Waka Flocka Deez!

I love Hip Hop y'all...you know this. And I can't front, I love the Hip Hop from back in the day, but I'd be remiss if I was to say that I didn't enjoy some of the current-day music that's being put out. I fully understand that some of the cats aren't going to match up to my standards being that I have been blessed to witness the true GREATS in their rise...their climax...and even in their descension in some cases.

I say all that to say, I KNOW that (GOOD) Hip Hop has had its GREAT, yet IGNANT moments. Many artists come to mind, don't front.

BUT THIS, I take issue with.

Waka Flocka Flame is saddening. Like REALLY. SADDENING.

I'll let these interviews speak for themselves:

Now...even though this nigga's "so-called" hit song, "O Let's Do It" (and I only say "so-called" because it'll be interesting to see if the play that it's getting will translate into record sales), is getting burn, is ACTUALLY kinda catchy, and contain lyrics like, "I influence...drug dealing music", I respect him for doing what's obviously is in his heart as an artist. ***SIDENOTE: I'm an artist myself , and I have a few choice words hopefully he'd respect too***

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

**Message to Wacka Flocka**

But on some real shyt, how you gonna make yo'self out to be the MAN when YOU were the victim?

NIGGA, YOU GOT ROBBED..........AND SHOT!!!!!!!!!!

You tryin' to make the cat that did it out to be some lame, but HE got away with YO' jewlery in exchange for the lead that he deposited in you. He left without a band-aid, nigga! No aspirin or pain killers needed. Them hospital pain killers felt good didn't they? Not a scratch. Not a boo-boo. No papercut even from a doctor's bill that you have to pay now. You say he was scared, but I don't know if the nigga even broke a sweat! Yo' nerves was fucked up...on yo' right sidel

Who won nigga?? You? Not.

Honestly, in a situation like this, I know that no one wins. But don't try to make yo'self out to be some O.G. cat that can't be touched because niggas WILL try you. Everytime. And your track record doesn't look good. They even did it to your C.E.O.. Check The Rhyme

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

Beyond the foolishness in the interviews, I'm moreso concerned with the response on his facebook fan page. I understand the well wishes for your "hero", but DAMN:

Young South: FUCK NIGGAS ALWAYS GNE HATE

February 3 at 6:32pm

Aaron Stick Boy Feggins: yeaaa waka hanle dat shyt like a g

February 3 at 6:41pm

Devin McCall: yu a real ass nigg dawg...

February 3 at 6:42pm

Damon Doitbigstein Walker: Fuck Dem pussy Niggas dey can't beat yo Ass Wit dey hands so dey use guns

February 3 6:46pm

Shannon TheGreatest Hollingsworth: damnnnnnnnnnnnnn he so damnnnnnnnnnn fineeeeeeeeeeeee shitttt niggas done SHOT my future husband!!!! stupid broke ass niggas LMFAO

February 4 at 12:07am

Trapboy Dubz: rite flocka bounce back like it aint shit, we rockin out witch out here, Westsid Wilmington, Delaware nigga!!!! cum thrum click on my music link n hear dat trap music!!! **TRAPBOY DUBZ** WESTSIDE WILMINGTON, DE

February 4 at 2:31am

D.j. Pollard: real nigga

February 4 at 5:30pm

Trust, there's worse...everything from the love professions of "I'm Mrs. Wacka Flocka" to "Flocka, you da REALEST".

Not knowing the profiles of these individuals, I will take the liberty of assuming that they're mostly teens who may not know any better.

**YET ANOTHER SIDENOTE: Jay's "I'm afraid for the future / Y'all respect the one who got shot, I respect the shooter" lyric keeps ringing in my head.**

Damn.

What do y'all think?

Man Up Obama!

First, I understand how politics work. I really do.

Secondly, what America needs right now is NOT a politician. We need a dude, let's call him a "REAL MAN", that's gonna stand behind his conviction and MAKE shyt happen.

Not one who's gonna turn the other cheek when a overly-emotional, possible racist SENATOR calls him a "LIAR" in front of EVERYONE and no repercussion takes place.

Not one who's gonna have a beer summit with a possible racist cop and Black man law abiding citizen to discuss what went wrong with no progress or point.

There comes a time when you gotta stop playing both sides of the fence when others obviously aren't. I don't know...*scratching my head pondering*...STAND for something. He has it in him (I think). I'm a fan of most of Obama's ideas and that's why I support him. But the GOP will continue to treat him like a "lil' nigga" unless he man up. Trust me. They don't have to like you, but they'll respect you more. Put your foot down and exercise the power that your constituents invested in you. Be a MAN and stop being a bytch.

