Happy Birthday Little Baby Jesus!!

Merry Christmas to ALL...and Happy Birthday Little Baby Jesus!

SPECIAL BONUS VIDEO featuring Rick Ross, Jeezy, Lil' Wayne, DJ Khaled, Jim Jones, Wyclef, Soulja Boy, Lil' Boosie, Kanye West, and MORE!!

Dumb Jock.

We've seen this story countless times.

Dumb Jock accumulates wealth and fame because of his God-given talent, passion, and skill.

Dumb Jock gets married. As a result, creating a jackpot lottery winner of some suspecting female whom of course loves him for who he is and not the money.

Dumb Jock impregnates his wife thus securing a streamline of income for her for the next 2 decades of her life.

Dumb Jock cheats with some bullshyt, trifling ass chick(s) that probably wouldn't give him the time of day if it wasn't for his money and fame.

Dumb Jock gets caught.

Dumb Jock's wife sticks it out and plays the supportive role for awhile. Afterall, if she has any sense, she probably suspected he was cheating any way. Only thing now is, the world knows and the media attention brings on a pressure and embarrassment that she's never felt before.

Dumb Jock's wife files for divorce and is granted an astronomical amount of money...and of course custody of their child(ren).

Dumb Jock who was once labeled a phenom, protege', champion, best in the world...proves to just be another Dumb. Jock.

The End.


This story has obviously just played out again with golf superstar Tiger Woods.

***SIDENOTE: I read yesterday someone said his name should be "Cheetah"...LOL!!!! Funny shyt.***

Although we don't know (or care) of what's gonna be the future of Woods and his wife, I did find this shyt right here pretty darn hilarious:


From NBA star and known cheater Shaquille O'Neal:

“Tiger’s my guy. I’m not going to be like everybody else and say off-the-wall comments. I just hope he’s OK. The problem going on is when you have people disguising as media putting out reports, and then people believing what they read. We don’t know what’s fact, we don’t know what’s true. We just hope he’s OK.”


For real my nigga?? You just "hope he's OK"?? Like he's the fuggin' victim?? Since when does gettin' your rocks off and bustin' nuts across the country all willy-nilly makes you a fuggin' victim? The nigga's gonna still be caked up after it's all said and done and it's not like he's committed a crime requiring jail time and shyt like that so I just don't understand the well wishes. Is it because what should be a private matter is going to be under the microscope of public opinion for the next few weeks or until another celebrity scandal breaks? Since he's ultimately responsible for his own actions, which were dumb, selfish, and reminiscent of a teenaged boy who just can't keep his dick in his pants, I fail to see why he wouldn't EXPECT the shyt to play out in the media and public forums considering who he is.

Nigga, you ain't THAT Dumb.

And for Shaq to say something about it...(Actually, for Shaq to say ANYTHING)...is just laughable considering his wife is already in the "leaving" part of their story.

Fugg outta here...

Thick Skin vs. Thin Skin

Although many people have dismissed the gift, internal strength, and integrity that goes along with being a model (especially starring in music videos and the such), I have always looked beyond the outer core and admired that special "umph" that goes along with choosing a profession or hobby such as modeling. ***See: "VIXENS"*** There's a strength, confidence in it that is very rare amongst women. Of course some people may discount it and say that there is nothing hard about shedding some clothes and posing or dancing in front of a camera, but it's not so cut and dry in my opinion. When it comes down to it, many women do not have what it takes physically AND mentally. As a model, every photograph you take is fair game for hard criticism and judgement. Every time you're in front of a camera or in eye shot of anyone, you will be constantly judged on your appearance...even if you're just pumping gas or perusing the aisles of Walmart. You will be called a "video hoe", slut, whore, groupie, bitch, and all the derivatives thereof even if you're NOT that. Some brothas will disrespect you and only see you as a sex object and some sistas will hate on you while secretly wishing they could be you simply because they ASSUME you are less intelligent or talented as them. Your parents, family members, and friends may even wish to distance themselves from you based on your decision to explore the world of modeling. There's a lot at stake and it's clearly isn't meant for everyone.

Although I've never been a woman, I know from the lovely women in my life that they are constantly pre-judged and either accepted or rejected solely based on their appearance. The scrutiny that models deal with is that times TEN (maybe a hunnid). With that said, premier video model Melyssa Ford has took some very edgy and creative photos with celebrity photographer Derek Blanks and the outcome was extraordinary. Here's what Ms. Ford had to say after the photoshoot.

Thick Skin vs Thin Skin

There are two “fixed givens” I know to be true right now: One is that you need “thick skin” to deal with the entertainment business. Two, is that Derek Blanks is the hottest photographer right now and his “Alter Ego” series is THE thing to do. Celebrities are clamoring for Derek to photograph them and the “other version of themselves”. His vision is uncompromised, his talent is undeniable and I’m grateful that we finally crossed paths.

The photos that you see are the culmination of our constant communication and the implementation of my vision. The conception of this photo came to me one day while hiking and Derek Blanks and Saisha Beecham, my makeup artist/body painter more than made it a reality, which their unimaginable talent and creative execution.All of us know what it feels like to have to “turn the other cheek” or “be the bigger person” or “turn a blind eye and ear to their critics and the nay-sayers”… I OVER-stand this concept, hence my visual interpretation of the reality: that we all hurt and are not immune to the pain caused by harsh judgment.

Love, Melyssa
Here are some photos:

Great job on Melyssa's, Blanks, and make up artist/body painter Saisha Beecham whom I've had the pleasure of working with during my "VIXENS" shoot with the homie Fabiola.

Oh yeah...Shout out to the homie Challedon "Shy" Saltor who's also celebrating a birthday today!!

Lookin' In the Mirror - 11/16

Happy Birthday To ME!! November 16th

The man in the mirro is really my true hero / With me when I'm broke or when I'm blessed with dinero / Sometimes tearful, but never approaches life fearful / A cool ass guy, but at times, he's just a weirdo / Great parents - always listened to the things they said / Alpha male but still never felt the need to pledge / I can't explain it, he's somehow right and left brain-ed / Articulate, but still loves to cuss and use slanguage / Funny, ain't it? He's a cool nigga to hang wit' / Not picture perfect, but his work, you can frame it / Very creative and determined to never fail / Loving heart and spirit filled with passion unparralled / Never ask no one for nothin' he won't ask of himself / Funny guy and not afraid to laugh at himself / Multi-dimensional, some sides, you'll never see / Wise and never compromise his integrity / Thoughts be kinda random, been told he's kinda handsome / Respect? He demand some...all of that and then some / Just a brotha tryin' to pass on his wisdom to kids / And I ain't braggin' on my nigga, it's just is what it is

-Monk

Pursuit of...Happiness?

Just the other day, a friend of mine posted a status on her FB page that read: "Problems are a sign of life!! The only people that don't have problems live in cemetaries. In other words...if you don't have a problem, you don't have a life!"

I couldn't agree less.

I understand that her premise is based on the fact that problems are going to arise throughout our lives and we must learn from them because they strengthen us. The adversities that we face develops character and instead of shunning so-called problems, we should embrace them and tackle them because inherently, they are inevitable and we can't let them break us.

I call bullshyt.

I agree that life's adversities does all that it's suppose to do when looking at them in a positive light. It's the concept that if you lose, you really win because now you know what you did wrong and you can learn from that and be better...so therefore, in essence, you STILL "win". Or as Terrance Howard so eloquently stated in the film "Get Rich Or Die Trying": "Its like when I'm right I'm right, when I'm wrong I could been right, so I'm still right cause I coulda been wrong, you know, and I'm sorry cause I could be wrong right now, I could be wrong, but if I'm right..."

*Digressing*


But problems?

Problems??

C'mon now...I'm trying to steer away from those. I'm not going out in search of problems (sounds crazy but some people do) in order to "strengthen" my character. If I'm alleviated of financial problems, career set-backs, and drama amongst family and friends, my life will be no less boring. Actually, it'd be GREAT!!

As stated in a previous post, I don't want any "haters". I want people to love, respect, and accept me for who I am...but that's a different story.

