Christian Louboutin High-Heel Cage Bootie
Oct
03
Let's hit the boardwalk
Sanchez with Brakes – Azure Blue $739.00 at Swobo
Sep
09
Burberry Black trench
Burberry trench
This Burberry trench gives class and style. I don’t claim to know it all but having this in your closet will make for a quick classic look.
Sep
09
better way
art sustainable water company, part art project, part philanthropic project, and completely curious. Boxed Water Is Better, is a boxed water company.
Started with the simple idea of creating a new bottled water brand that is kinder to the environment and gives back a bit – we found that it shouldn’t be bottled at all, but instead, boxed. So we looked to the past for inspiration in the century old beverage container and decided to keep things simple, sustainable, and beautiful.
About 85% of the Boxed Water container is made from a renewable resource, trees, that when harvested in a responsible, managed, and ethical way serve as an amazing renewable resource that benefits the environment even as it’s renewed. We ship our boxes flat to our filler which is significantly more efficient compared to shipping empty plastic or glass bottles to be filled. The flat, unfilled boxes we can fit on 2 pallets, or roughly 5% of a truckload, would require about 5 truckloads for empty plastic or glass bottles. Our cartons can also be broken down to their original flat state, and are recyclable in some areas. The Carton Council, www.recyclecartons.com, is continuously adding new carton recycling facilities throughout the country. We’re also giving 20% of our profits back to the resources our product is composed of – water and trees. Not only does it simply make sense, but we really enjoy supporting water and forestation organizations as it’s part of our company’s ethos and way of thinking to give back and participate. All that and an over-arching focus on simple and beautiful design that compliments our brand as well as the spaces it’s sold and consumed in.
Sep
17
MC LYTE
HEY MUSIC LOVERS!! WANTED TO GIVE YOU A SAMPLE OF WHAT I’M LISTENING TO THESE DAYS. NOW THAT I WEAR MY DJ HAT FROM TIME TO TIME I LOVE CHECKING OUT NEW MUSIC THAT’S HITTING THE SCENE. SO HERE YOU HAVE A LIST TO GO CHECK OUT WHAT’S POPPIN!!
BRAZILIAN GIRLS DON’T STOP
HOT CHIP READY FOR THE FLOOR
KANYE’S LOVE LOCKDOWN
TI SWAGGER LIKE US
CHINGY FEAT LUDA GIMME DAT
ALGEBRA RUN AND HIDE
RAHSAAN PATTERSON DELIRIUM
Finally Slick Rick earns his place in the world of VH1 Hip-Hop Honors this October 2008. He has given us so very much as artist throughout the years so it seems only right that we pay homage to the man who made us jam.
Ricky Walters born January 14 1965, better known by Slick Rick, MC Ricky D and Rick the Ruler, is a British mc, song writer and actor. Originally from London, England he moved with his family to the Bronx in 1975 where he met Dana Dane, later forming a hip hop duo as Kangol Crew. Rick’s characteristic eye-patch was acquired after being blinded in the right eye by broken glass as an infant. He is best known for a series of rap recordings during the 1980s, including “Children’s Story” and “La Di Da Di”, B-side of Doug E. Fresh single “The Show” (1985).
Sep
16
How beautiful!!! Don’t get me telling stories….it was cold!! I needed a scarf, hat and gloves but even with all of that I still had one of the best times of my life. I walked the streets until 2 am some mornings just to get a look at the architecture. I loved it!
I would advise anyone who can, travel. Get out and see the world because there’s a lot of it and plenty of places where we are loved and welcomed. The culture, food and clothing seem to be a quite an attraction for tourists that journey from all over the globe to lay eyes on the exquisite Eiffel Tower.
Interesting info
1936 George Mandel, the Posts, Telegraph and Telephone Minister, orders a television be placed at the top of the tower
1966 The Tower welcomed 2,405,554 visitors
1996 An entire refurbishing of the first floor
2006 The Tower welcomed 4,103,987
Down in Trelawny, Jamaica is where I snapped this shot. This is just a mere glimpse of what the sunset proposed once setting. I believe everyone has their favorite time of the day. The time where things seem most happiest and free. A few hours of the day that make you feel at ease and completely stress free. For me that time starts at 5 and goes until the sun is just about gone out of the sky.
The 5pm hour brings me joy simply because of the memories it brings back. It reminds me of school, homework, Scooby doo (playing on the tv), kids playing in the street, stickball, it, bike-riding and everything wholesome. 6pm on a Friday reminds me of french fries and 4 chicken wings, an over crowded corner video store and sitting on the stoop (yes a “stoop” it’s a NY thing).
No way of getting around it, it reminds me of BROOKLYN and I can’t help but think one day I’ll return with having accomplished all that I set out to do here in Los Angeles. My everyday is in Hollywood, my heart is in Brooklyn.
Sep
14
Criminon (which means “no crime”) is an international non-profit public benefit corporation dedicated to addressing the causes of criminality and restoring the criminal’s self-respect through effective drug detoxification, education and common sense programs. By making them responsible for their actions, people under the Criminal Justice system can become ethical and productive citizens.
Criminon operates a network of groups in 35 countries across the globe, delivering Criminon workshops, courses and programs in jails, prisons, parole and probation offices, courthouses and re-entry facilities, as well as providing training for correctional officers and program personnel.
On this site you will see that from Indonesia in the East to Los Angeles in the West , from Great Britain to South Africa, Criminon groups are working to restore public safety and sane values, assisting local, state and national level jails and prisons as well as the offenders.
Criminon’s programs address Drug Education and Rehabilitation, Character Building, Ethical Behavior, Literacy, Education and Life and Thinking Skills including Anger Management, Communication, and Parenting Skills. Our services are not limited to those in prison,
but are effective in crime prevention and lowering
recidivism and in diversionary settings.
Criminon utilizes the research discoveries made by American author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard, who personally worked as a Special Officer for the Los Angeles Police Department in the late 1940’s. Mr. Hubbard discovered that every criminal career began with a loss of self-respect. When man could not longer trust himself, only then did he become a real threat to society.
As early as 1952, Mr. Hubbard began a criminal rehabilitation program with juvenile delinquents in London, England. After two decades of research developments, the Criminon program was born.
Criminon’s Goals
- To reduce recidivism by rehabilitating individuals in the criminal justice system. This is done through effective education and morals programs that restore self-respect and enable individuals to return to the workforce as useful members of society.
- To break the cycle of the revolving door of incarceration and reincorporating by effective inmate programs that address the real underlying reasons for criminality.
- To provide programs which provide workable alternatives to incarceration and which direct “at risk” youth to more productive activities.
- To bring about in individuals ability and competence where the individual has a sense of his own dignity, worth and integrity and where the person is sufficiently empowered to continue to learn and develop.
- To create a healthier more productive society, composed of responsible individuals and stronger families.
Criminon Successes
Every week hundreds of people graduate from Criminon courses with life-changing successes.
Graduation events are held routinely to validate what these men and women have accomplished. We would like to share pictures with you of graduations held the world over – from Thailand to Israel, from South Africa to Colombia.
NEW – Download a clip from 3 May 06 Criminon graduation at DC
Jail: 6.8 MB WMV
Below are some of the many thousands of successes received by Criminon Offices around the world!
“I had been incarcerated nearly three months when I was first introduced to Criminon. At that time I was depressed and angry, hopeless. All there was to lose, I had lost – or so I thought.
“As I completed The Way To Happiness Course, I began to realize what was important to me. I have now learned a healthier, more productive way of viewing life and in doing so, my priorities have shifted.
“I no longer sleep all day, survive on junk food and caffeine, or react with violence and suspicion. As I began applying the things I’ve learned from these courses, my entire world changed. I had been very unhappy in my own skin, so I was treated as such.
“Now, although I still occupy the same 8 x 12 cell twenty-two hours a day with little sunlight or human contact. I treat each day as an opportunity to grow instead of a trial to be endured. I keep a schedule – wake-up and make my bed, clean my cell, study. I work-out and have completely changed my eating habits. I’ve stopped cursing and feeling bad for myself. Essentially, I have made the choice to begin living in the solution. This course encouraged me to realize I have made some mistakes – BUT I AM NOT A MISTAKE.
“I have worth and ability and I can become anything I put my mind to.
“I believe my life has changed and that this course has brought me confidence and self-worth.”
K O Orange County Female Jail
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”While taking the Understanding and Overcoming Addiction Course I have learned that people take drugs to ease pain. I remember at first thinking that this was not true, because I remember the first time I did heroin which is my drug of choice. I did it the first time out of curiosity, then I believed that I liked it deeply so that was why I chose to continue my use which led me to become strung out. Once I was strung out, it was like the drug was not getting me high anymore, and I was just using to not get sick.
