This weekend, I've been watching a multitude of music videos from the 80's-early 90's era. Christopher Williams, EnVogue, Jodeci, and SWV were a few acts on the playist - classic material to say the least. After singing along, laughing at the dance steps, and reminiscing on the good ol' days, my friend said she missed the avant-garde sensuality that was a theme in most of the videos. They were sexy, but not over the top as they are today.
Uhhhh, yeah. They were very classy and subtle in an artsy fartsy way. That's good and all...
BUT, I miss the RAW element of HipHop music videos of the past. There's nothing more artsy than seeing Luther Campbell swim between the spread legs of several chicks in a swimming pool. Just to see Luke sink into the water with a cigar in his mouth is enough to make me (and Hugh Hefner) smile.
*Luke "I Wanna Rock"*
..
***SideNote: "Heeeeeeeyyyy...we want some puuuuu-say!" countered by "Heeeeeeeyyy...we want some D-I-C-K!!" has got to be one of the GREATEST call and responses ever!! End SideNote***
Being from Detroit, I was sucked into the unescapable abyss of bass, techno (also known as Detrechno), and dance music that played on the radio, clubs, car systems, and 'The New Dance Show' (Remember 'The Scene'??)
***SideNote Number TWO: If You're From Detroit, You MUST CLICK THOSE LINKS!!*
***SideNote Number THREE: Remember when they would advertise strip clubs on TV???? (Female and Male)
Sure we liked lyrical cats like Kane, story tellers like Slick Rick, pioneers like Run-DMC, and gangsta shyt from Spice-1, but didn't anything get the party started like some 2 Live Crew or Splack Pack.
*Splack Pack "Let Me C'Ya Work It"*
..
I remember being at Belle Isle listening to mixtapes as Splack Pack's eloquent words, "Shake That Ass Bitch And Let Me See What You Got", blasted through the speakers. Ahhh...those were the days. This was from an age where dudes were up front about what they wanted. There wasn't no beating around the bush or giving mixed signals to females. You gotta respect blatent honesty no matter who you are.
Ladies, would you rather a man LIE to you, give you subtle clues about what he wants, and play the passive-aggressive role just to get in between your sheets OR do you prefer a confident man who let's you know exactly what he's about from the get-go so you can make the decision for yourself without going through the bullshyt and games??
That's rhetorical. I already know the answer.
And don't get it twisted, guys weren't the only ones being upfront with their sexuality. Women got in on it too.
*Oaktown's 357 "Juicy"*
..
Damn they were pumpin' it hard...LOL!!
I'd be remiss if I left out one of the greatest groups of all time..
*Salt 'N Pepa "Shake Your Thang"
..
This is from a golden age in HipHop when the networks (damn I miss The Box) wasn't as scurred as they are today. It was all about having a party and letting off some steam. Speaking of 'party', this time-honored jam right here captures the essence of the word by itself.
*Luke "It's Your Birthday"*
..
When I came to Atlanta in '94, the bass movement was in full swing. This was the Freank-nik era - a time when raunchiness ruled. Damn, I wish I still had some of my video tapes from back then!! Since I don't I'll take you back to that place and time with this...
*DJ Kizzy Rock "Yeah, Shawty, Yeah"
..
At the time, I was a little too young to get into the renowed strip clubs of the 'A', but that video was suffice. Shout to The Gentlemen's Club and Club Nicki's though!!
Anyway, I guess I said all that to say, what we see in videos today ain't shyt compared to back in the good 'ol days.
Happy Mother’s Day My Ass!! *REPOST*
Current mood: Overjoyed and Dismal at the same time...
Category: Overjoyed and Dismal at the same time... Blogging
**This is a repost from my blog...check it out at My2cents-sense.blogspot.com.**
Don't get it twisted. I have the GREATEST mom in the world. And I mean that.
If there was a contest in which mothers across the globe competed in things like Nurturing, Culinary Skills, Child Reering, Guidance and Mentoring, Talent, Beauty, and Satisfying Her Husband...
(Look at her beauty, her wonderful husband, and those kitchen skills!! Not to mention her talent!!)
*in my taunting school yard voice*
My Mom Is Better Than Your Mom!!
*gives you the finger and walks away*
However, there isn't a contest of such so consider yourself lucky cause my mom's would've won that joint for the past 31 years...Hands Down!! Instead of having a great competition that would encourage the Strength, Resiliency, and Foresight amongst moms in America, we have this asinine, meaningless, Hallmark-invented holiday known as Mother's Day. This is the day where everyone with a mom (or motherly figure) is suppose to acknowledge the great "mothers" in their life. Dead-beat moms, Irresponsible Baby Mamas, and Young ass Baby Mamas' Mamas (also known as 40-year-old 'GRAND mamas') partake in this glorious day and bask in the glow of receiving cards, flowers, gifts, praise, and everything under the sun on this fiscal holiday. They kick back on this day, get taken out to dinner, and are told by everyone (including strangers) "Happy Mother's Day!"
