Sad news for real music fans and the Washington, DC community today. Chuck Brown, the beloved Godfather of Go-Go passed away. Brown had suffered from pneumonia for the past few weeks, forcing him to cancel his packed schedule. Brown was 75. As I watched the news of his death roll through my Facebook Timeline, it occurred to me that almost all of friends in DC had fond memories of Chuck but virtually no one on my friends list (except for one) who lives outside the DC area had much to say about Chuck. It was a sea of virtual crickets. Most seem to have never heard of him which is a shame. He gave us decades of good music that stayed largely in this city and parts of the East Coast. There were a couple of shining “mainstream” moments, like “Bustin’ Loose” and when Nelly sampled him on “Hot In Herre,” so I figured I’d share some of his music with my Brewchies! When I think of all the crap artists we can’t escape on the radio, I’m left to wonder, why aren’t they playing more of THIS?!? I remember as a kid that I could not wait ’til I hit 25 so I could go to an official Chuck Brown show. And when I finally made it there, it was a moment I wouldn’t forget. I’m grateful to have been able to witness this legend on stage over the years, whether it was in a park, sitting on the grass or on a formal stage — he rocked it!

If you’ve never heard of Chuck and don’t know his music, here’s 11 minutes of what it was like at a Chuck Brown show. Non-stop music and lots of two stepping…only the weak sat down but he never did. I mean, the man was 75 and would perform non-stop for an hour or more in one continuous groove that would just go and go (hence, the “Go-Go“).

But, there was also a softer, jazzier side to Chuck. He helped propel the short lived career of the late Eva Cassidy in the early ’90s. Their voices together were magical.

Jill Scott also recognized the power of Chuck’s music, often collaborating with him when she performed in DC. They also recorded the song, “Love,” together in 2010. I could only find this random line dancing video of the song, but hey, watch it and learn some new moves.

Jill tweeted her thoughts about Chuck about an hour ago:

Ohhhh Chuck!!!!! R.I.P. ,Dear friend and lover of the original beat, your music captivated and lifted. You will be MISSED!!!!

— Jill Scott (@missjillscott) May 16, 2012

#RIPChuckBrown. This DC Witch sure will miss your voice and energy in this city.

Want more Witches’ Brew?

33-year-old Desmond Hatchett is gross. Really gross. This dude has impregnated 11 women and has 30 children. WTF? Now he’s begging the state of Tennessee to help him pay child support. I don’t understand. Does this bamma just lay in a hot project va-jay-jay all day? Is there a shortage of breeding bucks in TN? I have so many questions, but until they get answered his arse is sitting in the Brew’s Cornball Corner until the Drop Squad recruits him for the race draft. Oh and for you 11 women, DO BETTER!

Source

Spotted
Want more Witches’ Brew?

Anyway, will you watch?

Image via Arnold Turner/WireImage
Want more Witches’ Brew?

While on stage, Mr. Carter was flanked by city big wigs and whatnot and his old rap compadre, Freeway. As the press gathered to photograph the announcement, Jay politely pushed Freeway to the side so he wouldn’t be in the direction of the cameras. Oh, but a crafty tweeter caught Freeway standing off to the side like someone stole his Now and Laters. Press play to watch it unfold.

Vibe magazine, however, reports that Hov actually invited Freeway. But, since Free has prior drug and felony charges, he was not supposed to stick around during the photo op. They did pose for this flick after the event ended (and errybody went home).

Doesn’t Jay have some priors though? It’s all relative, I guess…
Want more Witches’ Brew?

Six year old Michel Cooney has cerebral palsy and could not walk when his soldier father left for Afghanistan last year. Doctors told the family that Michael would never be able to walk on his own or do much of anything. But, during the 7 months while his father, Staff Sgt. Jeremy Cooney, was away, Michael learned how to walk. He unveiled his new skill when his dad returned home to North Carolina from his deployment.

Grab a tissue.

Now, push play.

Staff Sgt. Cooney had no idea his son could walk.

Alright, a Witch is tapping out for the weekend. I’ma go get in the fetal position and cry for a few minutes. I’m so filled with joyous right now.

Want more Witches’ Brew?

Now on the one hand it’s mad, crazy stupid cool to be loved by your peeps and trusted by your girls (cause truth be told, bishes are trife!) but on the other hand…… HUH?? So since this is starting to become an almost normal occurrence in my life I decided to call it ” The Wilona Woods”. The Wilona Woods is what happens when you wake up in Turks n Caicos on a romantical vacation that should include 4 people but instead it’s you and ‘the couple’. The Wilona Woods occurs when your girl calls you on a Friday after work, “hey girl, what chu doin? let’s go to happy hour”, you’re a big doofus who never learns her lesson so you say “hail yeah!” cept when you get to the spot she’s there with her boo…. her boo that’s so happy to see you he humps your leg like a horny puppy and nearly pees himself, you soooo just got Wilona Wooded! That bish tricked you with the “let’s hang girl!” then you get to the bar and BAM! her boothang is there smiling at you with all 4,567 of his teeth, fa real son??? UGH!

