have a purpose and must be something I am proud of.  As I wrote in an earlier post its time to P.O.P Off (Passion over Profit) and realize that I do what I do because it’s what I love.  I love to write.  I love to inspire.  I love social activism.  I love Black people and most of all I LOVE ME.  Now ask yourself why you do what you do.

Blessings

I had the privilege of meeting this amazing sister at the My Black Is Beautiful event held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City.  Her energy was captivating due to her positive spirit and BOSS swagger.  Some of you may know her from the Centric channel reality show “Keeping up with the Jones,” but this go-getter is so much more than just the Editor-in-Chief of Jones magazine.  Ms. Jones was gracious enough to share her professional and personal pursuits with Soulreflectionz.  She is indeed proof that your passion can generate a profit and bring you joy.

What made you want to create Jones Magazine?

My idea for JONES was born from a book club of really bright, interesting, stylish friends. A group of us got together and had this tendency of unwittingly sharpen ourselves against each other  shoes, hair-stylists, bags, boutiques, sales, travel destinations, restaurants, etc. We were always chatting it up, sharing lifestyle information with each other. I got to thinking how cool it would be to contain all of that information in a magazine format so other women could benefit from the insight too. It mattered to me where beauty, fashion and travel advice came from. I was always interested in exceptionally stylish, multicultural women and what they used, where they shopped, what they were on to next…

What distinguishes JONES from other glossies is that we have successfully honed in on the lifestyle and shopping needs of today’s contemporary women of color. This group of womenshares a penchant for what’s new, now and next. When they pick up JONES they see women who look like them living a similar fashion-forward lifestyle. JONES is much more than a magazine; it’s an experience and mindset.

Why did you want to share the process of creating Jones with the world through a reality show?

I wasn’t looking for a reality show when it happened. I received a phone call from the show’s production company in Los Angeles several years ago that they had a copy of JONES and they thought it could be worth shooting a test reel. The more we shot that week, the more I began to see it as an incredible outlet to share the publication and brand with a national audience. From that perspective, it became a pretty compelling business decision. I’m one of the producers of the show, and Centric, our network, hits a strikingly similar audience as our demographic, so it only made sense to combine efforts to enhance both of our brands. They’re like having a partner rowing in the same direction as you are.

Who is the ideal Jones woman?

The JONES woman is bright, intelligent, sharp, insightful, stylish and adventurous. She’s always on the hunt for specialty items and experiences to better define her upwardly mobile lifestyle. JONES readers tend to be the “it girls” in their circles of influence. Women like Zoe Saldana, Thandie Newton, Angela Bassett,  Iman, Vanessa Williams, Halle Berry, Kerry Washington…The “Claire Huxtables” of this new generation.

Growing up did you always know you wanted to create your own magazine?

As a Black woman why do you feel it’s so important to chase after your dreams?

I think it’s important for women of color to hit the ball out of the park every chance they get to step up to the plate. We are often the decision-maker in our homes, primary bread winners, caregivers, etc.  Still, we are also the group saddled with tremendous responsibilities. It can be very easy to plod along through life securely waiting on something exciting to happen to you, or daydreaming about other people’s fabulous lives.  I find it more rewarding working to  create your own.  We tend to be naturally adverse to risk because few of us can afford to lose time and money. My feeling though, is that without significant risk there can be no significant reward.  Dream chasing has its pitfalls. Not everyone is up to the ridiculous hours, the paltry income, the sting of rejection, the humiliation if it doesn’t happen for you when all eyes are on you. It’s the WORST, but there are also lessons to be learned from ALL of those rough times. I tend to believe that even when a dream doesn’t come to fruition the way you saw it, there are nuggets of value to take from that challenge that will prepare you and toughen you for whats next.  Ambition, tenacity, and resilience are great lessons to take from every effort. Those rarely come from smooth sailing.

What makes Tracey M. Ferguson unique?

Hmmm…I’m a specialty girl. A life-liver. I truly do believe in the art of early exposure. My parents forever shaped my perspective by encouraging me to travel, to try exotic foods, new endeavors, making unique friends with unique backgrounds, exposing me to theatre etc. early in life. Growing up with a sense of adventure and creativity fuels my zest for life. And by interesting, I don’t equate that to affluence. I’m referring to an eagerness to discover what is behind door number two, so-to-speak. You can have all the money in the world and lack an eagerness to explore that rivals watching paint dry. I had a very prominent physician friend I lunched with who once ordered dessert a la mode and sent it back complaining that  the ice cream had white speckles in it.  Needless to say, the “speckles” were vanilla bean. Exposure: Priceless.