Sorry I couldn't put it as eloquent as Roland Martin put it. **Please Click Roland Martin's name**

Gee, I've been sayin' this for some time now. Thanks Roland.

Is John Mayer A Nigga?

This, of course, is a touchy subject and I'm still kinda more nonchalant about it compared to others (some of my "brothas and sistas"). Maybe I'm just personally disconnected and could give a fuck less. Maybe I don't put much stock into what other (not my "brothas and sistas") people think of me or my..."brothas and sistas". Maybe I feel like it's just a word and I'm of the 'sticks and stones' theorem so the idea of a white person using the word "nigger" just doesn't hurt me, EVEN when put out there on some type of public medium. It's not surprising. I almost expect it in some sort of desensitized, "put nothing past no one"-way. I've been here long enough to know that that's how people talk (even if they won't admit it). Not suggesting that it's an everyday occurrence, but I'll look at someone with a major side-eye if they have reached their adult years and won't admit to EVER saying something that wasn't offensive (indirectly or directly) towards someone or a group of people. That's people just being people. Everyone's not a fuggin' saint...let's be real. That's how people talk.

So, when I read word that Black chicks' favorite white boy singer, John Mayer, used the word "NIGGER" in an interview with Playboy and basically said that his dick was racist, it came as no surprise to me.

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

Playboy: Do black women throw themselves at you?

Mayer: I don't think I open myself to it. My dick is sort of like a white supremacist. I've got a Benetton heart and fuckin' David Duke cock. I'm going to start dating separately from my dick.

Also in the interview:

Playboy: If you didn't know you, would you think you're a douche bag?

Mayer: It depends on what I picked up. My two biggest hits are "Your Body Is A Wonderland" and "Daughters". If you think those songs are pandering, then you'll think I'm a douche bag. It's like I come on very strong. I am a very...I'm just very. V-E-R-Y. And if you can't handle very, then I'm a douche bag. But I think the world needs a little very. That's black people love me.

Playboy: Because you're very?

Mayer: Someone asked me the other day, "What does it feel like now to have a hood pass?" And by the way, it's sort of a contradiction in terms, because if you really had a hood pass, you could call it a nigger pass. Why are you pulling a punch and calling it a hood pass? But I said, "I can't really have a hood pass. I've never walked into a restaurant, asked for a table and been told, 'We're full.'"

Playboy: It is true: a lot of rappers love you. You recorded with Common and Kanye West, played live with Jay-Z.

Mayer: What is being black? It's making the most of your life, not taking a single moment for granted. Taking something that's seen as a struggle and making it work for you, or you'll die inside. Not to say that my struggle is like the collective struggle of black America. But maybe my struggle is similar to one black dude's.

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

Not sure how you look at it.

Don't care.

I'm aware that John Mayer is a musician, but is he really any different from all the Black white, latino, asian, middle-eastern cats on Comedy Central comedians who use what some may consider offensive language?

In my opinion, John was in a really comfortable space and he felt like he could REALLY speak his mind. Yeah, nigga, No.

He kinda recanted on his twitter page saying this:

"Re: using the ‘N word’ in an interview: I am sorry that I used the word. And it’s such a shame that I did because the point I was trying to make was in the exact opposite spirit of the word itself. It was arrogant of me to think I could intellectualize using it because I realize that there’s no intellectualizing a word that is so emotionally charged. And while I’m using today for looking at myself under harsh light, I think it’s time to stop trying to be so raw in interviews…It started as an attempt to not let the waves of criticism get to me, but it’s gotten out of hand and I’ve created somewhat of a monster. I wanted to be a blues guitar player. And a singer. And a songwriter. Not a shock jock. I don’t have the stomach for it. Again, because I don’t want anyone to think I’m equivocating: I should have never said the word and I will never say it again."

Ha! I'm not sure about y'all, but I'm tired of the insincere, blanket, obligatory "I'm sorry's", "sorry for my inner-demons", rehab stints done by celebrities to save face. Shiiddd...Face That Shyt Nigga! Everybody's so politically correct nowadays...but that's a different story. *thinking to self honestly (how many y'all do that)...and raising hand as I may be guilty too*

Bottomline: The nigga just prefer white pussy. Just so happens the "nigga" I'm referring to is actually white. In essence, he likes his own, which is a trait that I know many Black women appreciate in their men.

Will I stop buying his music because of this?