“After getting clean the first time I never really realized exactly why I kept going back to using until actually reading the reason behind the drug problem which was to ease pain. When I think about what my pain could have been then I see the many things. I got high for courage, I got high to cope with life, I got high for power, I got high for confidence, I got high for assurance, I got high for relaxation, I got high for strength, I got high for friendship, I got high for sociability, I got high for happiness.
”When I think about all the reasons I got high it was to take away those pains. However, it never took away those pains. It only made things worse, I became unhappy, miserable, I made enemies, I became lonely, I almost died.
“I got high for power and became powerless. I also learned a little bit about the effects that drugs had on the mind and body. One other section that I learned a great deal about was helping someone get off drugs.
“This is something that I had wished I knew long ago, because one of the worst things about heroin is withdrawal and this section teaches you about nutritional data such as the *drug-bomb which contains many different vitamins in which you lack while using drugs and these vitamins also help push the drugs out quicker… I also learned about objective exercises.
”Conclusion: If I learned all of these tools and techniques years ago I might not be in the situation I am in right now. Drugs are my only reason for being here right now and in the past. I can’t go in the past and re-do what is done. However, I can take what I have learned from this course into the future.”
R J – Orange County Jail – January 2007
* Drug bomb – a vitamin formula found effective in combating the effects of withdrawal.
—————————-
“My success story starts when I took and completed the Criminon course- “The Way to Happiness”.
“I’ve been incarcerated in prison since I was 18 years old and now I’m 37 years old. My life was filled with hate, violence, loneliness, as well as no thought to anyone around me.
“Well, “The Way to Happiness Course” opened my heart, mind and soul to the right way of living and treating others in the world. My life changed dramatically since completing the course. I listen to people and communicate with others in a mature manner.
”I now smile and laugh and take life more easier. “The Golden Rule” is a common knowledge to all. But treating people as you would like to be treated is a way of life, which makes all live in peace and harmony- regardless if you are incarcerated, or free.
”To respect everyone in life and around you brings respect, love and friendships in your life which can be cherished for life, and happiness.
”By this course, my family and I are closer and communicate better. My sister and I are becoming friends as well as brother and sister again.
”My daily life in prison dealing with guards and inmates are more direct and respectful to their feelings and a lot more polite. Staff even see the change in my daily attitudes and communication skills.
”The course has even gave me back my hope and faith in getting out and going home again. I truly feel by this course helping me grow as a man and spiritually.
“I can be a success story in society as I was in this course. I hold myself in a higher standard daily due to this course.
”It’s so easy to be polite and helpful to others, and the rewards are so sincere and spiritually rewarding. It’s priceless in the big picture of life.
”I hope my success story can help someone as Criminon has helped me.”
TG Kern Valley State Prison ( Delano II) – California
August 2006
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“I spent 19 years of my life, as a member of a California Prison Gang. Living a life void of morals and virtues, filled with vice and violence. On the streets or behind the walls of prison….1995 this came to a climax when I was sentenced to four life sentences and 96 years, as a direct result of living a life of vice and violence as a prison gang member. Five years into this sentence I parted ways with the prison gang, but the vices and violence continued, until, in 2004, I enrolled in the “Criminon Program.”
“At first, I did so to kill time, because I was in the hole, facing criminal charges again. But as I began to do these lessons to kill the time with, a funny thing happened – a desire to change began to blossom in me, and I began to apply the things I was learning to my life. Change began, I had been under the belief it was too late for me, I had fallen too deep into the life of vice and violence. But here I was changing…relearning basic living skills, replacing the vices with virtues. Then half way through this course the most beautiful thing happened, my heart opened up to Jesus, and I became a Christian and returned to the Catholic Church, which I had abandoned as a teenager.
” Criminon, is not a so-called “God Program,” but by applying the basic living skills it teaches, and the virtues you learn in “The Way to Happiness” course, it brought forth in me a desire to change, and easy steps to take to achieve change…and this change led me back to Jesus and opened my eyes to the fact that even though I’ll never be free from prison, the purpose I exist for still exists…to know God, to love God, and to serve God.”
Michael F Corcoran State Prison – 2006
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“Until recently, I have lived my life and based my decisions on one principle, “If it feels good and it seems right, then do it.” This principle is not a good way for one to be successful or ensure one’s survival.
Eight months ago I made a decision to learn new ways to live my life: I opened my mind to all wisdom, knowledge and understanding that would help me to discover these new ways I was searching for. I was introduced to the Criminon Correspondence Course. At first I thought the course was a bit silly, the material was basic stuff. But, here I was in prison, so I thought maybe I could use a refresher course on the basics.
“I decided to apply myself and learn everything I could from this course. As I tore apart each question, I found myself digging deep into my mind. I experienced discoveries and realizations that shocked me. I was surprised to find that I could get such a deep insight and that my thoughts could be provoked to such degree by these seemingly simple principles.
“As I continued with the course, I began to put the principles that I was learning into action. I began to see that I was changing. I feel better about myself. I came to believe that I could be successful and that I had found tools that would help me ensure my survival, my happy survival.
I have discovered a great deal about myself and how to live. I have cried to myself and laughed to myself while doing this course. With the encouragement and genuine care and concern of my supervisor, Kathie, I have found The Way to Happiness Correspondence Course to be the primary source of my new found self-respect, dignity and hope.”
- M.D.
By me being a victim and a product of a high crime risk, and an extremely violent environment on the west-side of south-central Los Angeles: I was inflicted wth a strong sense of distrust, rage and other criminal characteristics beyond my control. Resulting from the poverty, lock of education ,social disorders, and gang-related activities that I was strongly subjected to. Drugs — PCP, marijuana, and alcohol along with past experiences of witnessed homocides and attempts being made on my life, played a major part in my lack of trust (Paranoia), my destructive tendencies and resentment that I would bury behind rigid controls.However, by me taking The Way to Happiness Extension Course through Criminon, this course has actually suppressed the flames that were ignited inside of me, and it has shown me a more productive constructive side of me, as well as how this world should be. It has given me a brief description of how to obtain success in a positive manner along with its survival tools of virtues and moral excellence. Slowly but surely I’m learning to “trust” and socialize wit others again as well as respect and love all of humanity. If L. Ron Hubbard’ss method of Criminon can rehabilitate me and open my eyes to reality, Criminon can help and reinstate anyone in special impact areas and other parts of the globe also. Criminon is truly The Way to Happiness!
- D.C
Dear Criminon,
I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to enroll in and be a participant in the Criminon Rehabilitation Program. “The Way to Happiness” extension course has been for me an eye-opening, life-changing experience, and one which has blessed my personal life and well-being tremendously. Never in all the years of my incarceration have I been moved to again hope and belief in the future, nor inspired to change, truly, truly change as I have now been so moved and inspired to do, in order to become a better, brighter and far more benevolent person. The many precepts taught and promoted within this course are not only vital to my own peace of mind and peaceful interaction with prison life, but are also invaluable to me making it successfully out in the streets. And to think that I’ve only just begun to engage upon this newfound path and journey. So I am excited about all that the future holds in store for me. For me, two words define clearly the overall message of “The Way to Happiness” extension course: Truth and Love. Truth to oneself and honest interaction with our fellow man, Love of life and love for the world we live in and love towards our fellow man, but even more importantly that we love ourselves. Again, Thank You, Criminon.
Sincerely, S.0
The success I received from “The Way to Happiness” has allowed me to be in control of my emotions and have a better understanding of my inter-turmoils and how if not kept in order or dealt with properly they can affect me and all those I come into contact with. I’ve learned to weigh and judge decisions before taking action and most of all I learned who I am which is something I wish I could have had an understanding of prior to coming into the prison system. I had no parents to teach me morals and values as a teen so I learned the hard way, but now thanks to this course I know a better way. Thank You.
N.S
FOR MORE VISIT CRIMINON.ORG
Sep
17
ATLANTA GA, September 15, 2008 –For many years, V-103 has put on the phenomenal family expo called, “For Sisters Only” that targets women and their families. The expo reaches over 50,000 consumers and other business owners in the community for the two day weekend. For the past 15 years this 2-day marketing event has attracted more than 250,000 African American shoppers that involve celebrity entertainment, cultural enrichment, informational seminars and family fun every year. Also many artists have participated in the event such as Usher, Destiny’s Child, Johnny Gil, Mary Mary, Wyclif, Musiq Soulchild, Mario, Keith Sweat, Cameo, late Gerald Levert, Frankie Beverly and Maze, just to name a few.
