Public Theologian, Artist and Music History Sage Building an 'Indie' Bridge Between Theology and Pop Culture Connecting with Artists and Providing a Ministry of Presence Since 2003
Chris Brown joins a select group of r&b, Hip Hop and Rap artists who have received honorary doctorates distinguishing themselves over the years for outstanding contributions to their fields. Brown who has been blazing a trail in the arts with his grafitti art, film, video productions, dance and music for decades has won a number of awards including Grammys, American Music Awards, BET Awards, and an NAACP Image Award. This latest honor was bestowed upon him by Harvest Christian University located in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Again, a very warm congratulations!
Others receiving this honorary bestowal at various educational institutions throughout the years include:
Usher: Received an honorary doctorate of music from Emory University.
Missy Elliott: Received honorary doctorates in music from both Berklee College of Music and Norfolk State University.
Queen Latifah: Received an honorary doctorate of fine arts from Rutgers University.
LL Cool J: Received an honorary doctor of arts from Northeastern University.
Chance the Rapper: Received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Dillard University.
Here are several examples of how the limelight can be analogized to my original archived inspirational blog post in some recent pop culture media updates or made reference to in a song.
I recently came across an inspirational video on Instagram in which Kanye West performed this rap song:
with his customary panache backed by a full orchestra in which he makes reference to leaving the 'limelight' behind.
The song packs a powerful punch and makes an enlightening impact, almost a rags to riches but-not-what-I-really wanted-or-expected kind of vibe with soaring music and street cred beats as a backdrop. It makes one wonder if the rapper became disillusioned when he interjects the sentiment of leaving the limelight behind or is just giving it a passing thought.
Also, there was a recent Chris Brown shooting news report and his alleged response to it indicating he did not know anything about it. Was the report of that incident the celebrity media mania and attention clamoring machine at play with acceptable fabrications or the real truth?
and the report about a shooting at Rihanna's home a few weeks ago. What was that really all about?
These kind of reels and happenings make us concerned genuinely about the state of our culture and the spread of information. Is it real or fake? These artists who give so much of themselves to our entertainment, while impacting society and our youth who often emulate and admire them.
Let's keep them and our news media lifted in prayer.
I am lifting up this blog post from the archives to inspire and encourage.
From the archives-Originally published in 2008. Written in 1999-2000. Handed out as a flyer at a Church event where I promoted Limelight one of my original homemade blessed oil and fragrances.
It seems almost everyone and everything wants to be thrust into the "limelight" so often reserved for luminaries,celebrities and others of notable accomplishment.In fact,the desire is so pervasive,that some invent monumental incidents and blessed events to keep the light shining on them.The need for exposure is somehow linked to and in direct correlation with the amount of daily,monthly and annual income or attention-if that's what pays the rent-can be raked in.
John Mccain's presidential campaign ad,(view here), which aims to ridicule as it also attempts to lessen the wattage of phenomenally popular and skilled Commander in Chief hopeful,Barack Obama, only underscores the celebrity-esque frenzy which has overtaken much of our daily thought. Taken a step further, the celebrity craze has all but redefined social and political behavior patterns, grotesquely saturating our culture.
The media is constantly dishing out the Britney or Paris scoops of the day. So much of today's reality gets distorted and manipulated in the wake of this mania. Of course,the drawback is that the truth becomes the "flavor of the day".Whatever illusion,puff or artifice can draw in the crowd,the votes or the ratings is valued over straightforward fact.
Well,I was digging in my archives this morning and "serendipitously" came across a meditation which I wrote over eight years ago,which I find extremely relevant today.Below is a slightly revised version. I am sharing it today in celebration of a "limelight" that is more intense than any man made light,stardom or celebrity that could ever be shined or veered in your direction.
It is really where the light is...As the saying goes,"real talent will out".So will the limelight of the Holy Spirit.
I dedicate it to all my special friends out there.You may find the audio version here.
"The Limelight"
"God is blessing you with all the favor of the "limelight".What is the "limelight"? Webster defines it as...a brilliant light created by the oxidation of lime and formerly used in theatres to throw an intense beam of light upon a particular part of the stage,a certain actor,etc.,a part of a stage where a limelight or spotlight is cast,a prominent or conspicuous position before the public.
