The last ViBE is in the books and what a life-changing event it was! Different stories from everyday people were shared in what proved to be a rather emotional and inspiring change in the monthly Vibe series.

Reverend White Chocolate opened up the show and spoke a little about his more sensitive, serious side than the normal, humorous one we are always accustomed to. Born 24 inches exactly 28 years ago, he professed his current love for God, who has helped him overcome such obstacles as suicide, family struggles, and the insecurities within. He also went on an astounding freestyle with members of the crowd shouting out words like “Foundling,” “marines,” and “gospel,” ultimately creating a #1 hit in the song, Air Conditioning Love.“ If only his childhood crush, Amy, could see him now!

Alissa then embraced the audience to talk about the original intentions for the Vibe and how our mission has always been for the community from the start! The Vibe is in constant pursuit of all kinds of talent and suggestions on how we can better attend to your needs! In fact, we are now offering “life coaches” specializing in spiritual advisement, artisan mentoring (visual, musical, etc.), financial management consultation, and all types of personal assistance you can possibly think of (house chores, baby-sitting, etc.). Anyone interested can contact sal@comevibewithus.com.

The main feature of the evening was Brooklyn born, Toni Anne Martinez, who took the stage to perform such wonderful classics as “Say A Little Prayer,” “Looking For You,“ “Hero,” and “I Will Always Love You.” Afterwards, she told talked about her life story, which consisted of drugs, promiscuity, and doctors telling her that she’d never sing again until she met the wonderful grace of Jesus Christ! Following a brief intermission, Anthony kicked off round two, discussing how both of his parents left him at the age of 3 and it’s been a struggle ever since. Many were shocked to learn that once the night was over, he would have to spend the remainder of it sleeping on the streets. Newcomer, Vic was next as he mentioned that the only thing which gets him through the trials of tribulations of life is writing. Through his work, we learned that he writes for the poor, the incarcerated, those that we’ve lost, all aspects of women, the planet, other countries, and most of all, God. Deme, a.k.a. Just Words, returned and spit an awe-inspiring verse about a materialistic consumer society. He questioned how we can truly be free individuals if we are constantly watched, and will anyone rise to the occasion and do something about it?! Another newbie, Dawn courageously shared a part of her memoir that she’s writing, going into the horrific details about an ex-boyfriend that she thought she could trust, as well as a bloody incident falling from the top of a staircase which landed her in a hospital, motionless, with a loss of hearing and smell, plus staples in her head. The third and final newcomer, Monette shared how she currently has a hard time trusting men too, after a recent split with her boyfriend. She has always been referred to as “daddy’s little girl” and dedicated a poem to her father who has endured alcoholism and prostate cancer. Dave, a.k.a. The Chico had been writing about forgiveness all night, and eventually shared how, although it may be hard to forgive, it is necessary if we want to experience freedom and refrain from being consumed with resentment. His poem over a blazing beat really showed how forgiveness pays off in the long run. Jen spoke subsequently and agreed, even though it’s certainly hard to forgive people when we can’t even forgive or love our very self. After Nailah closed the evening with her beautiful voice about a song on love, Sal shared a story that left the crowd wondering what would happen if we slowed down in life and lent a helping hand to others. To continue to vibe with us beyond the norms of the monthly Cup meets, once again, contact Sal at sal@comevibewithus.com