Okay, this is the last MJ video for a while...

Does this video piss anyone else off, or is it just me? Like, it really pisses me off.



Ugh. I didn't even know that was Naomi Campbell. Nor did I care.

Look Familiar?

I know we all joke on Michael Jackson. But look at the next two videos, and YOU tell me if the man has created his own freakin' genre.

Because I Can...

I really should be doing something more productive. But I really love doing these! Who knows what secrets lay inside your own personal music player? Oh, and I tag ANY ONE WHO LEAVES A COMMENT.

There. We'll see what happens now.

1.Put your music player on shuffle.
2.Press forward for each question.
3.Use the song title as the answer to the question even if it doesn’t make sense. NO CHEATING!
4.Bold the questions and with the answers, give your own comments on how it relates to the questions.
5.Tag some people.

So... let's play! :)

1. How are you feeling today?
Touch by Omarion - No comment here. That's between him and Bow Wow.

2. Will you get far in your life?
More Than A Woman by Aaliyah - HAHAHAH...I guess I'm not getting invited to any Women's Benefits, eh?

3. How do your friends see you?
Get It On The Floor by DMX - That right. Cuz' I git down wit' mine, suckaz.

4. Will you ever marry?
Umi Says by Mos Def - "Shine your light for the world to see"...Lord willing, that will be the case.

5. What is the favorite theme of your best friend?
Funky For You by Common - I couldn't have picked a better song. Actually, I could've. But this'll do. Especially since I have more than one best friend. But for THE best friend? Yeah. This be it.

6. What is the story of your life?
Smooth by Rob Thomas - Well, I am.

7. How was it like in high school?
Onenight by Musiq - *shrugs shoulders*

8.How can you advance in life?
Whenever, Wherever by Shakira - I guess. Something like that. Just don't start rolling around in the mud.

9.What is the coolest thing about your friends?
Never Let Me Go by Family Force 5 - And I hope they never do.

10. What's in store for the weekend?
Cold Blooded by Rick James - Yep. All homework and no homies with which to chill. It shall be cold blooded indeed.

11. What song describes you best?
Relax Your Mind by Boyz II Men - Oh yeah. Me likey. Just take it easy. "Don't wanna waste your time... so let me relax your mind..."

12. How about your grandparents?
Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell - *sits silently, thinking about Gramma Tilly*

13. How is your life going?
Situations by Jack Johnson - HA! Situations, indeed. Moves to make, lives to change.

14. What song will play at your funeral?
Goodnight ft. Mos Def and Al Be by Kanye West - This fits.

15. How does the world see you?
Pain by Pharoahe Monch - Fo' real? Wow. Cool. Whatever, I guess.

16. Will you have a happy life?
The Score by The Fugees - "It's time to settle the score..." Aww yeah.

17. What do your friends really think about you?
Grindin' by Clipse - "I'm your pusha..." Ha. Cuz I stay 'bout my grind.

18. Are there people that secretly want you?
Good To You by Talib Kweli - Probably cuz they know that I'd be "Good to You"...

19. How to make myself happy?
Do You Remember by Jack Johnson - "Do you remember when we first met/I sure do/It was some time/In early September..."

20. What should you do with your life?
Ice Box by Omarion - How creepy is it that I started this thing with Omarion, and I end it off with him as well? I think that's pretty creepy. I may be getting rid of all his songs TONIGHT. Just in case.

In Support of Not Being Right

In reference to this post, this strip mirrors my sentiments exactly.

What It's Like To Date Me

For those who are wondering, yes, I'm biting.

1. I am a mess, and I will not hesitate to let you in on that fact. Truth be told, I still suffer from a lot of scars from my youth. I'm not putting that out there as an excuse...I'm just saying. I'm tender. However...

2. I am stronger than you think. I am stronger than I think. And I don't know if I can attribute that to the Y Chromosome coursing through my veins or not, but I know that there is a lot of power inside of me that I haven't even begun to tap into. It would be a mistake to mistake my sensitivity for any kind of weakness. I'm not immortal...but I'm not impotent.

