[MUSIC REVIEW] Jamal Roberts' MISSISSIPPI reflects the love he has for the state and people where he began

 

Since winning AMERICAN IDOL in 2025, Mississippi native Jamal Roberts has been showing the world not just the talent that Mississippi has but his love for the state and the people in it. With his new single MISSISSIPPI that love is put to music and giving a message to the world about his changed circumstances and how no matter where he goes, Mississippi is with him. 

The song begins reflecting on his frenzied life since the American Idol win: the places he has gone and the people he has met. Regardless of the spotlight and the attention he shares "I'm missing you in Mississippi; and it don't feel the same without you with me."

This is Jamal Roberts not just showing the world his talent. It shows his homestate that no matter where we goes, he is taking them with him. He doesn't want that love to be one-sided, though. "Whatever it takes, promise me that you will keep holding on." 

The kind of song that speaks to the loved ones who he is having to leave for a time and the state that he loves and loves him back, MISSISSIPPI delivers musically and with a message that speaks loud and clear to the listener.  

Get MISSISSIPPI on Amazon Music. 

Cyrus Webb, www.cyruswebbreviews.com 

[BOOK REVIEW] I Pledge Allegiance: A Journey Through the Words that Shaped A Nation by LaWanna Bradford

 I have to be honest and say that this is not a book I probably would have picked up on my own, but it's one that I'm so glad that I took the time to read. 

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that we are living in divisive times. There is a even more distinct recognition of the "haves" versus "the have nots", and people don't feel seen or even appreciated. This was the backdrop I had in my mind when my long-time friend LaWanna Bradford told me that she was writing a book about the Pledge of Allegiance. I was supportive of her writing endeavor, however, I wasn't sure how I would feel about it and quite honestly how others would view it. Now that I've read it, I can tell you: this is one of the most thoughtful books I've read in some time. 

 I Pledge Allegiance: A Journey Through the Words that Shaped A Nation isn't just about the WORDS of the Pledge of Allegiance. LaWanna takes it and breaks down not just the history but the conflicts that certain groups have had to deal with because of the country it represents. I love that her love of country comes through along with her love and appreciation for people. She gives examples of when the WORDS of the pledge and the ideals it speaks us don't align with the ACTIONS of the country's citizens. 

She also allows us to see that all is not lost and that change can be made. In order for the words to matter, people have to demonstrate that they matter. That all people matter. 

I think those who read I Pledge Allegiance: A Journey Through the Words that Shaped A Nation with an open mind and an open heart will not just think more about the words so many say without much thought. They might think about how they can do better themselves in living up to the promise the words embody. If that happens, then the idea of WE, THE PEOPLE can truly be realized in a meaningful way. 

It all begins with us. 

Get I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE on Amazon. 

[BOOK REVIEW] POST OAK: Quanah Parker, The Comanche, and the Mission by Tina Siemens

With books like SEMINOLE and THE LITTLE SANDALS THAT COULD, author and historian Tina Siemens has shared not just her love of history but her family's example of perseverance, even in difficult times. 

With her latest book POST OAK: Quanah Parker, The Comanche, and the Mission we're able to go back in time to a period of war, mistrust and the actions of individuals that would reverberate for decades to come. 

POST OAK is the story of how tragedy came to the Parker family, and in the midst of that the journey of vengeance, survival and understanding. I love how Tina is able to make us think of life for the Indians and the settlers, and the decisions they made that would affect not just their lives but those to come. 

Tina also shows that the price of war and retribution is not just to human life. It has to do with the land and all that live on it, man and beast. 

A story that can be difficult at times to understand but is important to read, POST OAK stands out as a book about not giving up hope and fighting for what you believe is right, no matter the costs.

Get your copy on Amazon. 

[MUSIC REVIEW] I Forgive You by Cynthia Erivo

 

by Cyrus Webb

For those looking to move on from past hurts, either from others or ourselves, Cynthia Erivo's I FORGIVE YOU will definitely resonate with you. 