Let's be real...
Half of these chicks aren't even REAL mothers. Yes, they bore a child, or two, or three, or four, or ELEVEN, but if they're all by different fathers, are you REALLY a good mother??
There was a story recently here in Atlanta in which a mother went to school with her daughter and whooped the teacher's ass over a grade dispute in front of the rest of the class. What kind of example is that?? Or what about this seven-year-old who stole his grandma's car and took it on a joy ride? Where was mom??
You got mothers out there who don't even know who the father of their child really is. They just played "Eenie-Meeney-Miney-Pick-A-Nigga" and pinned the fatherhood on whatever dummy who believed he was the "only one" or the one they feel is most fit to be a dad. Does that broad deserves a "Mother's Day"??
We live in a day and age where celebrity mothers pimp out their kids to the magazine who pays the most for exclusive baby pictures of their newborns, career-absorbed mothers are too busy with their work load to even learn who their child's friends and their parents are, and some mothers are just cranking out kids to remain on government assistance. And Hallmark tells me these bytches deserve a fuggin' greeting card??
Shiiiiiddddd...Happy Mother's Day My Ass!!
Now, if you're like me (and you very well may be with the exception that your mom ain't as good as mine), you don't need a day set aside to appreciate all the wonders that your mother has provided you. If you're like me, it may be a Tuesday or a Saturday when you think of that special interaction, conversation, or moment between you and your mom that puts that warm feeling in your heart - not just a Sunday in May. If you're like me, all the flowers, cards, trinkets, jewlery, gifts, spa treatments, clothing, shoes, dinners, WHATEVER could not place a value on the Love, Life, and Lessons you receive from your mother.
Thanks Hallmark for creating Mother's Day and all the other senseless holidays you've created for economical gains at the expense of simple-minded individuals who can't seem to express their genuine feelings without breaking bread at the local mall or restaurant. But I'll pass. Give that purposeless balloon, card, and plant to one of the dead-beat moms out there.
Mine deserves more than that.
Everyday is Mother's Day Mom, Love Ya!!
Special shout out to all the single and married mothers who have stepped up to the plate and handled their responsibility accordingly in what is arguably the hardest job of them all.
Here's the unedited text: ================================================
"I.N.D.E.P.E.N.D.E.N.T. - Do You Know What That Mean, Mane?"
By now, I know you all have heard (and is probably tired of) Webbie's catchy jingle, "I.N.D.E.P.E.N.D.E.N.T." and it's accompanying video that concludes with a Black woman becoming President of the United States and putting an end to all of the world's major problems. Far-fetched? Very. Good message? No doubt! I find the song very refreshing amongst other tunes that pollute the airwaves these days.
Over the past few decades, we have witnessed numerous other tunes that have become "Women's Anthems" in Hip Hop as well as other genres of music. I think this is fantastic. However, in my opinion, the true meaning and message in these songs usually goes over the heads of the general public and is misconstrued. For some reason, the phrase "independent woman" has erroneously transformed into "I Don't Need A Man." I'm sorry ladies, but that's bullshyt!!
A lot of women wear the badge of "independent woman" with pride when in actuality, they ONLY claim that title by default. Let's face it, men sometimes drop the ball in relationships, thus FORCING the female to be independent and provide for themselves and their children. They have no choice. Trust me, if you had a good man who held up his end of the bargain, you would not be beating your chest bragging about your independent status. Basically, you made a poor decision in choosing a man and put yourself in that predicament.
On another hand, you have women who are educated, financially stable, and can honestly do for themselves who throw around that title. Whoopity Do. You want a cookie? You're SUPPOSE to be able to provide for yourself if you're grown - be it man or woman. I liken that ideology to men who want "brownie points" for raising their damn kids. You don't get extra credit for these things people.
But getting back to the music...
My brother recently asked me if I felt like Beyonce was contradictory in making a song like "Bills Bills Bills", which most considered an ode to golddiggers, and then turn around and make ditties such as "Independent Woman" and "Upgrade You". I explained to him that the lyrics are not conflicting because "Bills Bills Bills" is not about a girl who's just looking for a man to pay her bills. If you listen, you'll discover it's about a female who's tired of her man running up her bills (phone bill, gas bill, car note, etc.) and not putting in. Therefore, the lyrics coincide with those of the other tunes I mentioned. Most women took the song the same way my brother did though and interpreted as a man needs to pay the woman's bill. Not true.
