After reading the post below, one of my more loyal readers, made this statement. What do you think?
"The only people that care about black people are us. We will always be the first to be blamed, first to be asked to help someone, but never first to be helped."
I'm not sure how I feel about it; but there is a protective layer of truth around this statement that prevents me from dismissing it as just the rants of an angry black. It intrigues me. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Too Little Too Late?
Tell me what you think:
WASHINGTON (AP) - The House on Tuesday issued an unprecedented apology to black Americans for the wrongs committed against them and their ancestors who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow segregation laws.
"Today represents a milestone in our nation's efforts to remedy the ills of our past," said Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, D-Mich., chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus.
The resolution, passed by voice vote, was the work of Tennessee Democrat Steve Cohen, the only white lawmaker to represent a majority black district. Cohen faces a formidable black challenger in a primary face-off next week.
Congress has issued apologies before - to Japanese-Americans for their internment during World War II and to native Hawaiians for the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom in 1893. In 2005, the Senate apologized for failing to pass anti-lynching laws.
Five states have issued apologies for slavery, but past proposals in Congress have stalled, partly over concerns that an apology would lead to demands for reparations - payment for damages.
The Cohen resolution does not mention reparations. It does commit the House to rectifying "the lingering consequences of the misdeeds committed against African-Americans under slavery and Jim Crow."
It says that Africans forced into slavery "were brutalized, humiliated, dehumanized and subjected to the indignity of being stripped of their names and heritage" and that black Americans today continue to suffer from the consequences of slavery and Jim Crow laws that fostered discrimination and segregation.
The House "apologizes to African-Americans on behalf of the people of the United States, for the wrongs committed against them and their ancestors who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow."
"Slavery and Jim Crow are stains upon what is the greatest nation on the face of the earth," Cohen said. Part of forming a more perfect union, he said, "is such a resolution as we have before us today where we face up to our mistakes and apologize as anyone should apologize for things that were done in the past that were wrong."
Cohen became the first white to represent the 60 percent black district in Memphis in more than three decades when he captured a 2006 primary where a dozen black candidates split the vote. He has sought to reach out to his black constituents, and early in his term showed interest in joining the Congressional Black Caucus until learning that was against caucus rules.
Another of his first acts as a freshman congressman in early 2007 was to introduce the slavery apology resolution. His office said that the House resolution was brought to the floor only after learning that the Senate would be unable to join in a joint resolution.
More than a dozen of the 42 Congressional Black Caucus members in the House were original co-sponsors of the measure. The caucus has not endorsed either Cohen or his chief rival, attorney Nikki Tinker, in the Memphis primary, although Cohen is backed by several senior members, including Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, D-Mich., and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel, D-N.Y. Tinker is the former campaign manager of Harold Ford, Jr., who held Cohen's seat until he stepped down in an unsuccessful run for the Senate in 2006.
Well. Well. Well. Let's see if we can't start working on the action that usually follows an apology. You know, the part that doesn't make it seem like empty rhetoric. I'm not holding my breath; but that's just my opinion though; and who the hell am I?
WASHINGTON (AP) - The House on Tuesday issued an unprecedented apology to black Americans for the wrongs committed against them and their ancestors who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow segregation laws.
"Today represents a milestone in our nation's efforts to remedy the ills of our past," said Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, D-Mich., chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus.
The resolution, passed by voice vote, was the work of Tennessee Democrat Steve Cohen, the only white lawmaker to represent a majority black district. Cohen faces a formidable black challenger in a primary face-off next week.
Congress has issued apologies before - to Japanese-Americans for their internment during World War II and to native Hawaiians for the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom in 1893. In 2005, the Senate apologized for failing to pass anti-lynching laws.
Five states have issued apologies for slavery, but past proposals in Congress have stalled, partly over concerns that an apology would lead to demands for reparations - payment for damages.
The Cohen resolution does not mention reparations. It does commit the House to rectifying "the lingering consequences of the misdeeds committed against African-Americans under slavery and Jim Crow."
