Dreams....Is our dreams reality? Or is our reality just a dream? Have you ever shook out of dream laying in your bed wondering for those few brief seconds where you are and how did you get there? Have you ever had that one recurring dream that you found yourself falling and just before hitting the ground you woke up? Or how about the dream you were having where you were actually trying to open your eyes while in the dream because everything around you felt so real? And let's not forget that one dream, or should I say nightmare, that everybody seems to have where you find yourself running from something...running from what exactly you really never knew, because it's like a shadow that was chasing you in the dream that was shapeless and void of any distinguishable facial features. But in the dream it scared the hell out of you.
They say some dreams are messages from your subconscious trying to tell you something. Some of these messages have been suppressed mentally in the form of memories that we might have wanted to forget because emotionally or spiritually they caused us so much pain in our awakened state.
Perfect example: when a child is sexually or physically abused and is then threatened to not speak out about it they hide it for years and may never tell anyone for fear of retribution from the person or persons responsible for the abuse. And for years these children tend to have nightmares about "daddy" coming to get them or some sort of "boogieman" trying to harm them in similar patterns that are taking place in the physical world that they have been suppressing for so long. It's their mind trying to cope with the emotional damage that was done to them. These dreams become a defense mechanism mentally in order to cope with their reality. This is how psychiatrists are able to determine through certain behavior patterns associated with dreams and nightmares that something else might be going on in the household. These kids are lashing out for a reason and sometimes they are trying to speak to us through a particular dream. Thus, reality is the dream and the dream becomes reality.
To fully understand the conscious and subconscious state of mind: There are 7 levels of consciousness that relates to the "mind". The "lower" level of consciousness (the subconscious) helps us to deal with the physiological need of survival, the physical and emotional need of self-preservation and the emotional reasoning of self-esteem. The "upper" levels of consciousness (the conscious state) focuses on our spiritual needs, which means the need to find meaning in our lives, wanting to make a difference in the world and the need to be wanted. And in between those six levels of consciousness lies probably the most important of them all, the seventh, which is "transformation", which cohesively brings the conscious and subconscious together as one.
Most people say the "brain" is an incredible muscle within the human body. And it is. But I believe it's the "mind" which is the most incredible of them both. And yes, there is a difference. The "brain" is physical blood, tissue and cells that mechanically control the functions of the human body. But the mind is most fascinating because it's essentially your "soul", the spirit from which you came and will later become.
Have you ever noticed that when people die their brains die too. The brain matter, the tissue and blood cease to exist. But the mind goes somewhere else. Where? Nobody still really knows for certain. But most experts say the closest thing to dying, is a deep sleep where your mind is void of everything happening around the physical body. You ever hear the famous quote, "sleep, is the cousin of death?" That's because depending on what level of sleep you are in, the two can sometimes be indistinguishable. What about this: have you ever noticed that when someone close to you that's dead tries to speak to you it has always been in a "dream." You ever think to yourself why is that? Again, maybe it's because death and dreaming (sleep) are so closely related. It's something very intriguing about how the mind works when you are in a dream. The mind is able to go places that are unimaginable.
You ever notice when you're sleep and it feels like a couple of minutes have passed but you've actually been asleep for hours? What about when you wake up you might have a bruise or insect bite on you, but while you were asleep you didn't feel a thing. You're so deep into the dream and subconscious state, it's almost as if you have been separated from the physical body mentally. And this deep pattern of sleep is clinically termed R.E.M. (Rapid Eye Movement). R.E.M. is the point in your subconscious state where you are now actually asleep and dreaming. Until you have entered full R.E.M., you may still be in several stages of semi-consciousness or "dozing off". Ever notice sometimes when you are falling asleep you hear voices that are around you start to actually be a part of your dream? That's because you have not fully entered R.E.M.
The reason I'm explaining the difference between the brain and the mind, is because the mind is what directly relates to the different stages of sleep we are in, or what we call the dream realm or subconscious state.
When I watched the movie, Inception, it fascinated me for more than just a movie. It had so many subliminal plots and messages that it was astounding.
I love how in the movie they kept intact the premise of when you were about to be killed or was going to die, you woke up. Just like in real life when we are falling in our dreams we wake up just before we hit the ground. I also like how the "projections" became violent when an outside entity tried to change the architecture of the dreamscape. The best analogy to even describe those particular scenes is how T-Cells attack outside viruses that are foreign to the human body and don't belong there. It recognizes it and then tries to eliminate the threat. Just like the "projections" in the movie.
I think the only part that was confusing to me was the secondary and third levels of dreaming that they kept going deeper and deeper into. I was thinking if you had been trapped in those deep sleep patterns, in the physical world that would equate to you possibly being in a coma-like state. But I loved how minutes in the dream world translated into days, months and even years in real life. Hence, the part in the story where Leo was found on the beach and met back up with the Chinese guy (many years later) when he was old and he had kept his word. But in all actuality, the time that transpired was maybe minutes in the dream world. Dreams can alter the time-continuum. My favorite two scenes from Inception was the spinning top and the dice being objects that were used to help determine if you were in a dream or if you were really awake. And the phenomenal fight scene inside the hotel. Every great movie has it's defining moment, and that was it for me.
I would implore anybody to go and see Inception. If not for just entertainment purposes, then to at least give yourself the chance to believe in the complexities of our dreams and how real they can feel sometimes. You may be reading this blog right now, but is it a dream or is it real? You tell me....
The hoopla and non-stop media coverage around the clock of where LeBron was gonna play was intense and was widely scrutinized from coast to coast. Was LeBron going to play in Chicago, New York, New Jersey, Miami or return to his hometown roots of Cleveland, Ohio? Jay-Z even took time to don his business suit to jump into the mix, President Obama had a thing or two to say about it especially when it came to the Windy City, and even our mayor of the Big Apple, Michael Bloomberg weighed in and made his official pitch for the basketball phenom to come play for the Knicks at the legendary Madison Square Garden.
But in that same LA courtroom, there were far less cameramen, paparazzi and media glare. None of the Larry Kings and Anderson Coopers were in attendance on this particular day. And there was considerably less media watchdogs present like Rush Limbaugh and your Bill O'Reillys, even though there was much more at stake. You would think it would be the opposite of what you was seeing with LeBron. All the media attention should have really been focused on this murder case in LA. Not only was a man's freedom hanging delicately in the balance of the judicial system, but most importantly the mental and spiritual well-being of an entire Oakland community was dangerously on the verge of imploding. The residents of Oakland, California were ready to riot and storm the streets if an unjust verdict was read in the courtroom.
While LeBron comfortably sold sponsorship packages on ESPN as a great PR move and an even greater tax write off at the end of the year for his "considerable contribution" that he made to the Boys and Girls Club of America, 83 people were arrested during the riot that took place subsequently after the Oscar Grant verdict.
While 83 people were arrested during the riot and millions of dollars of damage was caused in the city of Oakland, LeBron celebrated his upcoming 5 year, 99 million dollar contract with the Miami Heat by gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated with his new teammates Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade and was given the keys to the city.
Only in America can a Black man be murdered in cold blood and the particulars of the crime be swept quietly under the rug, while at the same time Jesse Jackson claims the proceedings leading up to LeBron leaving Cleveland during free agency were remnants of slavery. Huh? Slavery? Did I miss something? LeBron signing for millions of dollars and dictating every move that Cleveland made over the last 7 years is reminiscent of slavery??? Come on brother Jesse! White people see you as someone that represents us as a whole! Please get it together! You are embarrassing us! But like I said, this is only in America.
Some of you will never live the type of life that LeBron James is living. LeBron will probably go on to be one of the greatest NBA players of alltime. You and I will never be the next LeBron James. But you or I can easily be the next Oscar Grant. You see an Oscar Grant everyday in the neighborhoods we come from. A single, young Black man who happens to be a father trying to make his way in the world. His life cut short and who is now simply a distant memory.
I wrote this blog in particular because I wanted to show people the parallels of how two totally contrasting stories that took place the same day had affected different people on different levels. It seemed like more people were concerned about where LeBron James was signing rather than what's going on right in their own neighborhoods. On July 8th a serious injustice was done. Oscar Grant's killer was getting off with a lighter jail sentence. Again, justice turned a blind eye to the police brutality Blacks continue to suffer from and spat in the face of the victims who happens to be Oscar Grant's family. His 4 year old daughter. Who wants to be the one to tell his little girl her daddy is never coming home again? Do you think Oscar Grant's family cares where LeBron signed? Of course not. Cause its not real life. Where LeBron signs is inconsequential. It really is of no importance. And if we put half the emphasis on caring about where LeBron is going into our own life, then things will be better off for us all.
We easily get caught up in the LeBron James hype or Kobe Bryant this and that or how much money another rapper got. While you should be paying attention to what these police officers are doing to kill our people and take you away from your families. The LeBron James decision and the Oscar Grant verdict happening the same day was simply a "blinding mechanism" to keep you from focusing in on what was more important.
If you knew it or not, a riot had broken out in Oakland, California where the original shooting had took place. Was there significant riots or uprisings anywhere else? Of course not. And the reason for that is, another Black man being shot and killed while unarmed by rogue cops is an all too often occurrence in the hood. It's commonplace. Almost as common in the hood as welfare cheese and monthly WIC checks.
So the overall message here is to never lose sight of what's important. There will always be distractions put in place to deter you from seeing the bigger picture. And always remember that Oscar Grant could have easily been one of us and let's not have his death be in vain.
I'm a start this blog off with a bang! Dr. Dre is NOT, I repeat, NOT the greatest producer of alltime. And I'll explain why. But first let me put everything in it's proper context so that you understand how we came to this conclusion.
At this point I think we've all seen or heard about Vibe.com's Greatest Producer of Alltime bracket that's being featured via the Internet.
And I have to be quite honest in my assessment of their March Madness type of bracket format where it's a "one and done" type of system that determines who the greatest producer of alltime is. I'm not really a big fan of their bracket system. And that's not a negative thing. It's just my opinion cause I have friends over at Vibe. So I respect everyone's opinion. But when you say someone is the "greatest", you have to be ready to back that shit up and explain why they are the greatest. Those words of being the "greatest" is never taken lightly. And maybe that's why some of the producers like Lil Jon, Buck Wild, DJ Toomp and Just Blaze wasn't all that enthusiastic about being on the Vibe's greatest producer list.
So I just personally believe that a "bracket" system doesn't do justice to any of the producers on this list or how one would determine who the best producer of alltime is. I actually think it takes away from the credibility of the producers as a whole. It takes away from the contributions that each producer has made to Hip-Hop, Pop or R&B. And if you're gonna do a "greatest" of alltime list, at least gather points of references to why. Or some form of research or in-depth analysis. Maybe it's the producers creativity, or extensive body of work, or how they changed the landscape of music or set trends. At least give the average reader who may not be into Hip-Hop a chance to understand the artform as a whole and who some of these not so well known producers are and what they've contributed to music. To have a Dr. Dre go up against a DJ Toomp in a bracket where people vote is not even fair! Dr. Dre is gonna win that battle everytime just based off of his popularity, not so much his skill set or body of work.
And sometimes to make it fun and more engaging, you have to give your readers some personal moments that you may have with some of these legendary producers that brings credibility to your story. Like for instance, I've had a chance to actually interview some of the greatest producers of alltime like Just Blaze and here's several quotes from the interview I did with him:
Just Blaze: "From where I came from to where I'm at now has been a remarkable journey. At one point, I went from getting coffee and donuts for niggas at Bassline, to making hits here at Bassline, to eventually "owning" Bassline. So I've come a long way."
Just Blaze: "It was crazy. For a whole year I was playing tracks for Jay (Jay-Z) and he would just ignore me cause he would never give me any feedback on the music. So I just took it as he really wasn't paying me any attention. And then all of a sudden one day, I play him a joint and he looks over at me and says "you finally got one. It's about time." Which told me Jay (Jay-Z) had actually been listening and paying attention to my music the whole time but I had finally given him a hit. LOL!"
Just Blaze: "Alot of people don't know this but, "Public Service Announcement" was actually the last track Jay (Jay-Z) and I recorded for the "Black Album". The masters for the album had actually went to the plant to be pressed up and everything, but Jay (Jay-Z) literally called the plant to have them stop the pressing until we finished "PSA". Jay (Jay-Z) absolutely wanted that record to be on the album."
Just Blaze: "Me and Kanye were going at it in the studio! I still remember when I first heard "H to the IZZO" and I was like 'Oh! Hell No!' And then I would go and work all night in the studio and that's when I came up with "You Don't Know" which came out crazy! And then Kanye would hear my joint and be like the same way! We were battling in the studio putting out nothing but classic shit! We were pushing each other! It bought the best out in both of us!"