I remember around this time last year, damn near every chick with a myspace page had "Upgrade You" as their profile song or quote. However, many ladies are incapable of upgrading shyt. Flossing their sassy ass attitude, they missed the key elements of which Ms. Knowles was saying. Let's take a look...
Beyonce: "Taking care of home and still fly / That's a good look / I can help you build up your account / That's a good look..."
Translation: Real women take care of their home (read: their man and children).
Beyonce: "It's very seldom that you're blessed to find your equal / Still play my part and let you take the lead role / Believe me, I'll follow, this could be easy / I'll be your help whenever you need me / I see you hustle, with my hustle, I can keep you / focused on your focus, I can feed you"
Meaning: In one verse, Ms. Knowles basically explains how relationships SHOULD work and how they can work. Everybody should just play their role.
The bottom line is, with the "I don't need a man" attitude, our families will continue its downward spiral in the era of baby daddies/mamas and poor child-rearing practices. Being able to provide for yourself should be the norm, not a title that's used to exhibit cockiness and vanity. Ladies, just remember that independent means SELF-contained, SELF-governing, SELF-sufficient, and SELF-supporting. But when taken overboard, you'll only find yourSELF by YOURSELF.
This is from the AUC Magazine. I write a column in there and I encourage you all to check it out. It’s available at selected college campuses across the country or you can go to aucmagazine.com for more info.
Anyway, I know the words in this picture are kinda small so here’s the unedited text from yours truly...
Ok...I’m sick of this shyt!! As a music video director, I am utterly disgusted by the name-calling and double standards that society has put in place when it comes to ethnic models who appear in music videos. Why the hell are they labeled as "video hoes"?? To hear these grossly exaggerated generalizations is despicable especially when they’re from a race of people who have been plagued with stereotypes for centuries.
Let me ask you a question: Did the young ladies of the Rutgers basketball team deserve to be called "hoes"? Let me answer that for you. NO!! So why is it that so many ignorant fucks out there pass judgment and place labels on these women knowing very little about their personal lives. These women are Sisters, Daughters, and Mothers-just because they’re in music videos, why should that warrant the unjust labeling?
Advertisers adhere to the age-old adage that "sex sells" and models in videos are essentially selling the artist and the song. It’s the same principle alcohol distributors, car manufacturers, and clothing companies have utilized since their conception. Even when the blond-haired, blue-eyed Barker beauties are parading around Rice-A-Roni, vacuum cleaners, and "new car"s on "The Price Is Right", those models are using their sexy appearance to sell the show. When the sexy ladies of the popular game show, "Deal Or No Deal", open those briefcases, their appearance is a part of the show’s appeal. Those women are not called "game show hoes" so why are the women in urban clips called "video hoes".
I think it goes back to black people just hating themselves - forcing them to hate on others like them...but that’s a different article in itself. I digress.
Many people who aren’t in the industry doesn’t realize that these women are on set (at work) for 14, maybe 16 hours a day. In addition, it takes a huge amount of courage and confidence to be in front of a camera while people are standing around watching you. The average person can NOT do it. Many of these women watch their diet and exercise regularly to keep their bodies in great shape and we KNOW that the average American does NOT have gym memberships and fast food consumption is the norm since everybody’s always in a rush.
I’ll even say instead of blasting these women, more folks should look at their positive attributes and emulate them. Especially the over-weight slobs that sit on their asses all day and watch music videos.
Behind the Scenes: "Dunn Dunn/ Foolish" Video by Shawty Lo!!
Current mood: accomplished
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers
What's up y'all!!
Just wanted to drop off this behind the scenes footage from the "Dunn Dunn/Foolish" video shoot we did for Shawty Lo...courtesy of mixcast.tv. Check it out and let me know what you think...
Oh yeah..the official video will be hitting your video outlets real soon so keep looking out for that!! Preciate the Love and Support!!
Currently
listening
:
Units in the City
By
Shawty Lo
Release date: 26 February, 2008
"Tricks Up, Pimps Down??" *REPOST
Current mood: confused
Category: Blogging
***NOTE: This is a repost from my blogspot. Check it out at My2cents-sense.blogspot.com***
It seems like just yesterday.
I had just left school on a chilly November afternoon. It's 1993. I remember vividly the brisk Detroit wind shaking my hooptie as I drove down the freeway. I was a senior in high school so as usual, I couldn't wait to get as far as I could away from that eight-story prison called Cass Technical High School. On a typical day, I would head straight home so I can change clothes and go to work. But this was no typical day.