Miss me with that. Although he has some cool songs and I like the blues vibe, I ain't never been no fan of his like that (if 2 negatives make it a positive, then 3 negatives must make it a negative, right?). Yeah, he's cool with a couple of my favorite Hip Hop artists, but shiiiddd...that doesn't mean I'm suppose to jock him. He's not in my iTunes.

Funny thing is, some Black women who may be offended and upset by his statements will soon forget about it and continue their support. They'll be no boycotts, no CD burnings and trashing, no John Mayer iTunes catalog deleting, no call to arms over this. Lucky for John Mayer he's not a Black man.

Yeah.

On one last note, even though John Mayer has received the "fucking" when it comes to this whole ordeal, does anyone see how PLAYBOY "baited" him with their question? Don't they deserve a little "hate" too? Just askin'...

Sade's New Album In Stores and Online TODAY!!

Ok...maybe I just wanted an excuse to post this picture. Is this Sade??


What about these?

Poppin' Tags!

When people say they buy ridiculously over-priced, designer goods because of the quality, they're fuckin' lying.

***NOTE: I was going to end this post right here, but I guess I'll expound a little bit so you won't take these jewels for granted. Thank me later...or now.***

I'm not talking about choosing to purchase Charmin or Angel Soft toilet paper over the dollar store brand because nobody wants a hand full of shyt and TP dingleberries when dropping the kids off at the pool. Nobody. Although I've done it myself when my budget didn't allow me the luxury of fluffy, soft, quilted with feathers toilet tissue, it's ideal to splurge a couple of extra bucks or some change for an "upgrade" like this. I mean...when you think about it, as a heterosexual male, I'm already anal about what touches my ass. Pun. And at the core of it, it's only a couple of bucks.

However, when it comes to dropping upwards of one thousand (or any plural derivative) dollars on a purse or pair of shoes with "quality" being the rationale, I'm calling bullshyt. I wish people would be much more forthcoming with their testimonials when making high-end purchases like this. Afterall, Honesty IS The Best Policy, right?

But, No.

Being on this planet for one-third of a century and particularly being raised, bred, conditioned, educated, and RE-conditioned (solely based on my own standards) in a capitalist, materialistic society, I KNOW (per fact) that the REAL reason why people make such purchases is to floss. That's It.

It's not based on quality. It's based on a need to show off or perpetuate the (facade of a) lifestyle that many Americans admire and aspire to (for some reason...usually trying to keep up with the Jones'). It's not quality, it's the NAME or the BRAND that one is spending astronomical prices for.

It's obvious that (most) many name brands are of superior quality when compared to off-brand items and I'm by no means saying that quality isn't a factor at all, but to say that THAT'S the sole reason for making such a purchase is a lie. I don't feel anything is wrong with splurging on yourself (or tricking your doe off) if that's what you want to and can afford to do. Ball to you fall, player. If you're just a fan of a certain high-end brand because of the look or prestigue and how it makes you feel, by all means, shell out those duckets for it. Just be real about it and say that that's why you're doing it.

Pissed Or Passionate?

This is a screenshot from Kanye West's blog that has been makin' its round on the internet the past couple of days. Every.Last.One. of the blogs made it sound like Mr. West was just an emotional wreck, reeked with anger and hostility in their headlines and content. We all are too familiar with Kanye's antics over the past years and nothing seems to come as much of a surprise any more. He was supposedly shunned from appearing on the Help For Haiti telethon because of his past showboatin'/show-stealin' public antics and the Grammy's have basically black-balled him from thier 2010 awards show after being nominated countless times and winning awards in prior years for his previous works. PETA has recently been skinning and eating him and his girl alive over the fur that they've recently been photographed in. The President of the United States have even called him a "jackass" after the Taylor Swift fiasco at the MTV Video Awards. Although I feel like I am not Kanye, although we all have a little bit of Kanye in us, one thing that ironically stands out to me in the midst of all this is that it appears to me that bloggers, who ONCE was the outspoken, unapologetic voice that "politically correct" media outlets lacked, have fallen into the same matrix of conformity and "cookie-cutter" opinions.

Not to get it twisted because many blogs still rep for independent thought and looking beneath the surface, but others have clearly abandoned "what they came here fo'" and have been transformed into commercial entities in which opinions are clearly bought and regurgitated to the public.

Sad.

I empathize with Kanye' West.