3. I have a problem with my mouth. Some times, I will just say the stupidest things, and I won't even be ready for it. You know that feeling when you regret something, and you just wish to the Almighty Heavens Above that you could snatch back those last for moments? Yeah, I live in that state quite a bit. One minute, I'm adorning you with praises and adoration; next thing you know, you'll wonder why I'm quoting this video. Which basically means...

4. I'm a guy. Some of the things I find funny, you'll find repulsive. Some of the things I find humorous, you'll say are ridiculous and immature. Sorry. I'm working on it.

5. I'm not really used to getting compliments. Actually, let me rephrase that. I get compliments; my self-esteem doesn't seem to allow me to really stay there. I appreciate them, but I find myself in a place of frozen surprise. I guess I'm more used to giving them than receiving them.

6. Even when you don't think so, I'm paying attention.

7. Even when you think I should be, I'm probably not paying attention.

8. You could cheat on me, ridicule me, disrespect me, cuss me out, jack my car up (if I had one), run up my phone bill (if I had one), and I'd still give you the benefit of the doubt. I am forgiving to a fault. I mean, naturally, all things must come to an end, but I'd defend your honor before I question it. Even it's obvious to everyone else but me.

9. I'm a huggy person. What can I say? I love hugs. Say what you will. Still can't beat me.

10. I know what I know, and I believe in what I believe. Which are a number of things. The top of that list?

1. My God - I'm not going to paint a picture of that Jewish carpenter-turned-traveling man on a cross. Instead, I will opt to create a picture of the God who loves me, beyond all I've done wrong. I believe in His power, but behind that, I have FAITH in Him and His Universal/Unique Love. Lemme stop before I start preaching...
2. The Power of Words - We says words without thinking about them. I say words without thinking about them. However, I believe that we have the ability to mold our words to thrust ourselves into the cosmos of infinity, craft missions from pencil scribbles. There is no such thing as not being able to write. All you need are words and the conviction to pack each one with enough heat to fuel a rocketship.

11. I like surprising people. I love surprising people. I get a kick out of coming all the way from Washington, DC to the middle of Virginia, just to surprise you. Seriously. I guess it's something about the element of surprise, or the joy of seeing a well-executed plan come to fruition, or something like that. Alls I know is, I will spend a lot of time coming up with ways to make you blush, shake your head and mutter, "This boy is crazy...". And this can range from a Valentine's Present or an Engagement Ring or finding a certain chocolate bar in your coat pocket.
Now that I think about it, I do put a lot of energy making sure a surprise is all the more surprising. And don't even think that you can prepare yourself for such a surprise. That's why I work so hard at it: making sure you don't see it coming.


I think that's all for now. I mean, there's probably a whole lot more. But I'm tired. Work was CRAAAZY today, and I could really use a Reeses.

That Ain't Even Right.

I know we've all seen these people before. You know, those fools who really think that they can dance. I mean, I've never been one to discourage dancing; as a matter of fact, I urge people to dance. If you're feeling the music and you've got the gall, there's no reason why you shouldn't go on out there and bust-a-groove.

But there that doesn't mean there is no such thing as Bad Dancing.

And Bad Dancers should be banned from Public Dancing. But allow me to explain...

Like I said before I'm a full on advocate of shakin' yo' booty to whatever moves it. But I went to this club last night, and I'm still laughing as an after-effect of seeing all these knucklehead really OD (Over Dance) on the dancefloor. I was tripping, laughing at people still trying to bootydance to Purple Rain. There was this one couple who were literally two layers of clothing away from making a baby. At least he was. She was "dancing", if you call grinding and whatnot reallly dancing. But her partner? This fellow was humping her backside as if he was really...humping. I mean, no rhythm or anything. NOTHING. He was just going at it. Hump hump hump hump...

Meanwhile, I just wanted to shove him out of the way and go, "Excuse me son, but it's obvious you don't know what you're doing. Step aside and let me handle this for you. Go get me a drink or something."

Maybe they were both drunk. Maybe I can blame it on St. Patrick's Day being right around the corner. Or maybe my man was really trying to bust a nizzy in this lame club. Whatever the reason, there was no excuse for that.

And don't even let me get started on all the Beyonce-Wannabes. I don't even know what song it was, but they were about the throw their backs out, trying to jiggle it 'til the sun shone. That ish was HILARIOUS. I didn't have anything to drink, but that was enough to make me woozy. Or giddy.

