Black Woman STILL Walking

Don't forget to check me out at PresidentialTelevisionandFilm.ning.com


"What These Bitches Want From A Nigga??" - DMX

Sorry, just felt like saying that...

Ok. This is a short documentary that's been floating around the intranets for a minute now. It's a topic that many of my female counterparts have spoken with me in disgust about on many occasions. Here's the scenario:

Black Girl walks down a street minding her own business. She encounters a few Black Boys hanging out talking about shyt that Black Boys talk about - Girls, sports, Girls, politrix, Girls, music, Girls, cars, Girls, their busta ass homeboy, Girls, what I'mma do when I get my money right, Girls, etc....you know the typical shyt. Oh yeah, did I mention Girls? Anyway, Black Girl walks by Black Boys and a couple of them make comments about her body parts...all of them check out her ass as she passes by. Black Girl ignores their comments to the best of her ability. Black Boys talk amongst each other about the Black Girl focusing their conversation on physicalities. Black Girl feels disrespected. End Scenario.

This scenario plays itself out time and time again at the workplace, on the train, in the mall, in the club, on the beach, at the bar-b-que, in the classroom, at church, at the zoo, everywhere countless times a day.

I feel the women in the video make a valid point about being harrassed (if it gets to that point), but the question that lingers in my head is what about the alternative. What if guys didn't react that way and ignored the sistas as they walked by? Better yet, what if dudes paid the sistas no mind, but showed their interest (disrespectful or not) to white women or women of other ethnic backgrounds?

Speaking in general, women seem to go that extra route to make themselves more attractive on a daily basis with the goal of being appealing all the time. That leads me to believe that they wish for their effort to not go without being appreciated. Obviously some brothas who may be lacking in the manners department go about it the wrong way, but if they didn't at all, what effect would that have on the female psyche? Would they in turn feel undesireable?

***WARNING: HARSH REALITY CHECK COMING IN 5...4...3...2...1...***

NONE OF THE CHICKS IN THE DOCUMENTARY WERE EVEN DIMES!! Not that it matters (although it maybe does) but, it would've been nice if Tracey Ross would've had a couple of knockouts that she interviewed. Truth be told, dudes tend to switch up their approach (read: game) depending on what the woman looks like. I'm not saying that gorgeous women don't fall prey to the immaturity and lack of respect that some dudes have, but I think that there will be a difference in the dynamic.

My Good People, what do YOU think?

***SIDENOTE: "What These Bitches Want From A Nigga??" was actually the working title of this post...aren't you glad I changed it? LOL!! I'm silly like that. Sue me. END SIDENOTE***

A Heartbreak Fa' Real

I hope y'all join me over at PresidentialTelevisionAndFilm.ning.com.


Damn.

I guess all good things must come to an end.

"The Cosby Show" and "A Different World" back-to-back on Thursday nights...

The days when hardcore rappers didn't water their music down with R&B to sell records to the bytches...

Living carefree, wearing your play clothes all day, and not even having the mental capability to even fathom the thought of paying a damn bill.

Don't you miss those days? Yeah...*eyes watering up*...me too. But as I said, *sniffle*...all good things must come to an end and such is the case with Mr. Kanye West's stellar onslaught of bangin' ass albums.

Since 2004's "College Dropout", I was an instant fan of Kanye's. From the beats that transcended being mere "beats" and more like intricate masterpieces of composition, to his content and subject matter that spoke to my personal experience more than other shyt out there, to his lyrical passion. It was a far cry from him being a lyrical genius, but certain lines displayed a potential that could only grow. Not to mention the videos that accompanied the disc. "Through The Wire",
">"It All Falls Down" (with the lovely Stacey Dash), the three "Jesus Walks" joints, "Workout Plan", and the rare "Two Words" - all of which were dope in their own right.
***SideNote: Please click those links to re-experience the dopeness of those videos. EndSideNote***

"Late Registration" picked up right where "Dropout" left off at and "Graduation" completed the trilogy.

But now in the year of 0 to 8, Kanye releases "808 And Heartbreaks". This album has to be the most asstastic shyt I have heard since there was a white group calling themselves the Young Black Teenagers. Honestly, some of Kanye's songs of the past have been a bad song "for Kanye" being that his music is dope 93.5% of the time. But not this collection of uninspiring, lackluster, just plain BORING play of songs.

The voicecoder or autotune shyt needs to be laid to rest if your name isn't T-Pain. Not saying I condone his usage, but that's HIM. I accept that and he manages to make it work no matter how much we may front. Sure he stole it from the Teddy Riley's, Roger Troutman's, Cameo's, etc., but they stole it from Stevie Wonder (who is arguably the greatest artist of all-time). Being that Stevie KNOWS his voice isn't the GREATEST (c'mon now...he's a musical genius...he knows what his voice sounds like) he's opted to use that shyt too. Don't front.

But, what I'm asking is this. Did Kanye just decide to make an R&B/Alternative album and attempt to sing in the process? Like fa' real?? Is this the SAME dude that was LIVID a few years ago because folks didn't recognize him as an emcee/lyricist??

Maybe I'm wrong for being a Kanye fan and actually appreciating his flow. This singing shyt is WACK!!

Now...

I don't mean to get too personal, but being that music has been my mother, father, brother, sister, wife, girlfriend, booty call, bestfriend, associate, and even the nigga on the block I just see occassionally...I like to think that I know when it's being good or bad to me. I also know that history says that great artists make some of their greatest music when life's trials and tribulations are weighing heavy on their souls. We've seen it too many times for me to give examples.

In the past year, Mr. West has definitely gone through more than his fair share of life's unfortunate dealings. And although I hear the pain in his music, I'm sorry, it just doesn't make for great (or even good) songs for him.

Really, I think I saw all of this falling into play but purposely ignored it last year. When I first heard "Stronger", I immediately skipped past that joint within the first 20 seconds. And THEN, he released it as a single and it garnered rave reviews from his international audience. The video (although directed by Hype) was wack to me. *thinking to self, DAMN, I hope Common's not going down that same road after "BE"with his new joint*

Although I haven't heard for myself, the word is out that Common's new joint is pretty wacktacular itself. Again, I haven't heard so I can't speak for myself...but I'm just sayin'...

Maybe I'm just trippin' on my man Kanye.

But. What do y'all think????

Un-Shameless Plug

"As a young and dumb man, gun in the waist
Sold crack to those who couldn't take the pain
And had to numb it with base
Couldn't drink the henny straight, I needed somethin' to chase
Nowadays I throw shots back, leavin' nothin' to waste
Life is like a treadmill, niggas runnin' in place
Gettin' no where fast, a whole year done past"
-"It's Like That" - Jay-Z

Greetings My Good People!!

I have bad news...and good news for ya. Which one do you want first?

Ok, y'all don't care? Aight then, I'll give you the bad new FIRST!!

As some of you may or may not know, I've been blogging on blogger for almost a year now. I've enjoyed the interactions and comments from everyone and I hope that you left feeling...well...SOME kinda way after reading one (or some) of my posts. Writing and sharing information and thoughts is something that I love to do as time permits and I really appreciate those who have checked in on ya boy to see if I've posted something new. With that said, I won't be posting as much on here as I use to.

*boooo's....chants of outrage...and jeers comes from everyone*

Here ye, here ye. Hold up muthafuggas, y'all know I only posted every now and then on this joint anyway!!

Calm y'all asses down.

I started this blogger site at the top of '08. And since I'm all about progression and shyt, I'm moving on to another site. A bigger and better site. Hence, the GOOD news. And I hope that ALL of you will join me there. I'll still post occassionally over here, but the new site will have everything you loved over here and much more.

With that being said...

I invite you all to join me at:

PresidentialTelevisionAndFilm.ning.com.