*in my Jennifer HUDSON impersonation because it's no question, she did the song better*

"And you...and You...and YOU...YOU'RE GONNA LOVE MEEEEEEEE!!!!!!"

Okay...that was gay.

I'm not though. NTTAWWT.

Where was I?

Oh yeah, problems and shyt.

As an adult, (you like how I didn't use the played-out, overrated, non-funny-no-mo' term "grown-ass-man"), I don't want, and don't need problems and drama. Call me simple, but I'm striving for a life free of problems.

Free.

That's a word we all love, right?

So to that, I say, "Fuck Problems!" I like to think of myself as a well-adjusted adult and my life is neither boring, nor typical. I'm by no means where I want to be, but granted, I don't want more problems. Call me unrealistic if you may, but I won't design my life in a way that welcomes problems. I'll be prepared when they derive, but my goal is to eliminate as many of those as they come.

The End.

P.S. I just realized why I titled this post with the title I did.

Bottomline: It's too many people living their WHOLE lives "In the PURSUIT of happiness", but missing out on the joy and bliss they are suppose to experience by merely living.

Hip Hop Quotable: Message To Pres. Obama

This is another one of your citizens and tax payers /
I fux with you tough, and don't care 'bout the nay sayers /
inspite of it all because I see the load you're tryin' to carry /
Man, you had my vote even before the primaries /
With that said, in this war, we don't stand a chance /
It's time to bring the troops back from Afghanistan /
Because the shyt we facin', is a no-win situation /
Plus war and death is not the real way to fix our nation /
Let's face it, the war is really just political /
And I'm not hatin' on you, I'm just being critical /
I've always been cynical when it came to politics /
Can't be a blind supporter like others on Obama's dick /
No disrespect but I'm just speakin' my views /
Sick of hearin' 'bout soldiers killed every week in the news /
I know it's tricky and it's a slippery, dangerous slope /
But you can do it 'cause I still believe in Change and Hope

Love vs. Hate

A few months ago, I wrote a satirical, hillariously funny, insightful, creative, well-worded, introspective, mind-boggling, masterpiece of a blog called "I'm A Hater, He's A Hater, She's A Hater, We Some Haters, Wouldn't You Like To Be A Hater Too?" It also probably deserves an award for the longest title. And no...that's no exaggeration. I just reread it myself and it's STILL that entertaining to me, myself, and my nigga I. I suggest you click the link I conviniently provided.
If you're not satisfied, you can get a full refund upon exiting out of this screen. Oh that's right...I drop this game for free. I call it community service and shyt. Thank me later.

Ok, let me get serious for a minute and I'll jock myself later.

Alright...so I wrote this great blog in which I proclaimed myself a hater. "Hater" is still a word that seems to keep extending its 15 minutes of fame longer than a celebreality show star on VH1. I hear or read this word no less than a dozen times a day from people, in songs, in blogs and other websites. Everybody's talkin' about their haters and how people hate on them.

This got me to thinkin'...

In my almost 33 years on this third rock from the sun, I can't recall a time when I came across someone or knew someone who I felt was really HATING on me. Sure my circle of friends, fam, and associates joke around and we talk shyt about one another, but I don't think I really have any HATERS per say.

Throughout the years, I have had my fair share of ups and downs. Whether it's been dealing with fickle high school and college cliques, working certain jobs, following my passion and seeing it materialize, being in certain relationships, or just living my life, people have never really hated on me like that.

One theory could be...well, he's just a cool cat who don't fuck with nobody and always seem to have a positive disposition so he ain't nobody to hate on. And that may very well be true. Who the hell am I to hate on? Except the dopest, most talented-est, funniest, charming-est, smartest, person you may or may never meet...

However, my theory is, I just surround myself with dyck riders positive people who are somewhat grounded in their ideas and they appreciate me for who I am.

Seriously, if you have all these haters in your life that you obviously pay an excessive amount of attention to, then maybe you have poor judgement in whom you choose to surround yourself with. My family and friends have always supported me in all of my life endeavors whether I succeeded or failed and I love them for that. I know we all can't choose our family, but as adults, we definitely can limit the amount of time or interaction we have with someone who always seem to piss in your Kool-Aid.

I'm not trying to brag in any way, shape, or form, that's a lie but I do know that I make a conscious effort to distance myself from negativity. I'm also a firm believer in the simple yet complex theorem that you get what you put out. It very well may be possible that no one has ever told me I couldn't be a film director or any of the other zillion things I want to do because I have never shytted on anyone else's dream. I never hated on anyone's success and never celebrated with an "I-Told-You-So" attitude in the midst of someone's failures.

Of course there are some people, like Beyonce, who people just hate on for no valid reason, but those folks are rare.

It's of my belief that some people just claim to have haters just because all the "cool" folks got 'em. In essence, it's fashionable to have haters...and let Katt Williams tell it, "If you don't have haters, you're doing something wrong (paraphrasing)."

I say Fuck that! Show me love...like Kilo. And cheer me on...I appreciate the shyt, fa' real.

As always, thanks for reading.

a film called (one frame)

Find more videos like this on Presidential Television and Film

"a film called (one frame)" is a collage of images captured by Damon L. Thomas set to music. Consisting of documentary photography, portraits, and landscapes, the powerful imagery takes you on a trip that keeps you on the edge of your seat always wondering what's next.

I'm NOT Kanye!!

I'd be the first to admit that I'm a big fan of Kanye West's music. I mean HUGE. "College Dropout", "Late Registration", and "Graduation" are ALL astounding masterpieces with an assembly of timeless ditties that draws an array of emotions that I thoroughly empathize with.

Laced with soul far pre-dating its years, the music speaks to me - the regular Black dude that's tryin' to do a lil' sumn' sumn' with the talent he was blessed with. The lures of being raised in a major metropolitan area that thrives on materialism and status - I share that in common with Kanye. Having a behemothic love for music and being from a city that has such a rich history in undeniable musical acts - I share that in common with Mr. West also. I'm emerged in the Hip Hop culture whether I like it or not and the influences that it has on me are seen in many aspects of my life. Kanye West is too. And just in case you missed it the first time, like I said, Kanye and I are both young Black males.

These are all facts that are irrefutable.

However, with all the similarities, I am NOT Kanye West.

I'm sure you've seen or heard about Kanye's incident at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards in which he alledgedly (I say "alledgedly" because the whole thing may have been staged by MTV and the artists involved) snatched the limelight from country singer Taylor Swift who had just received an award for Best Female Video". Kanye took the microphone from the bewildered Swift and said, "Taylor, I'm really happy for you. I'll let you finish but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time. One of the best videos of all time."



Although very inappropriate for the time and place, what I find more appalling is the reaction and commentary his diva-esque action has resulted in. The Black community never cease to amaze me with how personal we take shyt. When I witnessed the spectacle last night and throughout today, I have heard and read countless numbers of Black people talk about how Kanye's actions was such a bad representation of our race. Everything from "He set us back centuries with that bafoonery" to "See, this is why they look at us the way they do" comments have passed through my ears or have crossed my eyes today. Why do we always do this?

Kanye West is NOT I and I am not KANYE WEST!!

Barack Obama gets elected as President of the United States and all of a sudden, we (Black people) feel like WE did it even though the majority of people who voted for Obama was un-Black. What.The.Fuck. are we acting like that's OUR President for when he's America's President? I have a great deal of respect for President Obama, but he isn't necessarily representative of our race as a whole and neither is Kanye.

Kanye does something that can only be classified as...well, "Kanye-esque" and all of a sudden he's a bad misrepresentation of HIP HOP or young Blacks or Blacks in general??

C'mon now. As I said, I'm a die-hard fan of his music and we share some similarities, but what that nigga did ain't got shyt to do with ME...nor my race...nor my culture. There's a great separation there. We don't share the same bank account and I love my mother enough to tell her, "Ma, you're BEAUTIFUL...you don't need any plastic surgery to keep up with the hollywood standards." I'm not Kanye.

Ok, maybe that was wrong, but you get my point...I'm NOT Kanye West and he is by no means a representation of me or my race.

