We at New Black Music would like to say farewell to one of the greatest musical icons in the history of america and the world. JAMES BROWN!

I'm sure we were all shocked and saddened by his sudden death on christmas day. His passing brings to mind so many memories that we thought we had forgotten. I myself personally became a professional musician at the height of the james brown funk period, around 1974 - 1975. That was the days of "The big payback" and "Papa don't take no mess". Those were great times and i can remember me and the guys rehearsing for hours trying to sound as good as the JB's. I can remember getting blisters on my thumb and cramps in my fingers trying to play some of those tracks over and over again.

Let's not forget that james brown was not just a musician but he was also a social commentator and spokesman for black america via the arts. While everyone else was complaining and moaning and groaning and acting as though everything is hopeless, james brown was showing that if you strive for excellence and have pride, you can do anything. James brown is the embodiment of the phrase "Up you mighty people and accomplish what you will". I suggest that everyone reading this article please check out our james brown videos which show his appearances on soul train. These videos we got from japan. The japanese have more reverence and respect for black heritage and culture than we do.

It's a damn shame

BET has had no james brown special, no interruption of scheduled broadcasting. VH1 and MTV the same thing. To us here at New Black Music, we feel this is a slap in the face to Black America. In addition to that, Hiphop has shown once again how they are out of touch with the dignity and honor of their own people. Where was puffy at, where was russell simmons, where was snoop and fifty cent and eminem who got rich off of our music. To us at New Black Music, these people are to be challenged and if necessary condemned.

In addition to that, WHERE WHERE THE WHITE ICONS.

Especially "MICK JAGGER". mick jagger, david bowie and elton john, and paul mc'artney, bono, all where no where to be found. AGAIN, this is a slap in the face to black america. These people got rich by regurgitating black music. OUR MUSIC!. Y'all probably don't know but the beatles were first distributed in the U.S. via a black record label "V.J." records. Black Musicians and in particular james brown has influenced the entire music making world and here it is at his funeral most of the famous musicians of the rock and roll world where absent. Could you imagine frank sinatra being driven in a car for 800 miles to a funeral in the manner that james had to be driven. UNTHINKABLE. The fact is again it is a slap in the face to black america that someone did not step forward and offer a private jet to fly soul brother number one where ever he had to go. The fact that reverend sharpton got all of this done in the manner that he did, shows that he is a leader and a man to be reckoned with. He showed in the most strongest terms that we must "DO FOR SELF".

At New Black Music we will strive to live up to the james brown legacy of excellence and pride. James Brown is our hero and our respect and honor for him is beyond measure. We call on all musician of every genre to do the same. Our legacy is Important, our heritage is important. James brown with his down home wisdom and mannerisms is the manifestation of US. REMEMBER THAT.