Our Common Ground in Music | James Mtume | TEDxCapeMay

Jame’s Mtume’s name means “messenger” in Swahili, which is a bit on-the-nose for this Grammy Award-winning musician. A former percussionist for Miles Davis, the prolific songwriter also headed the band Mtume, a group that helped define R&B’s jazz-funk roots. (Parts of their song “Juicy Fruit,” which you may recognize from the Grand Theft Auto soundtrack, have been incorporated into recordings by Snoop Dogg, Alicia Keys, Faith Evans, Jennifer Lopez and many more.) While the Philadelphia native’s pedigree also includes composing for motion pictures and producing for the likes of Mary J Blige and R Kelly, he’s equally well known for his activism. Formerly the host of the number one black talk radio show in New York, Mtume uses his platform to promote the role of music in defining a generation and advancing social progression, one song a time. Jame’s Mtume’s name means “messenger” in Swahili, which is a bit on-the-nose for this Grammy Award-winning musician. A former percussionist for Miles Davis, the prolific songwriter also headed the band Mtume, a group that helped define R&B’s jazz-funk roots. (Parts of their song “Juicy Fruit,” which you may recognize from the Grand Theft Auto soundtrack, have been incorporated into recordings by Snoop Dogg, Alicia Keys, Faith Evans, Jennifer Lopez and many more.) While the Philadelphia native’s pedigree also includes composing for motion pictures and producing for the likes of Mary J Blige and R Kelly, he’s equally well known for his activism. Formerly the host of the number one black talk radio show in New York, Mtume uses his platform to promote the role of music in defining a generation and advancing social progression, one song a time. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@josesantana27]

Rest In Power Mtume. This brother was not only awesome in music but a great commentator on open line 98.7 kiss fm and wbls. Thank you Mtume for your legacy.

[@dmilowrussell1385]

Rest In Enternal Power Brotha James Mtume!!!

[@akaziaj]

Rest well King Mtume.

[@dallascorpio]

Rest in peace Mr Mtume.

[@greenbooker6520]

Represent In Paradise King James Mtume 🥀
Real ppl don’t die, they live in the sky ⛅️

[@chandrawoodley7189]

Brother Tumes! I miss our interactions on the "Open Line", and "The Week In Review" back in the day on WRKS-KISS FM 98.7 NY. I remember the positive and encouraging discourse between you, Big Bob Slade, Judge Bob Pickett and callers like me. It was an honor to be out there with all of you, as we sought justice for the slaying of Amadou Diallo by NYPD on Feb. 4, 1999, followed up by the slaying one year later, of Patrick Dorismond on Mar. 16, 2000; again, by NYPD. These two dates live with me, since they are the Birthdates of two of my family members. Unfortunately, when WRKS-KISS FM 98.7 NY changed format a few years ago, "The WeeK In Review" did not make the transition to WBLS 105.7 NY, as did the "Open Line." "Open Line" continued on for a few years, although there was a one hour format; with the 2nd hour online. Still hosted by: Big Bob Slade, Judge Pickett and Brother Fatign Muhammad, it was always a treat when you guested on the "Open Line"! This past Sunday, Mar. 24, 2019 the voice of Big Bob Slade was stilled as he made his transition after a long and valiant battle with kidney disease. It is somewhat early for conjecture as to the future of "Open Line", but Brother Slade's legacy will rest secure!!! My condolences to you, Brother Fatign, Judge Pickett, and above all... the Slade family. Much love...God bless!

[@theblackbanter5242]

The wisdom and funking lessons of legendary artist James Mtume !

[@humanitiesprofessor1912]

My heart is profoundly heavy right now. RIP, James Mtume (3 January 1946 - 9 January 2022) 🙌🏿🙏🏿😭

[@ccth22]

This man influenced me in so many ways. His legacy lives on in everyone he touched musically and culturally✊🏾

[@LaSharown]

RIP DEAR MASTER TEACHER

[@ROCKNROLLFAN]

Well spoken. Rest in Peace, James Mtume.🙏🕊

[@gregjefferson3019]

What happened to our people? Traded in the love n care this musical genius is expressing, for individualistic, narcissist a-holes like Kanye West. I want my old community back. Anybody else ??? Rest easy good brother.

[@rashadabdulazeem5387]

I don't know what has happened us, our situation today is sad and pitiful. May Brother Mtume Gds Pleasure and Peace. He was a giant in the music world.

[@guaguancos.montunodcubop8923]

Rest in Paradise Mtume!

[@offthebp]

This should be in every school curriculum...excellent!

[@DA_AAA]

A great artist indeed

[@sealfan1000]

God Bless you, My Brother

[@dcplyr]

This is the best Tedx I’ve ever seen!

[@dwaynejones1146]

RIP.

[@akineem]

🕊

[@wondertrip]

Mtume is absolutely correct in his correlation between music, politics, and culture - BUT, his assessment incorrectly ignored how the iconic and racially-charged music of Paul Robeson (from the 1930s), and the music of Billie Holiday (from the 1940s) and others was a catalyst that prompted Miles Davis in the 1950s. Equally important, to elevate Public Enemy over the greater impact produced by the Last Poets and Gil Scott-Heron on rap and hip hop is Mtume's greatest oversight.

[@thisisversis]

bars

[@Bruce-Kent]

Don't forget the What's Going On album by Marvin

[@uptowngeorgiaave900]

RIP to the God ✊🏿💪🏿

[@lovevolv]

“[at] what temperature are we watching?!”

[@aliasaadi9909]

James Mtume musulmans