What do you hope your readers will get out of Jones Magazine?

Shopping is the main event inside each issue of JONES. I like to think of JONES as the shopping guide for women who know better. In every issue we dig deeper to introduce the most exciting emerging designers, the best shopping spots and deals, the best in beauty and hair care, the best in travel worldwide, and, of course, events. Our content will always target savvy American-American and multicultural women who aspire to live or are living a fashion-forward lifestyle. You can count on the next issue to have even more thought-provoking articles and inspiring fashion photography.

What is your favorite hobby/past-time?

I love to travel and I’m a self-professed foodie and musical theatre buff. I love Wednesday night Bible study.

Reading is my biggest indulgence. I get lost in books. Always have.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Betrayal.

What is the legacy you want to leave behind?

It’d be pretty nifty to have motivated this next generation of women of color to take it to the next level. To up their game. To make a serious mark in the fashion industry. Urban fashion companies are making their numbers, but Blacks are largely left out of the luxury fashion space overall. It irritates me to no end. I would love to see real funding for some of the talent I know exists out there, and marketing training for burgeoning designers. It would do my heart good to see a fair representation of Black designers show and supported at Fashion Week.  For me–that’s BOLDLY going where no man has gone before (sorry, Star Trek) and it’d be fantastic if barrier-breaking happened on my watch.

Jones Magazine is truly a wonderful publication for the fashionista in every African American woman.  Make sure to check out their website:   Jonesmag.com and follow them on twitter: twitter.com/jonesmag.  You can also follow the fabulous Ms. Jones at twitter.com/tferg3

I have a heavy heart as I write this, but now is not the time to mourn.  It is time to celebrate the life of a woman who gave back to her people and culture in a powerful way.  She set the standard for grace and was the epitome of a true diva.  She laid the foundation for African American women to make their way into the entertainment field.  I will continue to honor Ms. Horne by never forgetting all that she did for me and educating the younger generations about her contributions to music and her people.  I applaud Ms. Horne for being true to who she was and never wavering under the pressure to fit into the box that Hollywood attempted to put her in.  We have lost another icon, but heaven has gained another angel.  Her sultry voice and memorable words will live in our hearts forever.  As I celebrate her life through video I will leave you with this memorable quote from Ms. Horne, “My identity is very clear to me now. I am a black woman. I’m free. I no longer have to be a ‘credit.’ I don’t have to be a symbol to anybody; I don’t have to be a first to anybody. I don’t have to be an imitation of a white woman that Hollywood sort of hoped I’d become. I’m me, and I’m like nobody else.”

Click here for Lena Horne’s Biography

Lena Mary Calhoun Horne June 30th, 1917 – May 9th, 2010

“Stormy Weather”

“Stormy Weather/If you believe” live

“Cabin in the Sky”

Lena Horne on the Cosby Show

“Love me or leave me”

“Moon River”

“Maybe”

Memorable Quotes by Lena Horne:

“I was unique in that I was a kind of black that white people could accept. I was their daydream. I had the worst kind of acceptance because it was never for how great I was or what I contributed. It was because of the way I looked.”

“You have to be taught to be second class; you’re not born that way.”

“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.”

“Always be smarter than the people who hire you.”

“A little nepotism never hurt nobody, honey. If you got it, use it. Press on with it. Remind them of it.”

Blessings,

Soulreflectionz

“Baby Father” by Sade

“Silky Soul” by Musiq Soulchild

“Billionaire” by Travie McCoy featuring Bruno Mars

“As We Enter” by Nas and Damian Marley

“A song for Mama” by Boyz II Men

Love my momma!!!