And here are some quotes from an interview I did with Swizz Beatz, another one of the greatest producers of alltime:
And here is a quote from an interview I did with Teddy Riley on how it was working with Michael Jackson and how his death affected him:
Teddy Riley: "I felt like a part of me died with Michael Jackson when he passed...his death was...I can't even put into words what he has meant to me. Me and Mike was actually planning on working together again on his comeback album to re-create that magic again. But now we'll never get to see that happen."
Teddy Riley: "When we went to Neverland Ranch to record Mike's album, I played him about 60 tracks before I actually played the music to "Remember The Time". That's when Mike stopped me and said, "that's the one. Let's record that one." Mike instantly knew that was a hit."
I've also done interviews with D.R. Period, MegaHertz, Havoc from Mobb Deep (I was actually in the studio with Mobb Deep when Havoc was recording his solo record with Jahiem), Dame Grease, The LunyTunes, Rocwilder (was in a studio session with him and Jean Grey), Marley Marl, Erick Sermon and Jermaine Dupri (Kitara hooked that up for me at his Studio 72 Club during BET Hip-Hop Awards weekend a few years back). Plus I'm in pre-production on my own show that highlights music producers called "Beyond The Beats". So I think I have a little validity to my opinion on who I feel are some of the dopest producers in the music business. But there's this one interview I did with the Heatmakerz where they accused, Ty Fyffe, who they had been working with at the time of stealing producing credits from them. So in all fairness, to help clear that up, here is a quote from that interview I did with super-producer Ty Fyffe from his Long Island studio in response to the Heatmakerz claim that he stole their credit on a record they actually produced:
Ty Fyffe: Look man, I've been making music a long time. I actually produced the "Rumpshaker" track with Teddy Riley back in 1992. And I have the plaques right there on the wall in front of you as you can see. So I wasn't trying to steal no credit for a track the Heatmakerz made. What really happened was, in this business, your name and past hits dictate how much you get paid. So here I am, Ty Fyffe, a super-producer that has made crazy hits, working with everybody from Foxy Brown, Shyne, Cam'Ron and many others and you're just an upcoming producer. So in these meetings to sell these tracks, they know they can't just come at me offering peanuts. They gotta come with at least 20,000 a track and better. So yeah, I put my name on it as a co-producer. Not to steal your credit. But to get the most money we could. And as them being producers coming up under me I wanted to make sure they got paid what they was really worth. Do you want to get paid 20,000 dollars for your track or 1,500? You do the math!
So with that being said here are my 15 greatest producers of alltime and why. There are two ties but the list is not in numerical order:
1. Dr. Dre
2. Kanye West
3. Swizz Beatz
4. Timbaland
5. Marley Marl
6. Jermaine Dupri
7. DJ Premier
8. Just Blaze
9. Battlecat
10. Trackmasters
11. Rick Rubin
12. Teddy Riley
13. The Neptunes
14. Rocwilder, Lil Jon
15. Pete Rock, Erick Sermon
Dr. Dre: Really the name alone is enough to go on but Dre has been a Hip-Hop music pioneer for decades. Not only a veteran boardsmen with the tracks, but he also has broken ground with discovering some of the greatest Hip-Hop artists of alltime: Snoop, NWA, 50 Cent, Eminem and The Game. The special quality as a producer that Dre has over many other producers is, each time he releases a new album his sound redefines the state of Hip-Hop music. It's usually on an entirely different level. Not to mention over 100 million records sold.
Kanye West: Worked with everyone from Jay-Z and Alicia Keys to Jamie Foxx and Young Jeezy. And gave them all hit records. Not to mention mega-hits for himself as a solo artist as well. Each of his first three releases have all been classic and ground-breaking albums.
Swizz Beatz: From scoring films, production, his publishing, business endeavors, artwork and paintings, Swizz is on another level. Churning out major hits for Busta Rhymes, Metallica, DMX, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Eve and even Marilyn Manson. That's right I said it! Marilyn Manson! He produced his "Drugs" record. Anytime you ever got a track from Swizzy, you knew it was "Showtime!"
Timbaland: He re-invents himself each time he releases a song. Quirky beats, out of space sound effects, Timbaland is clearly redefining music as a whole. Hits with Ginuwine, Missy Elliot, Nelly Furtado, Drake, Keri Hilson and Coldplay. But I think it was his work with Justin Timberlake that has set him apart from his contemporaries sonically. And visually it was his seminal work with Missy that kept him pushing the envelop.
Marley Marl: Some dared to ask me how did Marley Marl make your list? It's quite simple. When they say Hip-Hop's golden era was during the mid 80's, think about it. Marley produced or was involved with almost every major groundbreaking album of the golden era. Big Daddy Kane, Kool G. Rap, MC Shan, Biz Markie, Eric B. and Rakim and even Bell Biv Devoe. And he also produced what is LL Cool J's best album that he has ever done Mama Said Knock You Out. Not to mention he pioneered radio and actually broadcasts his show right from his house. He is also one of the last producers that actually produces "entire" albums.
Jermaine Dupri: Groundbreaking young mogul who introduced to us Kriss Kross, Jagged Edge, The Brat, Xscape and Bow Wow. But I think it's when he left the kiddie music alone and evolved into doing more sexy, adult pop records with Usher, Nelly and Mariah Carey is where he began to seperate himself from all the competition. You can't front, Usher's "Confessions" album is Usher's best album to date, and JD spearheaded Mariah's big comeback album, "The Emancipation of Mimi".
DJ Premier: Has his own classic sound. When you heard that particular scratch in a record, you knew you was listening to a Preemo beat. His classic records with Nas, The Notorious BIG and Jay-Z were epic. But it was his work with partner Guru and Gangstarr that forever placed him as one of the greatest producers of alltime. He kept that New York gritty sound alive with tracks with M.O.P., Big L and Fat Joe.
Just Blaze: The iconic boardsmith who produced some of Jay-Z's biggest smashes remains timeless. But it's also work with Usher and Eminem that diversifies his discography. Not to mention expanding into the gaming world with EA Sports and other brands. Once the principle owner of Bassline studios, he turned that place into a one stop shop for Hip-Hop hits.
Battlecat: If you was an artist from the West Coast, you wasn't nobody until you got a beat from Battlecat. And I mean every major West Coast artist has gotten a beat from him. Battlecat is probably one of the greatest producers ever you've never heard of from the West Coast.
Trackmasters: Over 100 million albums sold. Has worked with Jay-Z, R. Kelly, Nas, Shyne, The Notorious BIG, Foxy Brown, Toni Braxton, Will Smith and more. Movies, soundtracks, scores, the Trackmasters have done it all.
Rick Rubin: One of the forefathers of Hip-Hop production. Not only working with hundreds of artists, but also the architech alongside Russell Simmons that created Def Jam records.
Teddy Riley: Has made hits during three different decades. Has made hits with a diverse group of artists such as Wreckx-N-Effect, Guy, Heavy D, Keith Sweat, BlackStreet, Bobby Brown and even BOY GEORGE! Not to mention working with Michael Jackson and producing the "Remember The Time" record for MJ.
The Neptunes: The dynamic duo from Virginia. Put together a pretty impressive resume of hits for Britney Spears, Noreaga, Mystikal, Kelis, The Clipse and Jay-Z. Even though Chad Hugo was the quiet one, Pharrell stepped out on his own to create his own brand outside of the Neptune sound as a fashion forward icon.
Now my top two producers of alltime out of those 15 is Dr. Dre and Teddy Riley.
And I think ultimately Teddy Riley wins and goes down as the greatest producer of our generation and here's why:
So that in a nutshell is who I feel is the greatest producer of alltime during our generation: Teddy Riley.
And sorry to a few of the legends like P. Diddy and the Hitmen, Diamond D., BuckWild, Dame Grease, D.R. Period, Havoc, Alchemist, J. Dilla, No ID, QD3, Johnny J., Missy Elliot, Large Professor, Q-Tip, The Beatminerz, RZA, Easy Mo Bee and a few others who just missed the top 15, but are still legends. We love you guys and respect your art and your craft. Thank you for all the great music over the years.
And let's not forget the top 10 hottest producers in the game right now like Polow Da Don, Jim Jonsin, Tha Bizness, Drumma, Sean Garrett, 9th Wonder, Play-N-Skillz, T-Pain, Akon and the great Scott Storch who still got it! Don't sleep on his comeback!
Okay! Potential groupies pay attention! Learn from the best whores and sluts in the music business on how to get your "stacks" up! (No pun intended to Kat "Stacks" of course) Cause class is now in session!
Here's the tale of the tape:
In this corner Karrine Steffans aka Superhead. Video Vixen, best-selling author, Kool G. Rap's Baby Mama and best known for her 2 hour long blowjobs and blood all over Tigger's bed sheets. (Its a long story on how that blood got on those sheets! Just ask Karrine! Ewww! You nasty Tigger!)
And in this corner, damn does anyone even know Kat Stacks real name? LOL. Shit! Anyway, in this corner, high yellow bone, terrible hairpiece (might even be a wig), a very bad speech impediment and of "she swallowed it" fame, Kat Stacks!
Now ladies when the bell rings I want you to come out sucking! Oops, I meant swinging!
Now do you see how stupid and funny that shit sounds trying to figure out where one groupie "stacks" up against another groupie? It just sounds ridiculous. But all jokes aside, let's really take a look at Kat Stacks, Superhead and the build and make-up of a true groupie.
For decades groupies have been in existence. Since the 50's, 60s, and 70's, groupies have been a part of music culture as far back as anyone can remember. Groupies nowadays are like roaches. Them motherfuckers just never go away. LOL. And just like roaches, groupies work best at night, go running when the lights come on, always have their antennas up and crawl all over you when you least expect it.
As we examine groupie culture, we have to first understand that just like the evolution of musical artists have evolved, there has also been an evolution for groupies as well.
Back in the 60's and 70's, groupies that used to follow around big time rock and roll bands were groupies cause they really were in love with these musicians. Or so they thought in their own minds. They looked at these rock artists as rock and roll "Gods". That's why events like Woodstock was so huge or the death of John Lennon was so huge because his life was taken by a rabid fan, an obsessed groupie. In that groupie's state of mind, he felt by killing Lennon that would make them closer. As strange as it sounds, they see that as love. They see sex as some form of love that will always have them connected to that artists.
Even back then with the artists, having groupies was like having notches on your belt. Who slept with the most girls? It was like bragging rights. And in some instances it was fun. Some of the groupie stories was fascinating like having girls hiding in your hotel room closet naked before you even got to your room or groupies following your tour bus from state to state.
But now in this day and age, the evolution of the groupie is to simply have sex with as many celebrities as they possibly can, then expose each one of them to the media which can possibly destroy the artist, their families, their reputation and anything in their wake, and at the same time write a best selling tell-all book about it. Just ask Tiger Woods. My question is, whatever happened to the integrity of "jumpoffs" just keeping their mouth shut and respecting it for what it is, just sex. But why am I fooling myself? There is no integrity amongst whores. What you see is what you get. So in the early part of music when groupies existed, there was an admiration between the fan and the artist. And quite naturally when we talk about a female groupie, the exchange of this admiration was for them to provide pleasure for these artists in the form of sex. Nowadays, groupies might not even like the artists they sleep with at all. They are solely having sex to exploit the artist at a later date for compensation.
So that brings us to Superhead and Kat Stacks. This is the difference between the two. Superhead began her career as a video vixen that was a principal model that worked with some of the biggest A-list artists in the music industry from Jay-Z and Usher to Ja-Rule and DMX. She was flown all over the world to exotic locations to do her features in video work. I honestly believe, as a woman, she got caught up in the glitz and glamour and making all that money just to be around rappers because she was the "it" girl. I believe she fell victim of the power and the rush someone can get from that type of high-end manipulation. These rappers and basketball players was giving her huge amounts of money before the book deals. So quite naturally when she wrote the books she would stand to make even more money. But it wasn't like that was the plan from the beginning. It was an opportunity to tell a story how she came up and was in this tangled web of lies, deceit, drugs, money and powerful men where she fell victim (and preyed on them as well) and then she made a killing off of it. I can't say that I'm even mad at that. That's someone who pimped the game for what it was.
But Kat Stacks on the other hand, you can tell her whole objective was to sleep with anyone she possibly could and then later on expose her stories just to get a major book deal so she can make money. Now I still find it absurd that any book publishing company worth a grain of salt would give her a book deal at all. The bitch can hardly even talk right, let alone write a book. LOL. So that remains to be seen. Come on fellas! Karrine Steffans made millions, while Kat Stacks was given 1200 dollars and a fucking Happy Meal from Lil Wayne and was shown the door. So even though Kat Stacks is the buzz all over the Internet, most people are not really buying into it. And to all you celebrities that smashed Kat Stacks: Come On Son!!! (Ed Lover voice) Are you serious?!? You should be ashamed of your fucking selves for that one! This bitch sounds like she's Hooked on Phonics when she talks! I'm just wondering what the hell were your conversations like before you hit it! Talk about desperate! No wonder she blowing up the spot on you dummies! You niggas ain't got no class! At least step your game up!
