Lil Wayne...... Really?

I am not really a huge Lil Wayne fan…. Don’t get me wrong he has consistently gotten better since coming on the scene as the youngest member of the Hot Boys.

Wayne is the current go to guy for a hot 16 on your Hip-Hop or R&B song. Actually he was on a Brittney Spears song this past year so hell, any song you want a little hotter…call Wayne.

I knew that when his latest album “Tha Carter III” finally came out (It has been pushed back since last October) it would do some major numbers. With all the changes in the record business, albums just don’t sell like they used to and in the past year Kanye has sold the most records in one week…. About 957,000 copies. Mariah about 480,000… Usher about 400,000. Wayne s about to bust a million wide open…

Yes, these are Backstreet Boys, N’sync numbers…. And since Lil Wayne can sell this many records in a week…. We shouldn’t have a problem electing Obama as President……………. Right??????

On the Grind......

I know it has been a minute….. I have been really on the grind, and you have to in this day and age. I have news and happenings to report and I will add them when I can. I am going to keep it simple on my first entry back…

My good friend Yodie emailed me this thought….. and I loved it….


"There are two great moments in your life. They day you were born and the day you realize why."

Times is getting kinda hard on the Boulevard

Gas prices are thru the roof, and I really want a motorcycle just to save a few dollars. It makes me think back to a time in college when I was broke… not just broke, but broker than broke…

I was so broke that I thought about giving plasma… Now people do that all the time for cash, but see I'm one of those people who hates needles. So I was going to put my fear aside and give plasma for a few pennies that they give you.

I got in my car and drove to the plasma center which just happened to be in a shady area of Tallahassee called "Frenchtown" and walked in the the door. What I saw just made me say… “There has to be a better way.”

I will never forget that sight. I saw people sitting in recliner chairs with tubes in their arms hooked to big machines… Now it wasn’t just a few people, it was five rows of 10 people each… 50 people giving having plasma sucked from their body for a few dollars.

I may have continued on with the process, but I caught a glimpse of one of the needles used to extract the plasma. Plus there was a smell of urine circling the center so I slowly backed out of the door and made my way back home.

I realize that there is a major economic issue when people contemplate exchanging blood for oil…

Robert needs to stop.

As busy as I have been the last few weeks, I had to stop and comment on this n***a…….

Robert Kelly aka “R Kelly” aka “Kells” aka “The R” aka “The Pied Piper of R&B”

I will be the first to give credit where credit is due. R is a musical genius but the boy is a tad bit touched in the head. Maybe he is autistic, and since he born in the hood, he was never diagnosed?

It been damn near proven that he preys on underage girls, films his encounters, gives golden showers, works the drive-thru at fast food joints when he is out on tour and can write/sing a R&B song.

Let me move on to this damn picture… Someone emailed me this and now I’m mad because I can’t un see it.

I didn’t need to see this n***a in gold. Wait a minute…. Is that a ponytail? This n***a has lost it.
I don’t know if he is promoting a new single or album, but when is he going to court?

I’m done… I just want to somehow erase this picture from my mental rolodex

Where is the Soul?

I tried not to do it…

I told myself that I wasn’t going to get sucked into this seasons American Idol television show, talent show, vocal competition or whatever you want to call it.

The only reason I am even going to blog about this is because Chikeze got voted off. If you haven’t been watching, the guy’s name is CHIKEZE…(CHI-KEY-Z) rhymes with “My Neezy”…. For sheezy.

You know what….. He should’ve got voted off. If he was silly enough to sing a Luther Vandross song and not “Bring It”….. Go Home…
Former American Idol winner Ruben Studdard made it very hard to sing a Luther song on the show anyway!

Actually where are the Soul /R&B songs on the show this year anyway????? ……………. (Hear the crickets….)

We had a run for a minute…. Ruben, Fantasia… Hell, even Tayor Hicks had a little of that blue eyed soul. The bottom line is they didn’t really transfer the fans into record sales.

Carrie Underwood is doing it. Kelly Clarkson is doing it. Even way gay Clay Aiken did it but it seems that the soul singers, who usually have the better voices, obtain quick success then tank out.