As much as Black people don't wish to be seen as one-sided, we constantly generalize ourselves by raising certain public figures and viewing them as examples when they are just a mere portion of the whole. Kanye West and I have a lot of shyt in common but he doesn't encompass all that I am and neither does Barack Obama or any other public figure. I'm deeper than that. And WE have more layers than what's presented to us on a one-dimensional television screen.

I do believe we ALL have a little Kanye West in us. *waving my finger like young Tre' from "Boyz 'N Da Hood" in the classroom. All of y'all. At times, we all desire the ability to just truly speak how we feel with no regard to how others feel about it. There's a little bit inside us in which we all wish we didn't always have to be politically correct and we can say what's on our minds and hearts no matter who's in our presence. Don't front, you know you do.

But to say that that type of behavior is exclusive to one race is ridiculous and very laughable.

I don't hear white folks or even gays saying Lady GaGa made THEM look bad. Why are we?

Children Are The Future, But What About NOW?!?!

While everyone is trippin' off the controversy and/or how "good" President Obama's speech was to the children, I find it sad that the poingnant points can be applied to many (if not most) adults.

I didn't tune into the speech (I had shyt to do), but I did take the time to read the transcript online. Although there isn't anything in the speech that is new or ground-breaking that hasn't been said countless times, I guess it's kinda cool for the kids to hear it from someone who's not their parent or teacher. They probably could've gotten the same message from listening to R.Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" or even Nas' "I Know I Can" though. Don't hate me, Obama dyck ryders...you know it's true.

As I said before though, the speech is definitely not exclusive to children as our society is filled with grown ass adults who can definitely learn a thing or two from it. Who the hell am I kiddin'? If we ALL (no exemption of myself) was to seriously do a serious lil' self-evaluation, I'm sure none of us is completely living up to our absolute greatest potential. Lie to yourself if you want to.

Although I can rehash many times in my personal and professional life where I have slouched off a bit on this blog and have you all read them, I rather not. Instead, I'll just turn to my inner-self, do the evaluation, and correct any ongoing issues that I may still have. And instead you reading my laundry list, I suggest you just do the same.

Some kids may take something extremely inspiring and motivational from Obama's speech, but many won't. And even though I'm not the President of the United States, similarly, many adults won't even take the time to seriously evaluate their own life and see how they can improve, but if my "Presidential" blog here encourages at least one, I guess it serves its purpose.

Just Do better.

Hip Hop Quotable - Dom Kennedy "I Apologize"

*"Fuck being real wit' you, I'm just being real wit' me / We can make a home, Love, you just gotta build with me / I don't need that loud shit, you just gotta chill with me / If life's a bumpy road, it's a lot of hills with me / Never let 'em see you sweat, it's a lot concealed wit' me / I wanna do it the right way, it's a lot instilled in me" - Dom Kennedy "I Apologize"

Life Is But A Beach Chair *No Jay-Z*

"Speed of life...fast."
- Ice-T

Tracy ain't never lie when he spit those simple, yet introspective lyrics some 21 years ago at the start of the classic tale of "High Rollers". Life is fast; extremely quick-paced where at the blink of an eye, one's world may be shattered and turned upside down with no prior warning or even a premonition. Life is so quick, our loved ones are often here today, gone tomorrow leaving us reminiscing on the cherished times we've shared with them mourning and celebrating all at the same time. Life races by at such a rapid pace that time flies when you're even having fun. *No Janet* The speed of life is so damn fast it doesn't even seem like it was over TWO DECADES when I first heard Ice-T rapping about the speed of life being So. Damn. Fast.

People die every day all day. Although this is no revelation and it's the one part of life that is inevitable, death remains one thing that many people have a mixed array of emotions surrounding. Those who believe in an afterlife believe that it's a transitional period to (hopefully) a better existence. Those who don't, see it as just the end of the road. *No Boyz II Men* Regardless, life's a bitch and then you die. *No Nas* And the old me is dead and gone. *No T.I.mberlake*

Okay, where was I?

Oh yeah...

We're all gonna die.

Not to sound so morbid or anything, but my lady and I was discussing funerals and how different people conduct themselves during them and how we would want people to react to our deaths.

Happy topic, right?

Actually, it is. Fortunately, for the both of us, we love laughing and shyt so although neither of us want people dancing on our grave talkin' 'bout "Ding Dong, the witch is dead...", we also don't want people falling out, in classic over-dramatical fashion, boo-hooin' and hollerin' making the spectacle moreso about THEM as oppose to the folk in the box (or churn). I, for one, don't want to be remembered as a saint who can do no wrong 'cause Lord knows, I'm not perfect. Thus far though, I've been a pretty good dude (if I do say so myself...and I do) and I pray that I have impacted the lives of many already in an extremely positive and inspirational way in regards to all people I have come into contact with.

With that said though, I've decided to make a list of things that I DO want people to do in remembrance of me instead of locking themselves in a room and crying a river and shyt. God forbid, I pray that that time isn't coming soon (I've got shyt to do), but I don't want folks to steal my shine with all their crying and shyt.

1. Take heed and share my wisdom.

Even though I hope cats remember me as an all-around cool guy who always had something funny and entertaining to offer, I do drop gems that may either save or change your life if attention you pay. My personality, whether I'm being humorous or serious is often laced with subtle jewels and words that you can take with you (free of charge) and I'd say 94% of people I encounter don't realize the wealth that lay before them.

By no means is that meant to sound cocky or egotistical, it's just actual...and factual. *No TLC*

2. Rejoice in my art.

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm an artist...and I'm (admittedly) sensitive about my shyt. *No Erykah* Whether it's visual, written, or audible, I take my arts pretty darn seriously and I feel you should too. And I do not have a big ego. *No Beyonce and No Kanye*

I just think my shyt is dope. Maybe I'm biased. I'ont know. From all my writings, film and video projects, recordings, photographs...I just want my work to get its proper due. I'm not saying I'm the dopest who ever done any of these things, but I'm damn sure talented and want people to appreciate my art for what it is. Dope.

3. Respect my loved ones left behind.

Although I may be in pre-production for a "We're All In The Same Gang"-esque type video featuring Pac, Aaliyah, Big Pun, Biggie, Left Eye, Eazy-E, Big L, MC Trouble, dude from Millie Vanilli, and Jam Master Jay, I would still find time to haunt your ass on earth if you fuck with my folks. So don't do it.

4. Play that funky music. *No white boy*

I haven't started and God-willing, I'll have ample time to complete a music playlist that will serve as the quintessential soundtrack of my life. I'm talking about a multitude of musical masterpieces that span across a number of genres that will encompass different stages of my life. Every song will have it's own significance that some people may understand and connect with, or maybe not. Nevertheless, it's all ME.

This collection of tunes should be made available by free download on a website dedicated to my memory which will also contain other works by yours truly.

5. Party like it's yo' burfday. *No 50 Cent*

This is self-expalnatory. I encourage everyone to celebrate in their own special way, but when folks do gather together in my memory, I want everyone to thoroughly have a blast. I'd have it no other way. Not in a "dancing the night away" type of good time, but talking about how great I am/was, relishing in my accomplishments and legacy, eating, drinking and listening to my soundtrack. See #4. Don't pour out any liquor for moi, drink it up...or at least throw it up in the sky for me, sheesh.

This list is not all inclusive, but it's all I can think of right now.

In short, celebrate and cherish life RIGHT NOW. Find joy in the good and don't focus on the negative cause no matter how cliche-ish it may sound, life IS too short *No Too Short*...and the speed of life is indeed faster than a muafugga.

***SIDENOTE: This is the first and only post you'll hear me using the "No (fill in the blank)". Thank you.***

One In A Million

R.I.P. Aaliyah Dana Haughton

so You're a philosopher??

"Although a quote may be (or sound) profound, it doesn't mean you should live your life by it. Context is clues."