Hey, what can I say...I just celebrated my biological New Year and it's time I make some progressive changes. Tickets are free and I know y'all like free shyt so come along for the ride.

Also, with the new site, you can set up your own page, create your own blogs, add pictures, videos, notes, or just plug your own shyt...I don't care.

So, c'mon and join me at PresidentialTelevisionAndFilm.ning.com. and invite ya friends!!

Also, take words to prophet Shawn Carter and make sure you're not just "runnin' in place."

See you over at the new spot!!

ATL HipHop Meets Politics

As some of you may know, today Georgia had a run-off election stemming from the close race for U.S. Senate between Rep. Saxby Chambliss and Dem. Jim Martin. I casted my vote earlier today at a relatively empty poll station which only took five minutes of my time.

Although the numbers aren't all in as of now, I believe that Chambliss has a sizable lead. I did see some people in the streets rallying to get others to vote today, but the energy and and urgency of the citizens seemed kind of blah.

One thing I did find notable though was three of Atlanta's most prominent artists campaigning for Jim Martin yesterday at the capitol building. With all the negativity that seems to surround HipHop (and these artists in particular), it's good to see T.I., Young Jeezy, and Ludacris come together and represent themselves as the men they are. All three of the artists are known throghout the community for their philanthropic activities, but to come together and take a political stance is commendable in my opinion.

The importance of this race is that the Democrats can possibly become fillibuster-proff in the Congress if Martin gets in.

Gov. Sarah Palin (whom I thought I wouldn't have to see for a few years) was in the 'A' also yesterday campaigning for Chambliss. The messed up thing is, is that if he wins, I can see how some people will still champion this broad even though she would have had very little to do with a Chambliss victory. Gotta love (and by "love" I mean "hate") politics.

photos from Getty Images

Dollar, Dollar Bill Y'all....

Look, I love a good roast...as the one found over at the homies', Power and Awesome (GK and Luvvie), spot as they viciously went in on my man Dollar Bill...no-holds barred-style. I know it's all fun and games, but deez muthafathas got outta hand. We all know that "money talks" but they beat up on my dude so bad, he's been silenced.

Not to fear.

*Full Disclosure coming in 5...4...3...2...* Ya see, folks, Monk has a sensitive side. And GOTDAMMIIT I'm a fighter for the underdog. I got a tad offended by the way they left DB to die in a ditch. Therefore, it's my civic duty to speak up on this great, unjust travesty designed to smear the good name of my man lovingly known as "Buck". Ungrateful muafuggas they are!!

Feel free to check out their hilarious roast of Dollar Bill here.

*stepping to podium...taps mic*

Your Honor,

"Allow me re-introduce myself...My name is..." *hold up, wrong stage...my bad* I'm Attorney Council Monk Esq. III of George Muthafucking Washington and partners and I'm representing my dear ol' gracious friend, Dollar Bill.

With all due respect to the Lovely Luvvie and Grandioso Genius Khan...y'all some ingrate, repugnant, unappreciative, elitist ass kneegrows if I ever saw some.

Like fa real, after all Mr. Bill has done for you, this the muthfuckin' thanks he gets?? Fa Real????

To the judge and jury, I will present how these insidious, self-proclaimed "IGNANT", thankless sly-ass folks have unrighteously slandered the name of my client while totally ignoring his historic Greatness.

Now, in Every Black City, USA, there is one beverage that has always been a staple in the hood. If you guessed Coca-Cola (THE most popular brand ANYTHING on the world), please subtract one grade level from your "hood report card". If you guessed KOOL-AID, you are indeed correct. What does this has to do with the price of tea in China?? Absolutely nothing...BUT, Mr. Dollar Bill is single-handedly responsible for quenching the thirst of many hood folks across this vast land. You can go in the grocery store and easily rack up on a hundred thousand trillion packets of Kool-Aid in a variety of your most favoritest flavors...all for one Dollar Bill.

During P&A's roast, GK and Luvvie goes in on Mr. Bill's physical appearance ragging everything from his design to the smirking old face on it. However the sight of a crispy, vertically folded Dollar Bill can STILL get you:

a.) Preferential treatment from a bartender at a crowded bar where everyone else is trying to garner attention with "Hey's" and waving their empty hands.

b.) A young kid to do you a small favor like retrieving a bag of chips from the corner store for you.

c.) A sneak peek of a stripper's "pee-you-ess-ess-why" as she flirtaciously bats her eyes at you OR even a cheap feel if you place Mr. Bill in her thong just right.

Let's not forget that even though Dollar is the lowest valued US bill, when used the right way, it can make it seem like more than what it is. C'mon now, don't front...we've all at some point in time been guilty of using a knot of ones and putting a 20, 50, or 100 on top to make it look like we're ballllllin'. Shyt, as the saying goes, "Fake it 'til you make it." And in a capitalist society, perception is often construed as reality.

What would rap music be if it wasn't for my homie Dollar Bill? I know some of these cats are now jockin' euros and shyt, but think about the fabulous lines Mr. Bill has been a part of.

*"I'm about a DOLLAR, what the fuck is 50 Cent" - JayHova

*"Cash Rules Everything Around Me / C.R.E.A.M. Get the money / DOLLAR DOLLAR BILL y'all" - Method Man

*"Cuz my seconds, minutes, hours go to the almighty DOLLAR" - Lil' Weezy

*"I'm just another black man caught up in the mix / Tryin' to make a DOLLAR out of 15 cents" - Shock G

*"If it don't make DOLLARS, it don't make sense" - DJ Quik

I could go on and on but you get the point. If it wasn't for D. Bill, the greatness level of these songs would be taken down a notch.

In conclusion, judge and jury, I'd just like to say to all, lay off my man Dollar Bill. He's been having his Worst Year Ever, but he still my nigga.


Much love to Genius Khan and Luvvie!!

My Favorite Song (Right Now) part TWO!!

If you're like me, you're not a fan of Jim Jones.
And when I say, "not a fan", I mean you think his ghastly lack of lyrical ability, obnoxiously pathetic flow, and fake gangsterisms is an atrocious example of what NOT to do as an artist.

With my utter disgust for him out the way, I still must say that this is the most bangingest joint out right now.



"Pop Champagne" by Jim Jones, Ron Brownz, and Juelz Santana


This is the perfect video when we're in the midst of possibly the most titanic recession the U.S. has ever experienced, ya think? Lol!! I'm not gonna hate though cause when they were just bugging out having fun, spraying champagne on each other, and all that (read: COONING), I thought it was funny...lol. They really had a good time I'd assume.

I was first hooked on the song when I heard it while listening to Ryan Cameron a few weeks ago. The beat dropped and I was in awe. I like simple shyt...lol. Somewhat reminded me of the first time I heard the Clipse's "Grindin'" beat. The shyt just knocked!! And then Luda came on and ripped it. I'm thinkin', "Damn, I can't wait for Cris's new joint to drop!!"

Then, all of a sudden, this nigga comes and tries his hardest to fuck up his own song. *shaking my damn head* Luckily, I can just use my wack nigga earmuffs and focus on the beat while he attempts to rap.

Bottomline is...if you do not like this song or AT LEAST think it's "AIIGHT", then you must really REALLY be a Jim Jones hater. Trust me, it hurts for me to admit how dope it is, but...it is.

This will actually be the theme song for my birthday, THE 16th, although I won't be poppin' champagne.

That is all.

checkmate

I'll be the first to admit when I'm wrong.

And GOT DAMN, it feels SO GOOD to be wrong right now. America has elected a Black Man as their President. I knew in my heart of hearts that AmeriKKKa would never allow this to happen...lo and behold, I stand corrected.

I'm an Obama supporter and my only wish now is that the "bad apples" in America don't start trippin'. But I'm not going to entertain that right now.