I was FEENIN''. I mean, like, Really Jonesin'. So I was on a mission to get to Damon's Record Center, who was my reliable supplier whenever I needed my frequent fix for dope lyrics and intoxicating beats. I just wanted to get hiiiigggghhhhh.... Keep in mind, this was 15 years ago when the shyt we used to intake into our ears was much more potent than the watered-down shyt they sell on the streets nowadays.
Long story short...
I got there...got my shyt...and raced to the car so I can take a hit. I ripped off the packaging and popped the tape into the deck. I just sat there in the parking lot soaking it in. It was DOPE!! It was Snoop Doggy Dogg's (before he dropped the 'Doggy') first tape - "DoggyStyle".
When I got home, I locked myself in my room and indulged.
Snoop's lazy yet acrobatic drawl was the perfect match to Dre's rhythmic symphonies. The lyrics were raw and crass, unapologetic to a degree where it was almost a fault. I really knew that when Snoop said, "I don't love dem hoes," he really meant it. I can't fault him for that. Even though the infamous way he exclaimed "Be-yotch!!" was derived from the great poet Too Short, it just seemed so much cooler when Snoop said it.
This was an era in rap music where it was cool to be a pimp. No Doubt. This post is not about the many morality issues surrounding pimps, hoes, squares, and tricks, but moreso a question to the young brothers who were supposedly influenced by these iconic hip hop tunes that some classify as "Gangster Rap". WHEN DID IT BECOME COOL TO BE A FUCKIN' TRICK????
I ask this question with a great deal of sincerity and seriousness because I really don't understand. I don't know, maybe I'm stuck in a different era, but I didn't think we were suppose to love these hoes. Remember Big Daddy Kane and Nice & Smooth's "Pimpin' Ain't Easy"? Ice-Cube's "I Ain't The 1"?? Geto Boys' "Gangster Of Love"??? Hello...Anyone???? Not once in any of these songs did niggas make it rain on dem hoes!! Why is it so "cool" nowadays to throw money in the air and watch it fall on broads' heads and then to the floor? No matter how you look at it, THAT'S TRICKIN'!!
You say, "It ain't trickin' if you got it." I say, BULLSHYT!! Regardless of how much you have, if you trick off your money, you's a fuckin' trick, TRICK!! Case close.
What's the deal with young folks these days? They're makin' songs about buying broads drinks, being in love with strippers, even lacing bitches up with jewlery, clothes, and all types of Burken bags and shyt. What The Fuck!?!? A Birkin bag is like 12K. If you spending that much, it's obvious you love the hoe. When does the simpin' cease? You're sending all types of mixed messages to the youth by saying that you're a pimp or mack or you're swagger is so undenible, the girls just flock to you. No Nigga...their flocking to you cause you're a trick ass nigga throwin' money in the air. It's not your swag, homie. Sorry.
The music I was raised on taught me that you suppose to spit game to a girl and get her with your mouthpiece. And in reality, any decent woman worth talking to should like you for YOU and not your net worth anyway.
Let's cut to the chase. C'mon dog, be real...you're spending money and making it rain cause you want to hit it OR you're an attention whore yourself. That's it. If that's what you're doing, hey, to each his own, but don't deny the fact that you're a trick. Bottom line is, you's a trick, she's a hoe (if she's fuckin' you for cash or "gifts"), and 9 times out of 10, she's probably paying another dude...we'll just call him "the pimp".
Now, don't get me wrong. I've been known to go to a strip club or two in my day and by no means am I saying that I am tricking-exempt. BUT, I've never claimed to be a pimp either and I damn sure don't make it rain.
I'm just sayin', let's call a spade a spade and stop the frontin', Trick.
This public service announcement has been brought to you by Concerned Citizens For The Betterment Of Dilusional Rappers and of course my2cents-sense.blogspot.com.
"Either They Don’t Know...Don’t Show..." *REPOST*
Current mood: blah
***NOTE: This is a repost from my other blog at: My2cents-sense.blogspot.com. Stop by now and check out the site.***
"or don't care about what goes on in the hood" - Doughboy (1991).
On February 5th, 2008, I received a shocking reality check. We were on the tech scout for our music video, Shawty Lo's "Dunn Dunn", and one of the locations was off of Simpson Rd.. For those not familiar, Simpson Rd. and the rest of this west side Atlanta community is infamous for low poverty living, drug-infestation, and poor living conditions.