-Monk

I Guess It's Just The Penalty Of Leadership

To those not under a rock (No Rocafella), I'm sure you're familiar with the whole Louis "Skip" Gates fiasco with Cambridge, MA police officers that landed him in cuffs and arrested. In summary, older Black guy didn't have the keys to his home upon returning and was seen by a neighbor as trying to jimmy the door open. Police were called. In the process of questioning him (once he was already inside of HIS home), frustration and temper resulted in him saying that the officer(s) were profiling him because of his color. The police said Gates, who walks with a cane, obviously presented a threat to them and upon stepping onto his porch was arrested for disorderly conduct.

**Note: I'm on my AfricanAmerican Berry so I can't add the links, but you get the jist of it**

Given the circumstances, I'm almost certain that "cooler heads" would have prevented this incident in becoming the news fiasco it was a couple of weeks ago. But oh well...it is what it is.

However, I think it's a damn shame that the President Of The United States Of America has entertained this mess. Both men basically acted as if they were in their own right for acting as they did. After having a brew and shyt at the White House, they still agree to disagree. Basically, no progress was made.

With all that said, I find it very disheartening that Black folks are STILL bending over backwards to kiss certain people's asses (or appease to them). When it's all said and done, we still live in a nation where racist ideologies have been passed down from centuries and there's really no changing that unless you intercept those thoughts before they infest the minds of the children (Even with that, the cynic in me says that's impossible).

To see the President of the nation feeling like he needs to take time out of whatever presidential duties to host a beer party between two men who represent two different walks of life - the racist, entitled white man of authority and the belligerent black man who has been pre-judged, is like damn.

I guess as a President in a nation where there are so many racists, you gotta sit down and talk to them too, huh?

Penalty of leadership.

NTTAWWT

Saw this this morning on one of my facebook friends statuses:

"Men = Confusion"

Oh yeah, he's gay, by the way...NotThatThere'sAnythingWrongWithThat.

I consider him lucky he don't like women. Talk about confusion.

***SideNote: I love sentences that use the same word in a succedent order like "Saw this this morning...". Yeah, that's dope. EndSideNote***

Muthafugga, Say What?!?

Over the past few years we've heard Kanye West say some pretty outrageous things, but this probably takes the cake.

“You know everyone loves and respects Michael but times change. It’s so sad to see Michael gone but it makes a path for a new King of Pop and I’m willing to take that on. There’s nobody who can match me in sales and in respect so it only makes sense for me to take over Michael’s crown and become the new King. First there was Elvis, then there was Michael, now in the 21st century its Kanye’s time to rule. I have nothing but respect for Michael but someone needs to pick up where he left off and there’s nobody better than me to do that. I am the new King of Pop.”

Wow!!

Talk about someone having a "big ego". The statement is beyond absurd in and of itself, but to have the gall to say that you're the successor to Michael Jackson regardless of how talented Kanye may be, is simply crack-ish. Just as a doped up Whitney Houston referred to her then-husband as the "King Of R&B" at some award show years back, I'm of the belief that Mr. West may very well be under the influence of some serious narcotics.

Think about it.

Vanity and the lures of Hollywood is largely responsible for the death of his mother not so long ago. I believe that God works in mysterious ways, but Kanye obviously still hasn't learned much from that ordeal. This devastating loss in addition to the break up of his long-time girlfriend helped produce the wacktastic "808 And Heartbreaks" album which sucked ass. That's the thing with drugs - They may free your creative juices and lead to the creation of some really mind-blowing material...OR, they can just reveal the fact that your mind was really blowed. Now he's even dating a bald head lesbian. It'll be interesting to know who's fuggin' who in that relationship. Actually, it wouldn't be.

Given these facts and considering the recent quote above, I'm greatly under the impression that the dude needs some type of drug intervention. He seems like the type to surround himself with 'yes men' who ride his dick IRregardless of how wack he may act (or his music can be) at times. They probably won't be the ones to do it, but dammit, I wish SOMEBODY would.

But then again, the two guys he mentioned as the previous "Kings", Elvis and MJ, apparently had drug problems in their past also, so hey, he may just be unto something.

Now THAT'S Television!!

"Tiny & Toya"

I think it's a very good show that is much needed. I know many people who bashed it from its onset (and before it even aired) just based on Tiny and Toya's persona, but if you sincerely watch the show from an unbiased standpoint, you'll quickly recognize that it has redeemable qualities and gives a unique look into the lives of these women and obstacles they face.

I'm by no means saying that it's emmy-worthy or anything like that, but I do feel it has gotten an unjust bad rap just because people have passed judgement on them and the network and already have a preconceived notion that it's a bunch of crock.

Honestly, once you get pass the deep-southern accents of the ladies (in which a significant number of folks in the south really sound like), you'll realize that the real issues that these women face are common place in the Black community and are often taboo topics that we rarely discuss, let alone air on national television. The show's previews that were heavily promoted didn't spark my interest in the least bit, but I gave it a shot any way and was pleasantly surprised.

It disheartens me however to read or hear people's (especially Black people) negative remarks towards the show when they haven't even watched it. This is a plague that has swarmed over us for too long and I feel like in a way it's the manifestation of the whole 'crabs in a bucket' syndrome. There's a deeply-rooted "hate" (for lack of a better term) that exists in many of us and we just don't want to see others succeed and we make our discontent known to others who in turn hop on the bandwagon when it becomes a popular opinion. I hope I'm making sense to you.

And for those who have watched the show and concluded that they didn't like it, this isn't referring to you at all.

With that said, I encourage all (especially ignorant muafuggas who pass judgement on such things without actually seeing for themselves) take the time out and either watch it and form an opinion on it or shut the fugg up.

Thank you kindly for reading :-)

Dumb Smart People

Some of the "smartest" folks can be so "dumb".
Exhibit A: Lauryn Hill
Exhibit B: Nasir Jones

At relationships, they suck.

Tragic

Download: Amerie - "Why R U (Remix) feat. Jadakiss, Nas, Rick Ross, and Cain
Above are a few photos of a gorgeous Amerie...and a remix you can download of her latest single featuring some well notable names in the realm of Hip Hop. Check it out.

All I have to say is timing is a bytch. Damn that Beyonce'!! No one gets shine.

Hard Being Me

It's hard being the one who evokes thought when no one really wants to think. Think about it.

Daddy's Girl

Just read this on a "friend's" facebook status:


Jonathan King's bout to kick it wit my daughter...the only lady I love, who I knows she knows what she wants, and the only one that knows what she wants...love u princess!

4 hours ago · Comment · Like
Tony Planter likes this.

Rodney IMIGHTBEGAY Anderson I know thats right.....thats always whats up!!
4 hours ago

Karl GoodDude...BUT"IMightNeedAFavorFromJon" Simms Thats what's up Jon.
4 hours ago

Christina MakeShiftDivaInTraining Hacksaw Hey i know what I want!!!...Some Coldstone....a long run on the beach...and retirement...LOL :-)...Hope you enjoy every moment with your baby girl!!
4 hours ago

Melinda CanYouTakeCareOfMine Bridges aaawww sooo sweet get ready to have BIGGG FUNN!!!!
4 hours ago

Pre' Shiss CanYouTakeCareOfMineToo Johnson Awwwww...can you come get my daughter and her friends too so I can take a nap!! Lol!! Enjoy your QT with your Lil lady Jon!!
4 hours ago

Melody IWishYouWasMYBabyFavva Williams That's what's up...me and my first born at the arts festival
3 hours ago

Jonathan King I'm so excited watching Harry potter wit my daughter. She's so lovely.
3 hours ago
===============================================

This shyt is so sad.

Don't get me wrong, it's cool for a father to connect with his daughter, However, given the context, it doesn't seem like a regular occasion. So why is this dude receiving praises?

On another note, if he doesn't have a woman in his life, his mother, grandmother, sister, whomever...I think it's pretty pathetic for that to be the only "female" you care about in a loving manner. That speaks a lot about your character.

I'd say the same thing about chicks and their sons too.

That's it.

Is this MEAN?