And Kat Stacks, you bragging about having sex with B and C list artists is an Epic Fail. At least Superhead knew where the money was at messing around with megastars like Shaq and Usher. But you was having sex with niggas like Gudda Gudda and Lil Twist! Lil Twist is barely old enough to ride the train by himself let alone be a notch under your belt! That shit is hilarious and nothing to be proud of! If I was you I wouldn't even mention that again! And ladies out there everywhere, men are only gonna respect you if you respect yourself. If you go around sleeping with any ol' rapper and looking for money and a guy calls you a groupie, you can't get mad at him for that. You put yourself in that position. There's no one to blame but yourself.
So if you ask me who the biggest Hip-Hop groupie of all time is? That would go to Karrine "Superhead" Steffans by a KNOCKOUT in the first round! Ding-ding-ding!
The Driver's Seat- My Interpretation of Erykah Badu's "Window Seat"
Written by: Jerry "Mr. Live-N-Direct" Bagley
When I first saw Erykah Badu's new music video called "Window Seat", I was just like any other man out there who had feasted his eyes on the magnificent creation that God had made in this woman. The strong ancestrial features of a Queen, the gait, powerful yet elegant as she walked. The confidence, the aura, the voluptuous physical attributes that accentuated this Goddess, this utterly amazing....Black woman. I was mesmerized.One of my friends asked me what I honestly thought of Ms. Badu's video immediately after I watched it. And being one that always saw beyond what is on the surface and always thinking analytical, always thinking beyond the physical and unto the metaphysical, I gave him my honest interpretation of "Window Seat".It's not often that a simple music video can inspire such provocative banter and have the entire Internet abuzz.
This is what you heard all day: "Did you see that new Erykah Badu video, or how did you like the concept?"With the constant booty clap and Rosa Acosta accompanied breast bounce being a staple in today's videos in heavy rotation on BET and MTV, seeing Erykah Badu take a chance and perform a risky move, God forbid in a music video, and actually create art that has a message is endearing. Maybe even necessary.Going frame by frame this is what my mind's eye saw: The backdrop being Dallas, Texas in the 60's during the height of the segregated South and the Civil Rights Movement in itself was profound. Because not only was it during the assassination of John Kennedy, but it was also during a time when Malcolm X made one of his most controversial statements to the media in regards to John Kennedy's death being "The Chickens coming to Roost" which ultimately triggered the separation of Malcolm X from the Nation of Islam.Dallas, or just the state of Texas back then in general (and still even NOW) was probably one of the most racist states in America. Hands down. And even now, if you get caught driving down one of those dark back roads where you ain't suppose to be, you can still get lynched if these son of bitches can find a way to get away with it. Trust me, just ask the family of James Byrd who was in the wrong place at the wrong time back in 1998. And not to mention, Texas being the nation's leader in the death penalty, and of course where both senior and junior George Bush's are from.
Coincidence? I think not. Texas has always been a hotbed for racism, coverups and corruption. So it was the perfect place for Erykah to set the video, and with the original audio of JFK's drive down that fateful street in Dallas just before his assassination as the intro leading up to the actual song is creative genius. It hits dead-on and gives you a feeling like you're actually back in that time era.The scenes with Erykah walking down the street and stripping each article of clothing off one piece at a time has incredible significance in the video to me and this is probably where most people didn't catch it. Erykah stripping away the clothes signifies a yearning for freedom.And when you begin to strip away these layers, you begin to reveal your true self. These items of clothing are symbolic to a "mask". A form of protection. Clothes are meant to hide. Clothes shield your body from being seen by the naked eye. But as these items are being stripped away, you see everything. You see what really lies beneath the surface. So in a physical sense, you see a "naked" and "bare" Erykah Badu in all her glory.
But in the metaphysical sense you see Erykah Badu exposing the "naked truth" and "baring her soul" for the world to see.So when I see her strip away her clothes it's saying to me, I am not ashamed of anything. I have nothing to hide. Take me as I am. My faults and everything that comes with it. So I'm going to strip it all away and show you who I really am. I'm not a slave anymore. I am free.And of course when the actual assassination happens, if you notice it's just as she totally undresses. Which means to me, that just as she exposes her naked body, she is also symbolically exposing the naked truth of all the wickedness in the world you may see, and because she does expose that truth is when she is killed. Which is usually the case in situations where the truth is exposed. Whether it's the government or otherwise, when you are considered dangerous or outspoken they try to silence you. And the way it relates to music is the record labels try to silence you.
They try to control you as artists, and this is when the actual artist themselves fight for their creative freedom.It can also mean sometimes in the media, the press can "assassinate" your character cause they don't really understand you. And I have seen that for years happen to Erykah Badu and why she is so private. So at the end when she is symbolically assassinated, you can take that as record labels sapping the life out of you as artists. They can "kill" your spirit.Now the reason why this blog today is called "The Driver's Seat" is because it's my take on how I view Erykah Badu's "Window Seat". When I say "Driver's Seat", I mean it's time for us to step up and take control of our artistry. Grab the wheel and demand what you want. Stop being afraid. Being in the "Driver's Seat" means being in control of your own destiny. Stop riding shotgun or being passive in the backseat like our ancestors have grown accustomed to. Take more chances. Be more creative as an artist. I think most of us have gotten comfortable and don't realize as an artist you are given a voice to speak to millions. Don't be afraid to use that voice for change. As individuals, you may come to your own interpretation of the Erykah Badu "Window Seat" video that is totally different from mine. And I'm totally fine with that. But at least you have the freedom to express that opinion.
Use it. Cause Erykah did. And she kicked ASS!
Who Am I To Question God?
Written by Jerry "Mr Live-N-Direct" Bagley
It took me a long time to come to grips with writing this blog. I was fighting myself everyday trying to decide should I open up and let people inside of my mind and have them try to understand how I think or how my daily thought processes are. Oftentimes than not, when you really open up and expose your raw feelings to people, they become judgemental or question your sincerity or the validity of these thoughts. Sometimes they think there's a hidden agenda or some ulterior motive. But after long contemplation, as a writer and an
independent thinker, you figure, hey, everybody is not always going to agree with your opinions or how you may see things. You can't convince everybody or have them see things your way. And you know what? I'm
fine with that. I guess that's what makes us who we are as individuals. Our ability to come to conclusions on our own through reasonable deduction.
Which brings me to the basis of this blog today. Which is about spirituality and faith.....I believe in God. I believe in the word of our savior Jesus Christ. I believe in the Holy Trinity of our Father, who is God, his only
begotten son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. I was raised as a child to believe that God was this all knowing, all seeing, all loving spirit that created us in His image, and if we repented our sins, that one day we would forever bask in the glory of his paradise which we call Heaven. To this day I never stopped believing that.
But to be honest, and I do mean brutally honest, as a "flawed" human being that is not perfect, you ask did I ever question Him? I would honestly answer you and say yes. Did I ever question God? Yes. Did I ever question my own faith and at times did I give up on that faith? Yes. Did I ever question myself is there really a God? At times yes.
And here's why. I could never understand why God, a loving compassionate God, would put innocent, good people through so much misery and pain. I could never understand why God would let children die such horrible deaths like rape and murder. Even when the earthquake hit Haiti all I could think about was, why? It just didn't make any sense to me.
These small innocent children, their memories simply crushed and blown away like dust in the wind. People would always say the most "cliched" explanations to me like "God does everything for a reason" or it's "part of His bigger plan". But in my mind, I would always ask myself, what bigger plan is it to have children suffer and be crushed to death? What ends to a means was that? What good comes out of thousands of kids being killed for no reason from the earthquake in Haiti or becoming orphans with no parents? What child wants to grow up under those circumstances not having a family? Not having a mother or father.
I was always taught that 1+1=2. And 2+2=4. And that's how I was taught things were always suppose to add up. And if they didn't add up then that meant something was wrong. And with all these catastrophies suddenly going on in the world from the earthquakes in Chile and the tsunami's hitting Hawaii, things just wasn't adding up.
The earthquake in Haiti affected me profoundly. It made me look at the world from an entirely different perspective. That no matter how much you prayed and that no matter how deep your faith in God was, it just seems like bad things always happen to good people. Did you ever ask yourself why the worse things always seemed to happen to good loving people? And it seemed like the scum of the Earth always got off scot-free and never answer for the evil shit they do! Seriously! Take a good look at that shit. And then ask yourself why is it that rapists and cold blooded murderers are left to run amok to kill and destroy more lives and then on the opposite end of that spectrum, innocent children are killed senselessly? Can you imagine
what it must feel like to be a child having it's head bashed in by some predator or creep? Or your daughter being stalked and raped by some child molester? Or wait a minute, it gets even worse, what about a small child in Haiti found under the rubble crushed to death? I just don't understand why these things happen. And if someone could rationally explain why some of these things are happening, without becoming judgmental and overly sanctimonious about it, then I'm more than open to hear it. I would gladly like to hear it.
I am by far not perfect. I have my own issues and demons that I deal with everyday. I think we all do. That's what makes us human and not God. Maybe it's really above my comprehension level to understand why God does what he does. It took me a long time to finally accept God in my life. It took me a long time to finally accept responsibility for a lot of my own actions whether good or bad, and stop blaming God for all my mishaps and imperfections. After hearing so many personal stories and anecdotes where God and prayer have actually helped people get through some of the toughest of times in their lives, it made me realize that there is a higher power greater than ourselves out there.
That there is a spirit looking over us all. Yeah, I'm still not perfect. I still stumble and fall from time to time, but I realize I'm not perfect and never will be. All I can do now is have faith. All I can do now is get on my knees every night and just pray. Pray for the best and put my trust in Him. And maybe it's not my place to EVER question what God does. But I would be a liar to say that I have never questioned Him. I think at one point or another we all have....
Who really made Who? Puffy made Biggie? Or did Biggie make Puffy? You be the judge.
For many years throughout Hip-Hop circles, there has always been this argument and notion that if it wasn't for Biggie Smalls there would be no Puff Daddy. And in some regards that may be true. Yes, Biggie was Puffy's crown jewel of Bad Boy records. Yes, Biggie's buzz on the streets was crazy and his talent was undeniable. And yes, at that time he had the most smash hit records and he was looked at as a savior of Hip-Hop music. But as a true Hip-Hop fan and rap enthusiast, I love studying the art of music. Where it comes from to where it's going now. And it's undeniable what Puffy has contributed to music as a whole. Let's take away Biggie for a second and just look at Puffy and his Diddy-ness. Even before Biggie, Puffy was responsible for creating some of the best R&B music out during his era with Mary J. Blige's "411" and "My Life" albums, all the early Jodeci records, Father MC, Heavy D and more. He was already a killer A&R at Uptown records making major moves. It wasn't no secret that when Mister Cee had that Biggie demo who hands they wanted to get it in. Puffy's. They knew Puffy would be the right one to guide Biggie to become a superstar. Yes of course Biggie was the greatest. There will never be a doubt about that.
You never re-write history. But when looking at it from a realistic point of view, they actually helped build each other into the powerhouses they would later become. Here's a historical fact: when the "Ready To Die" album was complete and they were in the process of selecting the official first single for the album, Biggie being a street dude and always wanting to keep it real (cause it's the Brooklyn way! LOL) wanted to release "Machine Gun Funk" as the lead single. Puffy, as a think first businessman and all about making smart decisions to make money, told Biggie that "Juicy" needed to be the first single. Puffy also told Biggie that "Big Poppa" should be the follow-up single cause it's all about the ladies. Women are the ones who actually go out and buy albums. And you know Biggie argued and argued but Puffy wore him down. And now it's safe to say Puffy's smart decision making as the head of Bad Boy records goes down in history cause it was two of Biggie's biggest singles ever. And need I tell you that Puffy being the "King Of The Remixes", was the one who orchestrated the "One More Chance" remix and video that ultimately catapulted Biggie into superstardom with multi-platinum success.
I used to hear people all the time say, "man Puffy wouldn't be rapping or be as big as he is now if Biggie was alive." I only could laugh because they must not really have been paying attention and sometimes it's just spoke out of love for Biggie or frustration that one of the greatest isn't around anymore. But truth be told, even when Biggie was alive you could see Puff was slowly making that transition into being more in the spotlight. He began to rap more and become a featured artist on these tracks. Did everybody forget about the "All About The Benjamins" record or the "Mo Money, Mo Problems" or "Victory" songs that Puffy did where he was rapping and the songs featured Biggie Smalls and Busta Rhymes. Remember those songs were recorded BEFORE Biggie died! Not AFTER! And what about "Can't Hold Me Down" with Puffy featuring Mase? That was a SMASH hit and Biggie wasn't on that record. So all those statements of Puffy wouldn't be rapping or doing all this stuff he's doing now if Biggie was alive is bullshit and has no validity to it. Puffy always had big dreams. And Biggie helped him make these dreams come true. Here's another historical fact: when Puffy was probably at his lowest ever in the music industry and everybody was turning their backs on him after the deaths that happened at City College. Remember he was fired as the A&R of Uptown Records (maybe the greatest firing to ever happen in the history of music) and he was sued by all those families that were related to the deceased. It was pretty dark for him.