The limelight,if you will, of the Holy Spirit is blessing you today and everyday with this kind of brilliant favor in every aspect of your life.It is shining the light on your gifts so you can see them more clearly.When you see them with clarity,you will experience a revelation, a sort of "instantaneous inventory" and realize that God has already given.
It is up to you to step out on faith and share these precious gifts with the world.You are multi-talented and may have a gift or two that needs dusting off.You may even feel the need to pray and ask God to stir them up.
If by chance you have been sitting on a goldmine of creative assets which you have not fully actualized,now is as good a time as any to come out of waiting and go for it. Step out of the shadows of others and come more fully into the light. Bask in the blessings of God's limelight,invisible to the human eye, yet the illumination to the consciousness is perceived and experienced in such a manner,it makes all other lights dim in comparison.
So,come on out and bask in the blessings of God's limelight,full of all the love,wealth and peace you can ever imagine.Here are some brief pointers to help you along the way:
Love
Give as much love as you can without being fearful of rejection and not getting enough in
return.Don't cut off the flow of this divine and miraculous energy.With love,strong and
healthy relationships are molded.Love your neighbor,relying and trusting in God for
divine returns.
Wealth
Make the most of what you have.True wealth is giving thanks for what God has
already provided and for what you expect God to provide based on your faith in God
as the source of all your supply.Tap into the abundance that is all around,that fills the earth with every need.
It is already here. Man only makes the limitation and division.But you can rise above when you use your gift.It is unique to you.Don't waste this precious resource.It is a diamond in the rough.Continue to mine for the treasure,developing and exploiting what God has already supplied.
Health
God is blessing with good health everyday.But if you are experiencing a health
challenge pray,know and trust that God's creative healing power will get you
through.Give thanks for all the days that you have been well and that all of your organs
have been working efficiently to keep you alive and healthy.Tap into the energy of life and
vibrancy all around. Experience the indescribable blessing of the air,the plants,the
wind,the earth and the seas.Breathe it in and feel whole as an integral part of the miracle of
creation. "
Share this with someone you love.Be blessed and enjoy the day.
"This little light of mine,I'm gonna let it shine..."
Love,
Cynthia
P.S. Special thanks to my E-Angel❤️
Copyright 2000-2008 Cynthia D.Wilson
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While it was recently announced that $1 from each ticket purchased from the upcoming Raymond and Brown, R&B concert tour will be donated to FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, both Usher and Chris Brown have been contributing to the Global and local communities over the years in admirable ways. Each one of them has enriched the lives of artists and youth through various community enrichment, support and outreach programs of their own. Usher already serves as a Global Citizen Ambassador and will continue his commitment to that project on this tour. For more information about FIFA Global Citizen Fund click here and view the video.
Usher recently in partnership with Big Sean contributed a million for a start up that invests in the creativity of Detroiters. Its a space where they can go to create podcasts paint, design in an arts and music studio at Michigan Central a newly renovated train station in Detroit.
The Detroit R & B concert is scheduled for July 2 and 3 at Ford Field. Pre-sale concert tickets are currently live and tickets go on sale officially April 27. For more information about what you need to do to be added to a list, get ticket codes or to purchase, click on this link.
Usher also has been quietly grooming and training up and coming artists for years through his foundation's special training program. Many of the artists we know. Once they go through the program they return as instructors and mentors to the new trainee artists, investing 15 million of his own money. See more in this Instagram post by Prime Source Media here.
Chris Brown has been active in a number of special youth programs throughout the years in the Los Angeles area donating clothes, gym shoes, hugs and basketball moves at a High School's Unity Day in particular. To get a glimpse of these past events, view the YouTube video, Funny Chris Brown. The Crenshaw event is halfway through the video.
He was honored with an award from the 2nd Call organization in 2014 for spreading hope. Check out an archived post from his archives. More recently Breezy lost one of his dancers and committed to take care of her child. The dancer passed away several months ago. See more here.
Just a reminder and brief vignette of those god has blessed with fortune, fame and favor and how they give and have given back to the community. Two brothers who made good became famous, made fortunes and do good works we don't often hear about,see, or read about in the news broadcasts.