Seriously, I didn't even know what to do. Should I have just laughed at them? Or should I have saddled up behind them and really laid down "Da' Bidnis"? I dunno.

But according the party I went with, I did have an opportunity to drop some knowledge on those fools. I personally don't think I was trying hard or anything of the sort. I guess I didn't want to be confused with the epileptic masses.

But I would love to go to a party like this. Even with the mascots.

Music Video Fridays: Doo Wop

Ya'll know it's been a minute since you heard this on the radio. I remember I couldn't get enough of this song. And when someone in the class had a copy, it would get massive play...even the teacher would be getting down. I'm speaking of none other than the classic L-Boogie joint.

You Should Be Here (From Summer '07)

This here is something that I wrote back during the summer of 2007. It wasn't that long ago, but looking back...if only I had known what was in store. You can see the original posting, but it's pretty much the same thing. Either way, here it is. Right. Here.

You should be here, right now, but I'm not Raphael Saadiq
I'm simply missing you love. Behold the sweet mystique
of a tuned union that seems to me to be unique.
My heart bleeds with constant need to see the next time we meet.
Realization hit me with hunger pangs, blows and pain
that I miss you so. More than recess and childhood games,
more than reruns on TV, more than ice cream in the summer
More than I thought I would, I miss you, lover.

Snuck up on me with the efficiency of a ninja Jedi
Slightly distracted when we were suddenly standing eye-to-eye
Travel this road a few months later, tons of late-night conversations
I exposed my heart to you without a moment's hesitation.
The love was borne in common interests like the mic and music, too.
Soon to be dug deeper into with each nighttime rendezvous.
There was to be an inquiry into the act/art of Jedi Lovemaking,
Allowed with various techniques, leaving hands numb and shaking.

Like a drug, I'm hooked up on you. Can't get enough of your voice,
All hours of the morning; you are the sweetest kind of noise.
Yet, I miss you all the same. For no reason, I call out your name
just to feel it roll off my tongue and allow me to spit pure flame.
"I've lost control of my soul, because you've got a hold on me"
These are your words; these are our feelings, sort of like our creed.
You are more than my friend, because with you I do more than care.
I love you dearly, girl. And now? You should be here.

My Top Ten Emcees: Top Three

Hokay. Top three emcees on my list. I know for a fact that two of these emcees are incredibly lesser known, but for the sake of hittin' ya'll up with a little sumfin' new...take a taste o' dis.

3. Pharoahe Monch
- I look forward to hearing Mr. Monch speak every time he's on a track. In my opinion, in 2006, "Desire" was the best album of the year. It just came with everything for me. But even before this, I heard Pharoahe Monch on Linkin Park's remix album "Reanimation". The track was called "High Voltage", and it was dope. I loved it. From first listen. Why? There are a number of reasons. I had never anyone flow like that before. And it made sense. I mean, I knew what he was talking about. It took a few listens, but ...seriously. A few things stood out to me, aside from his trademark quick-lipped witty lyricism:
1) His command of the English Language
2)His...sense of humor?
I don't know what it is, really. I mean, I feel like I'd be repeating myself. I'll just let you kids figure it out.



2. ManChild of Mars iLL
- Honestly, the battle for number one is a toughy. ManChild is something else. Seriously, this man is a mess. He is the root of all my lyrical envy. I mean, when you say something like "married to Hip-Hop, call me Jazz's son in law/even on the cloudiest day, buddy, i'm sonnin' ya'll"...you get respect from me. Nuff respect. Paired with Dj Dust, Mars iLL is like the new Gang Starr.

And that's not even the only reason why I love me some Mars iLL. Believe it or not, this is a Christian Hip-Hop Group. And it is truly a beautiful thing to hear a flow that has no negativity. I can't really describe how nice it is to hear something that is blessed, without the unnecessary language, gunshot references, excessive punchlines and lack of energy or passion. This negro is real. Well...he ain't no negro. Well...you know what I mean.

And it'd be kinda wrong of me to just pick one quotable. There is no way I could just pick one. He is chock full of them, and each one means something terribly beautiful.