Anyway, I hope everyone celebrate responsibly and don't neccessarily throw it up in Republican/McCain supporters in an exuberant way. There should be no "We Won Bytchez!!", "Take That Muthafuckaz!!", or "BooYah!!'s".

Keep in mind that there's a LOOONNNGGG road ahead and this is just one step (albeit a HUGE one) so let not get too lax. As the cliche' goes, this is checkers not chess.

So when addressing McCain/Palin supporters, just quietly say to them "checkmate".

That is all...and keep it moving.

In the words of the WU, "You best Protect Ya' Neck!!"



P.S. I am saddened that his grand mammy didn't live to see the day. I know the fact she didn't make it still weighs heavy on my dude.

P.S.S. Can we start a petition to paint the white house BLACK or is it too early?? Lol. Word to MC Breed.

P.S.S.S. I wonder what Bill Cosby has to say about have a Black President with a name like "BARACK"...I'm just asking...

SNEAK PEEK: "VIXENS" coming soon to 2BoldTV.com!!!!

What's Up My Good People,

Just droppin' off a couple of snippets from an internet television show I've been crafting for the past couple of months. The show is called "VIXENS" and it will be airing exclusively on 2BoldTV.com soon. Here's a brief synopsis on the show:

===========================

***VIXENS


With the popularity of music videos and urban lifestyle men's magazines such as King, Smooth, and Show, gorgeous ethnic women of all shades, shapes, and sizes have been given the opportunity to excel in the modeling industry - an industry that has been primarily designated for super-thin Caucasian models.

"Vixens" will showcase the hottest models as well as fresh, new faces that are ready to make their mark in this intriguing profession. In-depth interviews, behind the scenes of photo shoots, and fashion commentary with some of the industry's hottest stylists will provide insightful information that digs deep into the dirt of an industry known for its glitz and glamour.

We will also take the viewer on a 'Day In The Life'-journey with some of the hottest models as our cameras follow them throughout personal aspects of their life such as attending casting calls, going to the gym, working on other projects, their home life, etc..

Captivating testimonials, raw and candid dialogue, and breath-taking visuals all contribute to "Vixens", making it a unique series in filling a huge void in the entertainment business. For the first time, these beautiful faces and dynamic physiques are given a VOICE!!

===========================

Here's a few snippets to give you an idea of what to expect. You have to wait for the actual shows to get the full interviews and other exclusive features.


2BoldTV.com "VIXENS" promo starring Challedon "Shy" Saltor from Presidential Television and Film on Vimeo.

Challedon "Shy" Saltor


2BoldTV.com "VIXENS" snippet starring Jream from Presidential Television and Film on Vimeo.

Jream


2BoldTV.com "VIXENS" snippet starring LaKeeda Kelly from Presidential Television and Film on Vimeo.

LaKeeda Kelly

If you're interested in being featured on "VIXENS", feel free to drop me an email at PresidentThomasForbes@gmail.com.

Special Thanks also to Darnik aka Spock of 2Bold Entertainment, the models who allowed us the opportunity to give a behind the scenes look at what goes on in their lives and two of the most talented young brothers on the come up in the film game Tedric and Chancler.

I will be posting more snippets soon so check back....

EARLY!!

Damn.

My homie just sent me this video. It's funny as shyt and had me laughing out loud LITERALLY...but after watching, I know what I must do.

LOL!!

My Favorite Song (Right Now) part ONE!!

The homie Telese posted a blog several days ago that contained the video for Ne-Yo's "Independent Woman"(Remix) (or whatever the song is called). I hate the original, but the remix, delights me much. I enjoy the video's simplicity also. It got me to thinking how I am a fan of Ne-Yo and really enjoy his writing for other people. Case In Point...



NKOTB feat. Ne-Yo "Single"

Little known factoid about me (well, actually, you might already know this), I am a fan of music...translated, that means I appreciate everything from the World's Most Dangerous Group, NWA's "Fuck The Police" to "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack to the Carpenters' "Close To You" to "Feels So Good" by Chuck Mangione to L'Trimm's "Cars With The Boom".

I will admit (proudly) that I wasn't a fan of New Kids On The Block back in the day...But this joint is a definitive BANGER!!

As most R&B and Pop songs, the premise is corny, but hell, I can be corny (in an ultra-charming way) at times, so I can actually see myself sayin' some shyt like "I'll be your boyfriend 'til the song goes off"...lol. I can SO say this and make it work. Trust me on this...LOL!!

Anyway, NKOTB's "Single" is My Favorite Song (Right Now)...with Tip's feat. Rhiana, "Live Your Life" coming in a CLOSE second. Who knows...this may change tomorrow but that's my statement and I'm sticking to it (for right now).

Oh yeah, if you're a SUPER-hard dude (and when I say "Super-hard" ~no brokeback~), who will never admit to liking a great song like this OR an undateable, "single", classless bytch, "I wanna rough neck/thug/d-boy"-type of female you may argue about this song's GREATNESS. In turn, you'll be wrong.

A Billi,..a Billi...a Billi...

I got this email earlier this week and figured I'd share...

=========================

This is too true to be funny. The next time you hear a politician use the word 'billion' in a casual manner, think about whether you want the 'politicians' spending YOUR tax money. A billion is a difficult number to comprehend,but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into some perspective in one of it's releases.

A. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.
B. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.
C. A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.
D. A billion days ago no one walked on the earth on two feet.
E. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it. While this thought is still fresh in our brain...let's take a look at New Orleans ...It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division.

Louisiana Senator,
Mary Landrieu (D) is presently asking Congress for 250 BILLION DOLLARS to rebuild New Orleans . Interesting number...what does it mean?

A. Well... if you are one of the 484,674 residents of New Orleans (every man, woman, and child) you each get $516,528.
B. Or... if you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans your home gets $1,329,787.
C. Or... if you are a family of four...your family gets $2,066,012.

Washington, D. C
"HELLO!"
Are all your calculators broken??

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL License Tax
Cigarette Tax Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax Food
License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax)
IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax) Liquor Tax
Luxury Tax
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service charge taxes
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax (Truckers)
Sales Taxes
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge
Tax
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Tax Vehicle License
Registration Tax Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?

Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago...and our
nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt...
We had the largest middle class in the world...and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.

What happened?

Can you spell 'politicians!' And I still have to press '1' for English. I hope this goes around the USA at least 100 times What the heck happened?????

=========================

All I can say is "Wowwww..."

Too Funny!!

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

spotted over at the rezidue

Failin'...oops...I mean 'Palin". My Bad...

So, I'm in a local pizzaria, right?

I called in my order and expected it to be ready when I got there. When I walked in, the place reeked of something burning. I have no idea of how these folks couldn't smell anything BURNING!! They have to be experts right...at least when it comes to shyt BURNING? Even the customers who were dining in the spot said nothing. WTF??

I swear, when I walked in, I smelt the scent of 'burned-ness". I've frequented this spot for MANY times in the past couple of years (read: two point five) and I've never experienced that.

**What I've said has NOTHING to do with this post...LMAO!!!! but not really.**

Anyways, I know it may perceieved as 'childish', this pic is funny to me:



Maybe I'm wrong for finding humor in this...maybe some folks just need to lighten the fuck up.

The Lost Videos part TWO!!

Now I know most of y'all have already seen this parody of the homie Lil' Duval's take on the BET interview with R. Kelly. Even though the subject matter is of a serious nature, I can't help but crack the fugg up every time I watch this.

Hilarious!!

LIL DUVAL INTERVIEWS R KELLY


Maybe I'm sick for thinking this, but the funniest part of this parody doesn't even come for Duval...It's when Robert, with a serious ass face says, "When you say TEENage, how old we talkin'?" WTF????