Its important to spread the good news of celebrities and others who are doing good things and give credit where it is truthful and due.
Miracles do happen and this long awaited tour by fans is coming together with the quickness, velocity and magnitude of Chris Brown and Usher Raymond's combined dynamism and their impact on r&b and pop culture over two decades. Check out the high energy video announcement that was prepared for the concert. The anticipation of this event might even surpass the excitement generated by the public relations roll out of a coveted Superbowl appearance that Brown fans have been long clamoring for, though Usher has had his glory and triumph on that stage.
While all systems appear to be go, many concerned fans are praying and sending healing thoughts out to Chris Brown who has been rumored to have had some pretty serious health challenges in the past noteably during the last leg of the XX tour. This recent tour announcement, now official, has instead set the minds of many fans and tour officianodos at ease and filled them with gladness that Chris is well enough to meet this coming commitment. However, Brown has a tight team and very talented stand-ins at the ready to step in and meet the demands of his fans when necessary. Though many want to see Brown and know for sure how he is actually doing and what his prognosis is.
Though it's not customary, a nice sweet biographical vignette and "where are they now?"on each replacement/sub in a concert booklet would be very timely and definitely educational. Inquiring minds want to know. Celebrate their support of Chris and their contributions to that extraordinary Chris Brown legacy. All want and deserve their due recognition. Histories and backgrounds have their place.
Peace would most assuredly be the outcome. Can I get a witness? An amen?
God bless all involved and godspeed this tour. My prayers and well wishes to real R&B titans Chris Brown, Usher Raymond, their teams and their sea of fans.
Kanye West, now known as Ye, makes an extraordinary comeback catapulting the Rap genre into the stratosphere with an out of this world light show on top of fantastic stage displays, appearing almost holographic, of planet earth and its moon with amazing performances by himself and guest artists including Lauryn Hill, Zion Marley, Travis Scott and daughter North West before sold out audiences of 80,000 over two nights in one of LA's largest concert venues. Other artists appearing over the span of two nights on different days were Cee Lo Green, Andre Troutman and YG Marley.
It is estimated that Ye raised a record 33 million from ticket sales alone from what some critics have described as a cultural takeover.
Two of the corporate sponsors decided to bail out when they learned they were backing Ye. Obviously because of his past media antics promoting Nazis, putting down Jews and making outlandish remarks about some of his closest friends and allies like Hova and Beyonce. However, Ye went back to all apologizing, receiving acceptance from a Jewish rabbi, forgiveness from Jay-Z and begging for forgiveness for his mistakes, blaming his erratic behavior on a traumatic brain injury he experienced, the result of a car crash he had been involved in years ago. We all remember that. He had to have his jaws re-wired and could not talk or eat any solid food for months.
For more information on Ye's journey on the road to seek forgiveness for past transgressions that led to his being ostracized by his peers, the Jewish community and allegedly banned from concert appearances in the US, watch the following Instagram reel by long time friend, Grammy and Emmy Award winning producer Malik Yusef at this link.
For more history about past incidents that have resulted in Ye being called out on the carpet for his behavior towards fellow recording artists like Taylor Swift concerning a Grammy award win dispute involving Beyonce and ultimately forgiven by Swift see my prior blog post at the following link:
Chris Brown's interview by Robin Roberts of Good Morning America marking the release of his Grammy Award winning album F.A.M.E revealed a focused, considerate and thoughtful artist who explained what fame meant to him as he elaborated on the special meaning of the punctuated initials appearing on the album cover art work. He responded that the initials stood for "Forgiving All My enemies" and in the alternative and with emphasis "Fans are My Everything".
At the beginning of the interview Roberts began a line of questioning that sought to probe his relationships and controversial incidents occuring in the past. Brown rather quickly responded that he was there to talk about the album, the music and rather candidly veered away from that topic.
As I reflect on the Brown discography on this 15 year anniversary of the F.A.M.E. album, which is one of my favorites by Brown and could be characterized as an upbeat compilation of songs that you could easily imagine being acted out as segments of a movie storyline or sung as compositions in the soundtrack of a Broadway play.