It says that Africans forced into slavery "were brutalized, humiliated, dehumanized and subjected to the indignity of being stripped of their names and heritage" and that black Americans today continue to suffer from the consequences of slavery and Jim Crow laws that fostered discrimination and segregation.
The House "apologizes to African-Americans on behalf of the people of the United States, for the wrongs committed against them and their ancestors who suffered under slavery and Jim Crow."
"Slavery and Jim Crow are stains upon what is the greatest nation on the face of the earth," Cohen said. Part of forming a more perfect union, he said, "is such a resolution as we have before us today where we face up to our mistakes and apologize as anyone should apologize for things that were done in the past that were wrong."
Cohen became the first white to represent the 60 percent black district in Memphis in more than three decades when he captured a 2006 primary where a dozen black candidates split the vote. He has sought to reach out to his black constituents, and early in his term showed interest in joining the Congressional Black Caucus until learning that was against caucus rules.
Another of his first acts as a freshman congressman in early 2007 was to introduce the slavery apology resolution. His office said that the House resolution was brought to the floor only after learning that the Senate would be unable to join in a joint resolution.
More than a dozen of the 42 Congressional Black Caucus members in the House were original co-sponsors of the measure. The caucus has not endorsed either Cohen or his chief rival, attorney Nikki Tinker, in the Memphis primary, although Cohen is backed by several senior members, including Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, D-Mich., and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel, D-N.Y. Tinker is the former campaign manager of Harold Ford, Jr., who held Cohen's seat until he stepped down in an unsuccessful run for the Senate in 2006.
Well. Well. Well. Let's see if we can't start working on the action that usually follows an apology. You know, the part that doesn't make it seem like empty rhetoric. I'm not holding my breath; but that's just my opinion though; and who the hell am I?
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Tattoo Status
I have been itching to get a tattoo lately. I finally figured out what I want and where, but my money has been kinda funny lately. I was talking it over with one of my boys and we came to the conclusion that we ABSOLUTELY LOVE women with tattoos. While the three of us were lusting over inked up women, a third party came over and interjected some negativity to the conversation. I thought I'd post his theory on women with tattoos and see what you guys think:
"If a woman has a tattoo across her chest/tittie; can’t no nigga take you seriously. You'll only achieve Jump Off status (The Other Woman).
If a woman has a tattoo across her arm; she's a ride or die bitch. Good to have around, but can only achieve Hood status (We are are only seen together in the hood).
Tattoo across your back indicates a Tramp. You only achieve Freak status (The chick that you call for mind blowing, no strings attached, bomb-ass, sex).
Tattoo on your leg indicates that you are a cool, down to earth chick that you can really talk to. Unfortunately, you only achieve Kick It status (The chick that you don't wanna sleep with because it will mess up the friendship).
And finally, no tattoos equals Wifey status (A chick you can spend the rest of your life with)."
I'm not buyin' it. I love tattoos and think they are a unique expression of art and individualism; so I can't see judging someone for having one or where it's located. Besides, if I combined all those tattoos into one woman and she had the qualities that go with them; she instantly would achieve Wifey status in my book. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?
"If a woman has a tattoo across her chest/tittie; can’t no nigga take you seriously. You'll only achieve Jump Off status (The Other Woman).
If a woman has a tattoo across her arm; she's a ride or die bitch. Good to have around, but can only achieve Hood status (We are are only seen together in the hood).
Tattoo across your back indicates a Tramp. You only achieve Freak status (The chick that you call for mind blowing, no strings attached, bomb-ass, sex).
Tattoo on your leg indicates that you are a cool, down to earth chick that you can really talk to. Unfortunately, you only achieve Kick It status (The chick that you don't wanna sleep with because it will mess up the friendship).
And finally, no tattoos equals Wifey status (A chick you can spend the rest of your life with)."
I'm not buyin' it. I love tattoos and think they are a unique expression of art and individualism; so I can't see judging someone for having one or where it's located. Besides, if I combined all those tattoos into one woman and she had the qualities that go with them; she instantly would achieve Wifey status in my book. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?