Why rush when true strength and wisdom come to those who can endure through any situation.  It comes to those who can endure even the worst of times with a faithful spirit and positive outlook on life.  Too many of us are looking for the microwave blessings.  We want it now and fast without all the extra preparation it takes to make a well cooked meal.  We bypass crucial planning and knowledge that would be beneficial to us in the long run.  We need to develop patience for the oven blessings.  Those are the blessings that come with time, care, patience and preparation.  Very much like how it is when our loved ones prepare a feast for us.  We can always tell it was made well because it was made with love.  Someone took the time to make sure that every ingredient was mixed together well and placed in the oven to bake for the right amount of time in order for it to come out just right.  It is never under-cooked.  When we rush anything in life, it doesn’t come out as well as if we took the time to learn more and develop ourselves.  In this instance we are under-cooked and not suitable for the great things trying to come our way.  Taking the time to invest in yourself spiritually, mentally, physically and professionally will help you to handle all the doors that God will open for you once He sees that you are ready.  You can’t get upset because things are not going the way you want right now.  There is a good possibility that those doors continue to remain closed because God has not finished equipping you with what you need to maintain the blessings He is about to give.

Take life one day at a time.  Focus on what you need to do to make yourself a better person today and that will prepare you for what life may bring tomorrow.  Treasure every moment because once it is gone you can never get it back.  Understand that although you may be going through the fire, you will come out as gold.  To whom much is given, much is required.  If you are not willing to take the necessary steps in order to develop the skills you need that will take you to that next level, then don’t be surprised that it feels as though life is passing you by.  God helps those who help themselves.  If you want to get to that next level of success in your life, than you have to give Him something to work with.  You must crawl before you walk and walk before you run.

Grind hard, stay humble and God will take care of the rest.  All good things come to those who wait.  While you wait work on you; prepare yourself for the doors of opportunities that will open.  Once they open you will be ready to receive what is on the other side no matter how big or small.

RD:  How did you make your journey from Seattle to Atlanta and then to New York?

KN:  When I was in high school, I did a summer program in Atlanta at Spelman College my junior year. That reconfirmed my wanting to go to Spelman. After I graduated from high school, I relocated to Atlanta and I haven’t been back to Seattle since.  After I graduated from college, I decided to move to New York. I did that in 2008 and I have been here ever since.

RD:  How was it growing up in Seattle? Did you feel like you needed something more?

KN:  I did. I was like the little girl that wanted an African name.  My best friends still make fun of me because I had this fake name.  It was Malika (laughs). I was like, “I’m gonna wear these African shells and go to Spelman (laughs). I think as a young black girl in Seattle, where it is predominantly white and asian, I kind of wanted to be around other black people that were like me; young black girls that wanted to be lawyers, actors and singers. Not to say that wasn’t in Seattle, but it was such a small percentage of it.  I always remembered in the 5^th grade when my god-sister said she wanted to go to Spelman. She told me a bit about it and ever since then I wanted to go and I did.

RD:  Did you always want to be a singer?

KN:  Yes.

RD: What did you go to school for?

KN: Economics (laughs)

RD: What was your angle for taking that major?

KN:  Well I went in wanting to do music, but my father is such a realist.  He was like, “I know you want to be a singer, but in the event that you don’t sing you need to study something where you can definitely get out into the world and get a regular job.” Spelman didn’t have a business program, but economics coincides with any business you are in. I worked in the field for a year or so after I graduated.

RD: Where did your passion for music come from?

KN: I grew up in the church and my mother was a singer. She always sang for the church and was part of gospel groups.  From a young age she had me and my sister in gospel choirs. She was definitely influential in planting the seed of loving music in me. As I got older, I danced a bit in middle school and high school.  Then I started writing songs. I have always enjoyed the arts when I was younger.  I would draw and imagine myself being an actress (laughs). I always just loved music and as I got older the passion just grew.  It was like a seed and it just blossomed.

RD:  Did you always have this powerful voice?

KN: My voice has always been really strong. I remember when I was in high school and I joined this teen choir.  People would always say,“ Kimberly has a loud voice and a loud mouth.” I remember my mom always telling me this story about when she was a teen singing in Louisiana in the church. People would always tell her,“ you so skinny with a big voice.” I definitely inherited it from my mama (laughs).

RD:  Describe how you felt the first time you shared your music with the world?

KN:  Naturally I was fearful that people wouldn’t like it so I would always test my songs on my family and friends. My sister is the worst critic. I remember I would sing something and she would just stare at me (laughs). My friends are kind of bias because they will love anything I do. When I first released my song to an audience usually the response was good.  I haven’t really heard anyone say they dislike my music. Of course as an artist naturally you are fearful that people are going to criticize you. You fear that they will not understand your perspective or the subject matter, but at the end of the day damned if you do damned if you don’t. Someone will get it and someone else won’t.