Can’t really blame the judges, which two of whom shouldn’t even be on the show… Paula is a DANCER that can barely carry a tune …. Randy is a guitar player who played with Journey and sat in on sessions with Mariah and Whitney.
He also needs to watch his back because I think Arsenio Hall is itching to beat him down for all that dog pound shit… Roof, Roof

Simon has had a successful career as a music executive. He as signed some major UK acts like Westlife and Five. Plus he has so many TV deals under his belt it’s crazy, but his dead on blunt criticisms wisecracks and insults about contestants makes American Idol the show we love to hate.

Do not feel sorry for Chikeze because is was in the top 10 and will be bringing that lame version of Luther to a city near you!!!!

The Life and Times of......

Normally, I never have a problem bragging on my fellow FAMU (Florida A&M University) alumni. We have had some very talented people stand on the highest of seven hills in Tallahassee, Florida. Some were before me like Corrine Brown, Althea Gibson and “Bullet” Bob Hayes who was at one time the fastest man in the world.

Some were there with me like Keith Clinkscales (Former editor of Vibe Magazine), rapper Common, film makers Rob Hardy and Will Packer(The Gospel, Stomp The Yard), Anika Noni Rose(Dreamgirls)and the person this entry is about…… The youngest mayor of Detroit…..Kwame Kilpatrick.


I remember Kwame roaming the halls of Sampson hall with his group of football teammates, and always laughing. We knew his mother was some big time elected official, but of course we were more concerned with having fun, and the young ladies over in truth and diamond hall.

Now on the grand scale of things there are so few African Americans who hold political positions of power. Presently, NY Governor David Paterson, and Kwame Kilpatrick are pissing me off. I am not even going to comment on Gov. Paterson because I don’t know him, but Kwame…… Come on playboy…. Did you really just mess up like that????

Compliments of Parlour Magazine here is the life and times of Kwane Kilpatrick


2002
- Kwame is elected mayor of Detroit to much acclaim and fanfare.

- After being elected mayor of Detroit, Kwame allegedly throws a party, with strippers, at his state-owned official residence, the Manoogian Mansion. According to former members of his Executive Protection Unit (EPU), his wife Carlita comes home to find Kwame with the strippers and attacks one of the girls.

- Kilpatrick is found out to have charged over $210,000 in credit card bills. What was he buying? Spa massages, Moët, etc. He ended up paying the city back $9,000.


2003
- Detroit Officer Harold C. Nelthrope contacts the internal affairs unit of the Detroit Police, about the party and other abuses committed by Kilpatricks’s EPU members.

- Kilpatrick denies all allegations and dismisses the party as a rumor. He went on to say that he does not have”‘lewd parties,” “I don’t whore around on my wife” and “I want people to understand that I would never disrespect my God, my wife or my children”.

- Nelthrope and Gary A. Brown, head of the internal affairs unit are fired. They allege they got the axe for their participation in Kilpatrick’s investigation. Then the pair sue the city of Detroit, in what is known as the Whistleblower Trial, eventually winning an $8.4 million settlement.

- Two additional officers come forth with claims of retaliation: Walt Harris and Alvin Bowman. Harris was a former EPU member who was identified as cooperating with the Manoogian investigation, which resulted in Harris suffering a smear campaign by Kilpatrick administration.

- Tamara “Strawberry” Greene, 27, an exotic dancer who claims to have been a performer at the Manoogian Mansion party is found dead after being shot 18 times. Witnesses describe it as a targeted hit. The bullets are found to have belonged to the same types of guns issued by the Detroit Police Department. Bowman, (listed above) who was working this case, was transferred out of the homicide unit after discovering these facts and attempting to connect the dots. The Greene family is currently suing the city of Detroit for about $150 million. This is also the catalyst for the text-messages being released to the Detroit Free press.

2004
- Two police officers pull over Kilpatrick’s Chief of Staff (and now-alleged lover) Christine Beatty over for speeding. After yelling, “Do you know who the fuck I am?” Beatty calls Police Chief Ella Billy-Cummings to call the officers off. When this gets to the media, Kilpatrick, Beatty and Billy-Cummings claim the traffic stop was a “set-up” to harass Beatty. A slander suit ensues, eventually settling for $25,000.