I'll put it like this.
Artists take classes about daVinci...
Writers take classes about Poe and Frost...
Emcees should take classes on ManChild. Period.

And the spot for NUMBER ONE EMCEE ON MY LIST is...

1. Ahmad Jones of 4th Avenue Jones -

Ya'll done gone and forgot about Ahmad.

I know ya'll all saw "The Wood". And you can all sing along with this eternal piece of hip-hop history. "Back in the day, when I was young, I'm not a kid anymore, but some days, I sit and wish I was a kid again...".



Yeah. You sang along, didn't you?

Well, fear not. Ahmad is alive and well. Actually, he's doing great. He and his band 4th Avenue Jones have been stirring things up for a minute. And Ahmad, as one-half of the vocals for this band (the other half is his wife, Tena Jones), is still as sick as ever. Sick meaning ill. Meaning nice. Meaning really really really good. Meaning that Hip-Hop might have a new favorite band.

I wish there was a way that I could buy his album for EVERY MUSIC FAN ALIVE. And I mean that. Everyone should be exposed to the 4th Avenue Jones crew. I mean, they should recycle their "Plies" nonsense and open their ears up to some HipRockSoul.

Ahmad's flow is nothing short of lyrical. He's not over the top or hard to listen to. When he grabs the microphone, you know this man has something to say...with a little more. He, like ManChild, are just utterly and completely real. No fronting or profiling. No faking the funk or talking junk. Just. Real.

And the HipRockSoul philosophy? Yeah. If you doubt it, you should check it out. Imagine Black Eyed Peas, BlackStar and...a pinch of Linkin Park. If you don't like, you should question whether you've been listening to music all along.

Hear me when I say, picking a number one spot was hard. But luckily enough, they knew that I would have a problem in picking between the two, so they went ahead and made a track with BOTH OF THEM ON IT, almost like it was made just for me.

So. I leave you with an earful of some o' dis' niceness right chere.

Love Musings #2

Have you ever wondered why Superman does what he does?

I mean, I know that he's a fictional character that possesses the strength of God-knows-what, but venture with me for a second.

This man has a nice job, working for a prestigious newspaper in a big city. He's got his parents, who doubtlessly still love him. He's not bad looking (no homo), even in his glasses. And he works (rather closely, might I add), with the lustrous Lois Lane, day in and out. Oh yeah, and he's more powerful than a locomotive, faster than a yadda-yadda-yadda...

So with all of this going for him, why in the world would he go through the stress of changing in and out of his clothes everytime some knucklehead decides to try and blow up the world? Why put himself through the whole shpiel of flying here and there and back again, just because some idiot wants to hold up a bank in Southeast Asia?

Because he knows, deep inside, that it's the right thing, and he holds himself accountable.

I mean, I don't doubt that some nights, he just wants to throw on a Chappelle's Show DVD, order some Domino's and call it. But he knows that it is in his power to actually do something about all the wrong that takes place in this miserable world of ours. Even if he doesn't belong to it.

Once again, I'm kinda free-balling here, but I think that the same ethic is included, but not limited to love.

I'm an advocate of autonomy, but I got a lesson with all of that recently. Somehow, I thought that I was exempt from certain accountability issues. I thought that all was needed was the truth about the situation, and each person should go along with whatever they thought was right. For example:

"Hey baby, should we really go to that club? It looks shady..."
"Well, you don't have to go if you don't want to. I know I'm going."
"Wait...you're going?"
"Yeah."
"But...what about me?"
"Well, if you don't wanna go, you don't have to go."

That was just a rough exaggeration, but see how unfair that is?

Basically, both members of the relationship need to keep each other accountable. If the love is really there, this (in my opinion) is a way to really have each other's back. Simply put, right is right is right is right.

Hopefully, you kids aren't walking into shady-looking clubs. Superman might have this night off.

Music Video...Monday?: Halftime

I know that I missed it on Friday because I was moreorless handling some bidnis out of town. However, to whomever may actually be reading this, please forgive me.

Consider this my favorite Nas track. Welcome to Halftime.

My Top Ten Emcees: #10 to #4

We all have this list. Anyone who likes hip-hop or has been exposed in some extent to this genre of music/lifestyle has heard the argument more than a few times.