The only thing I’m missing that will bring this Wilona thing full circle is my adoption of an abused pre-teen who looks like a Jackson, and quite frankly with the ticking time clock on my elderly fallopian tubes, that could be right around the corner…

But seriously, to all my peeps, I love that ya’ll love me, really I do, but stop Wilona-ing me! Sometimes it’s ok to date….. without me Love you!

This is ALL he's gettin'...

A Brewchie Writes in: Hey Dudes, I just started seeing a new guy; I told him that I like to take my time to become intimate with someone and really to get to know them first. He said he was cool with that, but he was still going to sleep with other people as we ‘get to know each other’. What should I do? -Holding On To Da Draws

 Phlip: It seems to me that she is holding off on physical interaction before being in a relationship with someone, and there is simply a difference of opinion on his part. In his mind, he is not in a relationship with him, nor is there any level of exclusivity implied on his part. Much respect to him for being honest with her as it relates to it too. As far as “what should I do?” it comes down to how she chooses to receive this information. It is apparent that some physical attention is important to him and that given that he has not yet established a “home” from which to receive it, he will get it where he gets it until he does. Is she willing to “get to know” him knowing what could be happening on the other side? If not, does she realize that he has made it succinctly clear that she has no claims of ownership to make yet. Not that I know either party here, but it seems that their ideals are quite opposite and that they might not make a great match given this one fundamental difference and would hope that she is as honest with herself as he has been with her and acts accordingly.

SuPreme: What should you “do”?? Well – use common sense, first off. If you’ve explained your position to a guy, and he’s like “I’m gonna get it in while you put me on nookie probation” – well, then, you have to respect his honesty. Now make the decision if you’re okay with that. REALLY decide it. Because I understand where both of you are coming from. Are you okay knowing he’s going to have other options? If so, go ahead and keep dating – but make SURE you’ve searched your feelings on it. However – I don’t think many people WOULD be okay with that. And if you’re one of those people, move on. Find a guy who fits into what you want and respects that decision. You start compromising for one guy, you’ll compromise for the next guy or guys. It would be better to know if you guys have been dating for a while or if this was a conversation had after a very short time. If it’s the latter – why are you even considering this? Move on.

Brewchies, what say you? Can you take your time to ”get to know” someone who is currently “knowledgable about” other people?  Should you automatically chuck deuces to a guy who isn’t willing to play by your rules? Fellas, are you willing to take your time to get to know someone without humping, or is this just a ‘quaint’ idea?

Whisper sing us out, Damita Jo

Chicago Native, Jasmin Mitchell is an  independent freelance jewelry designer. Her work is bold yet earthy.  She’s a talented artist and business woman. Let’s meet her!

 To Contact Jasmin, see more of her work or shop:
www.jazjewelz.etsy.com
www.twitter.com/js_mitchell
www.twitter.com/jazjewelz
www.facebook.com/jazjewelz

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasminsmitchelljewelry/sets/72157622882531849/

**Brewchies up your cute factor at a special discount! 

15% off with coupon code BREW15 

So, tell the Brewchies how you started making jewelry: I hold a Bachelors degree for fashion design and fashion merchandising. After graduating from design school I worked for several years as a wardrobe and styling assistant for a touring fashion show where I traveled across the country assisting in weekly shows. While on the road I started experimenting with other elements of fashion design and discovered a knack for creating jewelry that the public soon began taking an interest in. I then decided to focus on jewelry making and settle back down in my hometown of Chicago.  I kept myself busy by splitting my time between freelance designing, and working part-time at a jewelry design boutique located in downtown Chicago.  I also began taking a few classes to learn more about various jewelry making techniques – some of which I included in my designs.

I am inspired by  many things including (old and new)  fashion, movies, music, magazines, and art. I also often find inspiration when I am  searching for materials.

I like to experiment and so I don’t really limit myself when it comes to my style. My pieces range from subtle and clean to bolder and edgier designs.  My handmade jewelry is created from a variety of  materials including semi precious stones, beads, wood, metals, recycled materials, chain and whatever else I find interesting to create with.

Check out her work:

…and now, there’s a video.

Brian McKnight’s comeback downward spiral attempt at another 15 minutes of fame new “song” has gone from bad to worse. Now, there’s a video for this tune about how your cooch works. Instead of keeping with the “sensual” theme of the song, he’s teamed up with the Funny or Die people to put a comedic spin on the song (as if the idea of it all wasn’t hilarious to begin with). Anywho… here’s the vidja, which I can’t even call a Brew Funny. Really, it’s a Brew Sad.