This holiday season, It’s Cool To Be Smart will introduce their new book series, called “Saving Our Daughters” From a Man’s Point of View and will feature 6 leading African American Men in Film, Television, Sports and Music; one of these men will be T.I. and the organizations sponsor and spokesperson for the past 5 years. It was a very special September 13th weekend at this years’ event because of the support from V-103’s Producer, of The Porsche Foxx Show, Tequilla Whitfield. Tequilla had joined It’s Cool To Be Smart and the new book series’ efforts to help support and uplift single parent mothers and their daughters in the black community. “I read the first two chapters of Saving Our Daughters and was truly touched by the mother and co-author’s quest of overcoming horrific acts in their life”, stated Tequilla.
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Tequilla and V-103 blessed these two remarkable women with tickets to attend the event for the September 13th weekend along with arranging up an an up/close conversation with T.I., who personally thanked the mother, co-author and writer Karen Watts, for the opportunity to participate in the book to inspire single parent mothers and their daughters.
T.I. has always been in support of single parent mothers and their children with past scholarships and sponsorships for these families to attend recreation centers during the summer and help in college aid.
For more information on Saving Our Daughters and purchasing a copy please go to www.amanspointofview.org
Sep
19
Hi everyone, I thought you might enjoy my podcast: djmclytes Podcast
- – DJ MC LYTE
There are only a very few weeks left to the deadline in early October.
You’d be surprised by how many people you know who aren’t registered to vote.
Registration deadlines are coming up soon, and we need every single vote we can get to win this election.
Tell your friends, family, and neighbors to check out our new one-stop voter registration website.
Just forward this message.
VoteforChange.com makes it easier than ever to register. Instead of tracking down the right forms, all you need to do is answer a few basic questions and you’ll be ready to vote. You can also:
Confirm your existing registration
Apply to vote absentee
Find your polling place
If you don’t know your own registration status or you’d like to learn more, take a minute to visit the site right now.
This race is too close and too important to stay home on Election Day.
If you take the time to register and vote — and make sure everyone you know is registered as well — we’ll be able to turn the tide of the past eight years.
It’s people just like you who will transform this nation.
Sep
23
INSIDE STEVE BERRA AND ERIC KOSTON’S SKATEPARK
WHERE SKATEBOARDING IS HOT!
A New York Times article said recently this business we’re in, skateboarding, is a $5 billion a year industry. This astounding figure brings two questions to mind; how is there so much money being poured into something that’s totally illegal everywhere you go? And where the hell is all the money going? Two things for sure; not in my pocket and certainly not into building adequate places where skateboarders can actually do the one thing that continues to keep skateboarding alive. And that’s to skateboard.
READ MORE AT THE BERRICS
Sep
27
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SLID OUT OF LA ON THE LATE NIGHT TO FULFILL A REQUEST FROM CONGRESS WOMAN MAXINE WATERS. HIT THE GROUND RUNNING IN WASHINGTON DC EARLY THIS AM.
THE WASHINGTON CONVENTION CENTER WAS JAMMED PACKED TODAY FULL OF YOUNG, BLACK, EDUCATED KIDS EAGER TO LISTEN AND LEARN FROM ALL THE PANELISTS INVOLVED. THIS MARKS MY THIRD YEAR PARTICIPATING IN THE ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS HERE IN DC. THERE WERE 3 OTHERS PANELISTS ASIDE FROM MYSELF HELPING MRS. MAXINE WATERS WITH HER MESSAGE AND MISSION. THE MESSAGE WE ALL WERE INTRODUCED AND GIVEN TIME TO SPEAK ABOUT WHAT COULD ACTUALLY LEAVE A LASTING IMPRESSION UPON ALL OF THOSE IN ATTENDANCE. HERE’S WHAT I SAID 85% of percent of unwed mothers and with 68% of those arrested in the US annually? They are all ILLITERATE In this decade, only 68% of students who enter the 9th grade will GRADUATE high school and ONE-FIFTH of those high school graduate won’t be able to READ their diploma. I am speaking about the epidemic of ILLITERACY.” I WENT ON TO SAY A BIT MORE THAT, I BELIEVE IN MY SPIRIT, I LEFT THEM ALL WITH SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT. Labels:
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Sep
28
Through October 5, 2008 | Art of the Americas
Merle Armitage (1893–1975), one of America’s leading advocates of modern culture, collected with the same zest he demonstrated in other aspects of his remarkable life. An avant-garde book designer, he also was the local administrator of various federal art projects and one of the country’s most successful theater impresarios. The prints, drawings, and photographs that he generously donated to the Los Angeles Museum of History, Science, and Art (today’s LACMA) beginning in 1935 date largely from the late 1920s through the 1930s and represent several artists, many of whom he knew personally. Although works representing a variety of techniques on paper are featured, most are modern, as the lithography and photography processes were invented just a century earlier. They vary from the minimalist geometric composition of little-known Carlos Dyer to the representational American scenes of Grant Wood and Millard Sheets, but all share a sense of simplification and drama. Some of the artists in the collection were the focus of Armitage’s groundbreaking book series on promising young talents, including Californians Elise, Henrietta Shore, Sheets, and Edward Weston.
Learn more at LACMA.org
Jean Charlot, Mother Carrying Child on her Back, 1934, color lithograph, sheet: 26 1/2 x 19 1/2 in. (67.31 x 49.53 cm), gift of Merle Armitage
Oct
01
Wow, talk about energy!!! I am currently in a room at the Hammerstein Ballroom with some of those most talented people in the music biz!! Biz Markie, Mos Def, Ghost Face Killah, Eve, Busta and so many more. We are all here to celebrate and honor the magnificent Slick Rick the Ruler.
Today is rehearsal and tomorrow is the taping of the show. Be sure to check your local listing for show times.
Oct
18
I REMEMBER THE VERY FIRST TIME I HEARD SALT N PEPA. I WAS CHILLING ON THE 3RD FLOOR IN HAMMELS PROJECTS IN ROCKAWAY, QUEENS. I WAS VISITING MY GRANDFATHER (POP POP) ON YET ANOTHER WEEKEND IN THE HOT SUMMER. SOMEONE WAS SITTING ON A BENCH DOWN BELOW BLASTING HIP HOP FROM A HUGE ASS BOOM BOX. THE FIRST SONG THAT CAUGHT MY EAR WAS RAKIM WITH HIS FIRST HIT “ERIC B FOR PRESIDENT”. IMMEDIATELY I OPTED FOR THE STAIRCASE AS IF IN A RACE TO MAKE IT TO THE FIRST FLOOR BEFORE THE SONG ENDED. ONCE DOWNSTAIRS AND OUT THE DOORS I WAS MET WITH SOUND OF TWO YOUNG GIRLS ON THE MIC RAPPIN’ ABOUT STEALING THE SHOW FROM TWO DUDES NAMED DOUG E FRESH AND SLICK RICK THE RULER. THE SONG WAS CALLED “SHOW STOPPERS” AND I WAS COMPLETELY MESMERIZED. I KNEW INSTANTLY IF THEY COULD DO IT SO COULD I. THEY GAVE ME THE EYE OPENING BELIEF THAT I TOO COULD ROCK A MIC.
FIRST SHOW STOPPERS THEN I’LL TAKE YOUR MAN, TRAMP AND MY MIC SOUNDS NICE. OMG, I WAS JONESIN’ FOR THE MIC!!!!!
THROUGHOUT THE YEARS SALT N PEPA REMAIN SUCH AN INFLUENCE OVER MY CAREER IT’S BEYOND EVEN THEIR BELIEF. I MOLDED MYSELF AROUND ALL THAT SALT N PEPA PRESENTED. THEY ARE TRULY AN INSPIRATION AND ARE WITHOUT A DOUBT LEGENDARY.
Oct
20
I HAVE MET MANY PEOPLE ALONG THE WAY BUT I MUST ADMIT THERE ARE VERY FEW THAT ARE COMMITTED TO A MISSION WITHOUT ANY EXPECTATIONS OF FAME AND MONEY. I’D LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THESE TWO BEAUTIFUL SISTERS FOR MAKING THE SACRIFICES THEY MAKE TO MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF THE HIP HOP SISTERS ORGANIZATION. MECCA AND ATLAS MANAGE ALL INTERNET PRESENCE FOR HHS AND HAVE TO HELPED TO MOLD AND SHAPE THE GROUP THAT STANDS TODAY. THANK YOU ATLAS AND MECCA!!!!! WE, THE HIP HOP SISTERS APPRECIATE YOU!!!!