The Desiderata Week #15
"Take kindly the counsel of the years; gracefully surrender the things of youth."
Give me your thoughts and opinions on what I feel is a life changing piece of literature. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?
Give me your thoughts and opinions on what I feel is a life changing piece of literature. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Desiderata Week #14
"Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass."
Give me your thoughts and opinions on what I feel is a life changing piece of literature. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?
Give me your thoughts and opinions on what I feel is a life changing piece of literature. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?
Monday, July 21, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Killer Mike
Being the devoted Hip Hop fan that I am; I decided to give a long over due shout out to Killer Mike. He is one of the most under-rated MC's out right now. His last two CD, I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind I & II, though they didn't get much buzz, were bona fide classics. He is signed to Grind Time Official through the SMC/Fontana Distribution. He made his debut appearance on "Snappin' and Trappin'" on Outkast's 2000 LP Stankonia, and also appeared on the Grammy-winning song, "The Whole World", the single from OutKast's greatest hits album Big Boi and Dre Present...OutKast. He was featured in the movies 20 Funerals, Idlewild, and ATL.
Killer Mike released his debut album, Monster, in 2003. The album's lead single was "Akshon (Yeah!)", it featured OutKast on guest vocals, and was included on the soundtrack to the 2004 version of EA Sports popular video game Madden NFL. He even made a Madden '04 remix of "Akshon (Yeah!)" for the game. Following the release of his own material, he appeared on "Flip Flop Rock" and "Bust" on the Speakerboxx half of Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. He also appeared on "Southern Takeover" with Pastor Troy on Chamillionaire's CD The Sound of Revenge. His second album "Ghetto Extraordinary" has had its release date pushed back several times due to disputes between Big Boi and Sony Records.
Killer Mike has also performed as a voice actor. He plays a rapper/actor, turned President of the United States, named Taqu'il in the Adult Swim cartoon Frisky Dingo. According to an article published in the June 2007 issue of XXL, Killer Mike addressed why he left the Purple Ribbon roster. He stated that he felt as if Purple Ribbon was the equivalent to the "Clippers," while he wanted to join the "Lakers."
Killer Mike has also performed as a voice actor. He plays a rapper/actor, turned President of the United States, named Taqu'il in the Adult Swim cartoon Frisky Dingo. According to an article published in the June 2007 issue of XXL, Killer Mike addressed why he left the Purple Ribbon roster. He stated that he felt as if Purple Ribbon was the equivalent to the "Clippers," while he wanted to join the "Lakers."
He is one of the few rappers today that would speak out on socially relevant issues. Here is a link to him making comments about the complexion of politics today: http://nahright.com/news/2008/07/14/video-killer-mike-talks-obama-the-clintons/
Here is one where addresses Nas and his new album: http://nahright.com/news/2008/07/16/audio-killer-mike-on-nas-album-title-change/
Over all, he is another piece to what the games has been missing. If you get a chance to, and just wanna hear a real nigga speak from his heart, or a real artist create art; check out Killer Mike. He's worth a listen; but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Things I'd Love To Hear
Communication is a very important part of life. I love to hear genuine conversations or movies with great dialogue. I think words are very powerful and they can effect people in an extremely positive or negative way. Since I know that I will never be a rich man, or own a home like the Wicked Pickett's, I've created a list of things that I'd love to have someone say to me or about me. Here it is:
1. I would be lost without you.
2. I agree with what he said
3. Let's ask him. I'm sure he would know.
4. I knew I'd feel better, once I saw/talked to you.
5. You really helped me change my life.
6. I've never been that loud before.
7. I can't stop shaking my legs.
8. What do you think I should do?
9. I can be myself around you.
10. I'm very proud of you.
These are just my top ten. Feel free to post your own. In a time where currency can be loosely defined, I wouldn't mind being paid in these wages. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?
1. I would be lost without you.
2. I agree with what he said
3. Let's ask him. I'm sure he would know.
4. I knew I'd feel better, once I saw/talked to you.
5. You really helped me change my life.
6. I've never been that loud before.
7. I can't stop shaking my legs.
8. What do you think I should do?
9. I can be myself around you.
10. I'm very proud of you.
These are just my top ten. Feel free to post your own. In a time where currency can be loosely defined, I wouldn't mind being paid in these wages. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?