The album is a collection of mantras and reminders of not just what we should expect from others. It speaks to what we should recognize and demand from ourselves FOR ourselves. With songs like REPLAY and I CHOOSE LOVE, we're able to understand exactly what we want and deserve. Other songs like BRICK BY BRICK and PUSH AND PULL gives us words to speak when it comes to demanding our own respect and boundaries with others. 

Laced with Erivo's ability to make every song almost its own genre and centerpiece, I FORGIVE YOU is one of those projects you can put on and just enjoy from beginning to end. The melodic tones of each song gives you not just hope but embolden you to search for that which serves you well. Knowing that is exactly what you are deserving of everyday. 

Get I FORGIVE YOU on Amazon. 

[MUSIC REVIEW] Wait For Forever by Jamie Fine

by Cyrus Webb

Jamie Fine is one of those artist that is able to breathe life into every word she sings, making you feel each emotion and take the ride with her from verse to verse. WAIT FOR FOREVER is no different.

The song captures what it's like when you separate from those you love and the feelings you're left with not knowing what the future might hold. WAIT FOR FOREVER shows that no matter how far you go, no matter how much time passes we're forever connected through our bond. 

What is genius about this song is that it apply in so many different ways. If the one we care about is looking for themselves in "a thousand places", they can know that we're forever there, waiting on them to find themselves back to you and what you had. 

WAIT FOR FOREVER gives the promise that "I will wait".  The bond is just that strong that whenever the connection is made again, our lives together will continue. 

Get WAIT FOR FOREVER on Amazon. 

[BOOK REVIEW] POWER OF THE ZIP by Jill Kamp Aaronson is less about what you SAY and more about who you ARE

 We've all heard the saying ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS---and in the newest addition to Jill Kamp Aaronson's POWER OF THE ZIP books, I found that to be the central theme.

POWER OF THE ZIP: Stop Talking- Start Listening shows the reader not just the importance of what we say. It dives into the power of sometimes not saying anything and just allowing how we respond be the answer to the situation. I love that the book reminds us that there is no blueprint to EVERY scenario we face, but there are things we can do to make sure that we not only let people feel heard but SEEN, too. 

Though Jill is known for what she has been able to share in the workplace, this book really is a guide for all aspects of life, showcasing the importance of making POWER OF THE ZIP a lifestyle choice rather than something we attempt to turn on and off. Whether we're talking about dealing with friends, family or those we work with, the important thing is to treat each individual as the unique person they are so they know you are not just listening but hearing them. 

Filled with great examples from her own life and even some Biblical references that will hit home for some readers, POWER OF THE ZIP: Stop Talking-Start Listening gives you guidelines to not just make what you say more impactful. It will make your LIFE more impactful as well. 

Get your copy on Amazon.  

[BOOK REVIEW] Hold Your Head Up, Princess by Dr. Velma Bagby

There is nothing like recognizing and acknowledging your own value and worth. 

We live in a world where not everyone will see the gift and treasure that we are, but that doesn't mean we should ever dim our light so others can't see the light we carry. 

In HOLD YOUR HEAD UP, PRINCESS Dr. Velma Bagby shows how at different points in her life there were those who didn't see her worth or value. She was then presented with a choice: Would she be the person her parents had told her that she was or would she dim that light so others would not be offended?

We're able to see how Dr. Velma embraced her gifts and her talents and the doors that opened for her in the process. The book also reminds us that regardless of our age, we all need the reminder to hold our heads up, walking confidently in our calling. 

In the back of the book we are able to get activities that the reader can do alone or with others, but we also get the assurance that if we walk in our worthiness and embrace who we are great things can come our way. HOLD YOUR HEAD UP, PRINCESS is a testament that who you are matters. You just have to walk in your own authenticity and know that everything will work out.

Get HOLD YOUR HEAD UP, PRINCESS on Amazon.