I recently had a conversation with an old acquaintance of mine and it went a lil' somethin' like this:

Old Acquaintance: So what you been up to playa?
Me: Tryin' ta make a dollar out of fifteen cents...you know how it is...
O.A.: Actually, I don't. I've been doing pretty damn good. Eatin' good...lookin' good...ridin' good...the hoes love it when you stay fresh. Knowwhatimsayin'? You still doin' the little video shyt?
Me: Yeah...things have slowed up a bit, but you know...it's like a marathon, not a sprint sometimes.
O.A.: Yeah, I got some niggas I fuck wit'...I might want you to shoot somethin' for them. How's ATL treatin' you man? What type of car you in now?
Me: Just a lil' bucket...'94 Infiniti.
O.A.: *cocky chuckle* Nigga we GRADUATED in NINETY-FOUR!!

He continues on about how he attended one-year of college, started hustling, and dropped out to hustle full time. In the past 15 yrs. ('94-'09) he spent close to 36 months in jail, has two daughters by two different women, two Mercedes', and lost two of his closest buddies living the hustler's lifestyle. Convo continues...

O.A.: Damn, "Mr. Big-Time Video Director!!" I thought you would be doin' better than that, down there in ATL.
Me: At least I didn't lose two of my homies who were MURDERED because of their "career" paths.

Was I wrong for that?



***By the way, I didn't say that last statement...or at least not in those words.***

Bag Lady

I think that chicks who carry big ass purses EVERY WHERE they go have a lot of baggage.

That is all.

Niggas...

I LOVE the group N.W.A., but I HATE niggas with attitudes.

P.S.A. - Stupidest Shyt I Ever Heard!!

After attending elementary, middle, high, college, and grad schools, it seems like a lot of folks I know are truly trying to stake their claim on the American Dream. Those who haven't gone as far in education and has chose other career paths, jobs, military, "marrying rich", hustling, or whatever to create the life they are conditioned to believe as THEIR "American Dream" is on that path as well to their proverbial pot of gold.

Sort of.

To quote the "Jefferson's" theme song, everybody wants their "piece of the pie".

EVERYBODY.

However, it's been a current (maybe not so current) trend that people DON'T NEED SLEEP. Many individuals in pop culture has pushed this idea out to the masses that in order to obtain their status and live their unglorious lives, one must NEVER SLEEP.

Take a (re-read) moment if you must... but, YES, there are people who feel like you (or they) need to hustle 25/8.

*in my Katt Williams' voice*
Are you seriously hating on SLEEP??

You know what though? Everybody needs fuggin' sleep. Everybody. Rest. Vacation. Natural day-to-day SLEEP!! Not to mention, some people just REALLY do need their "beauty sleep".

I constantly hear people exclaim that sentiment and I respect people's decisions to the fullest. Although, I do tend to question them. I'm inquisitive like that. It's not a judgemental quality at all, just me gaining insight into how they feel and view things.

The more you know.

With that said, I truly question the mantra of "not sleeping" or "sleep is for the weak" or "sleep when you die" amongst business professionals, hustlers, artists, ANY ONE.

Sleep is fuggin' natural. Your body NEEDS it...just like food and air. Try holding your breath forever and see where that gets you, David Blain.

I understand the idea of not "overly sleeping" or "sleeping on opportunities" and unnecessarily wasting time, but living by the assumption that "sleep" is (insert anything negative), is the stupidest shyt I've heard. Actually, I've heard a lot of stupid shyt so it might not be the "stupidest" but it definitely rates in the upper tier.

Sleep is important for:
*Concentration
*Memory formation and bolstering your memory
*Repairing damage to your body's cells during the day
*Maintaining a healthier heart
*Reducing stress
*Preventing cancer
*Reducing inflammation
*Losing weight
*Reducing your risk for depression

Lack of sleep increases the risk for:
*developing obesity
*diabetes
*cardiovascular disease
*infections
*a bad fuggin' attitude!!

Unfortunately, I lot of people have also been duped into believing that their daily trip to Starbucks can make up for the drowsy feeling they have. Caffeine is not a replacement for good ol' fashioned sleep and resting up. I know we all have busy lifestyles and a few hours of sleep is something that may seem expendable because you're trying to provide a better life and lifestyle for yourself and your children, but is the health risks and valuable years you may be taking off your life really worth it?

So next time someone says something to the effect of "I don't sleep", "I'm a hustler baby, we don't sleep", or "I don't need sleep, I'm tryin' to get this paper," please refer them to this post. Take heed...I may just save your life. Thank me later and shyt :-)

This has been a Public Service Announcement brought to you by the good folks at Presidential Television and Film.

My Take On The 2009 B.E.T. Awards Show...

"Nielsen Media Research shows the Jamie Foxx-hosted show, which was dedicated to the memory of music icon Michael Jackson, was a ratings success by drawing the cable channel’s largest audience on record with an average of 10.65 million viewers.

As a result, the viewership of this year’s BET Awards was more than any other cable broadcast this year and more than any prime-time show on the major networks."
-AllHipHop.com

SCORE CARD

B.E.T. = 1

Everyone Who Watched It, Criticized Every Minute Detail, Bytched And Complained About It Days After, Swear Up And Down That They Haven't Watched B.E.T. Since 2004 Yet Always Seem To Know What's Airing On The Network, And Vowed That They Will Never Watch B.E.T. Again, But Are More Than Likely To Tune In Next Year For The 2010 B.E.T. Awards = 0

Now THAT'S Black Star Power...LOL!!!!!!!!

"This Is Bad, Real Bad, Michael Jackson"

Betcha when Kanye West rapped those lines he never expected that months later, MJ would be deceased at the age of 50.

Although many folks really have a love/hate relationship with Michael Jackson because of his accusations, trials, and a host of other issues that has plagued his life, there's no taking away the fact that he is an iconic entertainer who in many ways sacrificed his entire life for the entertainment of all. Every soul in our generation has at least one amazing Michael Jackson memory that's as vivid in our minds as if it happened just yesterday. Whether it's opening that gift box on Christmas Day to find out that your auntie bought you a "Beat It" jacket...or watching the Victory tour on TV and reenacting the brothers' performance in your grandmother's backyard as family members and neighbors watched...or trying to perfectly do the moon walk and other signature dances and moves he popularized, we all had some type of connection to Michael. Don't front...I know I'm the only one who did all those things...lol!!

My love for music runs DEEP and Jackson's legendary "Thriller" album was the first record I ever bought with my own money. I remember ripping off the plastic on it as if I could play the record in my father's car or something. Realizing that I couldn't of course, I just opted to read the lyrics and the liner notes during the car ride home. Michael's death comes as a "thriller" in it's own right, but at least the memories that we have of him will live on forever. You'll be missed Mike Jack.

Here's one of the GREATEST VIDEOS OF ALL TIME starring Michael Jackson and a slew of others..."Remember The Time".

40 Acres and a Mule...the 2009 Equivalent or SOMETHING??

Pac really has little to do with this post but since his birthday just passed on June 16th, I didn't see a problem with posting it. This post does have everything to do with the mule, land, and Black family who he shares the photograph with though. As we know, the term "forty acres and a mule" derived from General Sherman's orders after the Cival War declaring that the formerly enslaved Blacks would receive that amount a land and a mule to cultivate it. After Abe Lincoln fell victim to an assassin's bullet, the new President, Andrew Johnson revoked Gen. Sherman's orders. Shyt hasn't been the same since.
I ran across this article on CNN.com and didn't really know what to think about it:

"WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed a resolution apologizing to African-Americans for the wrongs of slavery.

The nonbinding resolution sponsored by Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, is similar to a House resolution adopted last year that acknowledged the wrongs of slavery but offered no reparations. The House will have to vote on the issue again because the composition of that chamber changed after last November's elections.

The resolution was approved on a voice vote.

Because it is nonbinding, it does not have to be forwarded to the president for his signature.

Several states have passed similar resolutions, but the House resolution was the first time a branch of the federal government did so.

Harkin's resolution "acknowledges the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality and inhumanity of slavery, and Jim Crow laws," and "apologizes to African-Americans on behalf of the people of the United States for the wrongs committed against them and their ancestors who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow laws."

Jim Crow laws were state and local laws enacted mostly in U.S. Southern and border states between the 1870s and 1965 that denied African-Americans the right to vote and other civil liberties, as well as legally segregated them from whites.