Thoughts?

Want more Witches’ Brew?

Contact:   Patricia Ambroise, Celebrity Makeup Artist
Professional Website: www.patriciaambroisemakeup.com
Wedding site: www.gypsyartistrymakeup.com
Contact info: patricia@patriciaambroisemakeup.com
FB: www.facebook.com/PatriciaAmbroiseMakeup
twitter: www.twitter.com/makeupbypatty
instagram: MakeupGypsy

*****

Training:  An alum of St. John’s University, Patricia received certified training in Makeup Artistry from the well-respected ATCI Beauty School located in New York. In addition to her formal training, she is certified by MAC Pro, Temptu Pro, and Makeup Forever Backstage Pro. She also holds membership with Cosmetics Executive Women.

Who Are Your Influences: Crystal A.Wright, Pat Mcgrath, Kim Gray, and Karen Dupiche  all influential black women who took the beauty industry by storm.

What would you do, if you weren’t in a creative field?  If I wasn’t a makeup artist, I would still be in the Higher Education field, I possess a M.S.Ed in Higher Education Administration.

Describe your creative process: My process is answering the question, what is the key to a gorgeous make up application? My answer always is, “Enhance the face, not hide it! “.

 What do you want to get out of your art, what do you want to give to others through it? My job as a makeup artist is to enhance your appearance not disguise the client. My ultimate goal is help build confidence within the client through my gift by giving them proper tips and advice on how to maintain their beauty regimen. I also want to show clients that using everyday items can help you optimize beauty success. Like did you know that Elmer’s Glue (yep the one from elementary school)  is a great way to remove blackheads? One of my many secret tips.

Random fact: I am a double Gemini. I was born under the sign of Gemini and have a twin brother who kicked me out the way during birth hence making me two minutes younger lol.

I was reading Eater DC when I noticed a blurb about former Top Chef contestant Spike Mendelsohn who’s now pushing an acid reflux medicine? Huh? This is like a big slap in the face with a stick of fried butter by our friend in side-eye marketing, Paula Deen. C’mon son! First of all, I’m not a big believer in all these new found prescription medicines to cure one thing and give you a huge case of everything else. Acid reflux? Drink some room temperature water and go for a walk, or take a nap, or smoke something, but that’s another post for another day. Back to Spike. I mean boo you’re a chef so isn’t this like selling out a bit? This does not make me want to eat at your restaurants. I feel like I’ll be burping up my innards for an hour before you arrive on the scene with some pills to make it go away and then I’ll be hooked and suffer from all those side-effects that fast-talking man on television recites in a low voice at the end of a drug commercial; running nose, bloody stools, bloody everything and feeling like I want to gamble…ugh! Isn’t this like the makers of exlax also selling Depends? What say you Brewchies? Witch out!

Aww yeah baby. Settle in and get a load of this smooth groove from the man who wants to show you how your p—y works. Brian McKnight put the finishing touches on the fiasco of a song that hit the internet last week and dare I say, the tune kinda works (pun intended) in the strangest of ways. Anyway, take a listen and tell us what you think.

I still laugh at the thought of him showing me how anything works.

If you want to put this in your rotation, it’s now available on iTunes. For just a buck-29, you can learn how your vagicat works.

Source
Want more Witches’ Brew?

Bobby told Matt about the last time he saw Whitney, about a week before she died:

“She had this glow about her that was just, you know, incredible. I’m saying to myself, you know, ‘She must be… she must be doing really well,’ because she looked really well.”

Three of Bobby’s children and his fiancée join him for the interview which will air in two parts (Wednesday and Thursday) on Today. So, will you watch?

Image via NBC
Want more Witches’ Brew?

So in saying that, it truly disturbs me what I see when I go to the gym. Ladies with multi-guts strolling ever so gingerly on the treadmill with their homie by their side as they catch each other up on the days’ events, fellas with Pheadra Parks donkey booties taking slow strolls around all the equipment but not using any of it because the main thing they are there for is to troll for bishes….. sir at quick glance you look like a Lane Bryant model, is you serious???

Now this is not me bashing the swole folk, I’m down with them so I’m not going there, alls I’m saying is cut the bullchit and make it happen! Everybody ain’t trying to be a size 6 but everyone shoud be trying to be healthy and working up a good, focused sweat is good for everybody no matter what size you are. 

I’m always getting people coming up to me telling me how watching me go at it so hard really gets them going….. THEN GO! stop watching and GO!

We only get one life, you mine as well feel good about yourself while you’re navigating through it.