CHECK OUT HIP HOP SISTERS
Oct
21
THIS PAST SATURDAY, AT CLARK UNIVERSITY IN ATLANTA SEVERAL WOMEN JOINED MAKAYALIA DAVIS FOR A MEMORABLE AFTERNOON OF CONNECTING. DEBRA LEE, PRESIDENT OF BET, WAS DEFINITELY IN THE HOUSE SHOWING GREAT CONCERN FOR YOUNG WOMEN AND THE ABILITY TO USE THEIR VOTING POWER.
Oct
21
INDIA & LYTE
SUNDAY AFTERNOON I JOINED INDIA.ARIE IN THE STUDIO TO RECORD A QUICK 16 BARS FOR A SONG THAT WILL BE FEATURED ON HER UPCOMING ALBUM. WHILE VISITING INDIA PLAYED HER NEW PROJECT AND IT’S, WITHOUT A DOUBT, NEXT LEVEL WORLD MUSIC!! SHE PLAYED SEVERAL AND EACH ONE HAD AN AMAZING HEALING AND INSPIRATIONAL QUALITY TO THEM. THERE ARE A FEW GUESTS FEATURED BUT I’M NOT TOO SURE IF THEY ARE MEANT TO BE A SURPRISE SO I WILL KEEP MY LIPS TIGHT.
NOT SURE OF THE RELEASE DATE BUT BE SURE TO PICK THE NEW PROJECT UP….IT’S WELL WORTH THE WAIT!!!!
Oct
25
Friday night proved to be yet another night for THE LEGENDS to show off. Birmingham, AL was the spot last night. Doug E Fresh, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Whodini and yours truly.
We performed for a packed house ready to rock to the sounds of real hip hop!!
Oct
28
SATURDAY NIGHT I HAD A BLAST ONCE AGAIN PUTTING IT DOWN FOR THE PEOPLE OF TAMPA!! THE PLACE WAS PACKED WITH PEOPLE WEARING NEW ORLEANS BEADS AROUND THEIR NECKS, SCREAMING AND SHOUTING.
WE PERFORMED THE USUAL PARTY STARTERS AND HIT A FEW SURPRISES AS WELL.
Oct
28
THIS WAS THE NIGHT!!!!! IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF THE FEMALE MCS COMING TOGETHER DESPITE THEIR DIFFERENCES AND GETTING BUSY FOR A SOLD OUT NY CROWD!!!!
Oct
29
THIS IS THE MAN WITH THE MASTER PLAN. I ALWAYS LIKE TO SHOW ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO THOSE BEHIND THE SCENES THAT MAKE IT POP. YOU MAY HAVE SEEN THIS YOUNG MAN WITH ME ON STAGE ROCKING IT AS THE HYPE GUY. HE GOES BY THE NAME OF CODE RED AND ALTHOUGH HE CAN GET THE PARTY STARTED ON STAGE HE DEFINITELY KEEPS THE SHOW TOGETHER BACK STAGE.
CODE RED
CODE RED IS WHAT WE CALL A PRODUCTION COORDINATOR. HE ADVANCES EACH PERFORMANCE BY SPEAKING WITH THE STAGE MANAGER AND SOUND ENGINEERS TO CONFIRM WE HAVE ALL THE EQUIPMENT THAT IS NECESSARY TO GIVE THE CITY THE GREATEST POSSIBLE SHOW WITH THE GREATEST SOUND THAT THE VENUE HAS TO OFFER. BEFORE WE ARRIVE IN THE CITY OF THE SHOW CODE RED HAS ALREADY GOTTEN EVERYTHING IN PLACE WHICH MAKES FOR A SMOOTHER EXPERIENCE ONCE WE’RE THERE.
THANK YOU CODE RED!!!!!
Oct
31
LAST NIGHT WAS QUITE A CELEBRATION FOR THE HONEY COLLECTIVE’S 2 ANNIVERSARY. THE FOUR YOUNG LADIES TEAMED UP WITH HENNESY TO PROMOTE ONE OF THE HOTTEST PARTIES TO GO DOWN IN 2008.
IN ATTENDANCE WERE DJ DNICE, DOUG E FRESH, SLICK RICK, MONEY B (DIGITAL UNDAGROUND), YOYO, DJ QUIK, DARIUS, JOE TORRY, RICKY BELL, TEDDY RILEY AND LITERALLY THAT’S JUST TO NAME A FEW.
THE THEME FOR THE EVE WAS THE 80′S AND MY GOD WHEN IT’S COMES TO THE GOLDEN ERA OF HIP HOP YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT STRAIGHT ACTING A FOOL. PARTY GOERS SHOWED UP IN THEIR 80S GEAR, ROPE CHAINS, ADIDAS AND ALL. DOUG E HOSTED AND SENT EVERYONE IN A FRENZY WITH HIS CALL AND RESPONSE STRATEGY, HE IS BY FAR THE GREATEST ENTERTAINER IN THE WORLD. DJ D-NICE PROVIDED THE MUSIC THAT HAD EVERYONE FLOATING ON THEIR TOES. D-NICE SURPRISED THE HELL OUT OF THE CROWD BY SWITCHING UP REALLY QUICKLY AND SETTING IT OFF WITH HIS HIT SONG “THEY CALL ME D-NICE”. THE CROWD WENT ABSOLUTELY BANANAS!!! PLEASE CHECK OUT A SPECIAL MIX DOWNLOAD AS WELL AS ALL OF HIS MANY WORKS OF ART AT HIS INTERNET SPOT.
NOW SLICK RICK THE RULER REALLY KNOWS THE MEANING OF BEING BEJEWELED!!!! EVERYONE LOVES RICK AND THAT’S WHY WHEN HE FINALLY DOES DECIDE TO SAY SOMETHING THE CROWD GOES IN AN UPROAR. SLICK IS A QUIET, SOFT SPOKEN GENTLEMAN BUT WHEN IT’S TIME TO GET LOOSE HE SWOONS THE AUDIENCE WITH HIS SMOOTH DEMEANOR AND EXUDES THE TYPE OF CONFIDENCE THAT COMES FROM YEARS OF DOMINATING THE STAGE. GO SLICK RICK, GO SLICK RICK GO!!!!
WISH YOU COULD HAVE BEEN THERE!!!!
Nov
05
OH MY GOD!!! OH MY GOD ARE WE READY FOR CHANGE OR WHAT?!!! I AM SO EXCITED AND HONORED TO SAY BARACK OBAMA IS MY PRESIDENT, OUR PRESIDENT, THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!!
TODAY I AWOKE AT 715AM SET OUT ON A MISSION TO CAST MY VOTE EARLY. I WAITED IN LINE FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES AND THEN THE VERY MOMENT I HAD SPENT THE LAST YEAR DREAMING OF WAS FINALLY OVER.
AT 7PM I STARTED VOCALS BEHIND A MIC IN NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA AND ALL THE WHILE I WAS RHYMING I KEPT THINKING TO MYSELF, “HOW WONDERFUL IT WOULD BE TO EXIT THE VOCAL BOOTH AND HEAR THE GREATEST NEWS OF ALL, THAT BARACK WAS PRESIDENT?” WELL NOT LONG AFTER MAKING THAT WISH IT HAD ACTUALLY COME TRUE. EVERYONE IN THE STUDIO WAS IN COMPLETE HYSTERIA!! WE ALL SHOUTED, LAUGHED, CRIED AND MOMENTS AT TIME WERE LEFT DUMB-FOUNDED NOT KNOWING WHO TO CALL BUT NEEDING TO CALL SOMEONE.
I CALLED MY MOM THREE TIMES BEFORE ACTUALLY GETTING THROUGH BUT OH WHEN I DID……WE BOTH SCREAMED LIKE WE HAD WON SOME OBSCENE AMOUNT OF MONEY IN AN UNHEARD OF LOTTERY! AFTER HANGING UP WITH MOM I RECEIVED A TEXT THAT SHE HAD OBVIOUSLY SENT BEFORE WE SPOKE, ” HALLELUJAH LANA, HE WON!!!!!” OR WAS IT AFTER? NOT SURE BUT IT REALLY DOESN’T MATTER. BARACK OBAMA IS THE NEW PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CHANGE IS ON THE WAY. HE REMINDED US IN HIS SPEECH THAT IT WILL BE HARD WORK AND WE MUST ALL PITCH IN AND CLAIM RESPONSIBILITY WHERE WE CAN HELP BUT CHANGE WILL COME. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!
THE POWER OF THE VOTE SHOULD NEVER, EVER BE TAKEN LIGHTLY AND I HOPE TODAY STANDS AS PROOF THAT EVERY SINGLE VOTE COUNTS.