Some members of the African-American community have called on lawmakers to give cash payments or other financial benefits to descendants of slaves as compensation for the suffering caused by slavery."

My understanding is that they're voting on whether or not the federal government should issue an official apology to the descendants of slaves who were essential in building this nation to be the powerful world leader what it is today. Some say that "time heals wounds" and I tend to agree with this statement in many aspects. This isn't one of them. The enslaving of Black people has been legally abolished for a little over a century and the Jim Crow laws that hunted Blacks after that have for the most part been eradicated in the past half century or so. *NOTE: THIS IS NOT A LONG TIME AT ALL* Affirmative action programs which mostly help women and OTHER minorities who are NOT Black were designed to even up the playing field in the realms of education and employment. Welfare and other forms of government assistance are often looked at by some as the government's way of helping out unprivileged Blacks who may not have the same opportunities as whites, however, the great majority of recipients are white. In essence, Blacks have never received their "forty acres and a mule" and have always been at a high disadvantage in the United States of America.

Of course some may point out the election of President Barack Hussein Obama as a sign that Blacks are on equal grounds as whites and can do whatever they want as long as they work hard. After the election, I even heard a plethora of Blacks talking about, "There's no excuse now, we have to step our game up...we got a Black president." I'm calling bullshyt. Of course we have to "step our game up" (in which we have BEEN in many ways...not so much in others), but that has always been the focus of the Black community for the most part. So my problem with this is that Blacks have BEEN working hard and struggling...to little avail. The majority of wealth in this country is passed down from generation to generation and it has little to do with much else. Of course there are many success stories of people pulling themselves up from their bootstraps and becoming "successful", but that's FAR from the majority when it comes to people who are descendants of slaves and victims of America's racist laws. This is not an excuse. It's fact. It's no doubt that the descendants of the white slave owners are doing a whole lot better than the descendants of slaves a century and a half after they were considered "free". That's common sense and it's inevitable. If you can't respect that, your whole perceptive is wack.

I say all that to say if you think that one group of people who have been discriminated against for over four centuries and is STILL considered second-class citizens in the "free world" is EQUAL to another group who haven't experienced any of that, you're sadly mistaken.

An apology from the federal government is definitely well overdue, but without any action behind the statement, it's bullshyt.

Do you feel like descendants of slaves should be compensated, and if so, how?

All Sold Out!!

"Writin' rhymes, tryin' ta find our spot off in that light
Light off in that spot, knowin' that we could rock
Doin' the hole in the wall clubs, this shit here must stop
Like freeze, We makin' the crowd move but we not makin' no G's
And that's a no nooo..."
- Andre 3K "Elevators" by Outkast

We've all heard the saying before that the music business is 10% "music", 90% "BUSINESS".

This rings to be true.

Many (if not every) recording artist that is out right now (no matter the genre) is MERELY using music as a stepping stone in creating a BRAND for themselves that includes music, but definitely not limited to it. Movies, television, clothing lines, soft drinks, cologne/perfume, underwear, footwear, real estate, reality shows, internet sites, cell phone companies, record labels, TOYS...not to mention endorsing such products from existing companies have all catapulted many artists to spots on the Forbes most paid entertainers list and other accolades. With little thanks to actual MUSIC, we have seen rappers transform into moguls leading a path (or dream) for EVERY nigga in the hood to become such an entrepreneur.

I'm not opposed at all to people who are capitalizing on their celebrity...in fact, I encourage it. Shiiiddd...that's what you're suppose to do.

However, when you start compromising your own personal integrity to sell a product, that's when I take issue. That's when you're a sell out. Now for the youngins who may only be familiar with terms like "hater" and "swag", a "sell out" was a word that we used to throw around all the time when somone wasn't being true to themselves. In youngster hiphop terms, a "sell out" is the same thing as a "hater"...except they were really only hating on themselves and their culture while taking away from their own character.

It's a real slippery slope though. Many people labeled M.C. Hammer (watch for his new show if you dare) a sell out when he made commercials for KFC, Taco Bell, Pepsi, and even endorsed British Knights. Those endorsements made him millions and also branded him a sell out amongst his peers. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, he did have the M.C. Hammer doll complete with a Saturday morning cartoon. Same thing with one of my favorite rap groups Kid 'N Play. ***SideNote: I almost typed "favorite rap duos", but I'd be remiss if I didn't recognize DJ Wiz's position in the group. EndSideNote*** For the most part, they made fun-loving music, yet they were still given the side-eye amongst their peers when the cartoon and "House Party" movies franchise took off. Were they sell outs?? END SIDENOTE***

A lot of the more gangsta rap shyt I used to listen to proved that there was no room for endorsements and shyt like that. Until...



"Told all my friends / Don't drink 8ball (OldEnglish 800) cause St. Ides is givin' ends"
- Ice-Cube "Steady Mobbin'"

All of a sudden, it was the cool thing to endorse these companies.

This was ground-breaking. Cube, Wu-Tang, Biggie, 2Pac and Snoop, Dr. Dre, MC Eiht, King Tee, and others all endorsed the malt liquor. Whether they drunk the shyt or not...I doubt it. But they were making their cheese. Were they sell outs??

Before I knew it, you had emcees who were legions away from being considered commercial such as KRS-ONE and MC Shan in a boxing ring rapping about Sprite. Were they sell outs?

"Forget this rap shit, I need a new hustle / A little bit of everything, a new improved Russell" - "The Prelude" Jay-Z

It was a wrap from there. Jay-Z got a sneaker deal with Reebok...50 Cent followed suit and started selling water in addition. Lil' Jon and crew slung energy drinks...followed by Nelly and Ice-T. Diddy's actually winning awards for his clothing line and setting sales records for his cologne. And thanks to Russell Simmons, everybody and their mama is pushing clothes and accessories. Did they all sell out??

Meanwhile...

Record sales are slowly diminishing.

Earlier this year, I heard a Keith Sweat commercial advertising chicken McNuggets. That's right...CHICKEN MC-fuckin'-NUGGETS!! I'm not the biggest Keith Sweat fan, but damn, it's funny what a check can do to some people.

AND...

Just recently, my favorite producer of all time, the good ol' Dr. Dre has just recorded some television spots for Dr. Pepper. I don't see the connection at all between the beverage company and one of the architects of the gangsta rap music I'm so fond of. Maybe I need to be a "doctor" of psychology to understand this.

***SIDENOTE: I do know that on a short skit on NWA's "EFIL4ZAGGIN" tape, Eazy (Muthaphuckin') E sung, "I'm a nigga, he's a nigga, she's a nigga, we some niggas...wouldn't you like to be a nigga too?" in the melody of the famous Dr. Pepper commercial jingle. Maybe the two Dr.'s (Dre and Pepper) have been planning this since '91. I. Not. Know. Do the pop company even KNOW that Dr. Dre had this on one of his albums? I have lost sleep pondering questions like these. END SIDENOTE***

It's like NOBODY just wants to solely make music nowadays. Even cats that rap and produce such as David Banner acknowledges that Hollywood checks are WAY better than checks from music.

Yet, they STILL wonder why the sales are falling????

Seems like a no-brainer to me.

Before, everything was geared towards promoting, marketing, and selling the album. In this day and age, the album is basically the promotional tool for selling the brand. This takes focus out of putting together the best possible album because now the artists and their management are more concerned about endeavors that will bring more income as oppose to quality music.

GOOD music is my life's soundtrack. And although I'm not knocking anybody's hustle, don't expect me (a fan) to purchase subpar music. In the words of a great poet Marshall Mathers, "We're the ones who made you."

I really didn't have a point with this post, just wanted to get the shyt off my chest. Much love and continued success to all the artists out there who continue to give my life a background beat. Hope the rest get a clue.

The Worst Drug Known To Man

“10lbs. 197kts. Very very real I don’t know what fake feel like.$410,000. Hola señor recession proof. With 32 cars.Oldest child 5 and already got 4 million in her own account.I dont do dumb shit like this till I know the fams good. So don’t judge me frm what I buy.Judge me frm what I do.Cuz it’s so many artists that put themself before their family.but thanx yo" - T-Pain via his Twitter.