I hate food pictures on Facebook or Twit for Twats. THEY. GROSS. ME. OUT.  That slab of yard bird drizzled with some fake General Tso sauce does not make me hungry hunty, nor jealous of that dinner date you’ll have to pay back in punany later on. Anypieholeway, simply put your platter pictures make me wanna barf! But before you clapback, I’m not alone on this! My almost friends music comedians The Key of Awesome created a video about it called “Eat It, Don’t Tweet It” for all you frustrated foodies who are too busy snapping flicks instead of pleasing your palettes. Bon Appétit Brewchies!

Witch Out!

Does he think he’s an OB/GYN? Me and Lady Vagicat are one with eachother. I know her innermost thoughts, sir.

Still curious? Here’s the video (audio NSFW):

I was really waiting for Wayne Brady to pop out. This is a joke right?

Want more Witches’ Brew?

I wanna lay in my bed, watch ‘Lifetime’ or the ‘Girlfriends’ marathon on Centric, maybe wash some clothes, maybe wash my ass, eat some snacks and fiddle around on facebook all day. See how none of that included a peen??? Sirs keep your sometimesy peen and your ill intentions and gift that ish to some other broad who may be interested. 

BUZZ OFF!!!!!

All of those prejudices against the man with the  79 piece buttons suits aside, I have to admit:  The movie surrounding the Oprah induced hype of his advice book, was *gulp*good. There. I said it.

Will it revolutionize Negroidian Cinema. No. Does it have to? I don’t think so. There are mediocre films being spit out by Hollywood on a daily basis, that aren’t even trying to be ORIGINAL material. So, kudos on someone cranking out an original script (albiet based on the Rom-Com play book).

Let me address the comments of preconceived judgments on our Facebook Fan page (LIKE Us, you t’aint got nothing better to do!)

THE SAME OLD BLACK ACTORS

Yes, these actually are the same old black actors. And for once none of them made my skin crawl.  Meggings DSL Good was not a slorey whore.  Taraji P. Henson was not a caterwauling watery eyed negress. Kevin Hart was used as completely ridiculously and effective comedic  exposition. Romany Malco (my sweet chocolate baby) brought the sexy and toned down his ‘commercial movie’ hijinxs.  Michael Ealy was fine, sorry he just can’t get out of that role, such is his lot in life.  Gabrielle Union was at least 90% less uptight entitled bitch. Regina Hall was actually allowed to be more than the poor man’s Sanaa Lathan. Even Terrence J. was adorkable.

And funny, when those horrible non-negroid romantic comedies get cast, you realize THOSE are the same non-black actors too? Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson have sucked in everything they have given us as a duo besides “Zoolander”. Hell, Drew Barrymore has built an entire career on being a sweet faced lisping ingenue. At 50. When Will Farrell and Jon C. Reilly make the same movie over and over and over, critics consider them comedy-brilliant. Alas, that’s the power of the Fooking Catalina Wine Mixer.  Hell, Hollywood has us so twisted that  Cameron Diaz has been butterfacing it up as the hot girl for more than a decade. All I’m saying is… the SAME actors are in rotation, IN GENERAL. Big Hollywood movies  are made by relationships and the ability to bring in money, clearly not raw unbridled talent. Hi, Tom Cruise.

It’s nice to finally see our same actors used in a lovely and classy manner.

STEREOTYPICAL

Nope no stereotypes here son.

The jokes were actually funny, there was no stereotypical neck popping, eye rolling. It was actually what we as a people have been saying we have been wanting all along. “Why can’t we have a regular ass romantic comedy?” Well dammit, it pains me to say it…but since the “Best Man” this just might be our “regular ass rom-com”.  Actually at one point my fave dude  and I turned to each other and said ‘that is sooo us.’   When can you say is the last time you have seen yourself in a typical rom-com, and the person actually LOOKED like you? I feel dirty.

THE BAD

I could have done with at least 100% less Steve Harvey, who served as somewhat of a shilling talking head, giving running commentary throughout the movie. We didn’t need that. It felt like a long line infomercial intercut through an actually good movie.

Lala Anthony, luckily she was given the role as homely best friend and while she was on screen I got to eat the Five Guys burger I brought into the theater with me. But man, Lady Fetch can’t act. Oh and speaking of bad acting… um is Chris Ike Brown functionally ‘tarded? Dude so learned his 10 lines phonetically. Bless his Forrest Gump heart. Gratefully both were on screen in small doses.

“The Cookie”…my vagi-cat is not a cookie. I cannot stand cloying cutesie names for female genitalia. I only use vagi-cat because the other word I wanna use will filter our website as Pr0n.

THE GOOD

The many random ass cameos. No electric slide. Actually—no line dancing at all… No church scenes. No woman getting beaten down only to be brought back by the love of one good light skindded blue collared man.  Men being real FRIENDS to one another.  Men showing vulnerablity to their women. Men committing to women…ON THEIR OWN.

Dammit Mr. Hightower, you did good.