"Ay man. Who do you think is the greatest rapper of all time?"
"Aw, man, you know its 'Pac!"
"Whatever n*gga, Biggie is the greatest, point-blank, period. 'Pac is weak, son."
"You don't know what you talkin' bout, fool! You on some ol' ignorant..."

Et cetera. I've witnessed a few of these arguments. What I just dictated, now that I think about it, is dangerously close to an actual quotation.

While this argument is an eternal one, I begun to search for my own Emcee list. I personally like Biggie better than Tupac, but that's just a matter of preference. In that spirit, I've put together this list of lyricists that are my personal faves.

When I say "emcees" or "lyricists", I don't mean rappers. I don't mean entertainers. I don't mean those dudes who pop up for a few minutes, drop a few quirky lines to make you laugh, and then drop off the lyrical spectrum. I'm talking about those artists who, when they speak, you listen. You feel it. Whether it be their wordplay or those lyrics that don't smack you in the forehead until the song is over. That real ish.

So yeah. This be my list-izzle. With a brief blurb why.

10. Ludacris - We all know Luda's that dude who started EVERYBODY moving with "Move!" He's always been a fun listen, but in my opinion, he's incredibly talented and shamefully underrated. Everyone knows who he is, but I think that he's kinda blocked from being really appreciated in some hip-hop circles. He's seen as a funny rapper, quick with the punchlines and whatnot, but I feel that that's only part of his appeal. I think that people see his "sticky-icky-icky" side, but aren't paying attention to his Chris Bridges persona, who is actually a very talented emcee. Now, that's not to say that he's groundbreaking, or one of hip-hop's more socio-political voices...but I feel if you get him pissed off about something enough, you'll feel his fire.

My quotable? There's actually a few. His intro track from Red Light District had a few gems in there for me, like " So if you see me in your town and I appear to be moody/It's cause I'm thinkin 'bout plans that's bigger than Serena booty".

Maybe I just thought that was funny.

Well, how about this verse from the track he did with Mos Def called Jump Off:

Tables fulla hi-hat with a dash of drums
Sprinkle in a little keyboard and a pint of rum
With just a pinch of purple haze and a gallon of bass
Mix snares with rock 'n' roll and throw it all in ya face
Pre-heat the studio to about a hundred degress
Ludacris, Mos Def and your best emcees
You'll get BURNT just for thinkin' you can step to me
And thats the end of my little ghetto re-ci-pee
My des-tinies are rhythm, hit 'em up with the rhythm
Hit 'em, click 'em, then HA, HA-HA strip 'em
Jump the f*ck (back), no gun can pump (that)
I punch the engi-(neer) and slap the whole (track)
Then pop all the speakers and stip the wires
Blow smoke from the MPs and amplifiers
Here to spit truth for the LIAR, LIARS
I'm the hottest emcee, y'all a FIRE-FIRED

So yeah. That's that for number 10.

9. Common - Common remain to be one of the poster kids for conscious hip-hop today. Seriously, this brother demands respect when he spits on the mic, and he deserves it. I wasn't aware of him when he first came on the scene with "Can I Borrow A Dollar?". Like most people, when he came out with "Be", I took notice. I remember before that, he did some commercial for something...it was either Target or AIDS. And before that, I remember seeing him in "Brown Sugar", (which remains one of my favorite movies EVAR) and it wasn't even a major role. It was more like a cameo.

Either way, Com silenced the doubters with "The Corner". I was made a fan at that point. With lines like these, his talent is made clear: Got cousins with flows, hope they open some doors/So we can cop clothes and roll in a Rolls/Now I roll in a Olds, with windows that don't roll/Down the roads where cars get broken and stole..
The thing with Common is, he flaunts his lyrical prowess while entangling real life ish in there. He doesn't spit just for the sake of talking into the microphone. He spits, and then leaves the mic smoldering with something that is oft found missing on the radio today called REALITY. Now, I don't agree with everything he says, but...I respect him, because while he's sounding off, he doesn't waste time talking nonsense. While he's on, you know he's got something to say.