Alright. When I first saw this piece of gawdy ass jewlery, all I could ask myself is "why, why, why??" With head down in the palms of my hands, I thought to call T-Pain every synonym I could think of for the word "coon". I mean, really, what's an appropriate time and/or event to wear this type of chain? Weighing in a 10 pounds and costing two fifths of a million dollars, I don't think this is something that you would wear everyday. If he's in the studio working, there's no reason to wear it there. Red carpet event? Nope. Music video shoot? Maybe, but once you wear it in one clip, it's kinda ran its course and it's not fresh anymore. When hanging out with his kids? Ummm, no. While making an appearance at the club? Yes, if you wanna invite dem jackboys to relieve you of that ten pounds around your neck. During the sexing of a groupie (or wife)? I'm quite sure no woman wants a "BIG ASS CHAIN" smacking up against their flesh while making whoopee. Maybe a "BIG ASS..." something else, but definitely not a "CHAIN".

Now, at a time when rappers (most who wear fake and flawed jewels anyway) switch up their "chain game" every 6 to 9 months or so, I suppose he can always create enough photo ops for himself and this "BIG ASS CHAIN" and then just recycle the stones in it for making something else. Then again, if he wants to spend his cheese that way, hey, who am I (read: broke ass) to knock him. Do ya thang...shine on 'dem fools and give your ego an ultra boost if you wanna (read: need to)...lol!!

***SIDENOTE: I think it's cool how most actors and actresses are basically LOANED jewlery, dresses, gowns, and suits by respectable designers and jewelers when it's time to make public appearances, but niggas just go crazy and feel the need to buy shyt up. END SIDENOTE***

The thing that does get me though is the fact that he admits, "I dont do dumb shit like this till I know the fams good. So don’t judge me..." yada yada yada. Whoa!! Ok, you KNOW that it's "dumb shit", yet you STILL take pride in doing it???? Your daughter may have millions in a bank account, but who knows, with a father who does DUMB SHIT, those millions can evaporate by her 21st birthday if she doesn't make the right decisions and do DUMB SHIT herself. The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. Obviously though, her pops has a good head on his shoulders and she'll be raised to make good, sound choices.

*can you hear the sarcasm echoing up HERE...Here...here...??*

Trust, I'm not a fan of telling people what to do with their money 'cause I damn sure don't want nobody telling me what to do with mine. If Oprah wants to build a scandal-ridden school in South Africa while the school system in America struggles to keep up with the rest of the globe, so be it. If a singer (he's more of a singer than rapper folks) wants to spend a half-a-mil on one piece of jewlery, more power to ya. I just ask with all the wisdom and foresight that you apparently have, genius, is that REALLY what you wanna do??

BANGER ALERT!! - Jay-Z "Death Of Autotune"

This is LONG overdue. I've been telling cats for years that we need to get back to more violence in rap music. And NO, I'm not jokin'. Too many effeminate cats out there making songs for the ladies, the clubs, and/or the radio. Using the same formula and you wonder why the people rather download your material for free instead of purchasing it. As my Summer 2009 Draft Pick, Dom Kennedy, says, "Every trend change and you bite the style / That's why people don't like you now." All the rainbow bright colors, tight ass jeans, and singin' rappers reigns will be ending soon. Poof, vamoose...(you know the rest).

Check out Jay-Z's "Death Of Autotune".

My Sound's Laid Down By The Underground

Digital Underground definitely broke the mold in the late 80's when it comes to hip hop groups. Lead by Shock G, his alter-ego, Humpty Hump, and Money B, (and the "Piano Man"...not sure if he was an official member) the group took the whole fun vibe that existed before them to new heights while encouraging all to "DoWhutChaLike". They also introduced the artist who is arguably hip hop's most relevant cultural icon ever, 2Pac.

About twenty years later, I came across these rare videos of Shock opening up at a Seattle comedy club. I vividly recall the first time I heard "Freaks Of The Industry" and was bugging out off of how he used multiple choice questions in the lyrics. Crazy Creative. The story played out like a Cinemax movie in my mind detailing the kinky thought process with equally imaginative visuals. It instantly was my favorite song on the tape. Thus, this video from a couple of years back gave me a nostalgic sensation and prompted me to post this. Enjoy.


Here's an added bonus with him covering Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit".

"VIXENS" trailor

Here's a trailor for a project I've been working on. "VIXENS" is designed to give a much-needed voice to the lovely ladies who grace the music video screen and magazines that we see on a regular basis. Before passing judgement, we all should take a glimpse into their lives and see what's really going on their world. It's not all about the glitz and the glamour.
Directed by Damon L. Thomas


Find more videos like this on Presidential Television and Film

To Snitch, Or Not To Snitch?

Wowsers!! Don't know what to say about THIS. The Smoking Gun has published some news that's going to leave a sour taste in the mouths of lots of hip hop fans. Supposedly, Grand Hustle artist, Alfamega, served as a DEA informant some moons ago in return for shaving off time for a bid he was sentenced to. Of course, the matter is a little too close for comfort for T.I. as he is preparing to turn himself into a federal prison to serve a year and a day sentence after an informant participated in getting him caught up.

T.I.'s statement about the matter:

"I am stunned and totally surprised by the news about Alfa “Ced” Zellers. Even though all of our artists and employees are asked by us to be honest and open about their past history, at no time did Alfa disclose to me or Grand Hustle what has now appeared in the media. He essentially deceived us by failing to fully disclose the truth about his past, and there is no place in our organization for dishonest and misleading behavior.

As I’ve always said, you must take responsibility for your own actions. We at Grand Hustle can not support or condone blaming others for our own mistakes. I hope and pray that God blesses Cedric’s plans, but i don’t foresee me or my company playing a role in his personal or professional business."

Whoa.

I've worked with Alfamega and ran into him on several occasions and he's always seemed like a good, genuine dude. Although I don't have anything to say about his current situation, it does make me think about the whole "no snitching" code that permeates society. And YES, I say "society" because even though certain media outlets and dumb ass rappers may make it seem like the code is inherent to hip hop culture, it ISN'T. The "no snitching" code runs rampant in corporate America, government, the streets, education, military...all that. That's one problem I have with how shyt somehow gets misconstrued and all of a sudden typical behavior/codes are placed upon a particular demographic. It's bigger than Hip Hop as dead prez would say. That's a whole 'nother post though.

Thing is, I'll tell anybody, straight up, that if you harm me, my family, or my friends, I'M FUCKIN' TELLIN'!! Yep, damn right. I'll do anything in my power to bring you to justice if you fuck with my loved ones. That may mean putting a hit out on you calling the police or testifying if I know that you're responsible for something that did my folks wrong. Call me a snitch. I'll be dat.

Now, if I'm a participant in something that might not be kosher and I get caught or something, I wouldn't "snitch" on my other partner(s) who were in the clear at all. I'm loyal to a fault, but that's just me.

However, I wonder how many people would actually participate with the government in bringing down someone else whom they have no affiliation with to shave some time off their sentence (or be in the clear). Afterall, if that person(s) isn't your homeboy/girl, do you REALLY owe them any allegiance at all? Is there honor amongst thieves? I'ont know.

On another note, If you're outside of the 'A', chances are you haven't heard about the fatal hit-and-run crash that left five dead this past Easter. Click the link for info, please. The mother of Aimee Michael (the driver who allegedly caused the crash), is being charged also because she allegedly helped her daughter in "tampering with evidence" and "hindering apprehension of a criminal".

This presents an interesting dilemma.

Sheila Michael DID NOT snitch on her daughter...and as a result, she's facing charges that may land her a jail sentence. Of course when Sheila made the decision to try to protect her daughter at all costs, she was merely acting on instinct (I'm speculating), but what would you do?

As stated above, I'll snitch to bring a loved one who has been done wrong to justice (if there is a such thing *BING!!!! That's a whole 'NOTHER issue), but will I snitch on a loved one? That's the question.

Regardless, this is a dope ass video!!