Nov
05
New York, NY (November 1, 2008) – In the hip hop community, J.Period’s “Best Of” remix projects have become the stuff of legend. Hip hop and R&B heavyweights such as Kanye West, The Roots, Mary J., Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys are not only collaborators in J.Period mixes—they are huge fans. Now, J.Period is pleased to announce the latest in his award-winning remix series, a collaboration with one of hip hop’s most creative and influential artists of all-time: Q-Tip.
This landmark collaboration signals a real revival of the hip hop spirit, in keeping with the theme of Q-Tip’s new album, The Renaissance (“rebirth”), scheduled for release on Election Day, Nov 4. With the historical significance of this day in plain sight, J.Period & Q-Tip will release of an exclusive freestyle entitled “Q-Tip for President”—a reaffirmation of the best in hip hop, and a throwback to the elements that once made hip hop a powerful vehicle for social and political expression. The track, which revives Rakim’s classic of a similar name, will be available on Election Day as a free download on www.jperiod.com and across the internet.
To continue to help raise awareness for Q-Tip’s new album, J.Period has enlisted an all-star cast of Native Tongue contributors, including Questlove, Talib Kweli, Busta Rhymes, De La Soul, Consequence and Black Thought to record exclusive material for the forthcoming “Best Of” tribute mix. Encompassing nearly 20 years of catalog, J.Period’s “Best of Q-Tip” seeks to remind fans of the depth of Q-Tip’s influence and contributions to hip hop, as well as to introduce his music to a new generation of hip hop fans around the globe. The complete mix is scheduled for release in early December, and will also be available as a free download on www.jperiod.com, with Limited Edition cover artwork by Fuse Green (www.wheatbreadlife.com).
From his seminal work with A Tribe Called Quest—redefining the landscape of 90s hip hop—to countless collaborations with musical royalty over the years, Q-Tip has built a long-standing career as an emcee, producer, DJ, actor, and true hip hop icon. His immense talent and creativity have connected him with legendary artists across all walks of life, and his musical influence is felt across the spectrum of today’s hip hop superstars, from Kanye West to Common to Andre 3000.
For his part, J.Period has also built a career out of breaking new ground—redefining the mixtape game, working directly with the artists he pays tribute to, and making the jump from remixes to scoring major movie trailers. A hip hop purist at heart, J.Period has made legions of fans among Industry elite and, in the process, become one of the most well-respected DJs in the game. His latest venture, producing the complete soundtrack for the latest Tony Hawk Nintendo game, is scheduled for release November 18 by Activision.
Nov
06
I AM SO VERY PROUD OF WHAT THE HIP HOP COMMUNITY HAS ACCOMPLISHED THIS ELECTION. EVERYONE EVERYWHERE DID THEIR PART INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY!!
LET’S START WITH RUSSEL SIMMONS, P DIDDY, JAY Z, T.I., LUDACRIS, MARY J BLIGE AND A HOST OF OTHER CELEBRITIES THAT USED THEIR VOICES AND THEIR FACES TO GET MILLIONS TO GET OUT THERE AND VOTE.
LET’S SLIDE OVER TO RADIO TALK SHOW HOSTS THAT BLEW UP THE IMPORTANCE OF VOTING AROUND THIS NATION!! LET’S NOT FORGET TO MENTION BET, MTV AND VH1!!!! BET STOOD UP TO THE OCCASION BY PROMOTING AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY THAT NOW WAS THE MOMENT, IF ANY, TO GET INVOLVED AND MAKE IT TO THE POLLS.
OK, SO NOW WE MUST THANK THE HIP HOP JOURNALISTS WHO HAVE MADE IT THEIR BUSINESS TO NOT KEEP A CLOSED MOUTH THIS ELECTION SEASON AND USE THE POWER THAT THEY TRULY HAVE TO INSPIRE AND GET A NATION OF PEOPLE TO EXERCISE THEIR MUSCLES!!!!!!! HATS OFF TO THE NEW REGIME AT THE SOURCE, MY GOD, VIBE AND ALL THE OTHER PUBLICATIONS THAT GAVE SENATOR OBAMA THE SPACE NOT ONLY TO BE SEEN BUT HEARD AND THEREFORE RESPECTED!!!!
I GET CHILLS JUST TYPING THIS BLOG THINKING OF HOW POWERFUL AND MIGHTY WE AS THE HIPHOP COMMUNITY REALLY ARE WHEN WE COME TOGETHER FOR A DIVINE PURPOSE. NOW ALL WE MUST DO IS FIND OTHER ISSUES TO BE JUST AS PASSIONATE ABOUT AND MAKE THEM HAPPEN.
LAST NIGHT I HOSTED A FEW MINUTES OF WEEN RADIO ON LINE AND SHARED MY THOUGHTS WITH A YOUNG LADY IN COLLEGE WHO VOTED FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME. I SAID,”WHAT YOU DID BY VOTING THIS TERM WAS ASSURE A FUTURE FOR YOUR CHILDREN’S TOMORROW.”
UP UNTIL NOW I WAS REALLY UNCLEAR AS TO WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR VOTES. DID THEY GET WHISKED AWAY IN SOME HUGE BLACK HOLE AND THE DECISION WAS LEFT UP TO THE REAL POWERS THAT BE? BUT OH NO, I THINK I FINALLY UNDERSTAND THE MATRIX AND THAT IS…WE DO HAVE THE POWER, WE ARE THE DECISION. I JUST THINK FOR SO LONG WE’VE BEEN INDOCTRINATED TO BELIEVE WE HAVE NO POWER AND WE JUST HAVE TO GO ALONG WITH THE FLOW. PEOPLE!!!!!!! I AM HONORED AND ELATED TO BE A PART OF HIP HOP, OBVIOUSLY A CULTURE THAT IS VERY MUCH ALIVE, POWERFUL AND LONGING FOR PURPOSE!!!!!!!!! WHEN THERE IS PURPOSE WE SEE BEYOND THE MADNESS AND AIM HIGHER THAN ANYONE THOUGHT POSSIBLE!!! MY PEOPLE, MY CULTURE……I AM SO PROUD TO BE A PART OF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nov
23
SO TONIGHT WAS THE NIGHT THAT I ROCKED AMSTERDAM. IT’S BEEN OVER 10 YEARS SINCE I’V EBEEN HERE TO PERFORM AND IT DEFINITELY FELT LIKE IT. THE MILKY WAY CLUB WAS PACKED AND EVERYONE WAS SINGING ALONG. WHAT AN AMAZING FEELING IT IS TO HAVE NATIVES OF ANOTHER COUNTRY RHYMING ALONG TO RECORDS THAT WERE RECORDED OVER A DECADE AGO.
I STARTED IT ALL OF WITH CHA CHA CHA AND TOOK THEM THRU AN INCREDIBLE HIP HOP JOURNEY. I DID THE HITS THAT EUROPE MADE NUMBER 1 ACROSS THE CONTINENT, PAPER THIN, RUFFNECK, POOR GEORGIE, COLD ROCK A PARTY, KEEP ON AND MORE. I INTRODUCED THEM TO SOME ALMOST SEPTEMBER FEATURING KRS 1. THEY WERE FEELING IT AND IT’S A GOOD THING BECAUSE WE KICK OFF THE ALMOST SEPTEMBER PORTION OF THE TOUR IN HAMBURG.
I’LL BE POSTING UPDATES BE SURE TO CHECK BACK.
Nov
24
DJ MANGA TORE IT UP IN AMSTERDAM AT A CLUB CALLED PARADISO!!! HOW ABOUT VISUAL TO MATCH WITH THE MUSIC!! OMG NOW I KNOW DJ WIZ FROM KID N PLAY HAS BEEN SCREAMING ABOUT THIS TECHNIQUE FOR A FEW YEARS BUT I HAD NO IDEA. MY GOD TALK ABOUT PARTYING NEXT LEVEL STYLE. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. IT’S ACTUALLY SO NEXT LEVEL IT FEELS A LITTLE LESS THAN SATISFYING TO BE IN A CLUB WHERE YOU CAN’T WATCH THE VIDEO AT THE SAME TIME YOU HEAR YOUR FAVORITE JOINT. I HAD A BALL WATCHING OLDER VISIUALS ON TALENTED GREATS LIKE JAMES BROWN, ARETHA FRANKLIN AND MARVIN GAYE.
AS FAR AS HIP HOP GOES OF COURSE THEY THREW ON THE ALL TIME FAVORITE PAPERTHIN VIDEO AS SOON AS I WALKED IN. HOW FUNNY SEEING ME SO MANY YEARS AGO ROCKING IN THE TRAIN STATION LOL. SOON AFTER I WAS BOBBIN’ MY HEAD TO DE LA SOUL WITH THEIR HIT SMASH SATURDAY!!!!