RD:  What have been some of your most memorable moments?

KN:  One of the most memorable times to date was in August when I released the album and I did my release party in Atlanta. I remember leaving out the door after sound check and I saw a line forming . I left to go by my best friends’ house to get my makeup done and change. My creative partner called me to say congrats and he was like the line is wrapped around the block.  I was like what!!!!! (laughs) Apache café seats 200 people, but for a person who is a newbie and you don’t think you have that much of a following, I was just so grateful to God for the turnout. I was happy when I walked in the door and it was so crowded. I couldn’t believe everyone was there to see me. Another memorable moment was the first time I saw people sing my songs with me.

RD: You call yourself the leader of the young soul movement. Why is that and what is the young soul movement?

KN:  That was a term me and my best friend came up with to describe my sound back in ‘06. I felt that what I was doing was similar to the soul from back in the day, but it was young. It was the millennium generation of soul music.  I still think the foundation of my music is soul.  It’s refreshing and it’s progressive. It’s definitely representative of the 80’s and 90’s babies and where we’re trying to put music.

RD: where does your style of dress come from?

KN: I’m really inspired by vintage clothes.  It depends on the mood I am in.  I love the 50’s and 70’s era. I think women back then were classy and they had such style.

RD: How do you stay true to Kim and not get caught up in the hype?

KN: I have people around me who keep me balanced and stable. I always try my best not to question the abilities that God has blessed me with. I stay true to Kimberly particularly with writing or production because when it feels right I know that, that’s Kimberly Nichole.  I feel I am a spiritual person. I grew up in the church, but I don’t believe too much in religion.  I believe in spirituality. I always try to talk to God, stay clear on my path and not deter from what I know He has set for me.

RD: What can we expect on June 18^th from you?

KN:  It going to be fun!!!  I can’t tell too much, but it’s going to be a moving experience. My band from Atlanta is coming up and they played on every single song on my album. You may catch the Holy Ghost and there will be lots of cocktails (laughs).

RD: What is some of the best advice you have gotten thus far?

KN: I have two individuals in my life. I call them my fairy god-parents. Their names are Ashford and Simpson.  I remember Nick Ashford telling me, “You know Kimberly you have to remember to have your moment during your shows. When you are on that stage it is your stage. Don’t let anyone take your moment from you.”

RD:  If you could describe Kimberly Nichole in one word what would that be?

KN: Fierce!!!

RD:  When people hear your music what do you want it to do to them?

KN: I want people to be moved by it whether they are moved to dance, celebrate or become a singer or teacher. There is a purpose behind my music because I have a purpose in life. My music isn’t just for people to hear something and then be done with it. It’s for them to be moved.

RD: What do you do to give back?

KN: I am working on getting a mentee in Harlem where I live. I want to mentor a high school girl leading up to college. I strongly believe in giving back to the community. To whom much is given much is required.

RD: When I say the title of one of your songs, tell me what comes to mind.

“Wishes in the dark”

KN: Dreams of love. Wishing, waiting and wanting it.

“Johnny come lately”

KN: Procrastinating in life

“Little girl new”

KN: Realizing your destiny and pursuing it

“Jumping the gun”

KN: Anxious for love

“Peace of mind”

KN: The love that I have for God and my relationship with God

“For the looking one”

KN: Searching for what you know is yours in life

“Carnival”

KN: The ups and downs in relationships

“Disconnected”

KN: Alienating yourself for love, then love leaves and you are by yourself

“The Yellow Brick Journey”

KN: It’s the song that tells the story. That song is incomplete to me because my journey is incomplete. It is my overall close out song for this part of the journey.

Kimberly will be performing on MAY 1st and 2nd at the Marriot in Newark, New Jersey for the Today’s Black Woman magazine 16th anniversary.

Make sure to check her out on June 18th at Joe’s Pub for YBJ Reloaded.  It is sure to be an experience you won’t forget.  Go here to purchase your tickets now http://www.joespub.com/component/option,com_shows/task,view/Itemid,40/id,5143

To see more of Kimberly Nichole in action check out her Youtube page: http://www.youtube.com/KimberlyNichole1