I Love The Swine, More Than You Know

Ok. Swine flu (or whatever they wanna call it now) has been all up in the news the past few days. Anyone who knows me know that I lubs me some bacon, ham, pork ribs, pork chops, all dat. I was relieved to hear that it's not something that you can catch from partaking in those fine delicacies. Well, at least not yet. You know how these things work. They tell you that you can't get it through this, this, and this, and then someone catches it through this, and the FDA and CDC are retracting their statements and shyt. It's a serious matter that has taken lives so I don't have no jokes about it except for the picture above.

Anyway, it got me to thinking. Decades ago when AIDS and HIV hit, there wasn't really such a mass alarm sounded at first. As I type, I'm watching President Obama's News Conference about his first 100 days and he's talking about this flu. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I SWEAR I don't remember hearing this type of attention given when AIDS first hit. Think about it.

*thinking*

*thought processed*

Hmmm... Reflecting on when AIDS was first brought into the spotlight, I remember it was a disease that they only thought affected homosexual males. *DING* That explains it. I recall many people saying that it was God's way of letting the gays know that what they was doing is wrong. It was a plague and individuals dismissed it because it didn't affect people in their circle. As it grew and became passed on through heroin and other intravenous drug users, it began affecting more Blacks in metropolitan areas. Again, there wasn't really an alarm. It's just killing the niggas...UNTIL heterosexual whites began contracting the disease. That's when the shyt hit the fan.

My question is: What if the government would've hopped all over this at its onslaught the way that they are doing with swine flu?? Would it have helped to stop the epidemic that has claimed so many lives over the past three decades? Would less babies be born with the virus already attacking their immune system? Would Eazy-E still be alive?

Who knows?

Although I feel like the government does have some type of responsibility in providing a healthy way of life for its constituents and protect us from the swine flu, I think it's wrong for BILLIONS of dollars to be spent on such a disease when people are already dieing at alarming rates due to cancer, AIDS, heart disease, etc. etc..

What are your thoughts?

I'm A Hater, He's A Hater, She's A Hater, We Some Haters, Wouldn't You Like To Be A Hater Too?

I hate cause you 'fly', I hate cause I'm not...This is why, this is why, this is why I HATE.

It's official. I'm what you may call a hater. Not to be confused with a 'lover'. Albeit, I am a lover...not a fighter. I'm too old for that. Fighting, that is. I'm also off track of what I was talking about. Where was I? That's right...me, the hater.

I'm totally aware that being considered a hater (or even a self-proclaimed hater) is not necessarily a positive attribute to one's character. However, in my defense, I will say that I'm at least an equal opportunity hater as oppose to someone who hates specifics. My brand of hate holds no boundaries or limitations as it spans from sea to shining sea, all races, creeds, and colors, genders, class, age groups, heights, weights...well, you get the picture. Sometimes I hate for no reason. Other times, with reason. And other times other than the other times I previously mentioned, I hate for hating's sake.

With that out of the way, I will now list a few things that I hate. Keep in mind this list is FAR from being all inclusive because my hate has no limit. How you do dat der? Uuuggghhh!!

To the list:

Number One: Sunglasses.
Obviously the coolest cats in the club

It's a known fact that sunglasses make you look cool. I look cool in mine and I'm sure you do too. Even the most anti-pretty person looks a tad bit better behind some cool frames. I don't really disdain sunglasses per se, but more so people who wear them at inappropriate times. Just this past weekend, I was walking around Atlantic Station and I saw a few guys wearing sunglasses. The sun was chilling on the west coast at this time and had been left Atlanta for the day, but these dudes was walking around all willy nilly like it was bright as the fuck outside. To top it off, the next day, I was reading a small article in Creative Loafing (I can read...I'm not ignorant) that asked a few people why they wore sunglasses while indoors. The answers ranged from "Because I'm fucked up all the time" to "It brings out my alter ego" to "Because I slept with my make-up on". Depending on whom you ask, I guess any of those reasons would be suffice.

On the other hand...fuck those people. I hate them. I'm not cool like them and I can't even look cool at night or in a dimly lit space as they effortlessly do. I'm hating. I already struggle to see at night sometimes cause my vision is not the greatest. Word to my momma (and papa). Not that I go often, but even the flashing lights and hazy atmosphere of a club makes it hard for me to see. These fuckers however are obviously blessed with Superman-like vision because they're able to fully function under such low lighting conditions...WITH their dark ass shades on. The end result is they can still manage to maintain their swag while I on the other hand look like a complete lame with my eyes all exposed to the public and shyt. Not.Fair. I wanna hide behind my shades (and all my insecurities) like they do. I wanna be Joe Cool and wear my $600 Prada frames when I walk through the VIP in slow motion like I'm in a video. Shiiddd...who am I kidding. I hate those folks cause I'm not rich (nor dumb) enough to pay for some glasses that cost .6 of a stack. Fuckers.

Number Two: Barack Obama.


Yep, I'm an Obama hater. Don't get it twisted, that's my man (read: my nigga). From being best qualified for the position to representing (hope for) a positive change in American politricks, I fux wit' dude. He's cool. He's so cool, it seems like he's the 'wear sunglasses in the dark' mixed with 'Men In Black' type cool. He even got a cool ass job, even though it's one of the hardest and most stressful ones. I'd even state that all the states in the United States are in a such a shytty state right now that having a great leader is one step in fixing the state of America. Luck, I pray him.

Irregardless (it IS a word, look it up), I hate the fact that he has SO many dick riders out there. Michele has to be a very confident woman to deal with all the females (and males) who have a crush on, in love, or are just uber-infactuated with everything he does. I mean his groupies are hard to the core. With their "I <3 Obama" t-shirts, buttons, bumper stickers, coffee mugs, tattoos, flasks, chicken, condoms, and everything else they wanna attach to his name and likeness, this dude is truly an American idol. Speaking of such, I hate the fact that not once, but twice during this season of 'American Idol', the shows didn't come on because of some presidential address. Out of ALL the times he could've came on TV, he chose the American Idol time slot. Out of all the shows with horrible ratings, he's gonna pick one of MY shows to talk about political shyt. Damn you Mr. President.

Number Three: Dumb Muafuggas Who Don't Know They're Dumb.


Granted, dumb folks only make folks like I look that much smarter so they do serve a purpose. Nevertheless, there's nothing worse than a fool who thinks he/she knows everything. I'm a pretty smart dude in various aspects of life and I'll be the first to admit that I don't know it all. I do try to learn something new e'ry day though.

In speaking and writing I tend to stray from the English language and rules of proper grammar and spelling a bit. Call me ignorant or dumb if you want, but in actuality, I knows how I be using my sentences and words and shyt. I just took a 'quiz' on facebook.com and I scored "Grammar Master" meaning I'm "at the top of the heap when it comes to grammar and spelling." And we all know that facebook doesn't lie, right? I'm even creative enough to make up my own words at least thrice a week so get off my bozack (copyright EPMD). However, there's a big difference between myself who knowingly does this and others who are totally oblivious to the offenses they make on a regular basis.

Here's another example from this past weekend.

***SIDENOTE: I had the Best Weekend Ever!! END SIDENOTE***

I'm at Uptown Comedy Corner with a beautiful and bright (in more ways than one) young lady and we're looking over the menu. I'm aware that we're not at an upscale, five-star restaurant or anything like that, but I can't help but notice a few misspelled words on the menu. I pay it no mind until my date points out the fact that they spelled "tilapia" with an "a" instead of the first "i". Being that I already cringed a little when I read "reisling" as oppose to "riesling" and "gran marnier" as oppose to "grand marnier", I concluded that the person (or persons) who drafted this menu probably doesn't realize their errors. Unless this is some huge "I gotcha" joke, my analysis concludes that they are dumb. And thinks that they are not. Hundreds of people read this menu nightly and for them to not have corrected this, is beyond me. Who cares though? It was just something else to laugh about.

So there you have it. I know it's not a very popular title to have, but I have embraced being a hater. I wear it proudly, dammit. And now, my good people, I ask, are you a hater too?. If so, what do you hate?