I LOVE THIS TIME THAT WE’RE IN RIGHT NOW!!! WE AS ARTIST CAN DECIDE WHAT WE WANT TO DO AND HOW BIG WE WANT TO DO IT. WE CAN MAKE THE DECISION OF HOW HARD WE WANT TO WORK AND PUSH AND PROMOTE AND MARKET OR CHOOSE TO DO THE TOTAL OPPOSITE AND MAKE MUSIC AND DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WITH IT. WE ARE BACK AT THE BEGINNING, WE HAVE GONE FULL CIRCLE.
THE LABELS ARE AT A LOST AND THE POWER IS BACK IN THE HAND OF THE TRULY CREATIVE ONES. NOT TO SAY LABEL PEOPLE ARE BAD BUT LET’S JUST FACE IT…ARTIST CREATE ART AND LABEL EXECS CREATE MARKETING PLANS. THAT’S HOW IT IS AND THAT’S HOW IT SHOULD BE. THE MUSIC IS MADE FIRST AND THEN THE LABEL COMES UP WITH A PLAN TO MAKE THAT PIECE OF MUSIC WORK. IT SHOULD NEVER BE THE MARKETING TEAM HAS A PLAN NOW LET’S FIND ANY AND EVERY ARTIST THAT CAN FIT INTO IT.
I REMEMBER THE DAYS OF CEY ADAMS WHO WORKED FOR DEF JAM AS AN ART DIRECTOR COMING UP WITH AMAZING ALBUM/CD COVER ARTWORK THAT SPECIFICALLY WAS DESIGNED FOR EACH PROJECT. I REMEMBER GINA HERALD AS THE HEAD WOMAN IN CHARGE OF ALL VIDEO CONTENT AT ELEKTRA, WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR CAREFULLY CHOOSING A DIRECTOR’S CONCEPT BECAUSE OF THE RAW TALENT AND NOT JUST GIVING A DIRECTOR WITH A CAMERA A JOB BECAUSE SHE KNEW THEM AND SHE STOOD TO GAIN A PORTION OF THE “PROCEEDS” LOL.
WE ARE BACK TO THE DAYS OF “YOU DO THIS BECAUSE YOU LOVE IT”. THIS IS WHERE ALL THE CONS AND FAKES DROP BY THE WAIST SIDE BECAUSE THEY CAN’T STAND THE PRESSURE OF REALLY HAVING TO WORK AND CREATE AND COME UP WITH SOMETHING THAT HASN’T BEEN DONE. THE PRESSURE OF HOLDING ON WHEN THE MONEY ISN’T THE SAME AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS WHEN CLIVE DAVIS FROM ARISTA GAVE PUFFY, THAT’S RIGHT PUFFY NOT PDIDDY, 10 MILLION DOLLARS TO WORK WITH BAD BOY. GONE ARE THE DAYS OF THOSE FAT ASS CHECKS GOING TO MARKETING, VIDEOS, MUSIC PRODUCERS, STREET TEAMS, RADIO AND SUCH WHERE CLEARLY THE ARTIST WAS THE ONLY ONE TO LOSING. THE BUDGET HAVING TO BE RECOUPED FROM THE SALE OF RECORDS. OOOOOOOWEEEEEEEEEE HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED. WHO WILL MAKE IT THROUGH THE STORM. I’LL PRAY FOR YOU AND YOU PRAY FOR ME BUT BE CLEAR…. IT IS….. BY ALL MEANS…. SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!
Nov
24
BEAUTIFUL CORRIDOR
I AM CURRENTLY SITTING IN THE BUSINESS LOUNGE IN ONE OF THE NEWLY OPENED HOTELS IN THE CITY OF HAMBURG. THE HOTEL IS CALLED MOVENPICK AND IT IS CENTRALLY LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE CITY.
THE HOTEL USED TO BE A WATER TOWER BUT NOW AFTER THREE FULL YEARS OF RENOVATION IT IS A BEAUTIFUL WORK OF ART. CHECK IT OUT.
SITTING AREA
IN THE SEATING AREA THERE ARE FIREPLACES AS WELL AS COMFORTABLE PLACES TO SIT WITH BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK AND DRINKS ARE SUPPLIED FROM THE BAR ABOVE.
KING SUITE
THE SUITES ARE COMFORTABLE AND THE LIGHTING IS AMAZING. LIGHTING MEANS ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING TO ME. IF A ROOM IS WELL LIT EVERYONE LOOKS GOOD, YOU AND YOUR GUEST…HOORAY FOR SOFT BULBS AND SEPIA SHADING!!!!!
SHOWERS
THOUGH THE RESTROOM APPEARS TO BE TIGHT……WELL YEAH IT IS BUT WHAT MATTERS IS IT’S NOT JUNKY. THERE’S A SMART PLACE THAT HAS BEEN DESIGNED FOR ALL OF WHAT YOU MAY NEED AT YOUR FINGER TIPS. ULTRA MODERN AND SLEEK IT IS THE RESTROOM ALL NY APARTMENT OWNERS SHOULD LOOK TO RENOVATE THEIR SPACES INTO.
Nov
27
AFTER JLEE, CODE RED AND I FINISHED UP AT THE RECORD STORE BACKSPIN IN HAMBURG WE DECIDED TO SLIDE INTO THE ROOTS SHOW ACROSS TOWN. OF COURSE QUEST WAS COMPLETELY SURPRISED TO SEE ME, BUT YOU KNOW HIP HOP, WE ARE GLOBAL!!! I CAUGHT UP TO HIM DOING AN INTERVIEW FOR A FEW GERMAN JOURNALIST IN A BASEMENT BATHROOM, OR AS EUROPEANS CALL IT “THE TOILET”!!!
HE ASKED IF I WOULD GRACE HIS STAGE DURING THE PERFORMANCE AND YOU KNOW I WENT ON WITH NO PROBLEM. WE KNEW THE ROUTINE PRETTY WELL BECAUSE WE ROCKED IT ACROSS THE US IN 2007. BIG UPS TO THE WHOLE CREW!!!! LONG LIVE LYTE, THE ROOTS AND KANE! LOL
DURING MY TIME ON STAGE WE ROCKED CHA CHA CHA AND PAPERTHIN!! BLACK THOUGHT GAVE A SUPER SHOUT OUT FOR MC LYTE AND ALMOST SEPTEMBER. HE ALSO GAVE CODE RED A SHOUT OUT TOO!!!!!
Nov
30
I REMEMBER A TIME AGO THERE WAS A DUO PRODUCTION TEAM CALLED FOSTER MCELROY. THEY PRODUCED MANY TUNES THROUGHOUT THE LATE 80S AND EARLY 90S FOR MANY ARTISTS INCLUDING EN VOGUE, ALEXANDER ONEIL AND OTHERS.
I WANTED TO IMBED THIS CLIP HOWEVER WHO EVER PUT IT UP WOULDN’T ALLOW IT. SO HERE IS THE LINK PLS CHECK IT OUT. SOUL TRAIN
Jan
03
LIFE IS GOOD
Jan
29
I ARRIVED EARLY FRIDAY MORNING AND IMMEDIATELY WENT TO SLEEP. I KNEW I HAD A VERY FULL SCHEDULE THAT DAY SO I NEEDED MY REST. AT 330 PM I HEADED TO NEYO AND TYLER PERRY’S BOWLING CHALLENGE AT HOWARD UNIVERSITY. MY GAME WASN’T SO TIGHT BECAUSE I DIDNT HAVE “MY” BOWLING BALL AND “MY” BOWLING SHOES. I KNOW I KNOW EXCUSES GET YOU KNOW WHERE BUT I KNOW I COULD’VE DONE SO MUCH BETTER WITH MY OWN STUFF.
SO ANYWAY MOVING ON I ATTENDED AN EXTREMELY PRIVATE FUNCTION AT MS. DEBRA LEE’S HOME IN THE HEART OF DC. EVERYONE WAS IN ATTENDANCE INCLUDING THE AMAZING STAFF AT BET, MAGIC JOHNSON AND HIS LOVELY WIFE COOKIE JOHNSON, GAIL KING, ANITA BAKER, SAMUEL JACKSON, ANTHONY HAMILTON AND A HOST OF OTHERS. THE INTIMATE CROWD WAS MADE UP OF 150 GUESTS AND IT WAS WELL WORTH THE EARLY ARRIVAL INTO THE DC AREA. DJ SIXTH SENSE ROCKED THE TURNTABLES WHILE B. SMITH AND HER HUSBAND TORE UP THE DANCE FLOOR.