I've worked with R.Kelly years ago when the whole tape thing was really hitting the fan and I know his management (at the time...not sure if he's still represented by them) was EXTREMELY protective of EVERY small detail of the production. To think that someone stood around, heard him say that, and didn't immediately press to have that answer stricken from the final cut is beyond me. Nevertheless, it's funny as hell.

Oh shyt!! I got off track (not the first time, won't be the last). Anyway, I'll leave you with this video we directed for Do Or Die feat. R. Kelly. "Magic Chic".

We shot this up in the Chi and we had a BLAST!! The guys from DOD were real cool and hospitable to say the least. Truly legends but very humble. This was also my first time meeting Bishop Don Magic Juan. We kicked it with him in his hotel room and the dude is full of stories. Don't let the gaudy outfits fool you, he's really a wise and good dude. Enough about that though...here's the video.

Magic Chic

Raise Ya Got Damn Kids!!

You know what, I believe that the youth of today do some silly shyt. Hold up, I take that back...looking at history, I'd adjust that last sentence and take "of today" out. Now, I a firm believer that being young and discovering the world and learning about yourself, others, and your enviornment directly affects your actions and your way of thinking. Also, when you really think about it, a child comes into this world with a blank slate and it's others (namely adults) who are around them whom have the power of influence - be it good or bad.

After watching this video, I was speechless.



Now I don't know who the older woman was videotaping and eggin' the little girls, but I'd assume it was their mother or someone with close ties with the family. Not only is she basically coaching the kids to cuss out this other lady, but she had a stroke of brilliance and decided to video tape it. I ain't one to snitch, but fugg it, if I knew these individuals, the authorities might have to get a link to this shyt. Call me 'punk ass Chauncey' if you want. Sticks and stones. That's only after I checked her for her ignorant ass behavior and made her explain to the children that she was wrong for enticing them to make such a hate-filled video. Judging by the tone of the older chick though, she would've rejected my requests so that's why her ass would have contributing to the delinquency of minors charges or at the very least reported to DFACS. This is insane.

I don't have any children and I'm not one to tell parents how to raise theirs, but they should know that there are consequences for their actions.

***SIDENOTE: Actually, I do have children. My tax dollars is paying for hella kids whose parents aren't mature or responsible enough to care for their own so shiiiddd, you might as well call me 'daddy'. END SIDENOTE***

And just to set the record straight, don't try to blame this shyt on rap music. That cop out is OLD, TIRED, and just FALSE!! People just need to raise their damn kids in a more responsible manner.

You GOTTA Love This Guy part TWO!!

The first installment of "You GOTTA Love This Guy" took a good look at my homeboy's, Michael Moore, youtube videos as he represents countless times for people who don't neccessarily have a voice...or at least one that isn't heard too often in mainstream America. I just ran across a blog by Tim Wise that has prompted me to throw Mr. Wise in the same category. I encourage you all to do the knowledge on Tim Wise and recognize his work and his activism. Thanks to Sista Toldja for the link also.

Anyway, I lifted this from this website and decided to repost because I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiments mentioned. Feel free to foward this to as many people you know because it contains points of views that not only pertain to life in present-day America, but also the entire globe - past, present, and future.

Check it out:

===================================

September 13, 2008, 2:01 pm

This is Your Nation on White Privilege
By Tim Wise

For those who still can’t grasp the concept of white privilege, or who are constantly looking for some easy-to-understand examples of it, perhaps this list will help.

White privilege is when you can get pregnant at seventeen like Bristol Palin and everyone is quick to insist that your life and that of your family is a personal matter, and that no one has a right to judge you or your parents, because “every family has challenges,” even as black and Latino families with similar “challenges” are regularly typified as irresponsible, pathological and arbiters of social decay.

White privilege is when you can call yourself a “fuckin’ redneck,” like Bristol Palin’s boyfriend does, and talk about how if anyone messes with you, you'll “kick their fuckin' ass,” and talk about how you like to “shoot shit” for fun, and still be viewed as a responsible, all-American boy (and a great son-in-law to be) rather than a thug.

White privilege is when you can attend four different colleges in six years like Sarah Palin did (one of which you basically failed out of, then returned to after making up some coursework at a community college), and no one questions your intelligence or commitment to achievement, whereas a person of color who did this would be viewed as unfit for college, and probably someone who only got in in the first place because of affirmative action.

White privilege is when you can claim that being mayor of a town smaller than most medium-sized colleges, and then Governor of a state with about the same number of people as the lower fifth of the island of Manhattan, makes you ready to potentially be president, and people don’t all piss on themselves with laughter, while being a black U.S. Senator, two-term state Senator, and constitutional law scholar, means you’re “untested.”


White privilege is being able to say that you support the words “under God” in the pledge of allegiance because “if it was good enough for the founding fathers, it’s good enough for me,” and not be immediately disqualified from holding office--since, after all, the pledge was written in the late 1800s and the “under God” part wasn’t added until the 1950s--while believing that reading accused criminals and terrorists their rights (because, ya know, the Constitution, which you used to teach at a prestigious law school requires it), is a dangerous and silly idea only supported by mushy liberals.


White privilege is being able to be a gun enthusiast and not make people immediately scared of you.


White privilege is being able to have a husband who was a member of an extremist political party that wants your state to secede from the Union, and whose motto was “Alaska first,” and no one questions your patriotism or that of your family, while if you're black and your spouse merely fails to come to a 9/11 memorial so she can be home with her kids on the first day of school, people immediately think she’s being disrespectful.


White privilege is being able to make fun of community organizers and the work they do--like, among other things, fight for the right of women to vote, or for civil rights, or the 8-hour workday, or an end to child labor--and people think you’re being pithy and tough, but if you merely question the experience of a small town mayor and 18-month governor with no foreign policy expertise beyond a class she took in college--you’re somehow being mean, or even sexist.


White privilege is being able to convince white women who don’t even agree with you on any substantive issue to vote for you and your running mate anyway, because all of a sudden your presence on the ticket has inspired confidence in these same white women, and made them give your party a “second look.”


White privilege is being able to fire people who didn’t support your political campaigns and not be accused of abusing your power or being a typical politician who engages in favoritism, while being black and merely knowing some folks from the old-line political machines in Chicago means you must be corrupt.


White privilege is being able to attend churches over the years whose pastors say that people who voted for John Kerry or merely criticize George W. Bush are going to hell, and that the U.S. is an explicitly Christian nation and the job of Christians is to bring Christian theological principles into government, and who bring in speakers who say the conflict in the Middle East is God’s punishment on Jews for rejecting Jesus, and everyone can still think you’re just a good church-going Christian, but if you’re black and friends with a black pastor who has noted (as have Colin Powell and the U.S. Department of Defense) that terrorist attacks are often the result of U.S. foreign policy and who talks about the history of racism and its effect on black people, you’re an extremist who probably hates America.


White privilege is not knowing what the Bush Doctrine is when asked by a reporter, and then people get angry at the reporter for asking you such a “trick question,” while being black and merely refusing to give one-word answers to the queries of Bill O’Reilly means you’re dodging the question, or trying to seem overly intellectual and nuanced.


White privilege is being able to claim your experience as a POW has anything at all to do with your fitness for president, while being black and experiencing racism is, as Sarah Palin has referred to it a “light” burden.

And finally, white privilege is the only thing that could possibly allow someone to become president when he has voted with George W. Bush 90 percent of the time, even as unemployment is skyrocketing, people are losing their homes, inflation is rising, and the U.S. is increasingly isolated from world opinion, just because white voters aren’t sure about that whole “change” thing. Ya know, it’s just too vague and ill-defined, unlike, say, four more years of the same, which is very concrete and certain…


White privilege is, in short, the problem.

"Silly Of Me..."

"To think that I..." - Deniese Williams

This may be my last post about politrix (tics) until John McCain is elected and I tell y'all "I Told You So".

