Common has always pushed a conscious message in Hip Hop. However, his latest album, Let Love, comes with an extra dose of introspective gems. The album is dubbed as a musical companion piece to his latest memoir, Let Love Have the Last Word. Common’s latest collection of rhymes is less about conforming to trends and more about healing.

Although Common’s catalog includes positive messages, he still has a streetwise edge (check out the thumping bassline of the Swizz Beatz featured “Hercules”). However, love takes center stage on Let Love. He reflects on life and is hopeful for the future. Songs like “Show Me That You Love Me” featuring Jill Scott and “Memories of Home” featuring BJ the Chicago Kid. The former finds Common addressing his once strained relationship with his daughter. Conversely, the latter struggles with his own demons of an absent father and being molested.

The production is more sophisticated and grown-up too. The live instrumentation (supplied by producers Karriem Riggins, Samore Penderhughes and Burniss Earl Travis II) marries with his message well. Common even gives a gift to his day one fans with the J Dilla produced “HER Love”. The song completes a trilogy of tracks about his love for Hip Hop (following “I Used to Love H.E.R.” and “The Next Chapter (Still Love H.E.R.)”).

Common’s 12th studio album proves he still has something relevant to say. While his quest for everyone to embrace love may feel a bit cliche at times, it’s a call to action that needs to be pushed. Common takes the listener on an enjoyable journey of healing, starting with himself first.

Chelsea is one of the most loved fictional characters I’ve ever written. Many people have told me how much they like her character in my trilogy novel series. Here’s the background story on Chelsea. She’s Cookie’s firecracker sister who helps her with a mischievous plan that they keep secret for years. Fortune Cookie, my first novel, details how their secret unravels and the consequences. Chelsea then takes center stage in the follow-up, No Cream in the Middle. This time, she has her own skeletons she’s desperately trying to keep tucked away in her closet…..but to no avail.

Alright alright alright (in my Matthew McConaughey voice). What does this have to do with Thirsty Thursday? I’m glad you asked. As promised, I mentioned in my Sippin’ On A Sexy, Sweet Cookie post that I would highlight each of the signature drinks I had at my recent Cookie’s Last Stand event. The event was held at The People’s Last Stand restaurant in Dallas, TX. This signature drink was my personal favorite of the three.

“The Chelsea” consists of tequila, lime, kaffir lime syrup, jalapeno, and cilantro. The end result is a drink that has a smooth taste, with an infectious kick at the end. I’ve actually considered requesting this drink at The People’s Last Stand again. Maybe they’ll make it for you if you find yourself there soon. This is a must-have drink if you’re a fan of spicy and sweet combinations.

Bottoms up…..it’s Thirsty Thursday. If you don’t have your copy of Fortune Cookie, No Cream in the Middle or When the Cookie Crumbles, get your copies HERE.

The summer of 1999. We were on the cusp of Y2K, leaving the last of the 90s R&B golden years behind. Destiny’s Child returned with a vengeance on their second album, The Writing’s on the Wall. The project boldly defied the sophomore jinx and became the group’s biggest selling album to date (over 8,000,000 units in the US alone). What made this album such a big hit? Let’s travel down memory lane to revisit why The Writing’s on the Wall was such an important album.

The Revolving Lineup

The Writing’s on the Wall was not only the last album with all original members but their most controversial. The lineup of Beyonce, Kelly, LeToya, and LaTavia literally switched overnight. Beyonce, Kelly, Michelle and Farrah (for an extremely brief stint) were the new fierce foursome. When the “Say My Name” music video debuted, so did the two new members of the group – without any notice to the fans. However, LeToya and LaTavia revealed creative differences with management (Matthew Knowles) as the reason why they left (or ahem…were kicked out of) the group. Ironically, Kelly and Beyonce fired him as their manager a few years later. The music was good, but the unraveling scandal was better.

The Male Bashing Bandwagon

TLC’s “No Scrubs” was released months before “Bills, Bills, Bills”. The latter was the breakout hit single from The Writing’s on the Wall. The song dug the knife deeper into the “no good man” craze. However, Destiny’s Child took it a step further. The group sang about a particular type of man that was ruining their finances. Ironically, the song was even written and produced by the same team who worked on “No Scrubs” (Kandi Burruss and Kevin “Shek’spere” Briggs). “Bug A Boo” similarly addressed a type of scrub who was too clingy. “Bug A Boo” was one of the defining moments of their career, as it solidified their trademark style of melodic, stutter-step harmonies.

Deep Album Cuts

The success of any album is attributed to the impact of its singles. The Writing’s on the Wall had that in the bag with a string of four hits (“Bills, Bills, Bills”, “Bug A Boo”, “Say My Name”, and “Jumpin’ Jumpin'”). Nonetheless, several of the album’s “filler” tracks were just as strong. The painfully truthful “Confessions” and the sultry low growls of “Temptation” more than held their own. “So Good” was also a memorable kiss-off to haters. The group even worked with some heavy hitter producers this time, including Missy Elliott. Plus, their ode to infidelity (“If You Leave”) with the male R&B group, Next, proved they were transitioning from young ladies to women.

While the closest we may ever get to a full-fledged Destiny’s Child reunion (of any sort) was Beyonce’s Coachella performance, the group made their mark. The group delivered an infectious blend of sass, sexiness and pure talent to become one of the biggest girl group’s music has ever seen. Throw in a few negative headlines, a lead singer that the world adores and some catchy hooks and you have a juggernaut of a sophomore album.