When he was dismissed from Uptown, Puffy didn't try to take anyone else with him but just Biggie. Puffy saw something in Biggie. Puffy knew in his heart that Biggie under his guidance was the future of Hip-Hop. He took Biggie with him and they shook the entire music industry up. And let's not forget, "Flava In Ya Ear" by Craig Mack was released before any Biggie record which was a smash hit. And of course with Biggie on the remix was legendary. Puffy also found Mase, Total, 112 and signed the Lox. So Puffy's legendary status is on par with Biggie cause they made EACH OTHER! There would be no Biggie without Puffy and there would be no Puffy without Biggie. Now some people that's really not paying attention to what they are reading in this blog would say, what does all this stuff have to do with the legend of Biggie Smalls and aren't we celebrating his life and not Puffy's? The message in this blog is, behind every great man is the people who believe in you the most. Even if you're a legend, nobody does it alone. Every great man needs an even greater team of individuals behind him. Respect Biggie for the legend that he is, but also respect Puffy for being the man who helped him get there. We love you B.I.G. Pt 3 tomorrow- Who is really the best: Biggie or Tupac....stay tuned
Straight With No Chaser: You Either Gotta Love Me or Hate Me!
Sometimes the word "Legend" is loosely thrown around in conversation to describe someone's legacy or contribution to their craft, whether it's in art, music, science, social or cultural impact that can leave a lasting impact on the many lives that may have been touched by it. The Notorious B.I.G. was a legend. By all definitions of the word. His impact on Hip-Hop music and the culture is profound. It has been 13 years since his death, and his legend as an MC has only grown and gotten bigger.
Even though Biggie only officially released two albums, Ready To Die and Life After Death, those two albums forever changed the musical landscape of Hip-Hop music and how it was viewed by cultural critics and music experts around the world. The only other MC that even comes close to leaving a longer lasting impact on the culture as a whole was Tupac Shakur. And that's only because he released far more albums than Biggie, was in several critically acclaimed films and from a heritage standpoint comes from an incredibly rich background of Black Panthers. But just imagine if Biggie were still alive and where he would be in terms of his career and musical legacy. Here are 10 of Biggie's most classic songs and what I feel made an impact on Hip-Hop the most:
1. Unbelievable-
One of the most classic beats that DJ Premiere ever produced for B.I.G. The way he cut up R. Kelly's voice on the track was classic. Biggie's flow was undeniable, undeterred and indeed unbelievable.
2. One More Chance (the Remix)-
Who can ever forget the One More Chance video with every major artist in it? That video set the precedent visually on how high end Hip-Hop/R&B records should be done. This record single handedly took Biggie from rap star to a crossover superstar.
3. Juicy-
This was a Hip-Hop rags to riches story that everybody that grew up in the hood could identify with. A classic on the come up. This is when Biggie finally made it to the BIG time.
4. Dreams (Fucking An R&B Bitch)-
Hey, just keep it real fellas. This song was probably what every man in the world was thinking about his favorite female R&B artists. Me included! "Mariah Carey is kinda scary, but what about my homegirl Mary".
5. You're Nobody Til Somebody Kills You-
Sadly, this song was so ominous of what was to come. Unfortunately, sometimes we can see our own death in front of us.
6. Notorious Thugs-
I think this one record showed people really how talented Biggie was. To actually freak his lyrical flow and match Bone Thugs and Harmony rhyme for rhyme was AMAZING!
7. Gimme The Loot-
Every gangsters favorite record! You had better tuck your jewels when you heard this joint.
8. Untitled Track (featuring Big Daddy Kane, Tupac and Biggie)
Man, this song made you fantasize of what could have been if Biggie and Tupac made more records together. On this one track, they both killed it lyrically. Instant classic. And the show was a live performance.
9. Brooklyn's Finest-
Biggie and Jay-Z together spelled trouble for any MC trying to come up in the game. Two future legends in Hip-Hop and they both didn't even WRITE their lyrics! Crazy! Biggie definitely passed the torch to the Jigga Man. Brooklyn stand up!
10. Big Poppa-
What a follow-up to Juicy! Big Poppa made Biggie this lovable thug that all the women wanted to be with. So what he was "black and ugly as ever...", Biggie had swag way before they made the word up. Big Poppa put him on another level.
We just want to pay homage and say Biggie we will always miss you and love you! You were definitely B.I.G. Bigger than Life. I think Canibus said it best: The greatest MC died on March 9th....
Superbowl Weekend Wrap Up 2010
written by Jerry "Mr. Live-N-Direct" Bagley
The event was jumping poolside with a huge projector screen where every one could watch the game with food and drinks throughout. The popular host of the evening was Kenny Burns with DJ Clue on the mix. Once the New Orleans Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts, it was total pandemonium in the streets. People were running, jumping and screaming everywhere. Fans were riding on the roof of their cars, dancing in the streets and carrying huge New Orleans Saints flags to show support for their team. It was a jubilant, good natured and an incredible feeling of emotion coming from the thousands of New Orleans residents that made the trek from Louisiana to Florida.
It was like Mardi Gras invaded South Beach! Since it was the very last night for all the major parties in Miami, we decided we were going to do some serious party hopping that night. First it was Diddy's bash at Liv Nightclub at The Fountaine Bleau with special guests Polow Da Don, Keri Hilson, Reggie Bush fresh off his Superbowl win and MICHAEL JORDAN!!! Then I left to catch Lil Wayne's farewell party at Dolce where the celebrity guests that showed up was Bow Wow, Baby, Wale, NFL running back Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans, Nicki Minaj and Drizzy Drake. After that party we rushed over to finish the night at the King of Diamonds stripclub where we stayed until 7 in the morning! Talk about ending the night with a BANG! Here is a few highlights that took place during the week: Hands down Diddy ruled Miami with some of the most memorable moments of the weekend.
The Dirty Money takeover was in full effect where Diddy hosted parties each night at Cameo, Dolce, MIA, Liv Nightclub, the Diddy Bowl at Nikki Beach, the pop-up Sean John store on South Beach and ending each night at the King Of Diamonds strip club. And every party was packed. Then there was the Boss Ricky Ross hosting a private yacht party aboard the Venetian Lady and a sold out concert at the Hard Rock Cafe with Red Bull, Chad OchoCinco's mansion party where his special guest of the evening was Terrell Owens sponsored by Maybach (one of only 100 Maybach Zeppelins were on display), Rhianna and Justin Bieber rocking out at the Pepsi Smash, Akon and T-Pain's Konvict Muzik takeover at Cameo, Wyclef, Drake, Common and more at the Eden Rock done by my people's at 944 Magazine, Jeezy doing his thing, Ludacris at Cameo with Kenny Burns and Swizz Beats. There were all kinds of celebrity sightings all over the place: Lil Kim, Chris Brown, Tommy Lee, Lisa Raye, Trina, Spike Lee, Robin Thicke, Mike Tyson, Pharrell, Minnesota Vikings Pro-bowl linemen Jared Allen, Bryant McKinney, the Jordin Sparks Experience at the Eden Rock with Chrisette Michele, David Archuleta, Jason Derulo, Arizona Cardinal's Pro-Bowl wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Ne-Yo had a concert, DJ Khaled was everywhere, Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, Fabolous with the Dream throwing it in the bag, there was the Haiti Benefit SOS concert that raised over 50 million to help the survivors of the devastating earthquake with performances by everybody from Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah to Nas and Sean Paul, then to top things off Trina shot her Million Dollar Girl video with director Gil Green and Khaled shot his new video with the one and only uncle Snoop.
A crazy weekend? You be the judge. And that was just the tip of the ice-berg. It was an incredible weekend and Live-N-Direct was everywhere to bring you the exclusive shit firsthand! The Superbowl rocked!!! Can't wait for Dallas next year!!! Let's go!
Superbowl Weekend Blog
Day 2: The Jordin Sparks Experience and the Playboy Party at the Sagamore!
After a great first night hanging out in the studio
with Pharrell, I was quietly thinking to myself how are you gonna top this? It
was a helluva way to start your Superbowl week off with a BANG! Lol.But for me, Live-N-Direct and my partners, Lerer Media, it was back to the business at hand. Live-N-Direct partnered up as a media sponsor in conjunction with Jordin Sparks to be a part of this year's 4th Annual Jordin Sparks Experience during Superbowl weekend as a charity event that was helping to give back to the Miami Childrens Hospital.
I've always wanted to use part of my company and it's influence to help give back to the community and help those that are less fortunate than we are. And I thought by teaming up with Jordin Sparks, it was a great way to do something positive for the young kids since everything else out in Miami was geared towards older adults. It was kind of fun doing a red carpet for kids to come and talk to the media about important issues relating to safe sex, abstinence, staying in school and saying "No" to drugs.
The Jordin Sparks Experience began early in the afternoon with the Sparkstown Teddy Bear picnic sponsored by pro football player Teddy Ginn Jr. of the Miami Dolphins, where teddy bears were signed and autographed by NFL players, actors, actresses and recording artists and then would be delivered the next day to the Miami Children's Hospital. Throughout the day were auctions, a private VIP lounge for athletes and then an intimate evening with Jordin Sparks and friends.
After that event I proceeded down to the Sagamore on South Beach to attend the Playboy party. I loved the crowd cause it was a more diversified group of young and older professionals that wanted to indulge not only in decadence, but also the finer things of life. This was a more high-end party with Ferraris, Maybachs and Porches topped off with model look-a-likes with slick linen and silk suits. At first I thought I was caught in a scene from the movie "Pulp Fiction" with John Travolta. Playmates pranced around the different common areas of the hotel as if they were still in Hugh's mansion. Being in this atmosphere made me want to get my "pimp" on. Bring out my inner Bishop Don Juan or Huggy Bear from Starsky and Hutch. Lol.
From there I went and finished the night at P. Diddy's party at Cameo. More celebs, more football players
and more to come. The weekend is just getting started.
02/02/2010
SuperBowl Weekend Blog- Day 1
Written by Jerry "Mr. Live-N-Direct" Bagley
Okay, I arrived in Miami from New York and to be honest, I was just happy to get away from all the super, extra, cold 20 degree weather of the Big Apple and enjoy the warm tropical breeze of the Sunshine State.
Unfortunately, the first day after I arrived I was met in Miami with torrential downpours! Lol! I leave one miserable climate and now am entering another one? WTF! I thought to myself, am I in the middle of hurricane season or something in Miami? Shit, I didn't see this much rain since Noah's Ark!
But even though it was raining cats and dogs, the weather was still comparably MUCH better than New York and I would take the rain any day over freezing temperatures and snow that I left behind in the Tri-state area. So I had no complaints and got over that shit quick. Trust me! Lol!
My schedule for my first full day in Miami was to go into the studio with legendary, multi-platinum and super-producer from The Neptunes, Pharrell. I was doing a behind the scenes look at how Pharrell actually nurtures artists and gives them guidance and direction when he's actually sitting down and constructing a beat for them.
Putting together a track and producing the record is more than just tapping drum pads and playing piano riffs for an artist when you're describing Pharrell. Pharrell actually becomes one with the music. He can esthetically see the music in full color as it's being created. It's like the music has a life of it's own. Watching him work was like watching poetry in motion. A master at work. It was inspiring.
And I was blessed with the opportunity to be in this particular recording session with Pharrell and one of the hottest up and coming R&B Divas and superstars in the making, Chrisette Michele. Seeing the two musicians bounce ideas off each other creatively was magical. It was like watching one of those old karate flicks where you had the teacher and his student trading ancient Chinese proverbs. But Pharrell wasn't a teacher in a negative or condescending way, but more of a teacher in regards to creating a path to show Chrisette, I've been there and done that. Take this risk with me. Let's test the boundaries of the creative process and take it somewhere we haven't gone before. Chrisette became this living, breathing canvas open to the art of music and all of it's wonderful colors. And the masterpiece that was created musically was "Dancing Shoes".
One of the most poignant and memorable moments for me in the studio with Pharrell is when he went "digging" in the crates and pulled out a classic Minnie Ripperton record called "Reasons" and played it in the studio. The reason he played it was to show you how a singer could take life's hardships and put it into their music by singing about it, but at the same time being inspired and able to overcome those adversities through the words that they actually sing. It was a powerful moment. And just to show you the range that Pharrell has, he played two totally different songs he produced recently. One for a major superstar male R&B singer that was lush with R&B vocals and instrumentation, while the second was for a super-huge female pop superstar (who I can't say who) that was totally left field on some Lady Gaga shit with that Neptunes feel to it. Way out the box.