The location was AMAZING (Visually)...being that it matched the hardcore look we were going for. However, I had no idea that people actually LIVE there. It looks like condemned apartments that are just waiting for a bulldozer to come through and tear it down. So imagine my disbelief when I seen a little girl who was maybe 6 years old coming home from school dragging her backpack through the pissy terrain smitten with empty liquor bottles, trashed food, and used condom wrappers. The shyt is sick.
The imagery really left an impression on me so I went back yesterday just to chop it up with the people who were still living there. I talked to a young woman who is raising her 12 year-old son and 4-year-old daughter. She told me that basically, they've been left to rot there. Some of the units are still occupied because they have no place to go. Meanwhile, the furnaces and water heaters have been ripped out of other units causing flooding in some of the apartments. And I do mean FLOODING!! And the water is constantly running. It makes me think about all this talk that's been going on about this drought that we're having and they have water constantly flowing over here and no one from the City of Atlanta is doing shyt about it.
She also told me that the city's sanitary workers haven't picked up the trash in almost four months. FOUR. FREAKIN'. MONTHS. Wow!! I don't know about y'all, but I can easily fill up a few trash bags within a week's time before the garbage man comes to get it. Can you imagine living in an area where you have trash from an entire complex that hasn't been picked up in 16 weeks??
The woman did tell me that they will be tearing the place down in the months to come...thus leaving these people with no where to go. And just keep in mind, it's not just adults living here, but KIDS also. It seems like Katrina in Atlanta and the government isn't doing a damn thing about it because it's not affecting the more affluent Atlantans.
Anyway, I just felt the need to say something and share that...here are some more photos I took while I was there:
In the railing above, you can see that some of the wooden posts are missing, making it VERY easy for a small child to fall through...*smh*
No place for children to be playing at...
Flooded Apartments...
And please believe that places like this exist all over the country... Are you willing to do anything about it??
Video Shoot!! Shawty Lo "Dunn Dunn"
Current mood: artistic
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers
What's up folks!!
We're shooting the video for Shawty Lo's next single off the "Units In Da City" CD called "Dunn Dunn". We'll be shooting this Wednesday, February 6th all day long.
My2Cents-Sense.blogspot.com
Current mood: chill
Category: Blogging
What's Up Folks!!
Be sure to check out my new blog site:
my2cents-sense.blogspot.com
Come on through and chop it up with me about any and everything that's going on in pop culture!! I will also be posting exclusive videos and photos there for your enjoyment so stop through and ENJOY!!
PTF ’07 Video Wrap Up!!
Current mood: accomplished
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers
What's Up People!!
Double 0 - 7 is outta here!! But before you rush into '08, check out these videos we directed in 2007. Needless to say, it was a GREAT year and with God's grace, '08 will be even better. Special Thanks to all who were a part of a successful year!!
Without further ado, here are the videos starting off with the lovely Georgia Peach, Rasheeda. This is "My Bubble Gum/You Can Get It"!!
We went up to DC and linked up with the legendary Chuck Brown and DJ Kool for this summertime CLASSIC!! Here's "Block Party"!!
Here's probably one of the most slept on videos and songs of the year. Crime Mob "Circles"!!
This Shyt Right Here...definitely gets my vote for VIDEO OF THE YEAR!! Due to obvious reasons, it didn't get the promotional push it deserves, however, the art speaks for itself. Here's T.I. feat. Alfamega and Busta Rhymes with "Hurt"!!
This joint right here is another slept-on banger by one of the most anticipated cats out of the 'A'. Here's Kuntry King feat. T.I. "That's Right"!!
This is one cat that y'all should definitely be lookin' out for in '08. The street buzz is CRAZY and we were blessed to provide the visuals for this anthem. Here's Shawty Lo in "Dey Know"!!
That brings us to the last joint we did in '07...Huey feat. MeMpHiTz and T-Pain "Tell Me This (G5) Remix"!!
Thanks again to all who support President Thomas Forbes!! Look foward to motion pictures, documentaries, and a host of more videos in the New Year...
Have a Blessed and Prosperous 2008!!
Currently
listening
:
My Way
By
Frank Sinatra
Release date: 25 October, 1990
Christmas In Detroit
Current mood: blissful
Category: Travel and Places
I decided to do a lil' wrap up on my trip to the "D" for Christmas with family and friends. A good time was definitely had. I'm gonna do this with a few blog postings, pictures, and just random thoughts...ALL in this one blog entry. With that being said, this may be a little lengthy. But read on folks cause you just may learn a thing or two.
First off, let me tell you about my plane trip home with a chapter I call "Proper Plane Ettiquette"...