LATER THAT EVENING I HOSTED AN EVENT FOR THE CONGRESS OF BLACK WOMEN. DJ BEVERLY BOND DID THE SPINNING AND I DID THE RHYMING. SOME OF THE ATTENDEES MET ME AT THE DOOR DANCING SO I JOINED RIGHT IN AND TOOK IT DOWN TO THE FLOOR. LMAO
SATURDAY I SLEPT IN TO PREPARE FOR THE BET HONORS CELEBRATION. THE SHOW WAS HOSTED BY GABRIELLE UNION AND HAD SOME OF THE BEST PERFORMANCES I’VE SEEN IN A WHILE. HONORS WENT TO MAGIC JOHNSON, B. SMITH, TYLER PERRY, MARY J BLIGE, AND JANICE JAMISON. SAMUEL DID A FABULOUS JOB INTRODUCING HIS VERY GOOD FRIEND MAGIC JOHNSON. STEVIE WONDER PERFORMED SUPERSTITION AS PART OF MAGIC’S HONORING AND HAD THE AUDIENCE ON THEIR FEET.
ANITA BAKER TORE THE DAMN THING DOWN PAYING TRIBUTE TO MARY J BLIGE. I FOUND THAT CHOICE QUITE INTERESTING SEEING ANITA HONORING MARY J BUT WHO REALLY KNOWS HOW ALL THESE THING GO DOWN ANYWAY.
MEANWHILE ANITA BAKER IS COMING WITH A NEW PROJECT AND I’M EXTREMELY EXCITED, AREN’T YOU. I SAT BEHIND KEDAR, WHO IS SET TO RELEASE MRS. BAKER’S NEW PROJECT. KEDAR IS THE SAME GENTLEMAN WHO BROUGHT US ERYKA BADU AND INDIA.AIRE. HE IS ALSO WORKING ON A NEW WINE LINE. YES, HE BOUGHT HIS OWN VINEYARD. GO KEDAR!!!
SUNDAY I WAS ALL SET TO DJ AT A SPOT IN MARYLAND. I ARRIVED WITH EXPECTATIONS OF PLAYING BUT THEY DIDN’T HAVE THE CORRECT EQUIPMENT. WELL ACTUALLY THEY DID WHEN WE WALKED IN BUT THE DJ THAT WAS SPINNING WHEN WE ARRIVED UNHOOKED EVERYTHING AND TOOK OFF. LOL
ON MONDAY WE SET THE HIP HOP MOVEMENT IN MOTION AT THE FIRST EVER HIP HOP INAUGURAL BALL. WITH NICK CANON ON THE TURNTABLES TO START THE EVENING OFF AND THEN A BRIEF BUT BEAUTIFUL PERFORMANCE BY MARIO.
SOON DR. BEN CHAVIS AND VALEISHA BUTTERFIELD WERE PASSING OUT THE HONORS. RUSSELL SIMMONS STEPPED UP TO THE PODIUM AND THANKED EVERYONE IN ATTENDANCE AND ALSO SHOWED APPRECIATION TO HEINIKEN FOR SPONSORING THE EVENING. HE ALSO GAVE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO THE HIP HOP COMMUNITY FOR SHOWING UP FOR THIS ELECTION AND USING THEIR CELEBRITY TO GET GENERATIONS OF PEOPLE OUT TO VOTE.
I WAS THE FIRST HONOREE AND I GUESS I DIDN’T REALIZE WHAT A BIG DEAL IT WAS BECAUSE I SURE NUFF FORGOT ABOUT IT UNTIL I HIT THE CARPET. SOMEONE ASKED HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE HERE TODAY AND I WAS LIKE, I’M ALWAYS ON HAND FOR WHATEVER RUSSELL CALLS ME TO DO. AND THE REPORTER REPHRASED THE QUESTION AND SAID HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE HONORED TONIGHT AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT HIT. DAYAM AM I DRESSED CORRECTLY? SHOULD I HAVE WRITTEN A SPEECH?
WELL NEEDLESS TO SAY WHEN THEY CALLED MY NAME I WENT ON STAGE TO RECEIVE THE HONORS AND I SPOKE DIRECTLY FROM THE ONLY PLACE I KNOW AND THAT WAS MY HEART. IT’S NO OTHER FEELING IN THE WORLD THAN TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED FOR THE WORK I’VE DONE THROUGHOUT MY CAREER AND HONORED FOR THE WORK I CONTINUE TO DO. THANK YOU HSAN!!!! THAT IS HIP HOP SUMMIT ACTION NETWORK.
DURING THE CEREMONY KEVIN LYLES (WARNER BROTHERS) PRESENTED AN AWARD TO TI AND EXPRESSED HIMSELF LIKE I’VE NEVER SEEN HIM DO. NOT TO SAY HE NEVER HAS I’VE JUST NEVER BEEN THERE TO WITNESS IT. HE EXPLAINED HOW THROUGH THE YEARS WHILE WORKING WITH RUSSELL HE LEARNED SOME VERY IMPORTANTS ATTRIBUTES TO HAVE WHEN IN THIS BUSINESS AND HOW HE LEARNED TO HAVE HUMILITY AND THE DESIRE TO SERVE. HE THEN WENT ON TO SAY BEING AND A&R PERSON IS NOT JUST ABOUT “THE HIT SONG” BUT IT’S ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIPS YOU BUILD WITH YOUR ARTIST. KEVIN SHARED THAT TI IS NOT JUST AN ARTIST HE WORKS WITH AT THE LABEL BUT TI IS HIS FRIEND AND HE’LL BE THERE WITH HIM DURING THE BAD TIMES JUST AS HE’S BEEN THERE FOR THE GOOD. THERE WASN’T A CLEAR COMMUNICATION AS TO WHETHER OR NOT TI IS GOING TO SERVE ANY TIME BUT BECAUSE OF THAT SPEECH WE ALL KNOW THAT KEVIN WILL BE TI’S FRIEND AND CONFIDANT UNTIL THE END OF TIME. HURRAY FOR LOYALTY!!!!
BUT OH MY GOD TI’S SPEECH HAD TEARS WELLING UP. HE SPOKE FROM HIS SOUL AND THANKED GOD FOR HIS EVERY STEP. OF COURSE I’M PARAPHRASING BUT THE JIST WAS HE WAS THANKFUL TO HAVE GONE THROUGH SO MUCH BECAUSE NOW AS HE HELPS TO TURN THE LIVES OF YOUNG BOYS AROUND HE CAN HONESTLY SPEAK FROM A PLACE OF LIVING AND KNOWING WHAT IT’S LIKE TO RUN THE STREETS. HE SPOKE OF HIS NEW SHOW “ROAD TO REDEMPTION” ON MTV WHERE HE HELPS MENTOR KIDS BACK INTO THE MAINSTREAM AND LEAD PRODUCTIVE LIVES. WHAT AN EXTRODINARY PERSON HE IS BECOMING.
I SAT NEXT TO LL’S TRUE LOVE OF HIS LIFE SIMONE. IT’S ALWAYS A PLEASURE SEEING AND TALKING WITH HER. REALLY WHEN WE TALK IT’S LIKE I’M SPEAKING TO ONE OF MY COUSINS FROM QUEENS. THAT REAL!!
AFTER THE CEREMONY DNICE THREW DOWN ON THE 1S AND 2S AND I DANCED THE NIGHT AWAY. RAHEEM DIVINE WAS IN THE HOUSE, (I THINK THAT’S HOW YOU SPELL IT) ANYHOW REALLY COOL FELLOW. WHAT’S SUPER FUNNY IS WE RUSHED TO GET OUT OF THE DOOR AND SO MANY STREETS WERE BLOCKED OFF WE RODE AROUND FOR TWO HOURS TRYING TO GET BACK TO THE HOTEL. AT ONE POINT, HAD I BEEN ALONE, I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE PULLED OVER AND TOOK MY BUTT TO SLEEP. LUCKY FOR ME I WAS WITH A CAR FULL OF FOLKS DETERMINED TO GET BACK TO THE REST SPOT.
