JAMES BROWN; MY SOUL BROTHER

Mr. James Brown

Yes, my soul brother.😎🪮😎 Even though Mr. James Brown left this world some time ago, I know we must've crossed paths at some point. I lived in New York for years, and I’m pretty sure he spent a good amount of time there too, particularly in Harlem, a place overflowing with energy, rhythm, and of course, soul. I have this sense, even though we never met, that the universe somehow connected us just by breathing the same polluted New York air in the '80s. And honestly, if I even breathed a single molecule of that air, I can feel that tiny bit of energy infused within me, which in an instant ignited a groove within, something natural and cool that I didn’t know I had. 

At 57, I’m now more than ever listening to his magical music, sharing it with my kids, teaching them to feel the rhythm and the words. I truly believe I’ve enjoyed life because he was here on this planet, walking the same streets I walked, living alongside me in the same city. Sure, I never met him face to face, but just knowing I was alive while he was on the same planet... man, that’s something.

I never saw him live at the Apollo, but I do remember back in the early 2000s seeing his name pop up for a performance there. I thought about going, but you know what? I didn’t. Why? Well, there was no one to go with. Can you believe that? That stopped me! What a dumb ass! But hey, I’m not perfect. The truth is, it wasn’t until just the last couple of years that I really became a full-on fan of Mr. James Brown. Another dumb ass move on my part, but you know what? Better late than never!

My God, what a joy it’s been to finally immerse myself in his music, his words, his rhythm, his groove. It’s like a revelation. Now, every time I hop on my bike and ride through the streets of Tokyo, he rides with me. His beats are the engine that powers my wheels, turning every ride into the funkiest journey imaginable. Wooo!!! 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

Let’s give credit where credit is due. From Cold Sweat to The Payback, Funky Drummer to Sex Machine, and of course, Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag, come on now, how can you not feel alive? It doesn’t matter if it’s raining, snowing, your boss is yelling, or your wife’s going off, just hit play on James Brown, and suddenly, the world makes a little more sense. That groove kicks in, and boom: your spine straightens, your shoulders loosen, and that strut finds its way back. Mr. James Brown makes life feel soooo much better. Always has, always will.

Thanks for reading. Abrazos.

Diego Rojas