While the movie "One Battle After Another" walked away with the most awards including Best Picture and Best Director wins, Sinners and K-Pop put on one of the most colorful and mesmerizing musical performances during the Academy Awards. Both movies also made history and stood as proud beacons of their communities during their performances and when accepting their awards.
Sinners received a standing ovation from the audience after performing the original movie soundtrack song "I Lied to You" in a spellbinding kaliedoscopic real time montage that presented as a vibrantly surreal mix of ethnic dancers, Blues singers, guitarists, African dancers and a singular ballet performance by Misty Copeland who came out of retirement and recovery from a recent hip replacement surgery to be among the performers. The innovative horror movie won a total of 4 Oscars. Michael B. Jordan picked up his first Oscar for his brilliant portrayal of two characters as twins. The movie also won for Best Original Score with long time friend and fellow collaborator Swedish ____, Best Original Screenplay for Director and writer Ryan Coogler. Cinema photography with a history making win for Afro-Philippino the first female to ever win in that category.
Good news Detroit youth and broader community. Thanks to the generosity of two very high profile musicians, a new media hub has opened at the historic and recently renovated Michigan Central Station. Usher and native Detroiter Big Sean combined their resources and contributed $1,000.000.00 to the project. For more information visit this link and check out the background story on You Tube:
Last night's Grammy show was an amazing platform on which artists united in a powerful demonstration of the importance and power of the First Amendment. The freedom to speak one's mind freely without hesitation or fear of reprisal. Last night the reverberations were in protest of Ice. Freedom of Speech is a right that has made the US envied around the world and is one of the primary reasons that thousands of immigrants flock to our country yearly.
The truth flowed eloquently whether it was a very short sentence by Billy Eilish who stated "You can't be illegal on stolen land", Bad Bunny's "Ice Out" followed by "love is more powerful than hate, including a reminder that "we are human, we are American." The cameras switched across the audience and zoomed in on what appeared to be a very proud faced Gloria Estefan who looked genuinely pleased about what he was saying.
Shaboozey's prepared speech extending gratitude to his mother an immigrant who worked three jobs to support him and his four siblings was an emotional moment for him as tears streamed from his eyes.
Kehlani who received her first award ever, the Grammy for Best R&b performance, mentioned the power of all the voices coming together and concluded with an expletive deletive "f... Ice."
Olivia Dean who picked up a Grammy for Best New Artist mentioned how she came from a family of immigrants and they should be recognized for their bravery.
It was a good show. Trevor Noah did a great job hosting. The interlude between him and Bad Bunny where he got him to sing along in Spanish was priceless.
That memorial tribute to D'Angelo and Roberta Flack curated-led by Lauren Hill and the other artists who have passed on the year past was brilliant, very stunning, spiritually and musically uplifting. They took us to church--Lela Hathaway, October London, Bilal, John Baptiste, Chaka Kahn and John Legend. Check out the videos on YouTube:
Pharrell Williams received the Dr.Dre Global Impact Award for 2026:
Other performances to check out that were memorable in their own right. Leon Thomas picked up a Grammy for his song MUTT which I understand Chris Brown's vocals influenced and were featured on.
Btw,that was a very soulful performance of Yukon by Justin Beiber. I was just a little surprised by his attention grabbing sleek attire. He only wore shorts and socks. Here's an explanation behind his outfit at this link.
Iconic producer and humanitarian Pharrell Williams was awarded the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards show held at the Crypto.com arena in Los Angeles, California. Pharrell a partner of the production team the Neptunes has been producing hits with icons like Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z and other notable Rap and Hip-Hop recording artists for decades.
He was Co-Director, a keynote speaker, and among the performing musicians at the Grace for the World concert held at the Vatican last year in September. Also performing were Andreas Boccelli, John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Clipse, Angelique Kidjo, Teddy Swims, Jelly Roll and others. Full list of those performing at the Grace for the World Concert at the Vatican, the concert sponsors, and the occasion for the musical celebration can be found at the link below:
https://share.google/aimode/6tMVmlk3KVI4dlKbC
For more information about the concert, check out the You Tube video at this related post.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards take place on Sunday, February 1,2026 at the Crypto Arena in Los Angeles. Trevor Noah is hosting again this year.
