Good Morning Mindfulness Meditation by Toni Blackman Produced by Yohimbe Sampson A little story: Ezra Greer, a DC-based producer, and bassist, was my first music production mentor and encouraged me to just talk over the music. He knew how much I loved Gil Scott and introduced me to so many records from the 1970s that I had never heard. Then during one of my trips to Paris, France while recording with Shay Mane for his Universal Records France [Jazz] release I started to meet my kindreds. I recorded work like this for others but never for myself. I recorded all sorts of things with Ezra in the early 90s but what was eclectic and left then is just now becoming popular. In 2013, I connected with a producer/engineer who had been recently laid off from his corporate job and was ready to take a deep dive into music. He had a studio and he had time. We hung out, we cooked good food and we created. He served as the midwife for this baby I had been carrying since the 90s. When that relationship ended I kept going. I had to slow down and heal after that experience with him though. I focused on healing so I could be in integrity with my work/words but I kept creating. I started to make content that I wanted to hear. I stopped asking for permission. I became more confident in my own instincts. This Good Morning Mindfulness Meditation is simple. Some might even say basic, but that is the point. Life is hard enough. Why complicate it? This COVID-19 quarantine has put so much of life in perspective. I am letting go of the past - the pain, the mistakes, the self-doubt and that is helping me let go of all of this content. Plus, this is what I listen to for my own damn self! Aiye! I cannot wait to share what this time of stillness has manifested. I hope you enjoy! This track is a part of my Hip Hop Meditation Content Series. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toniblackman/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/toniblackman Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/ToniBlackman Sites: http://www.toniblackmanpresents.com/   http://www.rhymelikeagirl.com/ T-Shirts: https://orlace.com/ Produced by Yohimbe Sampson

Why Worry, produced by Yohimbe Sampson of Meridian Lights. It’s inspirational rap influenced by contemplative prayers and practice. I wanted to make a song my students would get. It’s simple but it's all rooted in new thought principles as I pay special attention to crafting the lyrical content, as well as, my delivery, flow, voice tone, etc to speak directly to a young audience. The lyrics contain specific teachings to help us better navigate life. The track includes vocals by S.Sense and Stephanie JNote, two incredibly talented Brooklyn based artists. The video was directed by young Kenyan videographer/visual artist, Imor Pesa of Artiv Hub in Nairobi. Special thanks to Troy White, a Nairobi-based Digital Innovator and Music Exec for his support.

Artist and Hip Hop Ambassador Toni Blackman was asked to curate a group of women mc's for BedStuy Rock Festival's Tribute to Aretha Franklin. The producers were excited when she showed them video of some of the artists from the Rhyme like a Girl Collective (RLAG). RLAG shared the bill with the Black Rock Coalition and vocalist Carmen Rodgers. Reppin' Rhyme like a Girl for the Festival: Polaryss AtLas, Ashira, Sincerity Garcia, Nello Lucci, Stephanie JNote and Toni Blackman accompanied by DJ Duggz and Toni's incredibly talented band of musicians - Alex Durant (drums), Jerome Jordan (guitar) and Jeremiah Hosea (Bass) each of whom helped to make the performance a special moment for the Brooklyn community. Thank you to Producer, Darrell McNeil from BRC for trusting me to be a part of the efforts to honor such a legend. Rest in Peace Aretha.

Toni Blackman's #HipHopMeditation offering for the world! Produced by Nairobi's own, Noel Grass, and with a video shot by Stealth Star, Toni is finally sharing the video for her #affirmationmusic and #mindfulness content series. Now, let's say it together: I love and approve of myself. I love and approve of myself. I love and approve of myself. Join the movement: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toniblackman/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ToniBlackman

(Rhyme Like A Girl in the DRC. Je Suis Une Femme Invisible) The song is based on Toni's poem "Invisible Woman". She arranged it and then co-produced it with DRC's Racine Alternative. The video is a PSA for the Elimination of Violence Against Women made possible in part through a grant from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Dept of State, Washington, DC. The work was generated as a part of Toni's artist residency with Lexxus, a Conogolese hip hop star and producer. She worked with a larger group of men and women and also facilitated Rhyme Like A Girl sessions w/ the female participants. Incredible singers and emcees from the DRC. Cecile Walo, Diva Oracle, Lolo, Toni Blackman, Monik Tenday, Grace, Nu Mama, Ansia & Dan Selo. Je Suis Une Femme Invisible. "I may not be seen, but I'll be damned if I won't be heard"...is a line from the poem/song. SmallPower Productions Directed the video. It was shot in Kinshasa.