I love what Barack Obama stands for. His ideas for America are right along with mine. Of course our nation needs a lightning speed kick in the ass to change the status quo, better our economy, and improve our relationships with foreign countries and I believe that President Barack Obama has the power to do that...somewhere in his second term (nevertheless). Of course there's a multitude of other ISSUES that CNN, FOX News, MSNBC, other blogs, and common folk aren't really talking about.

**SIDENOTE: There's a lot of people talking greasy about Palin right now and even though I'm not a fan of the chick (I mean) bytch (hahahaha...that was funny. Laugh, I didn't mean it like that, but you probably would've said it too...lol), there's a lot of folks posting reckless things out there about her. And even though it's RIGHT, it's not right...why we gotta sling mud on each an' other?? I Hate Politics. And just for the record, SHE'S NOT ATTRACTIVE!! END SIDENOTE**

But, then again, who gives a fuck about EDUCATION, Poverty, Equal-Rights, HEALTH CARE, Illegal Drugs Shipped Into Our Country, Diminishing Economy, Rampant Violence In Our Cities, Police Brutality AND Profiling, Discrimination PERIOD, etc.,etc.????

I think we ALL do (care that is). However, the American media is SO FUCKED UP that our news outlets are focusing on BULLSHYT!! The media sources are SO biased in their broadcasting and journalism because they are tied into specific parties/relationships so they adjust what they put out there accordingly to the favor of the different factions. In addition, they take the most asinine topics and PROMOTE them like they ARE issues. This Is Fact. EVEN MUAFUGGIN' BLOGGERS LIKE YOU, YEAH YOU!!, TAKE WHOMEVER SIDE AND THROW SHYT ON THE OPPOSING SIDE...WTF!!

*taking breath*

Yeah, I'm guilty too, so what.

However, politrix are totally out of control when the public focuses on shyt like:

***in my Arsenio Hall comedic/interviewing voice*

"WHO's your Reh-verend, Barack?"
or
"What about all these kiiiiiiidddsss, Sarah?"
or
"How you a self-proclaimed "maverick" but they had you locked up and shyt, John??

***EXIT Arsenio*

My main point is:

The media (internet included) is making the election a Barnum's and Bailey's Circus Fiasco to distract people from the REAL ISSUES. Who gives a fuck if Obama attended a church who's pastor at the time told the got damn truth about America?? Why is a soildier who got CAUGHT UP, imprisoned, considered a 'prisoner of war' considered a HERO??
**SIDENOTE: I'm STILL scratchin' my head on that one.END SIDENOTE*** Why is a mother of five,six, or whatever the count is at such an issue???? And if she's so incompetent, why did she overshadow 'the dude that's running with Obama'?? Biden, right? Is that his name?? I kid. I kid. But that's how it is...

I can say, this is nothing new. THIS is actually what they've been doing for hundreds of years. In ALL situations, the candidate that appeals to the states with the most electoral votes come out as the winners. Popular votes don't count across the country so much.

Or, as we've learned in previous elections, THEY may put whomever they want into office.

Hey, this is Amerikkka, what can you do?

Anyhow, I REALLY wish the public got more involved in the ISSUES as oppose to the tabloid-worthy headlines talking about an old man being a "maverick", a Black dude with hope, a white broad from Alaska whom SOME think is "Hot!", and another cat who's thunder has been swept right below his feet...because of a "Jill-In-A-Box" from the GOP.

Another Point: I've ALWAYS thought that McCain would win against Obama just because of my experience and knowledge of the country. In the polls (which I don't neccessarily subscribe to), they say, it's neck-to-neck when it comes to "likely/probable" voters.

Let me repeat that:

"it's neck-to-neck when it comes to "likely/probable" voters."

Broken down into laymen's words, that means:

If y'all niggas (I use it as a term of endearment...I really do) don't get out there and REGISTER to vote, and VOTE, then uhhhhhh....it's on YOU!!

I already got my passport...and Toronto's lookin' REAL good.

I'm out.

P.S.

By the way, it was "Silly Of Me" to think that this election would be any different from the other name-calling, immature, mud-slinging, low-down politics of past years.

That's where my title came from. I like that song :-)

*Monk steps off soap box, tucks it under arm and exits stage left*

The Lost Videos part 1

I started this series about 2 years ago on my myspace blog and thought I'd take the time to resuccitate it here...so here goes:

=======================

What's Up my Good People!! Here's an installment of "Lost Videos". *Trumpets blare..."Duh-Duh Duh-Duuuhhh"* This is the place where I delve WAAAAAAYYYYY deep into my video archives and give you CLASSIC BANGERS that I've directed in the past.

This time, I have an EXTRA SPECIAL treat for you. See, this is a little known fact but, back in the day, yours truly used to dibble and dabble around with emceeing. You know, spittin' hot 16's...setting the m-i-c on fire...things of that nature. *smile* And if I do say so myself (which I do), the kid was NICE!! Actually nicer than NICE!! Who else but me can spit lines like these...

"...never holidin' a picket sign, just comin' with these wicked rhymes / I'm the shit and like a psychiatrist, I'll leave you hypnotized / But I don't need a swingin' clock, and I'm never singin' pop / Been rappin' since back in the day, ever since I heard "King Of Rock" / and it don't stop, I always flow rhymes / Niggas be sayin' it's wack but I know they like it cause they quote lines / These dope rhymes, I author them, battle me nigga? Ya know it's hard to win / I'm takin' these wack ass rappers into a "Different World" like Kadeem Hardison / and Jasmine cause I'm that man that be never comin' false / Damien, West Side Detroit beyotch! What the fuck you thought!!"

*18-year-old Damon drops the mic and strike his B-Boy pose* LOL!!

Yeah, I used to go by the name Damien and now it pisses me the hell off when someone calls me "Damien" as oppose to my birth name "Damon". Go figure. Anyhow, I used to be a member in this rap group called The Lyrical Linx with a few homies at Clark Atlanta (What Up Von, Yemi, and Boss!!) We were the shyt...fa real!! We were doing shows around the campus AND we were the first cats out there who had our own videos.

I dug up this joint we did that was like a freakin' hit around the AUC (Atlanta University Center - for those not in the know). It's funny because we shot this video on January, 1997 and now it's 2008. Damn!! 11.75 whole years have flew by. This video was SO much fun to make. We shot all around the AUC and just had a blast. It's a special "making of..." at the end of the video that is HILARIOUS!! You can see for yourself how much fun we had. Without further ado...I present to you "Ladies Of The AUC" by the Lyrical Linx feat. D. Lorenzo...



You can also check out D. Lorenzo (the vocalist) here. Now, just so you know, the Lyrical Linx were Lavon (Gooch da Lyrical Bully) who I went to Cass in the D with as well as CAU, my man Yemi from DC who we linked up with, *SIDENOTE: Yemi still wrecks the mic but he does it WORLDWIDE now. You can holla at him here. END SIDENOTE* and myself, Damien (The Omen)...yes, nice name, I know :) Anyway, we recorded a number of songs as a group and we also did solo joints. As years went by, we went different ways but I can't help but think what could have been. Now, I look at the music industry and I can't help but be happy that I left that phase in life because of all the snakes and shady muhfuckas out there (and I'm not really knockin' the music industry cause believe me, there are similar demons in damn near EVERY industry).

Anyway, this was another banger we did in the Spring of '97..."Ain't Shit Changed"...



And there you have it...two videos that I directed AND starred in ELEVEN years ago. Hope you enjoyed this episode of "Lost Videos". Until next time...Take Care of Yourself, and Each Other.

**Damn, I LOVE that line from Jery Springer...I need to use that more often..lol!**

Just Like Music

I love music.

Like, I really, REAL-LY LOVE music.