Monday, July 14, 2008
The Desiderata Week #13
"Especially do not feign affection."
Give me your thoughts and opinions on what I feel is a life changing piece of literature. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?
Give me your thoughts and opinions on what I feel is a life changing piece of literature. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Joe Knows
If you don't really care about the recent state of Hip Hop, you should just ignore this post. I was doing my normal Internet browsing thang and I came across these two songs. They are from an artist that I respect more than 90% of the artists out today. Joe Budden made two songs called, "Who pt. 1" and "Who pt2." I heard that part three is coming. In these two songs, Joe Budden takes the temperature and diagnoses Hip Hop music. He asks the real tough questions and makes listeners think. Something that the game has been missing. He is firm unflinching and unapologetic in his assessment of the industry. Unlike every other song that takes a long, hard look at rap music; Joe gives his opinion on why and how things got this bad. Posted below are links to these two songs
Give them a listen and tell me what you think. I think Joey "The King of Jersey" is right on point; but that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Counter- Balance
I hope you guys don't get the impression that I'm "feelin' myself", but I recently put in a counter at the bottom of the page. This gives me an idea of how many people check the BLOG out. Actually, it could just be my mom checking in to see if I'm posting anything that could get me fired or arrested. I know that I say I do this to vent, and provide some therapy for myself; but occasionally it is nice to know that folks are checking your page out. With that said, I am taking it upon myself to set 1,000 as my goal. If I can get 1,000 clicks; I'll complete one request/dare from anyone who reads my BLOG (unless the request is to stop blogging). Just post your request/dare in the comments of this post. Once I get 10, I'll post that list and you guys can vote on it. I'll do my best to provide video and/or photographic proof of completion. If it isn't possible, you'll just have to take my word. Please nothing illegal. You can't BLOG from jail. I'm excited or I'm just up too late. Boredom can play tricks on the mind & contentment can be easily confused with monotony. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?
Monday, July 7, 2008
i Megaphone
I'm not now, nor have I never claimed to be an expert on Art. My definition of art is "Anything born in imagination and/or creativity of another human being that evokes emotion". With that being said, I have just stumbled across what I am sure is Art. I'm not sure if you all will agree. There is a Artist named Imogen Heap. I urge any and all of you to take some time and give her a quick listen; then tell me what you think. I can't really describe her music, but; for me, it definitely evokes emotion. Being a purely Hip-Hop head, I was stunned by how much I liked this Artist. In a time where originality is all but gone from my music of choice, it's a shame that I have to find a creative breath of fresh air in another genre. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?
The Desiderata Week #12
"Be yourself"
Give me your thoughts and opinions on what I feel is a life changing piece of literature. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?
Give me your thoughts and opinions on what I feel is a life changing piece of literature. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Patriotism
I've had weird thoughts about patriotism lately. I've never considered myself a patriotic person. I've shared the mindset that Chris Rock used in his stand up routine. He equated the relationship between a black man & America to the relationship between a person who has an uncle who molested them; but also paid their way through college. I feel the same way. The form of patriotism that makes the hair on my neck stand up, is the kind that makes a person say, "My country, right or wrong." That phrase makes me nervous. One quote that I like is, " My country, when right, to be kept right; when wrong, to be set right!" but I would have to say that my favorite expression of patriotism; one that we all as Americans should adopt, is "Not in my name." This negates "My country, right or wrong." It ties, "We The People..." to an active investment in your governments actions. When you read the paper, and you hear about actions and policies that your government is involved in and you don't agree with; you can say to yourself, " Not in my name". Hopefully, that phrase will be a catalyst for change; and change is always a good thing. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?
The Desiderata Week #11
"But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism."
Give me your thoughts and opinions on what I feel is a life changing piece of literature. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?
Give me your thoughts and opinions on what I feel is a life changing piece of literature. But that's just my opinion though, and who the hell am I?
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