I remember thinking, as the announcer read the nominations… what if I win? But I didn’t win – Rufus Wainwright did… it was probably for the best, I was seated all the way in balcony and I would never have made it to the stage in time:)

However, I kept my dream of winning an OMA safe, and in 2009, when I’d practically forgotten about it, I won my first OMA. A big thanks to my friend and House Producer Tomas for suggesting that I submit Love for OUTStanding R&B/Soul Song. As it turns out I was the first black male to win and consequently got lots of love from kewl blogs like BET‘s Centric Soul Sessions and Rod 2.0.

I guess I was lucky that first time around, I escaped the anxiety of sitting through the nominations and “the winner is…” moment. The R&B award was part of the pre-show and took place while I was doing my soundcheck. My mentor sean360x told me later I won and 5th Dimension biographer Robert Allan-Arno handed me my award (how kewl right:)

This year, however as we took our seats – 2nd row:) I realized I would have the full experience, there would be no soundcheck (or balcony:) to shield me from the reality of this moment. Whatever happened I would be present to experience it. I took a breath and relaxed.

Earlier I’d taken the opportunity to wish OUTStanding Hip Hop winner baron a good performance, chat with OUTStanding Jazz winner Avi Wisnia and American Idol contestant William Scott, and ogle at Mike Ruiz on the red carpet:) Now the house lights dimmed and the 7th Annual OUTMusic Awards commenced…

To be continued…

This is nothing new. 30 years ago Bob Marley sang of “Songs of freedom.” Throughout history, there has clearly been a conflict between the outer facade and the inner reality, between the physical and the spiritual, between what we touch and what we can only sense. Darkness and light, left and right, yin and yang, male and female – the list is endless, isn’t it?

“Someday Peace Love & Freedom” is the eternal flame of hope, a mantra for change. Countries go to war, financial markets go up and down, jobs come and go. These things you cannot control, or can you? How do you react to the chaos of the universe, whether it takes the form of a cheating spouse or an unbearable supervisor? I’m not going to say his CD has the answers, but it may be a helping hand when you need one.

To date, “Someday Peace Love & Freedom” is my most critically acclaimed album. Logo Magazine dubbed it “The Voice of Social Conscience”. Out Music nominated this CD for 2004 Outstanding Male Album of the Year, winning the Fresh Fruit Festival Award for Best Male Performance. “Free” and “I Miss You” received honorable mention at the 14th Annual Billboard Song Contest and helped claim the #1 position on NY Indie Myspace Fusion, Healing, and Neo-Soul Music Charts. I had the honor of sharing the stage with Motown Recording Artist Donnie, Def Jam Poet Staceyann Chin and recording an unplugged live DVD with Emmy-Nominated director Bill Cote.

But what is most important is my ability to help others. I made a commitment to give back after realizing how much I had been given. I graduated from NYU with a BA in Economics, I worked very hard and became an honors student. It is now my responsibility to do what I can to raise awareness and advance goodness. Over the years I’ve supported Lifebeat (HIV/AIDS), Drug Rehabilitation Programs, Domestic Violence Awareness, National Disability Awareness, September 11th Concerts, THAW (Theaters Against War), Hiroshima-Nagasaki Commemoration, Gay Pride and Earth Day Celebrations.

When you play track #5, a slow reggae groove begins that slowly morphs into “The Beggar’s Cup.” This song tells the story of a beggar at a street corner – but he doesn’t want money, he “wants for something that will last. So put a little love in my cup now” he pleads.

“Someday Peace Love & Freedom” is only calling individuals who understand this message, individuals who believe in what this music stands for. Individuals like yourself who are committed to making this world a better place. You’re in control, everything you do helps to make a difference – just like pebbles create ripples on a lake. So go ahead and set your own price and take this message home. Now watch the changes that occur in your life.