Spanning an array of genre's, I've always looked at music as being a soundtrack to life (as many of us do). When done properly, Music conjures spirits and emotions of long lasting love, abominable anger, jubilant joy and celebration, threatening fear, utopian hope, admonitory caution, dreadful sadness, compassionate reconciliation, extreme hate, wonderful insight, lustful passion, and just ignant shyt.

I feel like many songs/artists have been specifically placed on this third rock from the sun for the sole purpose to speak to me. Whether it's...

...Souljah Boy's "Yaah Trick Yaah" providing me with endless comical fodder, or DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince (I refuse to call him Will Smith) giving me early relationship advice with "Girls Of The World Ain't Nothin' But Trouble", or Bill Withers' "Lovely Day" played sequentially with "Feels So Good" by Chuck Mangione when I first wake up shielding me completely of having a bad day, or Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald's "This Is It" providing an inpirational kick-in-the-ass...

...All of these songs serves its purpose.

**SIDENOTE: I HAVE to be the first person in the history of EVER to mention Souljah Boy in the same sentence as Kenny Loggins. END SIDENOTE**

There's something very special about music. It's a universal language that may be striking to some and dismal to others depending on the song. Some people gravitate to orchestration and musicianship, some to pounding beats and intricate samples, others to introspective lyrics that they can relate to or give a window into the soul of an artist.

*hearing someone breaking out the Dave Chappelle "Wrap It Up" device*

Ok, I say all that to say, I've only bought TWO CD's this year (so far). Not saying that there's not other quality joints out there, but I have my reasons.

One being Killer Mike's "Pledge Allegiance To The Grind part 2" and most recently Solange's "Sol- Angel and The Hadley St. Dreams".

I must say that I'm throughly impressed with Solange's CD...the joint is BANGIN'!!

Bangin'....BANGIN'!!

Pick it up!! Pick it up!! *blanket Poison Clan reference*

I usually don't care for CG (computer generated) and I stay away from it, but I likes both of Solange's videos...them shyt's tight.

I'm not gonna give a review of "Sol-Angel..." but if you love quality music (with an old school feel), you needs that in your life...fa' real.

Letter To Young Monk

Young Monk senior year in high school

Not sure if y'all check my blogroll, but one site that I frequent is VerySmartBrothas.com. Chopping it up with the folks there is definitely insightful, side splitting, and entertaining to say the least. It's pretty much a relationship blog but the topics of discussion that ensue have NO boundaries. And I mean, NONE!!

On Friday, August 22nd, The Champ (one of the VSB's) posted an entry titled "hop in the delorean" - a great reference to the classic film "Back To The Future". The question asked was, "if you could hop into your personal relationship delorean and give advice to your former self, what the hell would you say?"

Here's what I would say to the younger me:

*NOTE: This includes my comment on VSB.com with more things added in as I further pondered.*

**NOTE#2: VSB.com tries to keep their site "work clean so as commenters there, we clean our language the fuck up. But here, on My2Cents-Sense.blogspot.com, I gives the raw.*

=======================

Dear Young Monk,

You’re going into the second half of your 11th grade year. When you got your contacts and lost the nerdy frames you sported, you see how your swag (future slang term you’ll come to detest), confidence and charisma got a great boost?

Use this to your advantage.

Don’t let the pretty girl from the “cool” crowd use you to give her rides home. She’s cool and all but she’ll NEVER invite you in (the crib). She may buy you Burger King, but that about it. She may sit next to you in class, but that about it. When you ask her out, she will decline. Save yourself the time cause she ain’t gonna let you hit.

In going into your 12th grade year, don’t make that average-looking girl your girlfriend. And damn sure don’t stay with her your WHOLE senior year. You DO have options and you’ll miss out on a lot. Plus, she'll make constant references towards her ex and you WON'T remember anything about your prom (read: very forgettable, not-a-good-time). Oh yeah, don't wear fuckin' polka dots to your prom. It's "post-Kwame'" so don't let her influence you!!

That summer after you graduate, you’re going to meet many girls at the dollar store and music store you work. Don’t fuck with 'em!! (Well, maybe one of them)

One of which will turn out to be a stalker - coming up to your job unannounced and calling your parents’ house repeatedly. Do not...and I repeat...DO NOT bang her in the backseat of your Duster in Rouge Park after dark!! This will only lead to MORE stalkism. Even after you go away to college, she will still call resulting in your mom saying, "Damn, what did you DO to that girl?"

The really fine one will try to trap you. She knows you’re a good dude so given her “Detroit hood”-mentality, she’ll do whatever she can do to keep you including lieing about being pregnant with your child. While you're away at college, she'll even invite your Mom, brother, and sister to the freakin' CIRCUS in an attempt to get in good with Momma Monk. The Fuggin' CIRCUS?? What The Fuck?? Who DOES that?? She’ll prove to be more fatal attraction-esque after she tries to move down to Atlanta to be with you. Don't take the bait. A few years later, she’ll crank out 3 kids by 3 different dudes, none of which she’ll still be with. Not to mention, while you're talking to her long distance (we have cell phone plans with FREE long distance now also...LOL!!) using calling cards and shit, she'll NEVER mention her second or third children's birth.

As for the one who’s the daughter of your manager at the job, take Wise Monk and BBD’s advice - don’t trust that big butt and her smile. Her mom will like you enough to call you "son", but even SHE will tell you her daughter has problems so take heed. Your parents don't like her and her "loud", ghetto personality will be a HUGE turn-off. Don’t give her that $300 for an abortion. Don’t be that naïve. Once you break it off with her for good, she’ll come clean and tell you that she wasn’t even pregnant. Sucka. By the way Young Monk, make sure when you flush a used condom down the toilet, make sure that shit goes DOWN. Don't let your father come home from work and see that shit floating in the pot. Not.A.Good.Look. Even though he won't say anything to you at the time, it will come out when you're much older and be an ongoing joke with you and your brother.

The woman you meet who’s 7 yrs your senior, in the summer of '95, will turn your 18-year ass OUT!! She'll also be the first of other relationships you have with older women (and strippers). Anyway, have fun with her…she’ll make driving all the way to SouthWest Detroit worth the trip. You may get a kick out of knowing that you're too young to get into a strip club but you're still banging this chick while other cats fantasize about it, but things won't be all peaches and cream. She'll eventually tell you that she was pregnant with your baby and aborted it without even telling you. You'll never know if the story was true but you will realize it was for the best.

You’re going to learn a LOT about life and yourself in college. TREASURE THESE YEARS!! The real world ain’t no joke and paying back student loans is a bitch.

Young Monk, please do yourself a favor and stop fuckin' with the Detroit hoodrats when you come home on breaks and the summer. C'mon dawg, you're in college...don't go backwards.

You’re going to have a good time with the ladies in college, but you need to strap up ALL the time. Damn, nigga, when will you learn after the pregnancy scares?? Sittin' in a free-clinic wondering "what's up" is not what's "hot on the streets". ("Hot On The Streets" is a future phrase you'll ALSO come to detest). All I have to say, lil' nigga, is Thank God for penicilin.

Now listen to me, you’re gonna meet a sweet, smart, caring young lady who can cook her ass off (and make a bomb ass cheesecake). She’s from Detroit so y’all will immediately hit it off and have lots in common. Even though she’s a ’six’ in the looks department, KEEP HER!! The girl is DOWN for you and she'll show you in many ways. Granted, she's a virgin and saving herself, and you like to enjoy sex, suck it up. Fellow classmates will like you guys as a couple and her low key demeanor and passionate/active attitude will draw you to her. Like I said lil' homie, KEEP HER. Other chicks will prove to be supportive of you, but none like her.