2005
- Kilpatrick is named one of the three worst big-city mayors in the United States by TIME Magazine.

- Kilpatrick causes a stir with a newspaper advertisement that compares his media criticism to that of a lynching.

- Reporter Steve Wilson claims that the city had entered an expensive one year lease for a Red Lincoln Navigator, totalling $24,995; five dollars under the amount that required for the Detroit City Council’s approval. Kilpatrick, Beatty, Bully-Cummings and other members of the mayor’s staff deny that the Navigator was intended to be used by the mayor’s wife and children. Eventually, Kilpatrick admitted the Navigator was for his family. When Wilson tries to question Kilpatrick about the lease, a member of the mayor’s security team is seen on camera shoving Wilson against a wall.

- In a controversial election, he won the mayoral post again in 2005.


2006
- Detroit news reports that Kilpatrick used $8,600 from his Kilpatrick Civic Fund, which was created for voter education, crime and economic empowerment, to take his family on a weeklong Californian vacation, which violated IRS regulations. Cameras caught Kilpatrick grabbing the microphone out of a reporter’s hand when questioned about this event.


2007
- In what many saw as a move to help offset a large portion of funds needed to pay off his whistle blower settlement, Kilpatrick proposes selling 92 Detroit city parks.

- Both Kilpatrick and Beatty testify in court during the Whistleblower Trial, both denying their extramarital affair, and Kilpatrick denys having sex with other women.


2008
- In January, The Detroit Free Press reveals and examines the 14,000+ text messages sent between Kilpatrick and Beatty during 2002 and 2003. These texts are during the time period of the Manoogian Mansion party and the firing of Gary Brown (remember!). In addition the text messages reveal: they were sexing like rabbits, they plotted to get rid of Gary brown among other things and apparently were afraid to get caught.

- On March 11, Kilpatrick delivers his State-of-the-City address. After typical positive city news and recognition, Kilpatrick addresses the scandal and controversy surrounding his time in office. His statement includes: “…In the past 30 days I’ve been called a nigger more than anytime in my entire life. In the past three days I’ve received more death threats than I have in my entire administration. I’ve heard these words before but I’ve never heard people say them about my wife and children. I have to say this because it’s very personal to me. I don’t believe that a Nielsen rating is worth the life of my children or your children. This unethical, illegal lynch mob mentality has to stop. And it’s seriously time…”

-On March 18th, the Detroit City Council passed a resolution asking Kilpatrick to resign, but Kilpatrick dismissed the vote as irrelevant.

- March 24, 2008. County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announces a 12-count indictment against Kilpatrick and Beatty. Felony charges include perjury, misconduct and obstruction of justice. He states he expects “full and complete vindication.”


This needs to be made into a reality show!!!!!

I Want My MTV

I’m going to show my age, but right now.....
I don’t care because it’s all about HIP HOP.

I’m talking about real Hip Hop…… Not the current trash that passes for Hip Hop.

During the golden years there was this show that brought the culture right into our living rooms and we couldn’t get enough…

Well let me speak for myself… I couldn’t get enough.

Since everyone didn’t live in NYC, a lot of people never saw Video Music Box with Ralph McDaniels. But by 1988 MTV was in most households and they introduced a new show called Yo! MTV Raps.

Fab Five Freddy, Ed Lover, Doctor Dre jumped in front of the camera, grabbed the mic and the rest is Hip Hop history. For 7 years pretty much everyday Yo! blessed us with the real, not that watered down, stepped on product the industry likes to calls rap music today.

Well believe it or not, it’s been 20 years since the show first aired. You could always see clips that people have downloaded to Youtube, but MTV has decided to celebrate by making April Yo!MTV Raps month. All the classic videos, photos and interviews will be featured at www.yo.mtv.com.

Until then peep this clip from the last show in 1995. It’s a freestyle session with Rakim, KRS-ONE, Eric Sermon, Chubb Rock, MC Search, Red Man, Method Man, Large, Professor, Special Ed and Craig Mack……… CLASSIC!!!!

