A Christian Hip Hop Tribute-Talena Skye-Mama ft. Be Cleare Allen (Official Video)
By Fern Gillespie
Mama” by gospel rapper Talena Skye (Cherese Bracey) and gospel singer BeCleare Allen (Bernadette Allen) is a moving tribute to their mothers who died exactly one year apart from cancer. Skye wrote the single with additional lyrics by Allen from her poem “Raw Blue Hue.”
“It was important to show others devastated by tremendous losses that with God’s help, you still have purpose, even though you feel hopeless,” said Allen. “Talena Skye and I took a few steps forward in the midst of immense pain. I want people to understand I am not 100 percent. This grieving process is one day at a time.”
“What I like about the song and video is the story line,” explained Diana King. The gospel and Christian hip hop radio personality launched KISS-FM’s “Kiss Inspirations,” and was WWRL’s gospel afternoon drive host. “In this case it’s a narrative by Talena Skye rapping about her mother, the advice her mother imparted to her, and the pain she is feeling about losing her. She thinks of her and wishes she were here ‘just another day.’ I hear a young LL Cool J in her style.”
“BeCleare reminded me of some of the vocal divas from the 80s. She’s got unbelievable vocal skills,” said King, currently on iSoul.com radio on Sundays. “You can hear the conviction in BeCleare’s singing coupled with Talena’s rapping, it’s dynamic.”
Skye survived a childhood brain tumor that almost left her blind, a car accident, and domestic violence from her alcoholic father. Some refer to Skye as a lyrical preacher and a radical for Christ. She is on a mission to spread the Word of God with bold lyrics and delivery transparent to daily struggles.
“God had to really revive me because I was in such a dark place that I needed the gumption to continue writing. The Lord helped me with that. I had an epiphany one day around the time the ‘Mama’ song was written,” said Skye. “God revealed to me ‘what I put in you is not is not going to lie dormant and it’s not going to end just because you lost your mom.’”
One way she spreads inspiration and positive energy is her day job as an early education music teacher. A songwriter since the age of eight, she is a licensed music educator and teaches in New Jersey schools. Skye has written a series of children’s books called “The Reesie Reader & Bookie Literacy Club.” The books deal with bullying, reading, and entrepreneurship. She created a life-size Black doll– Reesie Reader (the girl who loves to read), who visits schools and programs. Her third book, Reesie Reader Little Entrepreneur, teaches children how to start their own business. Ten thousand books have been distributed to children in Hudson County.
“I’m a Christian and I love music in all forms. I love some forms of hip-hop–clean hip-hop of course,” said Skye. “I call myself a lyrical preacher. I minister to my family members and friends. I always find myself talking about God and I just love rapping the gospel.”
View the video directed by cinematographers Stephen and Morgan Council of The Positive Black Dad Productions on The Positive Music Hub.
This video is a tribute to our moms who went home to be with the Lord due to a battle with cancer. My message to anyone who lost their mom’s or anyone dear to them in anyway, please never give up on God! Sometimes grief can be so strong that we wanna cry everyday from a broken heart. We sometimes can lose motivation for life however, we may not understand the “why” behind the pain we endure but God will never leave you nor forsake you. The Holy Spirit is our comforter. He can give you peace that passes all understanding. I want you to remember that no matter what happens, never stop reaching toward your dreams and goals especially because of grief. Hold on to Jesus, have faith in the Word of God and never give up!
Nehemiah 8:10…Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
John 14:27..Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
*Follow me https://www.instagram.com/talenaskye/
Song written by-Talena Skye *Music Artist-Be Cleare Allen “Raw Blue Hue”/Poem Lyrics contributed to song by-Be Cleare Allen https://www.instagram.com/becleareallen/
Thank you to everyone who made this happen!! Special thanks to: The Positive Community- https://www.instagram.com/thepositive…
Introducing “Mama” video filmed & Directed by Cinematographer, Stephen/Morgan Council The Positive Black Dad Productionshttps://www.instagram.com/thepositive…
*Special appearance and shout out to: Olivia Didomizio *New York Star Club- https://www.instagram.com/newyorkstar…
*Child Actor-Lea Elder https://www.instagram.com/lealovelife314
*Music Engineer/Co Producer 12 Keyz- @12keyz Instagram *Music by Sinima Beats