So, thank you Pharrell, thank you Chrisette Michele, for opening your recording session and allowing me to witness something magical. To witness something great! After the session with Pharrell, I had to release some much pent up energy and go dance the night away at SET and Grass nightclubs where the likes of Amerie, Kenny Burns, DJ Clue, Santonio Holmes, Vince Wolford, Shawn Merriman, Darelle Revis, Vernon Davis and so many more were in attendance. A great way to end the night. And this was only day one!!!
Thumbs Up- for the young lady in Haiti that was rescued in the collapsed debris after 15 days! That was truly a miracle! I implore that the rescuers please don't give up on their search and rescue operations. Usually after this length of time, a search and rescue operation turns more into a recovery operation because all hope of finding survivors at this point is basically next to none.
To survive 15 days after an earthquake with little to no food and water is unheard of. So for rescuers to have dug her out at this point really and truly is a miracle. Thank God for the little miracles. Because they all count. Keep Haiti in your prayers.
Thumbs Down- on the initial reports that are coming in regarding monetary donations for the survivors in Haiti. It is being said that the government in Haiti is only receiving a few cents per each dollar that is actually donated to the Haiti Relief Fund.
Again, we don't know if it's true or not because it's purely speculation at this point. And we don't know why certain sanctions would be placed on the Haitian government and it's people at all especially right after a devastating earthquake. Doesn't really make sense. I can't even surmise or think of a logical reason if that is
true. When natural disasters of this magnitude happen and then huge amounts of money is being donated at incredible rates, sometimes you have to think that some of this money is falling through the cracks and is not reaching the hands of those that are in real need. And right now because it is speculation and unfounded for the moment, you want to believe in your heart that people are doing the right thing and are not stealing the money. Because if they are stealing money, it would be an abomination of the human spirit. I want to keep hope alive that there still is good people out there that really care and what's being said isn't true.
Thumbs Up- on Barack Obama's first State Of The Union address as the President of the United States. It's only been a year since his election and there has been alot of ups and downs during his administration. Tax cuts, health care reform, the war in Afghanistan and Iraq and job stimulus and employment benefits.
I spoke on this earlier that President Obama has only been in office a year. You have to give him time. One of the key things President Obama said that was poignant was that his focus is "change", but no one said change would be easy. When you have years and years of piling on of failed government policies, reckless spending which accumulates the national debt, you can't possibly expect these things to be turned around overnight. Just hearing the president speak has reaffirmed my support and belief in him. Let's go Obama!
Thumbs Down- on whoever is out there that is trying to spread rumors and false truths that R&B singer Trey Songz is gay or bi-sexual. I don't know if this is some form of grand scheme to try and slander his name or destroy the positive image of Trey Songz, but whatever it is and whoever it is that is starting the rumors, it's not cool. It's just ironic that these rumors are coming out now especially after his former management team was replaced by a new one. Some people are saying that perhaps his former management team had something to do with these rumors because they were bitter about how Trey and them had split. On face value, that would be the easiest answer that they were responsible for what happened. It definitely makes you say hmmm?
Random Thought #1-
Do we realize that Lil Wayne will be in jail pinstripes in a matter of weeks. Do you guys think this is going to boost the sales of his upcoming "Rebirth" album even more? A Milli again maybe? And talking about Lil Wayne going to jail, what do you think is gonna happen to Ja Rule? Remember he got caught with a gun the same night Lil Wayne did and basically has the same charges. Does he get jail time too especially after how the judicial system in New York is trying to make examples of celebrities after what happened to Plaxico Burress? If I was a betting man, I would say Ja Rule ass is out! If Lil Wayne with all the money he has can't get around going to jail, I really can't see Ja Rule beating the case. Sorry, just being honest.
Random Thought #2-
Am I the only one after going to see "The Book Of Eli" with Denzel
Washington, that went home and was reading quotes out the bible? The scriptures were powerful.
Random Thought #3-
Why are women still falling for being engaged for 10 years? Don't you get it, he's never going to marry you?!? Lol! Sorry I gotta be the one to tell you!
Random Thought #4-
I know it's suppose to be cold in New York during the winter, but nigga DAMN! It's so cold outside when I go to smile it feels like my whole face is about to crack!!!! LOL!
01/22/2010
A GIANT COLLAPSE
It
was the final game to ever be played at Giants Stadium. The scene was
already set: The New York football Giants had to win each of their last
three games and hope the Dallas Cowboys lose at least one of theirs and
the Giants were in the playoffs. The previous week the Giants had won
the first of those three games in convincing fashion by blowing out the
Washington Redskins 45-12. The way the Giants played defense in that
game and had to think the old Giants had a legitimate chance to make
the playoffs because the Dallas Cowboys still had to play the
Philadelphia Eagles on the road which was not going to be an easy task
especially with the eagles winning their last 5 games in a row. But
hey, these are the New York Giants we’re talking about here. Sometimes
they just find ways to lose. In the very last game to ever be played in
Giants Stadium with the former team greats Lawrence Taylor, Carl Banks
and Joe Morris looking on, the G-men played the worse game ever at
Giants Stadium by getting smashed and humiliated 41-9 by the Carolina
Panthers. If you as a team can’t be motivated to win a game like this
then the giants don’t need to go to the playoffs, or let alone wear the
big blue uniform. RIP PERCY SUTTON One
of the legends of the civil Rights Movement has left us to go home to
the Lord. Percy Sutton has died at the age of 89. He was an attorney, a
communications pioneer and political activist. But honestly, he was so
much more to so many people. Percy Sutton represented the great Malcolm
X, laid the ground work on the political scene for former David Dinkins
and Governor Patterson, helped to bring in to fruition the ownership of
black owned radio at WLIB. Rest In Peace to one of the Greatest men of
our time, Mr. Sutton. CLUELESS? I
just want to say Rest In Peace Brittney Murphy and my prayers go out to
her family. Just like the breakout movie that made her a star in 1005-
her death has left me “clueless”. Unfortunately being in the media
spotlight and having some degree of success and fame in the
entertainment business, even your personal business is subject to
scrutiny even when it comes to death. According
to gossip site, TML, there are accusations of drug use by the actress
after initial reports in the media said Brittney died of natural
causes. And it didn’t help matters any better when her husband refused
to let the doctors perform an autopsy after she died. All I have to say
to that is….. huh??? I’m still scratching my head on that one. Who
wouldn’t want doctors to do an autopsy? She was young. Only 32 years
old. Wouldn’t you want to know what caused her death? That sounds
rather odd to me and doesn’t really add up that he wouldn’t want to
have an autopsy done. Is he hiding something? Did he know something
that nobody else knew about Brittney? When the husband does strange
behavior or acts fishy in the media if only brings more scrutiny and
intensifies the amount of questions people ask. Now honestly, I don’t
know if any foul play was involved in Brittney’s death or not, or even
of drugs played a part, but if famous entertainers going to smarten up
and learn that certain drugs and their consumption or just not good for
the body? Look at the death of Heath Ledger and Michael Jackson. It
seems more and more famous people are falling back to take prescription
drugs to help ease the pain and daily stress of such high demand type
of lifestyle. There is so much pressure when you become successful in
the entertainment industry that artist use all kinds of substances in
order to stay focused or to escape those pressures. The drugs are a
temporary fix and once they start using them, the artist gets addicted
because it usually takes an increased dosage every time they use it
just to get the original feeling they got when they first took it. But
let us hope that in Brittney’s case that drugs weren’t the cause of
death. We don’t need yet another black-eye to the entertainment
industry. 2. SING LADIES- BEYONCE 3. TURN MY SWAY ON- SOULJAH BOY 4. BREAK UP- MARIO FT. GUCCI MANE 5. EMPIRE STATE OF MIND- JAY-Z FT. ALICIA KEYS 6. BLAME IT- JAMIE FOXX FT. T-PAIN 7. TURNING ME ON- KERI HILSON 8. SUCCESSFUL- DRAKE FT. TREY SONGZ 9. AMAZING- KANYE WEST 10. THROW IT IN THE BAG- FABULOUS TOP 10 EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE IN 2009 1. TIGER WOODS INFIDELITY. 2. NEW YORK YANKEES WIN THE WORLD SERIES. 3. KANYE WEST STEALS THE SPOTLIGHT FROM TAYLOR SWIFT AT THE MTV AWARDS. 4. LOS ANGELES LAKERS RETURN TO GREATNESS ANS WIN THE NBA TITLE. 5. RESIDENT BARACK OBAMA WASHINGTON, D.C. INAUGURATION. 6. MICHAEL JACKSON PASSES AWAY. 7. SUSAN BOYLE TAKES THE INTERNET BY STORM. 8. CHARLES SULLEN BERGER CRASH LANDS BOEING 747 SAFELY IN THE HUDSON RIVER. 9. VIRGINIA TECH CAMPUS KILLINGS. 10. MADOFF MONEY SCANDAL RESULTS IN PRISON TIME.
01/18/2010
Cam and Mase Reunited?
Tell me it ain't so???? Is the original Harlem World, the original 'Children Of The Corn' back in effect? Wow! Maybe this has been a long time coming. It just feels good if the rumors are true that Cam and Mase has set aside their differences to forge a musical relationship again, not only for the sake of all their diehard fans, bit to also give the New York music scene a much needed boost of creativity and dare I say the most overused word of the 2009....Swag? Yes, New York for the most part was lagging behind most of the country in its 'swag' department musically. And maybe both Camron Giles ans Mason Betha can rekindle some of that old Harlem World magic that they created in the mid to late 90's. No matter what anybody says or what their opinions might be about Cam and Mase personally, But as faR as the music was concerned, during the 90's both Cam and Mase were lyrical and creative beasts. For one, If Biggie out of every hot M.C. that was out in the 90's, and there was a lot of them (Nas, Wu-Tang, Tupac, Brand Nubian, etc) said Cam'ron was the illest and his favorite M.C. that was saying a lot! Especially coming from Biggie, who some say was the greatest rapper of all time. And as far as Mase is concerned, he had one of the most successful multi-platinum careers ever on Bad Boy Records during Puffy's 'Golden Years'. Remember Mase just got up and retired from the Rap game out of nowhere. Just one day decided to quit and find the Lord.
Not because his record sales were slipping or he was a washed up rapper. Just because he had enough of the Puffy Propaganda Machine. If your recall, the Lox told the story of first meeting a young Mase on the street of 125thup in Harlem battling going rhyme for rhyme. Now correct me if I'm wrong. But if anybody, let alone Mase, was able to go toe to toe with the Lox back in the 90's, meant you was nice in the mic. Handsdown. No ifs, ands or maybes about it. Then look at it from this angle. Cam formed the Diplomats and went on to have number one hits and a huge following and movement of his own. And the two separate times, Mase tried a comeback (first in the Fat Joe "Lean Back" remix and with 50 on "window Shopper" remix and video) Mase created a tremendous buzz throughout the entire music industry. What's to say, if things are done correctly this time with the right people behind them, that the two gifted M.C's couldn't make history again? Remember, they are both still young (early 30's). They are both hugely marketable and actually have a story to tell. I for one, a huge die-hard fan of just Hip-Hop music, is excited about the possibilities of the Harlem veterans coming back together I believe honestly, that they can re-create that magic and give the New York rap scene a much needed revitalization. Can you imagine Cam and Mase hooking back up and doing a track thewith JadaKiss and the Lox? Or swizz Beats having them with a hot ass beat, or Cam and Mase linking up with DMX again? Maybe not DMX... Lol. But hey, you never know. Cam, Mase, The Lox, DMX, and Eve doing something crazy just to get true Hip Hop fans talking again. And who knows, even Dipset can be brought back into the picture. But most importantly, It's all about the Cam'rom and Mase.
I'm telling you, I can see it now: surprise guest performances at the 2010 New York Summer Jam- Cam'ron and Mase. It's going to be crazy! Watch and see!
11/28/2009
Rihanna and Lady Gaga: Who will be Number 1 when the Smoke Clears?
Ding, ding, ding!
And in this corner: from Barbados, weighing in at a sleek 125 pounds, domestic abuse survivor and Def Jam recording artist- Rihanna! (crowd cheers!)And in this corner: from who the hell really knows, weighing in at a cool 120 pounds, that of the confused sexual gender and Interscope recording artist- Lady Gaga! (crowd cheers!)
Both artists walk to the center of the ring. Referee: Okay ladies! Let's have a nice clean fight. When the bell rings I want you to come out releasing them hot videos and singles! You got it! Let's go!
Ding, ding, ding!