GREENS!!!!

Only in Florida…

So I’m driving down the street today and I had to do a double take because I get to the stop sign and it looks like someone has greens planted in their front yard..

I just had to stop and take a picture of this mess….

Now don’t get me wrong my grandmother planted/grew greens in her yard, but not in the front yard right next to the street….

CRACK is Wack!!!!!!

Crack is wack!!!!!!! Or is it????

I have had a blackberry aka Crackberry for a few years now, and honestly I’m a fiend. I will admit it I need rehab…

I am addicted to the continual need - or desire (I am not sure which!) - to access emails when I am not at work.

Of course there are some great benefits of catching-up on emails on the road, in meetings, waiting on a flight, in the restroom, etc… But here is the drawback……

With more and more communication being conducted by email and text, I sadly find it very hard to put the crackberry down in the evenings, weekends, or holidays.

I NEED HELP!!!!!!!!

It's Over... Or is it?

At this point Hillary can’t win the Democratic nomination…

With Obama’s lead in pledged number of delegates she can’t win. Let me quote the great poet Shawn Carter (Jay-Z)

“Men lie… Women lie ….. Number’s don’t”

I have been really unhappy with the way the media has handled or shall I say mishandled information. People seem to forget that Hillary and Obama are Democrats which I thought ment that they should be basically on the same team right?

We’ve heard everything from Barack being Muslim, he supports Louis Farrakhan, he has helped a criminal purchase property in Chicago, he can’t answer a phone at 3am, and of course this past week the gospel according to Pastor Jeremiah Wright.

I was very impressed with his “More Perfect Union” speech yesterday, but I see there are still so called reporters who would rather put their personal spin on a story instead of just telling what happened or what was said.

And we still have about 6 months until the democratic convention.

I Remember BIG

Yesterday marked the 11th anniversary of the still-unsolved murder of Christopher Wallace also known as The Notorious B.I.G.

BIG is still often referred to as the greatest of all time (even by Jay-Z). His reputation continues to loom large - and I’m sure it always will.

I was one of the lucky one’s to meet BIG before he “blew up” and after the world knew his name. He was a big guy who liked to laugh, and loved just being in the rap game. His lyrical flow was sick with no one even coming close to touching him on the mic.

It saddens me that after 11 years there is still no resolution in his murder case, but I'm not surprised. A black man killed in LA outside a party with about 100 witnesses standing around….. Come on. The day BIG died I got a page about 5am (2am LA time) saying he was dead. I had to come into work and just take call after call from listeners who didn’t believe it, or just needed to cry. It was a sad day I will never forget.

His Ready To Die album is still one of my favorite albums to this day, in part because of the good times I was having and the memories it brings me. When the album dropped, I was young, in college, and partying too much for my own good. When BIG rhymed, it felt like he was sitting right across from you.

If you are not a member of the hip hop generation you won’t get it… To most people who didn’t get BIG he was just another rapper that lived by the sword and died by it. But every culture, every generation has someone that just speaks to them. He laid his flaws on the table, let everyone know how he felt about the game, made me understand that as a black youth, I was valid, no matter what anyone else would have me believe. He talked about struggling. Me and a lot of people I know are struggling right now, hustling in our own ways to get by.

I often wonder what his music would be like today if he was still alive.

The Man Who Thinks He Can

I was surfing the web and came across an old college friend of mine. He had this on his website and I thought it was great….. Thanks Ali

The Man Who Thinks He Can

If you think you're beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don't;
If you'd like to win, but think, you can't
It's almost a cinch you won't.
If you think you will lose, you're lost;
For out in the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow's will,
It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are;
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to hustle before
You can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the one who thinks he can.


Walter D. Wintle

THE WIRE

One of my favorite shows on TV right now is HBO's gritty, realistic crime drama called The Wire. There is only 1 episode left to air, but it has been a 5 season roller coaster ride.

Now before I go any further if you don’t want to know how the show ends STOP READING NOW!!!!!