CHAPTER ONE: PROPER PLANE ETTIQUETTE:
Have you guys ever been on a plane sitting next to a complete stranger that wouldn't stop talking to you???? You don't wanna be rude cause, hell, you have to sit next to Mr./Ms. Talkative for the next hour or two, yet you still just want a smooth, tranquil flight from Point A to Point B. Holiday traveling can already be a hectic and trying experience in itself without commentary on Every...Little...Asanine...Irrelevant...Remote...Trivial...Unconnected piece of tidbit that an unknown person can think up.
Well, Ladies and Gentlemen, I had that EXACT experience on my way back to the crib. I was already seated and buckled in when Mr. "I Can't Shut The Fuck Up" took the seat next to me. I was perusing the net via my blackberry and I kinda noticed him take a glance at the screen. I was on a message board and someone had a snap shot from a football game as their avatar. I guess after seeing that, he felt the need to start a sports-related conversation with me. I'm NOT a sports fan like that. However, dude started rambling off about the latest in sports news, statistics, his predictions, what's the best college basketball team to produce successful NBA players, his love for Boston teams (that's his hometown), the different college football coaches he has met, which ones were assholes, which ones were nice, etc., etc., etc...
While we were awaiting take off, I continued to fiddle around on my blackberry hoping to give him the impression that I was busy. It didn't work. After we were in the air, I closed my eyes, put my seat back, and pretended to be sleep. That was also unsuccessful. After the hearing a crash course on sports history, he shifted to talking about the various stocks he had profited from and how he wish his culture (he's white) had more family reunions like my culture (I'm black)...lol. He prefaced that statement by saying, "No disrespect but...". I thought that was kinda funny.
Anyway, I actually ended up dozing off on the plane...not sure if he kept talking or not...but I didn't care. We landed safely, wished each other a safe holiday season and exited the plane.
Now, the moral of this story is...
DON'T FORGET YOUR HEADPHONES WHEN TAKING A FLIGHT.
LOL!!
CHAPTER TWO: RANDOM THOUGHTS ON A CHRISTMAS EVE:
***Thought Number One:
"Do The Right Thing" came on at 3:40am on Christmas Day (I still consider that Christmas Eve). Great movie for so many reasons but one thing that kinda took me back was how BEAUTIFUL Ruby Dee is. Even in the "old lady" garbs she wore in the film, she has a certain elegance that really radiates on screen. That's one gorgeous lady y'all...
***Thought Number Two:
Ludacris' "Ludacrismas" song is one of the hottest HipHop Christmas songs in recent years. Actually, in a looonnnggg time. It's Great. I heard it on WJLB on Christmas Eve and they were SPINNIN'!! They mixed old school standards such as Slick Rick's "Children Story" with Dr. Dre's "G Thang" with up-to-date songs such as the new Luda I mentioned. It was a refreshing break from some of the monotonous sounds I'm used to hearing on Atlanta radio. I might have to start checkin' for JLB on the net sometimes when I'm sick of the same ol' song.
***Thought Number Three:
I'm really starting to believe that Kevin Trudeau is a fraud. If you're a nocturnal being as I sometimes am, then you know him from his series of infomercials about his top-selling books. He's the author of "Natural Cures They Don't Want You To Know About" and another book on weight-loss. While flipping through the channels, I discovered his latest scam *ahem* I mean book..."Debt Cures".
When I first encountered the whole "Natural Cures" book, it sparked my interest and he made some valid points in the infomercial that I wholeheartedly believe. But c'mon... Book after book after book? I'm just a little skeptical of this dude. What do you think about him??
CHAPTER THREE: FIELD TRIP 2007
While at home, I decided to visit the Charles H. Wright African American History Museum. It was an enlightening and entertaining experience to say the least. I went with my brother and his girlfriend and it was interesting looking at all the exhibits dating back centuries ago.
I couldn't help but think how many native Detroiters or folks who live in the city have actually gone there. It is the largest African American history museum in the WORLD and it sits right there in our back yard. Also, I was a little disappointed to see that most of the patrons there were white. I'm not sure if that's a regular occurence but I have a hunch that it is. *SMH*
Here are a few pictures I managed to snap off:
Africans selling and trading slaves
Enslaved mother with child being auctioned
Harriet Tubman Be careful when you walk into her area because she's packing a shot gun and she speaks to you also!!
Factory Workers after the migration North
They had a room dedicated to the Motown Records era. I had to peep all the classics!!
Statue outside
CHAPTER FOUR:
Thomas' Christmas Tree
On Christmas Day, family members gathered at my parents house to enjoy a scrumptuous meal that my mother worked hard on. Good times were had by all...