Special Grammy pre-show celebrations and honors have taken place during the week leading up to Sunday's biggest night in music. Music Cares person of the year is Mariah Carey. She was celebrated for her philanthropy and career achievements at their annual gala that was held on January 30, 2026. Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Footnote Fighters and Charlie Puth were among the artists who participated in a beautiful song tribute, re-imagining her songs in their own styles.
In her speech Mariah encouraged artists and the puublic to continue giving to the Music Cares foundation because artists need care and they need community. She also stated "Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be here with all these
magnificent artists singing my songs back to me, infusing them with
their own artistry and giving them all new life. This has given me
life.”
Two new award categories were established this year, Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover.
Some of the nominations in popular categories are listed below:
Best R&B Song
For new vocal or instrumental R&B recordings
Heart Of A Woman
Summer Walkerst R&B Song
Folded Darius Dixson, Andre Harris, Donovan
Knight, Don Mills, Kehlani Parrish, Khris Riddick-Tynes & Dawit
Kamal Wilson, songwriters (Kehlani)
Heart Of A Woman David Bishop & Summer Walker, songwriters (Summer Walker)
It Depends Nico Baran, Chris Brown, Ant Clemons, Ephrem Lopez Jr., Ryan Press, Bryson Tiller, Elliott Trent & Dewain Whitmore Jr., songwriters (Chris Brown Featuring Bryson Tiller)
Overqualified James John Abrahart Jr, Durand
Bernarr, John Derisme, Egberto "Budda" Foster, Amaire Johnson, Frank
Moka, Cary Singer & Chase Worrell songwriters (Durand Bernarr)
YES IT IS Jariuce Banks, Lazaro Andres Camejo,
Mike Hector, Peter Lee Johnson, Rodney Jones Jr., Ali Prawl & Leon
Thomas, songwriters (Leon Thomas)
Golden — From KPop Demon Hunters EJAE,
Park Hong Jun, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo
& Mark Sonnenblick, songwriters (HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI
AMI)
Luther Jack Antonoff, Roshwita Larisha Bacha,
Matthew Bernard, Scott Bridgeway, Sam Dew, Ink, Kendrick Lamar, Solána
Rowe, Mark Anthony Spears & Kamasi Washington, songwriters (Kendrick
Lamar With SZA)
Chris Brown traveled to London, England to appear before Judge Tony Baumgartner in the Southwark Crown Court for a pre-trial hearing ahead
of his trial for an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub in 2023. He was greeted by a crowd of enthusiastic fans and took the time to graciously sign autographs before entering the courthouse. He responded vocally to their warm reception by stating "God bless you."
Brown's jury trial is scheduled October 26, 2026. The trial is based on allegations that he attacked a former friend at the Tape private members’ club
in Mayfair.
Keeping the situation and Chris lifted in prayer. Hoping that all will work out for him as the trial date approaches. He has nine months to prepare with his legal team.
Meanwhile, his is up for two Grammy Awards in two categories this year for his song "It Depends with Bryson Tiller.
Nominees for 2026 IHeart Radio Music Awards were announced several days ago with an array of talent nominated across a variety of genres and categories,including Best Artist,Best Song, Best R&B artist, Best Pop Artist, Best New Artist, The show will broadcast from the Dolby Stadium in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 26th at 8pm ET live (PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The show
will also be broadcast on iHeartRadio stations across the country and on
the iHeartRadio app.
IHeart has generously opened up new award categories this year including Favorite Broadway Debut, Favorite TikTok Dance, Favorite Debut Album,
Best Lyrics, Best Music Video, Favorite On Screen, Favorite Tour
Photographer, Favorite Soundtrack, Favorite Tour Style, Favorite Tour
Tradition and Favorite K-pop Collab.
Social voting begins on January
8th, and will close on March 19th at 11:59pm PT for all categories. Fans
can vote by visiting iHeartRadio.com/awards.
Speaker of the House, Hakeem Jeffries proudly announces big win in the House of Representatives concerning the passage of Affordable Care Act tax subsidies, vital health care benefits affecting the price of n̈ coverage that had been tied up for months by opposition from across the aisle.