One of my favorite characters is a very complex brother named Omar Little. Played by Michael K. Williams, Omar is a stick-up man, a street thug with a violent streak, but one who also lives by a strict code of conduct. He never robs "civilians," instead only targeting those in the drug trade. He never really uses profanity and he goes to church at least once a month with his grandmother… The kicker here is Omar is also unashamedly gay.


See, it’s twist and turns like that, which have made The Wire….. Straight FIRE!!!

Well, Omar died suddenly and shockingly last week, Snoop meets her end this week. Marlo and the rest of the crew gets arrested. The mayor and police chiefs find out that McNulty has been lying about the homeless murders….. Ohhhh the drama.
Gotta love HBO!!!!!!

Penny is Back!!!!!

It seemed like only yesterday that a young little girl with a huge bandage on her forehead knocked on the front door and asked for J.J.

Ok I am dating myself, but I loved little Penny Gordon on Good Times. When I was in 8th grade it was Charlene DuPrey who was Todd Bridges girlfriend on Different Strokes. Then came Fame, a few episodes The Love Boat, Poetic Justice, Nutty Professor II and Why Did I Get Married.

I have rode with Janet from day one. No she is not the best singer in the world, but the girl can dance her ass off!!! Anyway Janet is back with a new album (in stores tomorrow) and it is good to see that she and MTV has made up. Of course they fell out after that Superbowl-nipple situation.

To promote the album with MTV Janet has filmed a few comedy spoofs of MTV reality shows, and they are funny.

Do You Remember?

I am going to start posting things from back in the day when something triggers my memory.

I had a conversation with a good friend yesterday. I will not put this person's name in this post becouse I want to live..... Somewhere in the conversation this friend told me that their mother stil uses TUSSY deodorant. Not solid, Not roll-on but Tussy Cream.

I didn't even know they still made it..... Now That's Old School!!!!

Train Wreck

Just when you thought TV could get no worse….. King Coon aka Flavor Flav is back for another round of Flavor Of Love.

If you have been under a rock or in jail the past few years, you are not familiar with Flav’s elimination based dating show. The crazy thing is Flavor has produced the spin-off’s I Love New York, Charm School, and has been copy cat shows like Rock of Love and One Shot at Love with Tila Tequila on MTV.

Now I told you in my last blog that I was at war with ignorant black people, and it hurt my heart to see this show, but I CAN’T TURN AWAY!!!!!! It’s like watching a train wreck… I can’t turn the station. As Flav would say: “WOWWWWWWW”

I'M AT WAR

There is so much going on in the world today…. NY Giants beat New England in the Superbowl, A woman and a BLACK man each have a serious chance to become president and lead this country.

The United States is still basically at war, but I am currently at war too…. I am at war against the IBP..... Ignorant Black People!!! I got issues with ya’ll…

This war is not just against bad grammar because if it was I’d be fighting myself from time to time too. This war is against bad reasoning, lack of common sense and those who seem to want to perpetuate the downward spiral we have been in since crack came out in the 80’s.

Basically , I’m against those who keep fuckin’ it up for everybody! I’m sorry if my language offends you, but you have to talk to certain black people a certain kinda way.

Any black person reading this who is hatin’ on Barak Obama for being too “proper” and detailed needs to go jump off a bridge…. Better yet, just walk in front of a truck.

Let’s think about it for a minute… He is running for the presidency, how you want him to act? Unorganized and ghetto? Is he ‘sposed to just go up there and freestyle a speech, and end every sentence with “ You know what I’m saying”? Get the Hell outta here.

I heard this girl at the mall talking about how good that new chocolate called Go-Diva was. I wanted to just slap the crap outta her and tell her it’s Godiva.

Then she continued talking all loud and shit… “Fuck Bill Cosby! Fuck P- Diddy and all them uppity black muhfuckas! Fuck Russell Simmons too. What the hell I look like following a nigga who do yoga and shit! Plus don’t nobody like that Phat Farm shit anyway….. Bill Cosby just mad ‘cause he old. That nigga prolly don’t even know how to do the Superman!” Stupid Ass!!!!!