CHAPTER FIVE:
On my last night in town, my sisters since high school, Wendy and JaMay, and my homies Nate and Hank, and I went out for Kareoke. We all had a BLAST!! Plus, I think I caught the bug because I can't wait 'til the next time I go to kareoke. Believe it or not, it's somewhat therapeutic to get up there and make an ass out of yourself in front of friends and strangers while they cheer you on.
Now...everytime I go back to Detroit, there's something that I HAVE to have or else it doesn't even feel like I was there. That thing is...
That's Right. Good ol' Coney Island!! There's nothing like Coney Island on a late night right before turning in.
In the Drive-Thru
The bomb ChilliCheese Fries!! Gotta have that "heart attack food" right before you go to sleep...
In short, I had a grand ol' time over this Christmas holiday. It always good to be around the fam and friends and it wasn't just filled with the usual shopping and eating so that made it that much better.
Hope you guys enjoyed your holiday as much as I enjoyed mine...
Currently
listening
:
Feliz Navidad
By
Jose Feliciano
Release date: 01 July, 2004
True Meanings
Current mood: awake
Category: Blogging
My Homie Link sent me this link that I find VERY interesting. I know we all celebrate the Holidays for various reasons, however, a lot of us do lose track and fail to acknowledge the true origins of these Celebrations.
With that said, I encourage you to take a little bit of time out and get some "Edumacation".
Random Thoughts on a FRIDAY part ONE!!
Current mood: awake
"It's been a long time...I shouldn't of left you / Without a dope blog to step to"...HaHaHaHa...ok, that was corny...I know. But hey!! It's been a minute since I spit out these random thoughts and I feel it's a lil' overdue. So without further ado...here it is:
***THOUGHT NUMBER ONE:
This goes out to the fake (oops!! - I mean) fabulous models out there. *chuckle, chuckle* Just because you have a myspace page and a digital camera...that does NOT make you a MODEL!! There is skill that differentiates one from being a MODEL and a mere "picture taker" as my homie Sexy Shawn would say. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking anyone's hustle or them doing what they do, BUT, just cause you have tens of thousands of pic comments in shots where you're just showin' your ass (literally), that doesn't mean that the term "MODEL" should be included in your resume'.
In addition, DON'T GET THE BIG HEAD AND SHYT ON PEOPLE because you're career is on the rise. There's a difference between valueing yourself and being confident and just being down right nasty and stuck-up. Models already get a bad rap in a lot of circles, so don't give them fuel to their fire is all I'm saying.
Shout out to the ones that do it and do it RIGHT!!
***SIDENOTE: Oh yeah, if you're in Atlanta, check out the latest issue of "Creative Loafing". It features an article on Buffie The Body, in which I was quoted.***END SIDENOTE
***THOUGHT NUMBER TWO:
Even though I wasn't directly affected, I feel a Great deal of sympathy for those who's lives were drastically changed by the Hurricane Katrina aftermath. I just read about the BILLIONS of dollars this quote on quote, "war against terrorism" is costing on a monthly basis and it's SHAMEFUL that this great nation continues to invest MORE loot in KILLING...as oppose to the health and well-being of it's citizens. By now, we've all heard about how FEMA has dropped the ball, but it just seems TO ME that something else should be done to help the individuals and families whose lives were ruined.
This may seem like old news to some, but TRUST ME, the effects of Hurricane Katrina will haunt our country unless more emphasis is put on it. It's REALLY Saddening but I'm not gonna ramble. I do encourage everyone who reads this to do SOMETHING about it. That's all I have to say about that...for now...
***THOUGHT NUMBER THREE:
=
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA = NIGGAS (or should I say "Coloreds")!!!!!!!!...Let me explain...
The Original idea of the first colonists was independence from Britain rule. They wanted to be free.
Since the transport of Niggas/Blacks/Coloreds/Negros/African-Americans (or any other name we've been called) have existed on THIS land, we've strived to be FREE.
The U.S. is basically HATED by the rest of the world. CITIZENS of the United States even hate the U.S.A..
Niggas are hated by everyone else. AND Niggas hate their own kind as well.
Our government is in DEBT.
Y'all already KNOW Niggas are in debt as well.
...I can go on, but Imma keep it moving...*LOL!! while SMH!!*
***THOUGHT NUMBER FOUR:
During a conversation with an older gentleman, older meaning in his 60's (more than twice my age), the subject of politics were brought up...I said that I would vote for Obama...he said he'll NEVER vote for Obama because he don't know anything about him.
To that, all I have to say is "Ignorant nigga, then do your homework!!" It's a damn shame how people from ALL generations are too lazy to do the research on something as significant as choosing a candidate. You can't let the media just feed you with propaganda. Not. A. Good. Look. At. All.
