Last night, after winning a Golden Globe for the song “Glory” which he co-wrote with John Legend he paid tribute to his hero the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Common and Legend's song Glory plays over the closing credits of the film “Selma” and was written at the request of director Ava DuVernay.

Selma was written by Paul Webb and is based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by King (played by David Oyelowo), James Bevel and Hosea Williams. Common also paid tribute to Dr King, saying: "He was one of the first people that I looked at as a hero. He was my first hero.”

In his acceptance speech, rapper and actor Common, 42, said: "The first day I stepped on the set of Selma I began to feel like this was bigger than a movie. As I got to know the people of the Civil Rights Movement, I realized I am the hopeful black woman who was denied her right to vote. I am the caring white supporter killed on the front lines of freedom. I am the unarmed black kid who maybe needed a hand, but instead was given a bullet. I am the two fallen police officers murdered in the line of duty. Selma has awakened my humanity."

Interesting to note that the winning song began with a phone call (from London) when Common reached out to R&B singer Legend, he might be young but he has nine Grammys, not shabby!

Using modern communication, they two emailed and bam — out comes the song title “Glory.”

The song is expected to be an Oscar contender. Common has also been nominated for two Grammys next month, for best rap album for Nobody's Smiling and best rap collaboration for Blak Majik, a song that also features Jhene Aiko.

Glory references the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, in August 2014, following the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, with the words:

'Resistance is us,
That's why Rosa sat on the bus.
That's why we walk through Ferguson with our hands up.
When it go down we woman and man up,
They say, "Stay down" and we stand up.
Shots, we on the ground, the camera panned up,
King pointed to the mountain top and we ran up.’

Here is what COMMON had to say about “Selma” in his own words:

“Well, it’s a beautiful honor to be a part of Selma because as a kid I think the first person that I read about and came across that black people and white people both recognize as a hero was Dr. Martin Luther King. And he was always something I really, like, looked up to, and it became a point in my life where, you know, I became real [PH] Malcolm X-ist and it was like, I don’t know, Martin may be soft. But you know, as I grew and evolved as a human being, I realized that this peaceful protest is one of the strongest things you can do, and the strength that it took to do that.

Me being involved in Selma, like, taught me that it was women, it was men, it was children, it was a spirit that they said we want freedom, we want justice, and a lot of people contributed to that. You know, because originally I was like, man, as Martin Luther King, you know is Martin Luther King, but to get to meet the everyday people, some people we don’t know their names.

Yeah, we do know of the Annie Lee Coopers and we do know of the [PH] C.T. Vivians, but it’s some people like I had a journalist yesterday talk to us about her uncle who was out marching, and we don’t know his name, but everybody contributed, and what this film did was make me realize that we all have a part in contributing towards making the world better. So it was like me being – this was like a life changing experience for me because I felt I could do more, you know, just being able to be James Bevel and be around Ava and be around the cast, and the people that we worked with. I was, like, I have to do more, I mean, learning about what they did, I got to do more. And now people are out there doing more. And we want to do more. So I’m just grateful to be a part of it, and the revolution is here.”

At a Gracie Mansion event during Harlem Week, Brianna Colette, 5-foot-9, with her signature red afro and smooth caramel skin, stood out, even in a sea of uniquely stylish people of color.

In full plume, Colette reminded me of an exotic, mystical songbird strutting among the mortals. Perhaps it’s her Creole/Cajun roots?

Colette is really just a down-home, sweet Southern gal whose sultry, rich voice gets compared to the likes of the late, great Billie Holiday. Based in funky Brooklyn now, the Nashville-born songstress credits those roots in shaping her musical style. Music, for Colette, began in the Southern heat.

“The most memorable years were my summers in Nashville with all my cousins,” Colette says. “Every summer, the five of us lived at our grandmother’s house, and we put on talent shows for our parents. That’s how performing became a part of me at a very young age.”

Five years on the New York City music scene and critics still can’t peg her. This chick just does not fit into any old music box. Colette’s style is funky and fluid, flowing between dance, pop and soul—genres that are all evident on her newest single, “Too Old.”

In the spunky cut, Colette sings about two lovers who realize that age isn't just a number.

Autobiographical musical storytelling? Who is to say? If art imitates life, the songstress isn't giving any juicy details. When asked to describe herself, Colette counters in a rapid cadence and with a loopy smile.

“I am a goofy, silly, adventurous risk-taker who is very loving,” she confides. “And I love to have a good time wherever I am. It’s important to make the best of every situation. Don’t you agree?”

I do. Lately, her music has been added to my iPad shuffle and is providing the soundtrack of my own New York life. It’s easy to become a fan.

UK producer Lewis Parker fell in “muse love” and crafted a short film around Colette’s talents, showcasing her dancing, singing and acting skills. The video follows a female con artist raised in a world of organized crime, where wealth and power are like air and water— necessary for life.

Her take on it: “It’s kind of like James Bond, ‘Harlem Nights’ and ‘Entrapment’ all tied into one. It’s great to try on characters and then leave them to live on screen.”

As the world beckons, Colette answers. Most recently she’s been working in Russia with world-renowned pianist Daniel Kramer. “Too Old” was recorded in Belgium and produced by Lunaman.

So, my interest is now piqued. I had a few more questions for Colette.

myNewYorkeye: Besides the U.S. passport in your purse, what are the must-haves in your daily wardrobe?

Brianna Colette: I must have 4-inch heels! I love the feeling of being tall! When traveling, of course, it’s flip-flops. Last but not least, I must have leggings, and any color will do. They fit great and are easy to move in.

myNewYorkeye: Your look is unique, striking even, but who do people tell you look like?

Brianna Colette: People say I look like the singer Kellis, when she used to have long hair, but when I wear my hair up, people have told me I look like Janet Jackson. Well, when she played Penny on the TV show “Good Times.”

myNewYorkeye: Now that you’ve been here five years, what is your favorite restaurant in New York City?

Brianna Colette: I really enjoy eating at Spice! Great Thai food. I always order the Crispy Half Chicken and a Thai iced tea. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.

myNewYorkeye: Now I’m hungry too, so let’s start to wrap this up. What is your favorite song today and of all time?

Brianna Colette: My favorite song of all time is “Part of Your World” from the “Little Mermaid” soundtrack. When I am leaving the house, I put on my Skull Candy headphones and listen to the David Guetta station on Pandora. This gets me pumped for the day.

myNewYorkeye: Anything you want to add to close this interview?

Brianna Colette: Happy Holidays. Check me out. If you like what you hear, share—it’s the cool thing to do!

Chill out with Miss Colette at briannacolette.com