Rihanna: International superstar, Revlon and H&M spokeswoman, covergirl for Vanity Fair, Cosmopolitan, People magazine and any tabloid you can possibly think of, sizzling romance with hot R&B boy - toy, former flame Chris Brown, selling over 10 million records worldwide, at least 6 top 10 hits on the charts, mega-hits with Jay-Z and songs written by Ne-Yo. How can she lose?
Lady Gaga: Burgeoning superstar, comes out of nowhere and takes the music world by storm, sells over 2 million records worldwide, is tapped to tour with arguably the hottest rapper on the planet in Kanye West, wears a bird's nest on her face during the MTV Video Music Awards, no former flame or boy-toy to report of, 3 smash hit singles in "Just Dance", "Paparazzi", and "Poker Face", signs with Akon as part of Konvict Muzik, and Akon is featured on her debut single "Just Dance" which is nominated for a Grammy, too early to tell but some say she could be the heir apparent to Madonna. How can she lose?
The controversy:
Rihanna- explosive relationship between her and Chris Brown makes headlines as it's being reported that Chris Brown physically assaults the pop-star.
Lady Gaga- it's being reported that her Gaga-ness may be a hermorphodite and possesses genitalia belonging to both the male and female gender.
Rihanna- a leaked photo from the LAPD of a severely bruised and battered Rihanna is front page news and the story is broken by TMZ. Rihanna confirms the incident.
Lady Gaga- amidst heavy scrutiny and swirling rumors, Lady Gaga confirms she is indeed one who possesses the sex organs of both a man and woman.
Rihanna- after her split with Chris Brown, is spotted all over town with a different assortment of men from: Drake, Justin Timberlake and many others.
Lady Gaga- no men.... or women problems that we know of. Lol!
Now to properly assess who will be the number one artist next week on the Billboard sales chart is difficult. There's not one particular formula that can predict that. But we did add those elements in to
factor in our decision making. And quite honestly, we haven't had a head to head record sales battle this big since 50 Cent was going up against Kanye West. So it's exciting. Not just for the fans, but to also re-energize the music industry and its overall sales. The talk and buzz are strong for both artists. And preliminary sales look good for both artists with Lady Gaga in the lead.
The buzz: Rihanna comes out swinging with a flurry of uppercuts and jabs and releases "Russian Roulette" which becomes a controversial smash single. Who is Rihanna really talking to on this new song? With teen angst at an all time high here in America and abroad, is this some dark, hidden message for teens in despair and in troubled relationships to commit suicide? Or is this a self portrayal of Rihanna looking deep within herself and what has become a sinister caricature of her own love life? Nobody really knows the answer.
The buzz: Lady Gaga is paired up to do one of the most unlikely of collaborations "Telephone" with another pop mega-star Beyonce. On paper, it doesn't seem to add up. Who the hell thought of putting
together this musical farce? Matthew Knowles? And was this pairing just someone's kooky idea just to try and sell records at any desperate cost that they can? But wait, the quirkiest of duets actually really comes off without a hitch! It actually turns out to be quite successful, and an edgy creative step forward in pop music.
Something totally different and unexpected. And the video is hot. Lady Gaga lands an incredible counter-punch, and answers Rihanna's flurry of sonic punches with a barrage of her own dazing the pop princess.
They're both in the middle of the ring going toe to toe now. "Hard", "Cold Case Love" and "Rude Boy" by Rihanna! And "Bad Romance", "Monster" and "Dance In The Dark" by Lady Gaga! Jabs, body blows and
uppercuts! Both mega-stars are letting it all hang out now! It's a photo finish to the end! Then BOOM!
Who will be standing at the top holding down the number one spot?!?
My prediction: Rihanna- 313,000
Lady Gaga- 297,000
The 15 Greatest Hip-Hop and R&B Collaborations of Alltime:
1. Fabolous featuring Ne-Yo
"Make Me Better"
2. Wyclef featuring Mary J. Blige
"911"
3. LL Cool J featuring Boyz II Men
"Hey Lover"
4. Method Man featuring Mary J. Blige
"All I Need"
5. Notorious BIG featuring R. Kelly
"Fucking You Tonight"
6. Tupac featuring Danny Boy
"I Aint Mad At Cha"
7. Beyonce featuring Jay-Z
"Crazy In Love"
8. Erykah Badu featuring Common
"Love of My Life"
9. Jaheim featuring Jadakiss
"Diamond In The Rough" remix
10. Donnell Jones featuring Left Eye Lopes
"U Know What's Up"
11. Usher featuring Ludacris
"Yeah"
12. Total featuring Notorious BIG
"Can't You See"
13. Nelly featuring Kelly Rowland
"Dilemma"
14. Ja Rule featuring anyone of these R&B artists LOL! : R. Kelly,
Ashanti, Mary J. Blige
"Wonderful", "Always On Time", "Rainy Days"
3 way tie-
15. Busta Rhymes featuring Janet Jackson
"What's It Gonna Be"
15. Rihanna featuring Jay-Z
"Umbrella"
15. Mary J. Blige featuring Cocoa Brothers
"I Love You" (remix)
Random Thought #1
I am one of the biggest New York Jets fans there is. Personally, Thomas Jones is my man and he's having another huge "Pro-Bowl" caliber year. Shit, he even had two 200 yard rushing games this season. But I
know when to throw in the towel. Stick a fork in it New York Jets, cause your season is DONE!
Random Thought #2
Wow! It hasn't even been a full year yet that Obama has been in office (technically he wasn't sworn in until Jan. 21st 2009, the transitional period doesn't count) and already some of his staunches of supporters are jumping ship. What happened to all this talk and rhetoric about "Change"? Did you
really believe "Change" was gonna happen overnight? Remember George Bush had eight years to run this country into the ground and raise the country's spending deficit, launch two simultaneous wars with
Afghanistan and Iraq, had no feasible plan for health care reform, and you realistically think it's gonna take Obama only a year to come out of this mess and clean all that up? It's sad to say, but Obama's approval ratings are dropping rapidly. And he's not to blame for everything. This is the hand he was dealt. Come on everybody give the man a chance. 12 months ain't cutting it. Instead of complaining, go out and support the man.
Random Thought #3
So it's true. Captain Crunch really doesn't get soggy in milk....first it's man landing on the moon and now this! The wonders of modern science I tell ya! Lol!
Random Thought #4
Quick question: if a man in a high ranking position within government is caught having an affair, should he automatically resign from his position in office? Now take into account that this political figure was doing really well in office fulfilling his duties as sworn to under oath. The reason I'm asking is because of Mark Sanford, the Governor of South Carolina was caught in just this type of predicament. Governor Sanford sneaks away from office for five days to Argentina to cheat on his wife (he told everyone he was away hiking in the Appalacian Mountains<--haha!), now everybody is calling for his immediate resignation. Do you think he should step down or continue serving his civic duty to his country if he is still qualified to do the job other than this one indiscretion? I would love to hear what you think.
11/17/2009
JAY-Z VERSUS BEANIE SEIGELCLASH OF THE TITANS PT.3 THE 50 CENT FACTOR
Okay, it's official. 50 Cent is now part of yet another Hip-Hop beef. But this one I'm not even mad at. You could see this one coming a mile away cause there has always been tension brewing ever so subtly between Jay and 50 since the "How To Rob" days during the earlier part of 50's career. But unlike prior rap wars and beefs 50 Cent has been involved with, I can honestly say 50 didn't start this one. But you could tell he was dying to finish it. Jay-Z actually reignited the tensions when he made a comment that was seen as an underhanded jab sent 50's way. Asked a question during an interview what he thought of 50's comments toward Kanye West saying 50 would black Kanye's eye if he tried to upstage him on stage like Kanye did to Country Music star Taylor Swift. And instead of Jay's usual ambiguous and non-committal answer either way to a particular question, Jay actual answered the question dead-on by saying "nobody is afraid of 50 Cent". Which could imply so many different meanings cause the comments made from 50 Cent was directed to Kanye West. Not Jay-Z. So what exactly was Jay-Z trying to say by making his "nobody is scared of 50 Cent" comment? Or was Jay-Z just trying to stir the pot?Jay can be very slick.
Jay can oftentimes be very crafty and clever with his indirects. And then fall back and play coy like nothing ever happened. But 50 Cent is the wrong one to send indirects to or infer any type of problem might exist because he will attack first and ask questions later. That's just his nature. So, there you have it 50 Cent is now involved with Jay-Z versus Beanie Seigel. Now it comes into play 50 Cent trying to offer upwards of 800,000 to potentially sign Beanie to G-Unit years ago, and supposedly because of Jay's disdain towards 50 blocks that deal from happening. Hey, and do you remember the now legendary Madison Square Garden concert with T.I. when Jay-Z and Kanye come out as surprise guests? But so does 50 and Puffy unexpectedly? And how 50 said Jay was looking at him in total shock as he just made his way out on stage. To be a fly on that wall! I wish I could have heard what Jay really said to 50 when he hit the stage. I'm just glad Lil Mama wasn't thinking about bumrushing the stage that night! Lol! Might have been ugly!And its like everyday now Beanie is dropping a new bombshell about Jay- Z. And I still can't get over the fact that Jay-Z tried to make it look like he gave Beanie State Property and the two Bentleys when truth be told Jay exaggerated and lied about that.
To hear Beanie break it all down from him taking over the car note from Biggs so he could give the car to his mom, to Beanie paying a few hundred dollars for the incorporation papers and right to the State Property name, this has been too funny! It just shows how a story can be twisted and manipulated into what you want the general public to believe. And because Jay-Z is Jay-Z the so called "God MC" and this superstar, that means to most people without the ability to think for themselves will believe anything he says. They are his "fans". And the definition of fan means a fanatic.And fanatics are obssessed with celebrities they idolize. Crazy but true.
And lastly, I don't see Jay responding to 50 or Beanie anytime soon for a number of reasons.1. 50 Cent is dropping a highly anticipated album and Jay is not trying to in any way add fuel to a fire and drive up 50's album sales.2. At this point in his career, Jay might not have what it takes lyrically to battle a more hungry and nothing to lose Beanie Seigel. Jay is already solidified on legendary status whether he battles Beanie or not. But if Jay so does choose to battle Beanie, and Beanie utterly destroys him, it can tarnish his legend status a little bit. Jay doesn't want that. And 3. Jay has always taken this aloof, above everybody approach when it comes to stooping down to another MCs level to battle them. Just look how he basically ignored the Game, Cam'Ron, Jim Jones and Jaz-O. Why would it be any different now?My only advice to Jay-Z is, don't let this situation spiral out of control and gain the momentum of an avalanche. You don't want to be silent too long and give critics any ammunition to discredit you. Just ask Ja-Rule. Him staying quiet too long and trying to take the high roll led to his downfall cause people drew their own conclusions. Sometimes silence can be deadly.
Random Thought #1 Sarah Palin
What did you guys think of Sarah PaIin's interview on Oprah Winfrey? Now in no way has my overall opinion of Sarah Palin changed since Big O's candid one on one sitdown with her. But what I did learn about Palin was she's not as dumb as people might think. She's deceptively smart and knows how to utilize a situation to best suit her needs. This woman who everybody laughed at and made fun of cause she was from the back woods of Alaska and liked to Moose hunt and ice fish, now stands to make over 10 million dollars from book earnings and speaking engagements. I guess she is having the last laugh now. Laughing all the way to the bank! She's smarter than you think! Plucked from obscurity, to now the media darling. Not bad from a woman that considers Moose a delicacy. Plus Palin is more popular now than ever. The people from middle America and these small hick towns love her. Some have called Palin a popular but polarizing figure within the Republican Party when at this time they are looking for someone to bring the entire party together rather than promote dissension amongst the ranks. But I did learn some very interesting things about the job of a Vice-Presidential canidate.
Especially after it was revealed that certain scripts were indeed written for Sarah Palin to follow. Vice- Presidential canidates are not to establish their own "mindset" or be a lone voice in the race. A Vice-Presidential canidates job is to echo the sentiments of the Presidential nominee. They are also suppose to help stabilize potential votes in "B" markets. But when a Vice- Presidential canidate is making just as many headlines in the newspapers as the Presidential canidate is, then that's a sure sign there's trouble. And that was the case with both John McCain and Sarah Palin. Palin was the talk of every major late night talk show. Entire comedy skits was put together about Palin on popular shows such as Saturday Night Live. Tina Fey was a bomb-ass Sarah Palin! Lol! Some political pundits are asking does Palin have a political future after resigning as Governor of Alaska or will she run for president in 2012. I honestly don't think so. She hasn't captured the entire nation on a world stage yet. And I still don't see her as capable to run our great country. Just my opinion. But who am I?