When the dime piece starts giving you play, Don’t play the ’six’ to the side. Don't fall victim to the co-ed dorm building. Matter of fact, don't even stay in Beckwith Hall...Period!! The "KEEP HER" young lady will be lost in all that you have going on and not only will you feel bad about it later, but you'll lose a GREAT friend. If anything, man the fuck up and tell her that you're interested in someone else. You’ll be ‘the man’ amongst your friends for snaggin’ the dime, but you’ll eventually learn that when she told you she was going home for Thanksgiving, she really went to visit her ex. Also, stop using your birthdate as the PIN to your voicemail cause she will check your messages.

The "dime", will however, offer you great insight. Great times will be shared and you can chalk it up as "relationship practice".

Choosing your passion as your major will be a good decision, but you’ll find it difficult in getting a job right after you graduate. Be patient and persistent - it will pay off...You'll be a success. Tone down your trusting nature and separate business relationships from friendships. Some people will take advantage of you. Don’t sweat it…you’ll learn from it. And by the way, nigga KEEP GRINDIN'!!

Back to relationships, after you graduate from college, don't go bananas.

The stripper that you meet in ‘99 at Club Nikki’s will be great fun. The sex and hanging out with her will be the source of fantastic memories. Have fun but keep in mind y’all share very little in common and it will get old fast.

Stripper #2 that you meet at The Gentlemen’s Club (DAMN NIGGA!! YOU GOT A THANG FOR STRIPPERS??..LOL) will have too much going on. Right after she HOOKS you up for your birthday just let it fade away.

The weed head (ok, you're just making BAD decisions at this point) who will end up being "the Best Booty-Call Ever", be straight up with her cause she’ll eventually ask to hang out and shyt during the day. Just enjoy it while it last. You'll enjoy the videotapes you guys made years after though...you muthafuckin' freak you...lol.

You and your partner will make a good deal of cash off of selling Homecoming tapes of the various events, and that's cool, but don't carry on relations with chicks who are STILL in school after you've graduated. You will have fun, but it's not cool to be the dude hanging around campus AFTER you've graduated. By all means, get yo' money, but don't bed freshmen women when you've just graduated.

On another note, the younger dudes who's still in school at the time, limit your 'hanging' with them. They're not on your maturity level and they won't benefit you. Drinking with them WILL lead to unfortunate circumstances. Afterwards, once dude starts dealing drugs, you'll wonder if there was things you cou've done to prevent him getting locked up. If only you could've gave dome alternate advice...

The artistic lady whom you'll take an interest in, don't get too emotional because even though the beginning of the film "Brown Sugar" (and its premise) relates GREATLY to your relationship, someone else will spark her interest, but you two will remain cool friends.

In your mid-twenties, you’ll meet a sweet lady who’s four years older than you who has a very high paying job at a huge soft drink company. Things will be extraordinary between you two but don’t catch too many feelings for her. When things really start heating up, she’ll call it off and site her fear of letting a guy get too close since her divorce is the problem. This is the up-side and down-side of a relationship with an older woman. You can learn a LOT, however, you may just be at different points in your lives. So it won't work anyway. It will sting a little bit when she hits you with it, but don’t let it get to you though because once you move on, she’ll realize what she had and try to get back with you.

.Be cautious with the one that you move on with though because that will be a rollercoaster 3 years of your life (actually, more than that). Better yet, just end it at the first signs of fucked-up-ness that you have. Hold your heart and don’t fall in love. You guys will seriously consider marriage and having kids. Seriously. But good for you, you'll know you're not ready. She'll appear to be "Mrs. Monk" because of all the right reasons, but will turn out to be the total opposite. She detests her mother, yet, she is JUST LIKE HER. Please Young Monk, peep out this trait that some women have...it's a clear sign...DON'T FUCK WITH THEM!!!! Once the 'honeymoon phase ends, you'll see the truth. She'll be turn out to be BITTER, contradictory, disrespectful (although she may hide it at first), and she'll for always feel entitled to your respect without reciprocity. She'll be 3.5 years your senior also and her "game" and sense of "seeming-to-have-it-all-together" will blind you. Ironically, this will be a woman who you've known for years... Do Not flirt with her a little too much. Silly of you. She'll ask you out and you'll agree to escort her to her company's Christmas Party. Dude, don't do it. Months later, you'll both fall in love...and out of love over a 3 year period and what happens after that will lead to cops, law suits, and bullshyt.

Given your positive outlook, I know you're not gonna let past experiences take away from your awsomeness. You'll soak all of this in and do the right thing.

Needless to say, Never let a chick allow you to lose focus of yourself.

Do learn from all your experiences, it will make you an even better man.

=========================

Anyways, I found this exercise (of writing a cautionary letter to one's old self) VERY therapeutic (and fun).

What do you think about my letter?? And also, I ask you the same question, if your present-day self could write a letter to the younger you, what would it say????

I Love My City!!

This is a video straight outta Detroit. Man, I swear, the talent in Detroit is SO remarkable and it's amazing how from we have come from the Motown era. Barry Gordy and them opened the door and the torch continues to be passed setting a high bar of excellence in artistry, dance, and overall musicianship even in 2008.

This video is a youtube phenomenon and I'm so proud to see my city represented to the fullest.

LIFE CELEBRATION!!

The Thomas/Bacon Family on Vacation

In the past few days, the world has lost two GREAT entertainers. I'm a fan of their work, true indeed, but I do know that God takes the souls of GREAT people off of this planet EVERYDAY as He sees fit. This includes everyday people who may have never constructed one of the best ">sountracks of all time or made millions of people ">laugh on a weekly/daily basis. Fact of the matter remains - We've all lost people who have impacted our lives and who were/are dear to us and they shall always remain in our hearts.

After the (selfish) mourning, we realize (or HOPE in some cases) that they're in a "better place". In the ONE funeral I have gone to in my 31 years on this third rock from the sun, it was called a "Celebration Of Life". In conversations with friends and associates, many people who have lost loved ones have also attended funerals that were "promoted" (for lack of a better word) as "CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE". This is cool and all but what about celebrating life while we're STILL here???? Hmmmm...there's a thought.

Several years ago, my mom started something that my immediate and extended family have participated in and shall continue. Every year we have a get-together. I wouldn't neccessarily consider it a 'family reunion' because it's usually a relatively small group (although many are invited and welcome to join in the festivities).

For lack of better words, FUCK THE HOLIDAYS!!

Many people scramble through airports, train stations, or jam into rental cars that claim to be 'medium sized' when it hold the capacity of a GIO Prizm during THOSE times. Not to mention, I REALLY think rental car companies are out for blood...but that's a different story.

Regardless, my MOM have taken a step that my family hasn't done in a while. In the past years we've ventured to the Bahamas...Houston, TX,...Las Vegas,NV (while stopping at the Grand Canyon)...Orlando, FL...'THE D' and Cedar Point (OH)...and Myrtle Beach, SC.

No Holiday involved.

Just US getting together when we could.

I Love My Family.

With that said, I'd like to share some photos and video of our most recent excursion. Shout out to my sister, Brit (who's expecting my first niece or nephew come February) and my bruh Brian (whom I did a cool photo shoot with while I was in the 'D')...I hate that y'all missed the trip, but I understand. ALSO, Thanks to my cousins Raul (and Tameka) and Al for allowing their sons to come...we had a good time.

R.I.P. to Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes














Here's some footage of us at the Acquarium there:



and my cousin Derrick KILLING IT on the dance game at the arcade at Broadway By The Beach:



Funeral...TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.

Celebrating LIFE while still on Earth...PRICELESS!!

Politrix Are For Kids

Less than a week ago, I posted a lil' video of Ludacris making his endorsement clear in the best way that he can - artistically. Chris is a wise dude, smart dude. His talent speaks for itself and his service to his community and beyond should duly be recognized. I've seen the Ludacris Foundation doing their thing and I commend him and the staff for ALL they have done.

After that, comes the backlash. WTF??




