Urban Thought Collective

What’s up UTC! I’m thrilled to be here to share my thoughts, selects and emotions about one of my life’s true passions: MUSIC!

When did you first fall in love with music?

For me, I still remember the day I got my first boom box. It was pink. I couldn’t wait to get it out the box so I could commence to “letting my tape rock ’til my tape popped.”

Salt and Pepa talking about “Push it real good!”

Big Daddy Kane the “Smooth Operator” used to get “Raw” through my speakers.

And of course I had the requisite LL Cool J poster from “Word Up” magazine on my wall. I would stare at it and pretend I was the only “Around the Way” girl he needed. I tell you, he wouldn’t be talking about needing love if only he would find me.

I wanted to go and talk to Devante Swing. Write a “4 Page Letter” with Aaliyah. I felt Dru Hill’s pain as if I had found someone sleeping “In My Bed.”

I didn’t think it could get any better.

That is, until I first heard D’Angelo crooning something about that “Brown Sugar.” I sure did get high up off his love and didn’t know how to behave!

It was as if Mary J. Blige was my girl helping me through the pain of unrequited love because she knew all about “going down” if he wasn’t around.

Who remembers wondering just what Erykah Badu had under that head wrap as you grooved to “On and On?”

I vividly recall the day an old high school friend told me to run, not walk and pick up this hot new album that would bless me the moment I pressed play. Skeptical, I asked, “Who is Jill Scott?”

Music has and always will be a part of me. A year ago, I created my own blog, Songs in the Key of Life, because I needed a space to share my deep passion for music and how it has impacted my life. I never would have imagined the journey ahead of me as I pressed “publish” on the first post.

Now I am considered a tastemaker in the music industry. My You Tube channel has over 500 videos of concerts I’ve attended and reviewed over the past year. I’m invited to private artist events where my opinions on the music are heard and respected.

My long standing love affair with artists on the B-Side has grown with each new discovery of underrated talent that you won’t likely hear on the radio every hour on the hour. Their music soothes, stimulates, lifts, focuses, inspires, drives and several other emotions that I hope to share in this space as I shine the spotlight on these artists and introduce you to some new music to add to your collections.

So, share some of you favorite B-Side artists in the comments. They just may show up in a future post!

Danielle “Vivrant Thang” Hatchett is a freelance writer and blogger living life like it’s golden in the DC Metro area. She is the creator of Songs in the Key of Life, a music blog (with the occasional personal element) that spotlights underrated soul artists who “don’t be gettin no airplay.” She also maintains a companion You Tube channel where you can view footage of all of her concert adventures. Vivrant Thang has a regular spot here on Urban Thought Collective, and can be contacted at vivrantthang8@gmail.com.