Random Thought #2 MacKenzie Phillips
Come on homie! Having consensual sex with your own father...I don't even know what to say to that one. Really am confused on what's happening in our society. Especially when we have this "Daddy's Little Girl" syndrome where our daughters really look to their dads for guidance and then I hear weird stories like this. I wonder how many more stories exist like this that we DON'T hear about in the press? And this is coming from a former child star on "One Day At A Time". I actually used to watch that show! I used to love Valerie Bertinelli. I got one question: why does these explosive admissions or testimonials come out when you're about to release a new book? I really hope MacKenzie is trying to seek closure and not exploiting something so perverse just to hawk a couple of books. What she's saying is some pretty intense stuff for any woman to rationalize and put into words, let alone words in a book. Father has sex with his own daughter? I can't even imagine it...and I don't even have kids. That one is in God's hands.
Random Thought #3 Elliot Spitzer
Hol' up! Hol' Up! The former disgraced Governor of New York up at Harvard University giving a lecture and speech on of all topics....ETHICS?!? Holy shit!!! That's like a Priest spending the day at a Day Care Center! Or Puffy being the first one to meet Shyne at the jail the day he's released! That shit just don't mix! Not Client #9 Elliot Spitzer! Not the mysterious man known to wear black socks during trysts with high-end prostitutes!This class had to be the spitball variety from Animal House where everybody is talking in class, playing music, break dancing and doing anything but learning while Sir Spitzer has his back turned to the class writing on the blackboard. Then like in the movies when Sir Spitzer turns around everyone is quiet sitting at their desk like nothing happened. Haha! Jokes on you! And now I've also heard Elliot Spitzer might be reconsidering getting back into politics. The one thing I will say is he has a fucking big EGO! You can't tell him shit! He always had an arrogant chip on his shoulder like he couldn't be touched when he was bringing down so many people in organized crime! And here he is again! Did Mr. Spitzer ever take the time to realize that cheating on his wife with prostitutes while being disgraced in political office was unethical on his part?? He didn't see that as an ethics problem? And WOW! Now he's teaching ethics in one of our greatest institutions of higher learning at Harvard University? Never thought I would see that day! I guess hell is finally freezing over! Lol!
11/16/2009
Two Big THUMBS DOWN to Gucci Mane!This nigga locked up again! Is anybody, and I do mean is ANYBODY "surprised" Gucci Mane is locked up again? I seriously doubt it. Gucci Mane's name is becoming synonomous with jails and state penitentiaries. Its sad but true. And I'm sorry to inform everybody that I am not feeling sorry for this dumb ass Negro. Real talk, there are thousands of aspiring rappers and artists that are dying to get an opportunity to showcase their talent, and because of how the music industry is set up and designed, they'll probably never get that opportunity because its so political and all about who you know in the music industry that determines who will be successful or not in this business. And it's a damn shame that a nigga named Gucci Mane has been given chance after chance to become a success in the music industry and to take a quote from one of his own songs Gucci is his "Own Worst Enemy." This dude Gucci is the second hottest nigga in the game after Drake. And he continuously does stupid Homer Simpson bonehead shit and shoots himself in the foot. "D'oh!!!" And now niggas are screaming out some "Free Gucci Mane" shit! Get the fuck outta here! I don't wish jail on no nigga cause I been there and I ain't trying to go back!
But I don't support niggas that continuously do dumb shit! Granted, one time it's a mistake. Shit, even twice, you still trying to get it together or whatever. But damn homie! How many breaks you want? And let me show you how fucking hypocritical society and people in the music industry are. Gucci Mane punched a chick dead in her face and it was splashed all over the Internet! Did anybody say anything about it or make a fuss? Nope. Not at all. But right now he's one of the hottest niggas in the game! Shit, he was featured 5 times on stage at the B.E.T. Hip-Hop Awards! The nigga is celebrated right now! Videos on every network, songs in heavy rotation in the clubs. Everytime I hear Mario and Gucci come on the radio, I hear chicks scream out "that's my shit" and start dancing their ass off. But it be these same chickenhead broads that are calling Chris Brown a girl beater and is boycotting his shit! Get the fuck outta here! You are fucking hypocrites! Die slow! Gucci beat a woman up too! What's the difference? Oh, he only beat a bitch up a little bit?!? Lol! Get the fuck outta here! I hate when people do that! Let's call a spade a spade! Grow a pair nigga! I don't support stupidity. And what's crazy, Gucci's arrest is not gonna slow his momentum down one bit. As crazy as this might sound, this arrest is only going to add to his "street cred" of Gucci don't give a fuck. More power to him. And how ironic Gucci's album is called "The State Vs. Radric Davis". Makes you go hmmm...or wanna scream out "Gucci!" An emphatic THUMBS DOWN!!!!
Random Thought #1
Is "money the root of all evil"? We hear that comment from people all the time. I would love to hear what you think or feel the answer is. My answer is:Nope. It's really not. I honestly don't believe that money is the root of all evil. It's the "pursuit of money" which is the root of all evil. Money isn't the problem at all. Having money is actually a good thing. You can do a lot of good for people if you have money. But it's how people go about getting money which is the problem. People will sell drugs, women will sell and prostitute their bodies, there's human trafficking and people will outright shoot and kill you just to make a dollar. There's almost no low that somebody would go just to get it. Shit, I know people that will rob and steal from their own mama just to get money! When you rob and steal from your own mama, there is something seriously wrong with that picture. The reason I'm bringing up this subject of money to begin with is because there's been a lot of criticism recently about Jay-Z acquiring wealth and money has changed him. I just want to say money should never change "who" you are as a person. If you were someone who was happy before attaining a large amount of money, then I believe that money can only enhance your life that much more, cause with or without the money you would still be happy and stable. But if you came into money under not so favorable conditions or some form of duress hen you can't enjoy it as much. And I have to be the first one to say that if tomorrow you came into 10 million dollars you would change to some degree too. Anybody would. And if somebody said they wouldn't is lying. But you have to ask yourself in what ways would you "change"? Would it be for the better or worse? Of course now you would have to be much more guarded and careful with the people around you cause you never know if someone is your friend for who you really are, or are they just around cause you have money. You have to choose your inner circle wisely.
Random Thought #2
How do you guys feel about the DC Sniper being executed a few days ago? Unjustified punishment or was his death long overdue? After watching the interview with John Muhammad's family on Larry King Live (his ex-wife and mother of his children, their son Lindberg and his ex-wife's current husband), you never really understand what people mean when they say a killer's family is the victims too until you actually hear the family speak. That's when the realness of a situation hits home and resonates with us all. Despite what happened to John Muhammad's victims, and I am in no way making light of that, you do realize that he too had a family. And his family was just as devastated by the events that unfolded. Listening to his son Lindberg talk about never having his dad (John Muhammad) in his life and how he was seeking closure in their relationship on the eve of his father's execution was riveting. Watching the interview put a face on who John Muhammad was other than him just being a "killer". We still might not ever know why he went on his killing spree, but at least we got to see that there was people who did love him. And I thought what his ex- wife's current husband did by stepping forth and saying that they were there to make sure and claim his body after the execution and give him a proper burial, spoke volumes about what type of stand up man that he was. Another man might not have wanted to be a part of that type of situation. We always have to remember there are always more victims than just the ones reported on the news.
Random Thought #3
What do you guys think of former Vice President Al Gore winning the Nobel Prize a few years ago? The reason I'm asking this now is because there was so much extra scrutiny on Barack Obama when he won it recently that I want to see how people felt retroactively about Al Gore winning it since they were both pretty young when they each won the award, and both during their tenures was pretty active in politics and the media? Plus Al Gore's was a surprise win when he won it, so since Obama's was a surprise as well, I thought it would be a good gauge of a similar comparison. Everybody is talking about Obama. But did Al Gore deserve his? I personally feel that Al Gore deserved winning the award. Al Gore did so much for bringing attention and awareness to issues relating to our environment that we hadn't seen in decades. He spent years researching with some of the worlds top environmentalists to accurately provide statistics and information on how to better preserve and maintain quality use of natural gases and recycled material. I don't know if you guys knew this or not, but Al Gore also was the only one to ever win a Nobel Peace Prize and an Oscar award in the same year for his ovie "An Inconvenient Truth", a documentary film detailing the Earth's slowly deteriorating echo system and the destruction facing our planet. And if you ever really got a chance to hear Al Gore speak, you would see that he s really sharp and consise with his answers and point of views. I can see why Bill Clinton chose him to be his running mate during both terms of the presidential election.
11/9/2009
Russian Roulette: Rihanna Exposed!
Okay, so let's play a little game of Russian Roulette. Here's a gun, a six-shooter. I'll spin the bullet chamber anonymously not knowing where the bullet is. Bzzzz. I'll point the gun to my head and then pull this trigger....click! That's one.....
We've all had the chance to see Rhianna's explosive interview on 20/20 with Diane Sawyer. Do you think it was candid enough? Do you think any significant bombshells were dropped? Do you think Rhianna's side of the story and what she claims that took place that night is the truth, and nothing but the truth so help you God?
Honestly no one will ever know the truth and what really happened that fateful night in February except for Rhianna and Chris Brown. Anything else is pure speculation.
But I will say this. According to Rhianna, Chris Brown blacked out. Chris Brown's eyes were black, almost as if there was no soul in them. Those are pretty deep words to describe someone, who according to Rhianna, was in a fit of rage and engaged in a violent outburst.
Now I'm not no scientist or psychiatrist that is qualified to study the human mind or human behavior. But from what I know "Blackout" to mean by lamens terms, or by the good old Webster's dictionary meaning is: you may suffer temporary memory loss and the ability to control one's own actions due to severe trauma, whether emotionally, physically, or some combination of both to the point where it's sensory overload and you lose the ability to conduct rational thought.
Me personally, I've never heard anyone "blacking out" cause you simply cursed at them or argued with them. I could be wrong. I just never heard of it. Please correct me if I am. But I know I have heard people "blackout" because they may have been hit too many times and it triggers a response of enough is enough. I've heard of "blackouts" where you was caused so much emotional distress that you may have just totally lost it. I've also heard of "blackouts" where you may experience so much physical pain that your body shuts down in order to survive it. All those I have heard of. Never heard of someone just "blacking out" cause you found a text in my phone that might have indicated me cheating on you. That part of "blacking out" doesn't add up to me. 2+2=4 anywhere you go. And for some reason, Rhianna's version of why she thinks Chris Brown "blacked out" doesn't make sense to me. Common sense tells me that. And I'm not gonna keep quiet about it. I'm a tell it like it is. Many people in the music industry is keeping it hush-hush because you got this "good-girl Revlon image", but the word is Rhianna was physically and verbally abusive to Chris Brown as well. Cursing him out and calling him a "blood-clot" in public. And Rhianna was known to be very jealous. Jealous to the points of rage. Snatching his phone away, cursing and screaming at girls around him. We're talking about "obsessive jealousy". She was obsessed with Chris Brown. Let's just keep it all the way real. You did something that triggered Chris Brown to go crazy in that car that night. What? We don't know. Still doesn't give him the right to do what he did to you or justifies it, but something more than a simple argument took place in that car. I would bet my life on it!
I'm pulling the trigger again....click! That's two....
Look, Chris Brown has been demonized, ridiculed and called every foul name in the book that you can possibly think of. His career destroyed and irreparable on more levels than one. Chris will never get a Wrigley's Bubble Gum endorsement again. Chris will never have that squeaky clean image that appealed to parents and little kids everywhere. At one point I could have seen Chris Brown with his own Saturday morning cartoon. A Chris Brown superhero for the kids where his dance moves is his superpowers. Oh well, Chris you done flushed that idea down the toilet. Because that chapter in his life is over. Yes, Chris will be able to resume a highly profitable recording career at some point because it's undeniable that the kid is super talented. Can't take that away from him. Talent is talent. But because of one simple indiscretion, Chris loss close to 20 million in possible endorsement earnings. Because of one stupid mistake, you now have men and women heavily divided on both sides of the fence when it comes to dealing with issues of abuse, and whether Chris Brown should be given a second chance to redeem himself. It's sad, but true, that there are women that have pledged to never buy a Chris Brown album again or support him in any way. It's unfortunate that we live in a society that can quite honestly be very unforgiving at times. But time heals all wounds and after some time passes, I believe more fans will slowly get behind Chris and support him. Shit, if R. Kelly can do what he did, and fans still support him, then why wouldn't they still support Chris. And what he did is nowhere near on the level of what R. Kelly did. So there's still hope yet. Lol.
I'm pulling the trigger again....(heavy breathing)....click! That's three.....