The messed up thing with artists is that their VOICE is loud. It resonates...and it stirs emotions (if done so properly). Whether it be a painter, photographer, recording artist, actor/actress, sculptor, writer, director, dancer, fashion designer, whatever - despite what parents and conservatives want you to believe, there's SO much power in the arts.

The arts have the power to shape public belief (once again, if done so properly) OR it may serve as merely an expression of one person's emotions and beliefs. Whatever the intentions, art is fuckin' art - that's MY 2 Cents.

Within his verse in support of Obama's campaign for presidency, Luda's lyrics takes jabs at naysayers such as H. Clinton, J. Jackson, J. McCain, and G.W. Bush.

He called Hillary a "bitch"...he said that Jesse Jackson really meant the disparaging remarks he made about cutting Obama's nuts off...he referred to John McCain's age...he referenced Bush's approval rating as him being 'arguably' the WORST PRESIDENT IN UNITED STATES HISTORY. This is an "artist's" opinion by the way.

I'm STILL waitng to see what did Luda do wrong. If he had NOT voiced his opinion or just been silent, then people would still jump out the woodwork and ask how he felt about this year's election process. I mean, they do it to everybody in the public eye (unless their PR people bans those type of questions).

My whole thing is that Chris Bridges didn't say ANYTHING new that we haven't heard before. He echoed HIS voice as well as MILLIONS of others across the nation. Does Hillary come off as 'bitchy'?? YES!! Is Jesse bitter than a muafugga and his apology seems insincere?? Yep!! Is George W. Bush dumb?? YESSIR!!

***SIDENOTE: I'm not gonna say that GWB is 'officially' dumb, I'm more inclined to say that the people who voted for him are 'dumb', but that's another matter. ENDSIDENOTE***
These are sentiments that millions of Americans subscribe to. So to come down on a freakin' artist for expressing their opinion seems like a great stretch. If your ideas speak for itself (as Obama just happen to), you wouldn't have to REACH as far as these cats are reaching.

For Sean Hannity and FOX NEWS to make this an issue and to note that this is another "radical association" is an insult to the minds of Americans.

Yet, again, something else that the Republican machine uses to divert attention off of the REAL issues. Yet, again, someone using HipHop as an easy target. That's beyond played out and I hope middle-America will see through the tactics.

We've got a few months left and I'm hoping cats aren't distracted by the Shullbit.

Chris Bridges For Vice President

"ATTENTION ATTENTION!! Barack to America...Barack to America. I repeat Barack Calling America"

Ludacris is definitely one of my favs who've ever blessed a mic and he flow seems to never disappoint. Witty lyrics and charismatic delivery really to him in an elite group of emcees whom seems to never get lazy when crafting their lyrics and recording them.

Here's a short verse he spits about Barack Obama...
Enjoy.

C'mon Now Rev.

In this photo that ran in the National Enquirer Thursday, Jesse Jackson and his mistress, Karin Stanford (circled), appear with President Clinton and two Rainbow Coalition staffers on Dec. 3, 1998, five months before Jackson's baby was born.



Rev. Jesse Jackson obviously has issues and at least disdain for Barack Obama. Myself, and many others, have chalked it up as him being salty because his relevance in today's society is slipping away and Obama is accomplishing feats that he failed to do. Add in my theory that n*ggas will ALWAYS have SOMETHING negative to say about other n*ggas (Black-on-Black crime is what I call it) and there you have it - a disgruntled, contradicting, has-been who has cabalistic desires of castrating another man as if he was a homosexual, scorn ex-lover or something.

However, in a recent interview with the National Enquirer, Jesse Jackson's mistress, Karin Stanford, gives another reason I didn't consider at first. READ THIS.

She exclaims that Obama's Father Day speech in Chicago set off feelings of guilt in the 66-year-old Reverend. Having a child out of wed-lock from an extra-marital affair and taking minimal responsibility for said child goes completely against Obama's "We need fathers to recognize that responsibility doesn't just end at conception."



When Jesse verbalized "Barack's been talking down to black people...I want to cut his nuts off," could Rev. Jackson possibly be referring to Obama's words about absentee fathers? Of course dead-beat dads isn't solely a 'black' phenomenon, but I'd be remiss if I didn't note that it is very prevalent in the black community. Is that what he meant by "talking down to..."? If Jesse raised his damn child and accepted his 9-year-old daughter as part of his family, would he still possess the rage in his heart that he has when someone mentions fathers lacking in their parental responsibilities?

At any rate, there comes a time in a man's life when he needs to be the fuck quiet. When will Jesse do just that?

High Jump The Broom

BEFORE



AFTER

"When I shoot the moon, high jump the broom / Like a premie out the womb; My partner yellin' 'Too soon! / Don't do it! Reconsider! Read Some Litera-ture on the subject / You Sure? Fuck it...'" - Andre 3000

See how dreamy the first photo is of the couple. The edges are blurred...the focus is soft around certain areas...and they're practically in Dream World.

On the second photo, EVERYTHING is clear and focused. The image is bold and unapologetic. This shyt seems so so real.

Anyway, I was listening to Michael Baisden's radio show a while back and they're talking about the proverbial "clean up woman" and "maintenance man". You know, the person that married people creep off with when their spouse isn't neccessarily responding to their "needs". Different callers have called in and voiced various opinions on how that side item can be a hinderance and even a BENEFIT to the actual marriage. Interesting stuff...

One caller posed the idea that marriages should possibly have an expiration date. Not like milk or sushi...but more like your drivers license. Let's face it, there's a great deal of marriages that start off GREAT with the promise of all that is good. That DREAM life - spouse that's gonna love you through thick and thin, raising kids to be productive members of society, growing together, yada, yada, yada...

I'm not hating on the traditional marriage, but I'm just sayin'...

Is THAT the ONLY way??

I'm yet to read a Bible passage that says every man and woman has a mate (or soulmate) that's here on this earth to fulfill all of their needs.

If you know of that passage, please let me know. Don't worry, I'll wait...

So, ummm, how would this marriage license renewal thing work?

Let's say, if every four or five years, you had to renew your wedding license. Keep in mind that the divorce rate is still around that 50% point and it's not faltering none. Also consider the fact that there's a great number of the other 50% who ARE still in their marriage that are NOT happy. ALSO consider that some of those folks in "Happy" marriages are also involved in relationships with "clean up women" and "maintenance men".

I'm not condoning infedelity, I just think it's best to have an open dialogue and think about other options that may make a marriage work as oppose to living a lie or living in unhappiness. I know it may sound radical, but believe it or not, the thought of divorce was also radical once upon a time...and now it's the norm.

I'm at that age where I'm constantly asked by family, friends, associates, muthafuggas that I barely fuggin' know, and others, "When am I going to get married?" My answer's usually either, "The day people like you stop askin' me," or "February 31st" or "Never-ary 31st". Although I haven't decided which path I will choose to take, I think one should be open to alternate ways of living. Your 'American Dream' just might not be MY 'American Dream'. Plus, I think it's fucked up that society tends to look at people in a negative way if they're a certain age and never been married. Shiiiidddd...that's WORST than being DIVORCED in most cases. Anyway...

What do you think??

GREATEST VIDEO OF ALL TIME!! part SIX!!

Ok,I know the last post had y'all shakin' your collective asses in front of your computer screens and everything, but let's get serious for a second.

This video selection comes from one of the most prolific emcees of this day. Fuck that, one of the most prolific who has EVER touched a microphone - that's more apropos. I copped the CD from the homie Desiree at The SoundShop in the West End Mall (or the Mall West End) yesterday and it's on point. Very Refreshing in today's HipHop climate.

Anyway, check the video if you haven't seen it already and you'll see why I think it's one of the greatest of all time.

Killer Mike feat. Ice Cube "Pressure"

Good Ol' Days

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.

Here Are Some More Great Raw Videos For Your Enjoyment.