***THOUGHT NUMBER FIVE:
About a week or so ago, a young white (and I ONLY said "white" cause if he was black, the media would've made sure they labeled him as so) teen flipped out and murdered several innocent people at a mall before taking his own life. In interviews with classmates and people that knew him, he was quoted as saying that he wanted to "go out with style" and that he wanted to be "famous".
First and foremost, my condolensces goes out to the victims and all the individuals affected by this tragedy.
Secondly, I'd like to say, what the fuck was this kid thinking???? You don't shoot and kill innocent people and become famous!! If anything, he should've set his goals higher and went for...hmmm...well...ummmmmm...let's just say THE PRESIDENT!!
When it comes down to the kid's logic, a presidential assasination attempt would've definitely earned him a spot in the history books and secret service would've lit his ass up with a plethora of bullets thus forth accomplishing his "going out in style" destiny.
I'm definitely not wishing harm upon our President...I'm just sayin' though. Just a thought.
***THOUGHT NUMBER SIX:
Do y'all remember when you were guaranteed a bunch of phone calls or people trying to see you on holidays or birthdays? Nowadays, it's SOOO EASY to just drop people text messages...LOL!! I'm very guilty of it myself and I don't think that the meaning is any less sincere...it just saves a WHOLE lot of time...LOL!!
So don't be mad when you get your texted "Happy Holidays!! blah blah blah" from Me...LOL!!
***THOUGHT NUMBER SEVEN:
Ok...I know the picture is a picture of Beyonce and Shikara. Both ladies Do Their Thang...but that's a great photo. LOL!!
Anyway, I'm a fan of Beyonce. (duhh) Who isn't? (Actually, I know quite of few folks who are not but this post isn't for them...LOL!!) Anyhow, I think SOOOO many women out there need to HEED the lyrics to this song "Upgrade You". It seems like the song was extremely popular this year and was at some point a fixture on women's myspace pages as well as prevalent in their sayings when dealing with guys. However, the shyt the B is talkin' bout, a lot of women AREN'T willing to do.
Let's examine:
Beyonce says: "Sending me a drink ain't appeasing, Believe me / Come harder, this won't be easy..."
MESSAGE: Women, you shouldn't expect a man to buy a drink for your thirsty ass...PERIOD. So, DEFINITELY, don't ask...LOL!!
Beyonce says: "Taking care of home and still fly, That's a good look"
MESSAGE: Ladies, this is what you're SUPPOSED to do. Just like you expect a MAN to do what he's SUPPOSED to do, play your position as well.
Beyonce says: "Anything you cop, I'll split the bill, That's a good look"
MESSAGE: That's pretty much self-explanatory. If you can't or won't do that, don't consider yourself an "upgrade".
Beyonce says: "It's very seldom that you're blessed to find your EQUAL / Still play my part and let you take the lead role / Believe me / I'll follow, this could be easy / I'll be the help whenever you need me / I see you hustle, with my hustle I can keep you / Focused on yo' focus, I can feed you"
MESSAGE: This right here...this shyt right here, nigga...should be in the vows of all marriages..PERIOD!! It breaks down the roles in a relationship and if many folks (male and female) played their role, the institution of marraige wouldn't be shadowed with as many divorces as there are.
***THOUGHT NUMBER EIGHT:
OK, this is a shameless plug make sure you check out the previous few videos we've done. Hot Shyt!! And, hell, tell me if it's not...
-Huey feat. MeMpHiTz and T-Pain "Tell Me This (G5) Tha Remix"
-Shawty Lo "Dey Know"
-Big Kuntry King feat. T.I. "That's Right"
-T.I. feat. Alfamega and Busta Rhymes "Hurt"
-Crime Mob "Circles"
Go to my previous blogs to check these joints out and thanks for your support in all we do.
ALSO, check us out in the Jan./Feb. issue of XXL magazine with Lil' Wayne on the cover. Check page 96-97.
I also got some quotes in the latest "Creative Loafing" Atlanta in an article about video models and Buffie the Body. Check it out:
This video right here is HILARIOUS!! It was brought to my attention the other day when I was listening to Ryan Cameron's (V-103) radio show. Maaannn, it's some FUNNY ISH!! Fa Real!!
I KNOW you're laughin' now...That's about it, have a Fantastic Weekend...Take Care Of Yourselves And Each Other...
Currently
listening
:
Follow the Leader
By
Eric B. & Rakim
Release date: 26 April, 2005
nostalgic
cynical
argumentative
accomplished
confused
blah
artistic
chill
blissful
awake