Now let's talk music industry politics. Especially when it comes to Rhianna. When this whole situation blew up in the media, the big time publicists that represent both Rhianna and Chris Brown took two totally different angles on how to "spin" this situation in the media in order to save both of their careers. Rhianna's team made sure she didn't speak, had her go back home and reconnect with her family and had her play this "battered woman" role to the tee where the general public was sympathizing with her every move, especially after the L.A.P.D. leaked the photos of a bloodied and battered Rhianna. Chris Brown's team on the other hand, let Chris talk, whether it was intentional or not. The bowling alley homemade video of Chris wasn't a good look. Chris days after the Rhianna assault jet-skiing in Miami was a bad move. Then Chris apologizing again over the Internet like he was reading off a TV cue-card was a disaster. And on Larry King? (Not gonna even talk about the bowtie-lol!) Chris was a nervous wreck. At that point, the general public's perception of Chris wasn't too favorable. Whoever was handling Chris Brown in the media was doing a terrible job. And then came the felony conviction. It was all starting to crumble around Chris, while the media was applauding Rhianna as this "survivor". It was crazy how the press was "spinning" the situation more in Rhianna's favor. And here's more music industry politics for you to think about: if you think Jay-Z didn't have anything to do with Chris Brown not being able to perform at the B.E.T. Awards show after Michael Jackson passed away better wake up and smell the coffee. And let's talk even more music industry politics. Def Jam for an example.
This is a FACT. When Rhianna's new album is about to be released, I feel sorry for any other artists that might be slated to come out around the same time cause it's gonna be ugly for them. The record label is not gonna support their project the same way Rhianna's will be supported. It's unfortunate, but it's the truth. Rhianna and Kanye West is the flagship artists for Def Jam records right now. The record labels are losing money terribly right now and it's the fourth quarter in the music business which means, their most profitable part of the year. All hands will be on deck to help promote Rhianna. All fiscal budgets will be open to market the hell out of Rhianna to the point where you will feel "Rhianna-Overload". And you know what that means? Less marketing dollars for Amerie, Chrisette Michele and Electric Red. Which could mean for them not getting the push they need to sell records. Maybe for some of them even getting "dropped". (Can anyone say Amerie, Electric Red) And let's not take it back to why Teirra Mari or Fefe Dobson really got dropped. So you have to put it into proper perspective of the record label catering to their "bread and butter". Its the politics of the music industry. Sad, but it's the truth. The record label don't give a damn about you unless you're making them money. Bottom line.
I'm pulling the trigger again.....-pause then- (heavy breathing).....click! That's four.....
Okay, now let's talk about the manufacturing of an artist. Let's take a good look at Rhianna. If you remember when Rhianna first came into the music industry she was the island girl. The reggae sensation. A possible dancehall queen. Three albums later Rhianna is an entirely different beast. She's now a pop music Diva. Gone is the "Pon De Replay" girl and here to stay the "Disturbia" and "Umbrella" lady. Her earlier style was more subtle, the long hair and still very pretty. But now her style is very much so "Fefe Dobsonesque". Very edgy, gone is the long hair and now replaced with in your face attitude. If you look at another former Def Jam artist by the name of Fefe Dobson, some would say that Rhianna mimicked and copied her entire style down to the way she dresses and even her "swag". Research some of the old Fefe Dobson photos and then tell me what you think then. Rhianna, an original, or Rhianna, the swagga jacker? Also for all you upcoming female artists, don't be deterred to follow your dreams to succeed. Because despite all the success that Rhianna is having now, she didn't become a superstar and blow up until her third album. So patience is a virtue.
I'm pulling the trigger again.....pause...(heavy breathing)....click! That's five....
My last point to make is Rhianna will eventually end back up with Chris Brown. Watch and see. You could tell by the 20/20 interview with Diane Sawyer that Rhianna is still in love with Chris Brown. Shit, you could tell that she was still in love with him right after he hit her and she was back with him in Miami when he was caught jet-skiing. Love is a funny thing. You can't control who you fall in love with. Love is blind. Love is in the heart and you can't hide it. You can lie and tell people whatever you want. But the truth is Rhianna still loves Chris Brown. And sometimes when you look back at their relationship, it makes you really wonder what did Rhianna see in Chris Brown anyway? Cause Rhianna is very mature for her age, while Chris can act like a big kid at times? Could it be their relationship was based on pure physical attraction and lust? And does that explain why Chris has such a hold on her emotionally?
And no, I don't think the song "Russian Roulette" is some devil-worshipping, commit suicide song claimed by Tiffany Evans. But I do think the song is edgy, even for Rhianna, but I think Ne-Yo wrote the perfect song for her at the perfect time when all this media attention is going on around Rhianna. I actually think the song is perfect for her at the moment. And the record is HOT! Despite the Rhianna critiques, Rhianna is really a hot artist. She put out some really big records and she's an international superstar. She has the total package. Beauty, talent and a great team behind her. And that's what's needed to reach the top.
I'm pulling the
trigger....pause....(heartbeat and heavy breathing)....gulp.....click!- BOOM!!!!
Russian Roulette Bitch!
11/6/2009
Thumbs UP for Jay-Z still trying to take the high road and not respond to Beanie Seigel's scathing diss record " I Aint Ya Average Cat". But to be honest, I wonder if Jay is really taking the high road or does he realize that this might be a battle he can't win? Beanie actually has a few advantage points on Jay-Z in this battle. One is, Beanie has a tremendous amount of street cred. The streets love him. They see Beanie as one of their own, as opposed to Jay, who used to be one of their own, but now has made it out the hood and really has never looked back. So the streets are really rooting for Beanie despite him being an underdog. If I was in Jay-Z's camp, I would give him some serious advice on how to handle this and that's to try and reach out to Beanie on a personal level and make it right with him. Whether that's monetarily, letting him out of his contract or anything else he might want cause if he doesn't, this could get really ugly for Jay in thelong run. Don't you know Beans ain't no "Average Cat"?
Thumbs DOWN to all those who are jumping on the bandwagon and see this as an opportunity to make records dissing Jay-Z. Look, if you weren't saying anything about Jay-Z before, don't say anything about him now. Keep it real. Don't be a coward. Beanie has the right to speak up against what he feels is injustices that took place at the label cause he was directly affected by it. Not you. Because once this all blows over, you'll go back to dick-riding Jay-Z like you were before. So keep it neutral and observe from a distance.
Thumbs UP overall for the battle brewing between Jay-Z and Beanie Seigel. Even though it has real life implications of betrayal, lies and deceit, unfortunately, controversy in Hip-Hop is always a good thing. It helps sell records, in general it helps promote both artists and on top of that they are both considered Hip-Hop heavyweights so you know the lyrics from both of them is going to be HOT! Don't forget, one of the key priniciples to M.C.ing is battling. And what better type of MC battle than one that has personal history between the two artists? So as long as the battle stays clean between the two and on wax, then it should be good to breathe some life back into the artform as a whole.
Another Thumbs UP for Beanie keeping it real by just saying sometimes even with your own brother you have to get some stuff off your chest as a man and duke it out for five minutes outside in the back. I think as men, sometimes you have to be a man and step up for what you did and beheld accountable. Sometimes you have to get your point across and get it off your chest. And another note that will make you go hmmmm like Arsenio Hall. The movie Dame Dash and Jay-Z put together called: Death of a Dynasty. Was it just a movie? Or were they really letting the public know in so many words that the Roc was FINISHED! What do you think?Here is the audio from 50 Cent and Beanie Seigel's interview talking about Jay-Z:
Thumbs DOWN for Major Nidal Malik Hassan and the horrific shooting that took place at Ft. Hood Army base. 31 people were shot and 12 were killed by a lone gunman who happened to be an Army psychiatrist. You hear about it all the time where a soldier might snap and go off and kill a bunch of people as a result of P.T.D.S. (Post Traumatic Distress Syndrome) or some other ill effect relating to war. But those theories were disspelled rather quickly in Major Hassan's case because he was never sent off to engage in actual combat. There was also alleged claims that Major Hassan was the victim of harrassment at the base he was stationed at. Me personally, I find it hard to believe other soldiers picked on him, given the fact he was a ranking officer, and a Major at that. Can't really picture a private or new recruit harrassing a Major, and even if so, I wouldn't think that would drive him to such despair as to go on such a mass killing spree. But one thing is for sure, Major Hassan suffered from serious mental problems and something drove him to the brink and made him lose it. What? We don't know and we might not know for quite some time. It's just sad that so many of our soldiers loss their life right here on American soil. God bless those soldiers and the families that are left grieving.
My Top 10 Classic Movies of the '80s- what's yours:
1. The Breakfast ClubThis is probably my favorite alltime 80s flick. It had every major teen star from the 80s with Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez and of course the biggest teen movie star, Molly Ringwald. I would love to go to detention with those group of guys any day. Plus the classic rock tune "Don't You Forget Me" is one of my greatest songs of alltime.
2. Weird ScienceKelly LeBrock! That's all I got to say. What guy back in the 80s didn't have a crush on her? Steven Seagal was a lucky bastard! Lol!
3. GhostbustersWho you gonna call? I ain't afraid of no ghost!"
4. E.T.I think we all shed a small tear when E.T. was trying to get home..E.T. phone home! I sure could go for some Reeses Pieces right about now! Lol!
5. Back To The FutureOne of my favorite classic scenes and lines from Back To The Future- "McFly! Hello, McFly!!!"Marty we got to hook up the "Fluxcompacitator" and go back in time! One of the greatest movie scripts ever written.
6. Lost BoyzWho doesn't like Vampire flicks. The LBs took sucking blood to the next level and they made it cool.
7. Indiana Jones and the Temple of DoomOne of my favorite action/adventure flicks. Indiana Jones never disappoints! And my boy Short Round was hilarious.
8. Ferris Bueller's Day OffClassic scene from his classroom. Teacher checking for attendance: "Bueller, Bueller, Bueller." Or how Bueller had the entire city singing "Shake It Up Baby" with him.
9. GremlinsStripe, Magwi, the Gremlins was a terror! Please don't feed them after midnight or throw any water on them! You will regret it!
10. Top Gun Still one of Tom Cruise's best films. It had action (the Need for Speed) and it had a love story (Berlin's "Take My Breath Away" while Cruise and Kelly McGillis made love was classic) Honorable mentions: Scarface, The Wiz, Beverly Hills Cop, Lethal Weapon, Colors, Lean On Me, Cornbread Earl and Me, Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi and of course A Nightmare On Elm Street and Friday the 13th.See you guys on Monday!
11/3/2009
This is the only thing I need to write about in my blog today and its for the GREATEST ENTERTAINER that EVER lived.
Thumbs UP for the new Michael Jackson film "This Is It". If you haven't had a chance to go and see the new Michael Jackson film, please go and see it. Its worth every cent you may spend at the theaters. Its an amazing piece of cinematic history that documents Michael's final preparations that it took to prepare for his monumental 50 show sellout performance dates in London that was being produced by AEG. It has been almost 5 months since Michael Jackson died, and after seeing the film it brought back so many memories and it took a great deal of physical restraint on my part to fight back the tears again.
The people will love you one day, then they will hate and loathe you the next. Then love you all over again. Not realizing what you really have until it is GONE! Its the price of fame, and sometimes as an artist you have to honestly ask yourself is the price of fame really worth it? The same people who said they loved Mike, ultimately destroyed him! The same people who are jumping around now celebrating Michael's life and what he did not only for music and the artform, but for what he did for people all over the world, are the same two-faced bastards that when Mike was going through his trials and tribulations with all those bogus sex cases and child molestation charges, was ripping him apart. Destroying Michael Jackson to the point where Michael fled the country to seek refuge in Bahrain because the glare from the media and public eye was so damaging and destructive to his life and musical career. It was these same contradictive people that tried to destroy him that are laughing now, kekeying and saying how wonderful Michael was, but just 6 or 7 months ago before he died, Michael was the scourge of the Earth.
You have to dress up in disguises and look like a fool just to try and go out in public. What kind of life is that? Yeah, Michael was rich beyond our imaginations. But what good is having money when you can't even enjoy it? All the money in the world can't buy you happiness. And we all know Michael wasn't happy. His life was a prime example of that. He was a tortured soul. Which led him to do what people on the outside considered strange behavior. Remember, he never had a childhood of his own. He was a child star since 5 years old. He didn't do normal things children did at that age. So of course psychologically he was still a child. Which explains why he had Neverland Ranch, the zoo on his property, the amusement parks, the candy shops, the life-sized toys, the sleepovers and slumber parties with all these other kids. He was trying to re-live what he never had and missed out on as a kid. And that's why people found him to be strange.
So that's why I cried. We lost something that we will never see again. And its sad that people were so judgmental of him when we ALL got flaws. And by the way you idiots who were condemning Mike and passing judgment on him in the media, one of those same kids that accused Michael of child molestation charges came forth and said recently that Mike never even touched him. It just goes to show you what people's motivations are to try and destroy Michael Jackson's legacy. So please if you get an opportunity, go and see the film "This Is It". You will see a master at work. And to anybody out there that still have negative things to say about Michael Jackson, my MIDDLE FINGER goes up to you EMPHATICALLY. Have a nice day.