No means NO | Featured Artiste: KingJames

No means NO | Featured Artiste: KingJames

[Picture from HERE]

I don't know how many ways a person can say "NO" to get the message across.  But for the sake of sanity, let's assume that No means NO! In case you were wondering, I am referring to that dirty word, 'Rape.'  However way you define it, it is non-consensual sex, i.e. whether the victim is a man or a woman, if he or she did not consent to the act, it is rape.

While I don't want to make this post an all-encompassing "let's-discuss-every-possible-aspect-of-rape" post, there is one particular excuse I have heard, one particular justification that irks me to no end, i.e. the victim was dressed provocatively.  I mean, COME ON! Even if a person walks around the streets stark naked, you cannot and should not use that as an excuse to justify rape.  I am all for decency in dressing (more on that later) and really advocate dressing the way you would want to be addressed (cheesy, I know, but you get my point), but we live in a diverse world and we are not all on the same moral frequency.  If a woman (or man) says NO, just assume that the person really means NO and don't go any further.

You can't say that because of the way a woman, for example, is dressed, she "deserves" to be raped.  Nobody "deserves" to be raped, that's why it is a crime.  Nobody gives birth to an innocent baby girl, and at her naming ceremony makes a pronouncement that if at any point in her life her dressing is not "up to par," any man can have his way with her against her will. Or maybe I should qualify that: No SANE person does that. Need I say more? If only people would listen ....

Featured Artiste:  KingJames

Now, I have to admit that I have never heard a name like this before.  I actually thought 'KingJames' was today's featured artiste's stage name ONLY.  A little research has yielded another interesting discovery - it is his REAL name.

[KingJames / ReverbNation]

I would love to hear the story of how his parents came to give him this special name, wouldn't you? Or do you know anyone else with this exact name? Pray, do tell if you do! Apart from having a unique name, KingJames describes himself as a singer, songwriter and producer.  In fact, I first encountered him via the video of his song 'Cee Mee.'  But, I am not very fond of that song.  I actually prefer his other song, 'Idiegwu' which features none other than our very own Samsong, featured HERE.  So, here is Idiegwu:

And now for my brief opinion:

Likes: 'Methinks 'tis a nice collabo!  I liked the way both KingJames and Samsong split the song between each other with KingJames repeating certain words over and over again, and Samsong singing more of the Igbo words (names of God, I am guessing).  It was like each person's part fit neatly in the right places, kinda like a plug fits neatly in a socket. That may not be the best illustration, but I think you get my point :-) The songwriting was actually okay (there's always room for improvement, though) and it was not distracting.  The background vocals also blended well, for the most part.  I love how KingJames keeps repeating "Odumegwu Judah" (Is that correct?) It is like an exclamation mark at the end of each mini-section and keeps you anticipating more from him.  I also like how the song ends/fades out, first with the acapella and then the bass guitar and then Samsong's voice.

Dislikes: The intro was very typical, complete with loud beats and shouting.  I felt that was unnecessary and sounded just "overcrowded."  KingJames seemed to be straining his vocals quite early in the song, but I think he recovered later on.  Samsong did not do anything out of the ordinary here.  He delivered a predictable performance, but between him and KingJames, they kept the song interesting at a steady pace.

Finally, some further information on KingJames:

Artiste's Stage Name:  KingJames

Artiste's Real Name: KingJames Ome Agaba

State of Origin: Benue State

ReverbNation Page: http://www.reverbnation.com/kingjamesagaba

Social Networks:  Facebook|http://www.facebook.com/kjagaba, Twitter|http://twitter.com/kingjamesagaba

Featured Album / Song: Enthroned / Idiegwu featuring Samsong

That's all folks. Thanks for stopping by :-)