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The Ritual Revolution: Rob Redding's Bold Challenge to the Church

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In a moment where faith intersects with social justice, Rob Redding’s latest book, "Ritual," has sparked both controversy and acclaim, swiftly rising to No. 1 on Amazon. As the first out bisexual Black talk show host, Redding's voice has long been a clarion call for change. Now, with "Ritual," he targets the church’s complicity in homophobia, gun violence, and its monopolization of rituals—calling for a profound rethinking of religious practices. “The church can have religion,” Redding states unequivocally. “But they cannot have ritual. Rituals are key to the LGBTQ queer movement and how we live and thrive.” This declaration sets the tone for a nearly 200-page investigation into the complex relationship between organized religion and societal norms. "Ritual" delves into a series of poignant issues, including the retaliatory mass shooting in Tennessee by Aiden Hale, a tragic event that Redding uses to highlight the church's endorsement of the N
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Tocarra Performing @ The Majestic w/ DJ Vudu Spellz, DJ Swoope, BenOne & Evening Vibes

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Tocarra & DJ Vudu Spellz BenOne, Tocarra & Avory Lamarr Evening Vibes (Aaron Robinson, Tocarra, Nina Bina & Mr. Bravalis) Watch Tocarra full Performance on her YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12DNmcxFTaI&t=2s
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Melvin Crispell III GRAMMY Nominated Gospel Singer Songwriter and Producer

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Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson (Editor) @iamcomprehend Consciousness Magazine had the opportunity to interview chart-topping, GRAMMY-nominated gospel singer, songwriter and producer Melvin Crispell III . Melvin recently released his third project, an EP titled Covered Vol. 1 . He covers tracks such as Tye Tribbett's "Hold On,” CeCe Winans "He's Never Failed Me Yet," "Yesterday" by Mary Mary, just to name a few. During 2019, Melvin’s won the BET "Sunday Best." He continues to leave his presence not only throughout the music industry, however, changing and touching the lives of many souls around the world with his musical talent and mission. Here is what Melvin Crispell III has to share with the readers: Aaron Robinson: You have an upcoming EP titled Covered Volume 1 . What inspired this EP? Melvin Crispell III : The inspiration behind this EP came from me simply wanting to pay tribute to some amazing artists who have mad
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GRAMMY Award winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum

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  Written and Interviewed by Aaron Robinson – Editor @iamcomprehend After 5 years of not releasing a solo album, GRAMMY ®  Award-winning saxophonist, Kirk Whalum, continues to   raise the bar with his new album Epic Cool. Releasing over 25 albums over the course of his career, the 65 year old saxophonist continues to shine, defining “cool,” whether infusing hits or blazing trails in contemporary jazz. The award-winning Memphis-born jazz saxophonist stopped by to have a chat with Consciousness Magazine about his new album  Epic Cool. Here is what Kirk Whalum has to share with the readers.  Aaron Robinson : Hey, Kirk Whalum. How are you doing, sir? Kirk Whalum : I'm doing great, man, thank you. Aaron : Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule. I am really, really honored to be on the phone with you. Kirk : Yes, indeed. It my pleasure! Aaron : What was the motivation behind putting together your new album, Epic Cool? Kirk : That title came later. The
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  KING OF RAGTIME: THE STORY OF SCOTT JOPLIN Written by STEPHEN COSTANZA Book Review by Eric Plaut   INTRODUCTION If you enjoy listening to Ragtime, you will like reading this biography of Scott Joplin.Dubbed as the “King of Ragtime”, Joplin composed such hits as “The Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Entertainer” to name a few.His music makes me think of those silent-film comedies from around a century ago.I can picture Charlie Chaplin—dressed as his most-famous persona the “Little Tramp”—walking about and twirling his cane around.Or the Keystone Cops ineptly chasing down a bad guy or a Model T Ford zooming down the road and barely miss getting hit by a speeding train. “JUNETEENTH” Scott Joplin was the second-oldest of six children born to Giles and Florence Joplin in Texarkana, Texas.Scott’s birthdate varies though most historians believe it was on November 24, 1868.Giles was a former slave from Texas while Florence was born in the free state of Kentucky.The Joplin family mov
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Gospel Legend Vanessa Bell Armstrong – The Unstoppable Force of Gospel Music [Exclusive interview] Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson – Editor ( @iamcomprehend )              For four decades, Gospel legend Vanessa Bell Armstrong has scored countless gospel hits such as “Peace Be Still”, “Pressing On”, “You Bring Out the Best In Me” , just to name several. The vocal powerhouse artist has won numerous Grammy Awards, Stellar Awards, and Soul Train Awards. Shanachie Entertainment is set to release her first single off of her forthcoming album titled Today , (written by Tony Jones, Walter W. Millsap III, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Teak and produced by Millsap III and Teak) which is soon scheduled for release. Today will be her fourteenth album during her career as she will bring you praise and worship and messages of inspiration. The album also captures all facets of her artistry, as she has been very successful bridging traditional and contemporary Gospel music. I, (Consciousn
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