There are a few prominent rappers, singers and athletes in my sights, and of course some radio personalities who need their ignorant ass whipped!!!!!!

So if you are that person who is always loud and drunk… I’m coming for you!!! That parent who curses out the teacher when you should be putting that belt on your child… I’m coming for you!!! ANY black person on Maury or Jerry Springer… Watch your back!!

Knowledge is Power……. Read A Book!!!!!

Grammy Awards 2008

Grammy night is the one night of the year that I plant myself in front of the TV and watch the madness. This years show didn’t let me down.


First of all, I am very disappointed that there was no tribute to Michael Jackson for the 25th anniversary of Thriller. This is just the album that has sold the most copies…. EVER! They said that Michael was going to make an appearance, but I didn’t see him.


The Grammy’s is basically the only night where ALL the music heavyweights are in LA. Remember the “We Are The World” song? Well that was recorded the same night after the Grammy’s. Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, and Lionel Richie told everyone to come to the studio instead of heading to the after party and lets do something for the children in Africa….. With all the talent there, some great performances should take place EVERY year.



I did see the TIME reunite and sing Jungle Love…. The original TIME with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Now what would have set the night off is if Price would have come out and played with them. See that’s the magic I want the Grammy’s to capture. What if Michael and Prince performed together??? Instead, the TIME was poisoned by Rihanna…. She don’t know nothing about Jungle Love!!!! (more about her in a minute)


Alicia Keys
Carrie Underwood
Little Timothy Mitchum – singing the Beatles “Let It Be”
Beyonce and Tina….. Like I said GREAT performances should happen every year. Kanye and Daft Punk… Priceless!!! (RIP Dr. West)
Foo Fighters
Brad Paisley
Herbie Hancock and Lang Lang
Josh Groban with Andrea Bocelli
Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis and John Fogerty all gave

I am well aware that there are hundreds of awards that the recording academy has to give out, but come on….. Can you televise 1 gospel award? There were a few performances, The Clark Sisters, Bebe and Aretha, Isreal & New Breed etc, but let these artist get a little shine. Why not show 1 award from each music category?


Of course the night belonged to AMY WINEHOUSE!!!! I am now convinced that she is black. She actually sounded pretty good, but that weeble-wobble dance and her shout outs to BLAKE her husband who is locked up…. She get’s a hood card from me!!! It just shows you can’t keep a crackhead down!!!!!!



Do you think Rihanna dissed Jay?

The Boondocks

This is why I love the Boondocks!!!!!

If you haven't watched... Monday nights on Cartoon Network

OK… I know I’m too old for this but....

They say that when you have a problem or issue the hardest part is admitting it. I am admitting my issue right now.

I have a mad crush on Kimberly Locke. (deep breath) There, I put it out there….

Don’t get me wrong I have a list of women that I have been crushing on since I was a teenager:

Vanity, Lisa Bonet, Janet Jackson, MC Lyte, Toni Braxton, Halle Berry, Salma Hayek, Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington, Mya, Raven-Symone, Aisha Tyler, Lisa Raye, Lauren London… The list could go on, but I will stop there, and please know that these names are in no particular order.

I also have a list that trumps the above list. I call it my “Baby Momma” list. These are the women that are above all others…. ( in my eyes of course)

Gabrielle Union almost cracked the list but until now there has only been 2 women who are honored enough to make my baby momma list. Those 2 women are NIA LONG (Boyz N The Hood, Are We There Yet, Best Man) and SANAA LATHAN (Love and Basketball, Nip/Tuck, Alien vs. Predator).

I said until now because I have always liked Kimberly Locke since her run on American Idol a few years back. Since then she has had been on Celebrity Fit Club, Landed a few endorsement/spokesperson gigs, released a few albums and for whatever reason has become sort of a icon in the gay community.

Her albums haven’t garnered the same level of excitement as Clay Aken, Ruben or Fantasia but they did actually win American Idol. There also was this girl named Jennifer Hudson who didn’t win the show.

Anyway, I can’t really explain why I am crushing on her enough to create and additional spot on my baby momma list, but Kimberly it’s all yours..