The scrutiny that people spew on Kanye definitely comes with the territory. As an artist, I he is completely open to public opinion and everyone will DEFINITELY have something to say (that's kinda like a test for some artists to see if they're still relevant....if people actually CARE because they have an emotional attachment to your work, they'll always be some sort of response). Obviously, he's still relevant because of his talent and that's why he'll remain a fixture in music and blog headlines. His reputation (pride, ego) has been detrimental to him in many ways, but I wish people would realize that it's pure PASSION from where he speaks. Bloggers ONCE spoke with that same intensity, but now, it's moreso cats who've got a little bit of money behind crafting posts in line with the status quo and ran with it, as oppose to giving their real opinion on shyt.

Although I can't personally get behind the "808" disc, and clownish outfits (claimer: I ain't no fashion nigga), I totally respect a lot of what Kanye has to say and it's really just a matter of people seeing things in one-way (THEIR "right" WAY) when it's really three-dimensional (their way-the artist's way-and the middle ground).

Can we all just get along? And can bloggers express how they really feel as oppose to following the status quo????

Just Some Thoughts...

...after watching the State of the Union Address:

*Gang affiliation is obviously not exclusive to the youth.

*As a Black man, the hate and disgust on an old white man's old wrinkled up face is truly a precious sight that will always warm my inner soul.

*Out of all my friends on facebook who run 5+ miles a day and are doing the p90x, the democratic senators have gotten a more intense workout from the all the standing, sitting, and clapping and ass kissing that they're doing.

*Nancy Pelosi must've been a cheer captain in her younger days.

*Where's Nino Brown when you need him? I kept hoping he would pop in Kanye West-style and say "SIT YO' FIVE DOLLAR ASS DOWN BEFORE I MAKE 'CHANGE'...for real!!"

*War goes on :-( Well at least for another 1.5 years...they say.

*The "United" States is an oxymoron.

*"I don't accept second place for the United States of America!" - Barack Obama. Sounds like a motto for the Olympic games.

*Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi looks like they're counting every single follicle in Barack Obama's head.

*Biden = Purple tie. Pelosi = Purple suit jacket. Obama = Purple lips...at least they're all matching.

*Looking at a room full of majority white people in High Definition is similar to watching a zombie movie.

*President Obama signing autographs on the way out...Priceless.

*All this talk sounds good than a muafugga don't it??

Y'all remember this joint right here?

Rashad "Tell em what they wanna hear"

The Glenn Twins | MySpace Video

Educated Black Woman

Gee...

I wonder why educated Black women don't recognize that when the term "educated Black women" is used in the media, it's often done with a very condescending tone. In a way, it's like saying "you're pretty...for a dark-skinned girl" or "you're the cutest big girl I've ever met". With all that "education", why oh why can't "educated" Black women recognize that they (read: the media) are patronizing you? On some real shyt, when was the last time you've heard the phrase "educated WHITE woman" or "educated ASIAN woman"? Probably never.

Over the past month or so, I've read about Helena Andrews, whose story "Bitch Is The New Black" (very attractive, right?) is set to be published as a book and is optioned for a movie deal (before the book is even complete). Many of my peers have blogged and posted articles about the Washington Post story and how they feel about it. VerySmartBrothas, Keep It Trill, and Sister Toldja are a few that have very insightful outlooks on the situation and I encourage you to check them out. Personally, I know several women who fall into this category and although I sympathize with their situation, I realize that in stories like these, they are being used as pawns. While the "educated" or "successful" Black woman is made out to be the proverbial victim, I feel that one point is persistently missed. THIS IS MORESO A DIRECT ATTACK ON THE BLACK MAN!

***SIDENOTE: Are these women REALLY successful if they are unhappy in their REAL lives? Life is much more than a degree and a job if you ask me. END SIDENOTE***

My passion lies in the arts and multi-media and I guess game recognize game because I can see right pass what some stories the mass media is pumping through the veins of Black American culture. Take for example, the ABC story posted above. Check the reporter's tone throughout the whole joint. Check the statistics that are and have been regurgitated to us since forever. Check the convinient way decent and good Black men are excluded from the equation PERIOD.

Although stories like this are meant to be somewhat of a voice for women who fit into that "successful woman" category, it only throws Black men under the bus...and in essence, Black women also. Black women because they are only being used to perpetuate negative stereotypes and tearing apart the idea of the Black family.

For the sistas who fall into this category, I'm not all-knowing and I don't have all the answers in how to find you a good Black man (although I can co-sign most of VSB's points). My only wish is that you look at the big picture and don't allow yourself to be used by internalizing this to be all about you. Because you and I both know, the media don't give a fuck about you...unless you're buying movie tickets, books and magazines, or increasing their ratings.

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.***