8. Busta Rhymes - WOO-HAH! You already know. This man has a mouth on him. Meaning his flow is sick. Meaning that he can take almost any beat and make it "Dangerous". I just like this dude. He is named Busta Rhymes for a reason, and he doesn't mind reminding you about that fact.

Once again, I say that I don't necessarily agree with every thing he says...but he is fun to listen to sometimes. Here's just a little tidbit from his classic "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See":

Hit you with no delayin so what you sayin yo?
Silly with my nine milli, what the deally yo?
When I be on the mic yes I do my duty yo
Wild up in the club like we wild in the stud-io
You don't wanna VIOLATE nigga really and truly yo
My main thug nigga named Julio he moody yo
Type of nigga that'll slap you with the tool-io
B*tch nigga scared to death, act fruity yo
F*ck that! Look at shorty, she a little cutie yo
The way she shake it make me wanna get all in the booty yo
Top miss, just hit the bangin b*tch*s in videos (huh?)
Whylin with my freak like we up in the freak shows (damn)
Hit you with the sh*t make you feel it all in your toes (yeah)
Hot sh*t got all you niggaz in wet clothes (take it off)
Stylin my metaphors when I formulate my flows (uh)
If you don't know you f*ck*n with lyrical player pros...

7. Eminem – This bama seriously doesn’t care. But in a good way. I remember when I saw his music video, “My Name Is…”. I thought he was a joke. I thought that he was just playing around, not really being serious about this rap thing. But then, I started to listen to him more, and I realized that he doesn’t care about trying to impress anyone, while at the same time, exceeding any expectations you have from a white emcee.

Yes, I put his race out there. Not that I think it has any heavy weight regarding his success, but I think that he let everyone know two things: 1) I may be white, but I don’t care what you have to say about me. Recognize my skill before you talk about me. And 2) I’m not going to tip-toe around any topics. I's here to say what I want, how I want, when I want, and if you feel me, fine. If not, screw off.

6. Mos Def - The mighty Mos is most definitely one of my favorite emcees, for almost all of the same reasons as Common or Black Thought. Mos is that dude that you just chill with, and spit a random cipher about anything from barbecue sauce to basketball. When I first saw this video (posted below), I just smiled, because...it just looked like he was having fun. No guns, no drugs, no negativity. Just fun.

And he’s real, real enough to start singing on the track. I’m speaking, of course, about his eternal “Umi Says”. I get the feeling that he didn’t necessarily do a heck of a lot of preparation, or take singing lesson. No diss, because it worked for him. How many emcees can actually start to sing on a track, and still hit hard? I don’t know, but I do know that the list is fairly small. Another thing that I like about Mos Def is his style, his swagger, which is constantly changing, but constantly present.

5. Lauryn Hill – Oh yes. L-Boogie. If not for her, I don’t think that my appreciation for hip-hop would be the way it is now. If there is anyone out there who dismisses her talent, tell them to meet me out back, next to the parking lot. I’ll be the one slapping fools for talking out their necks. Ms. Hill has really set a new standard for up-and-coming artists. I respect her, and I pray that wherever she is, she finds peace. As a consumer, I just want her to put out an album and show these lame artists what art really is. However, I respect her. If she needs to stay out of the spotlight, by all means, do you. Take care of your business…but when/if you come back, we’ll be listening.

4. Black Thought of The Roots – The official MC of the Legendary Roots Crew. The “Dalai Lama of the mic, the Prime Minister Thought”. I like him because just as his name suggests, you really have to listen to catch how nice the cat is. Earlier in the game, it was fun to listen to him, but I’ve noticed that his style has gotten more serious, and with that, his lyrics carry more weight. Back with The Roots’ first album, “Organix”, his flow, accompanied with the sound of the Roots’ band was something to make your head nod, simply put. Now, altogether, I find that while I’m nodding my head, I’m leaning forward to catch all of what he’s really saying. I’ve even had to look up the lyrics on more than one occasion, just to make sure he said what I think he said. I find that to really appreciate him, you’ve got to sit still and take it all in. Unless of course, he’s just having fun. Then, you can just sit back and wish you could flaunt like him.

Wanna see the final three? Stay tuned, I might post them up soon.

Some More Stuff I've Worked On...

Pending Book Cover 1

Let me know what you think.