There must be some rather complicated math behind CNN’s decision to text message “breaking news” to the people. Sanctions on Iran? Text it. Britney’s divorce? Text it. Death of one of the most influential musical and cultural figures of the 20th century? Nah!

James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, hardest working man in show business and many other titles died yesterday. He was 73 years old but still had moves like the 20-something who shook the foundation of American music 50 years ago, with more swagger, slide and coife than we knew how to handle, then or now.

Some music you can live without. Other music puts a nice beat into your head. For me, James Brown’s music transported me back through time and into the spirits of my parents. When I see old photos of them dashiki’d out, marching down the street, I hear James backing them up. And when I hear James, I see my parents loud, black and proud.

Let’s have a moment of silence for a man who barely gave us one himself.

While I’m here: habari gani!

Umoja — unity — the first day of Kwanzaa.

peace people.

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