The Nahmias Cipher Report

My mother constantly amazes me and perhaps many people believe this of their mothers as well. Lately, what amazes me most about my diminutive, powerhouse, sixty-seven year old, Southern Baptist minister mom is the diversity, scope and breadth of her knowledge of popular culture.

The other day I was speaking with her about Russell Simmons with regard to his business acumen and how instrumental his philosophy of giving back has contributed to his ability to have amassed a personal fortune of roughly $400 million. She then goes on to mention that his brother is Run D.M.C. and that he is the co-founder of Def Jam Records.

I had to laugh, my mother knew more about the rap music industry than her daughter. It was a poignant and sweet moment that reminded me that we are only as old as we allow ourselves to be. I mention this because later in the week she called me to tell me that I should record a concert of Matisyahu’s “Live at Stubbs” in Austin, Texas.

The Idan Raichel Project has compositions that are sung in Hebrew, Moroccan Arabic, Spanish, Cape Verdean Creole and Swahili. The group demonstrates the power, challenge and success of diversity and respect for other cultures, faiths, and peoples. Check out the videos here!

Listen to the music of Ayala and Malka Ingedashet, two Israeli Ethiopian vocalist and sisters who join the ranks of Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, India Arie, and Macy Gray.