TUESDAY, TUESDAY, TUESDAY!!!! THE DAY WE HAD ALL BEEN WAITING FOR HAD FINALLY ARRIVED. FIRST STOP WAS BET NEWS WHICH WAS WAY ACROSS TOWN FROM THE HOTEL. WE DECIDED WE COULDN’T WATCH THE INAUGURATION LIVE BECAUSE WE JUST WOULDN’T HAVE MADE IT OVER TO THE BET TAPING IN TIME. I WAS ABLE TO WATCH IT ON TV JUST PRIOR TO JUMPING IN THE VAN TO HEAD TO THE BET SET. MY GOD, I CRIED LIKE A BABY. THE TEARS JUST WOULDN’T STOP AS I WATCHED PRESIDENT ELECT OBAMA IN THE DOORWAY. JUST BARELY SEEING HIS SILOUHETTE I KNEW IT WAS HIM AND THE TEARS JUST LET GO, NEARLY JUMPING OUT OF MY EYES. I HADN’T HAD A CRY LIKE THAT IN A WHILE. IT WAS DEFINITELY WORTH THE WAIT. SO MANY EMOTIONS WENT THROUGH ME. THOUGHTS LIKE FINALLY, AMAZING, PATIENCE, PERSERVERENCE, STRENGTH, WISE, MATURE, SAFE, LOVE, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP, NEIGHBORS, MANKIND, LISTEN, SHARE, TALK, HEARD, CARE, LIVE, LIFE, WELL, RICH AND MORE. EVERYTHING I AM AND ASPIRE TO BE RAN THROUGH MY HEAD LIKE A TICKER TAPE.
TUESDAY NIGHT WAS BET’S FIRST BALL AND ALL THAT ARRIVED WERE EXCITED TO PARTICIPATE. WYCLEF WAS SET TO PERFORM, GENERAL COLIN POWELL WAS SET TO SPEAK ONCE INTRODUCED BY THE CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF BET, DEBRA LEE AND IN TURN I WAS SET TO INTRODUCE DEBRA LEE WHILE DJ DNICE HIT THE TURNTABLES HARD.
MANY CELEBRITIES WERE IN ATTENDANCE AT THE BET BALL. ASHANTI WAS IN THE HOUSE AND “ALWAYS ON TIME” LOL. I SAW DEBBIE ALLEN, HER HUSBAND NORM NIXON AND THEIR BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN. DAVID BANNER WALKED OVER WITH THAT SUPER HERO STATURE TO SAY HELLO, HE OUGHTA BE IN MOVIES CHILE. LOL. I MET DEBRA LEE’S SON WHO IS AN ASPIRING DJ, THE LOVE OF MUSIC RUNS IN THE FAMILY ).
BECAUSE OF A DJ GIG I HAD TO LEAVE THE PARTY EARLY AND HEAD OVER TO BUCKHEAD TO SPIN. IT WAS A PACKED HOUSE AND DJ SIXTH SENSE AND I SHARED THE DUTY OF ROCKING THE CROWD. HILL HARPER WAS THERE AND SO WAS ROSIE PEREZ.
WHAT AN AMAZING TRIP IT ALL WAS AND I AM SO BLESSED TO HAVE HAD THE EXPERIENCE….WOULDN’T CHANGE IT FOR THE WORLD.
CHECK ME AT MCLYTENY.COM
Feb
01
TONIGHT MARKED HISTORY IN HOUSTON,TX. THIS PARTICULAR SHOW HAD ACTUALLY BEEN POSTPONED TWICE IN LIGHT OF THE HURRICANE THAT HIT THE CITY LAST YEAR. SO GLAD WE WERE ABLE TO VISIT THE CITY AND ROCK THE ARENA.
BEFORE HEADING TO THE VENUE I RAN INTO WILLIE D FROM THE LEGENDARY GROUP THE GHETTO BOYS IN THE ELEVATOR. SO MUCH CHARISMA AND IT WAS REALLY GOOD TO SEE HIM.
IT WAS A PACKED HOUSE WITH EVERYONE FEELING REALLY GOOD AS THEY RECITED ALL THE WORDS TO THEIR FAVORITE SONGS. AT ONE POINT I HAD A SISTER FROM TX NAMED BRIDGETTE COME UP AND ROCK SELF DESTRUCTION WITH ME AND SHE HAD A BLAST. HER FRIENDS SNAPPED SHOTS OF US FROM THE FRONT SEAT AND CHEERED HER ON THROUGH THE ENTIRE VERSE.
IT’S ALWAYS A GREAT PLEASURE TO PERFORM FOR A CROWD OF FOLKS THAT FEEL TRUE HIP HOP AND COME OUT TO SUPPORT SOME OF THEIR FAVORITE ARTISTS THAT THEY LOVED ALONG THEIR MUSICAL JOURNEY.
SHOUTS TO HOUSTON!
Feb
07
WHERE EXACTLY DO I BEGIN?! SOME THING HAS BEEN HEAVY ON MY MIND FOR QUITE SOME TIME AND I THOUGHT I’D SHARE WITH ALL OF YOU WHO GIVE GOOD “HOT DAMN”. LET ME SET THE SCENARIO SO YOU ALL CAN FOLLOW EXACTLY WHERE I’M HEADED WITH THIS ONE.
AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER I’VE WANTED TO ROCK THE MIC. I WANTED TO PERFORM ON STAGES AND GRAB THE EARS AND EYES OF ALL. I WANTED TO TRAVEL AND SEE PLACES UNHEARD OF. I WANTED TO AQUIRE LOTS OF PICTURES SO WHEN I FINALLY SETTLED DOWN I’D HAVE LOTS OF MEMORABILIA TO SURROUND MYSELF WITH. I DIDN’T KNOW WHAT I WAS GOING TO DO AS A PERFORMER, I JUST KNEW I WANTED IT, THE SUCCESS.
AS A KID MY MOM TOOK ME TO PLAYS. LOTS OF THEM. DRACULA, 42ND ST, DREAMGIRLS, CATS, ETC. I WAS MESMERIZED BY THE STAGE AND THE LIGHTS AND ALL THAT WAS PRESENTED. I REMEMBER THE LIMOS PULLING UP TO COLLECT PEOPLE IN FRONT OF THE THEATER AFTER THE SHOW. AND NO WE COULDN’T AFFORD THE TICKETS TO SEE BROADWAY PLAYS THAT OFTEN BUT THEN AGAIN WE NEVER EVER BOUGHT THEM. MY MOM KNEW A DOORMAN AT ONE OF THE THEATERS NAMED PRINCE. HE WAS A LITTLE DARK HANDSOME GUY WITH A HEAD FULL OF WHITE HAIR WHO AT HIS TALLEST WAS ALL OF 5′2″. AS A DOOR MAN PRINCE WAS PART OF A HUGE UNION WHICH ALLOWED HIM TO KNOW EVERY DOOR MAN IN THE ENTIRE THEATER DISTRICT, HENCE HE MADE THE CALL AND WE WERE IN EVERY SHOW EVER MADE.
FROM THERE THE LOVE FOR THE ARTS GREW. THERE WAS A PLACE IN BROOKLYN CALLED THE MUSE THAT HAD ALL TYPES OF CLASSES FOR CHILDREN. I COULDN’T WAIT FOR SATURDAY MORNINGS TO GET TO THE MUSE FOR ART CLASS. SOON AFTER COMPLETING ART I TOOK DANCE (DIDN’T WORK OUT TOO WELL, LOL). AFTER DANCE IT WAS DRAMA CLASS AND SO ON AND SO ON. THOSE WERE SOME OF THE BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE. NO RULES, NO RIGHT, NO WRONG, JUST DOING WHATEVER I FELT IN THOSE CLASSES AND KNOWING THAT I WOULD SOMEDAY USE THAT FREEDOM IN A FIELD I FELT MOST COMFORTABLE BEING A PART OF.
I REMEMBER BEING 7/8 YEARS OLD DRESSING UP IN MY MOM’S WIG AND DANCING AROUND THE HOUSE WITH AN OLD SKINNY SILVER AND BLACK MIC THAT HAD A PLUG BUT REALLY DIDN’T PLUG INTO ANYTHING, LOL. HOW FUNNY AS I LOOK BACK AT THAT. IF IT WASN’T THE MIC IT WAS A BRUSH AND IF IT WASN’T A BRUSH IT WAS A COMB, LOL.
I REMEMBER THE FIRST PIECE OF WAX I EVER BOUGHT, I MEAN MY MOTHER BOUGHT. IT WAS GREASE!!!! DON’T TRY IT, YOU KNOW YOU LOVED IT!! SO MANY SONGS ON THAT SOUNDTRACK THAT I LOVE I WORE IT OUT!! AND THEN THERE WAS THE SUGARHILL GANG! OH MY GOD! THAT SET IT OFF FOR ME. AND THEN CAME SALT N PEPA AND I KNEW HIP HOP WAS MY CALLING.
I BECAME ONE OF THE YOUNGEST FEMALE MCS TO BE SIGNED TO A MAJOR DEAL. MATTER OF FACT WHEN YOU HEAR OF ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL WOMEN IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS BEING SYLVIA RHONE, I WAS HER FIRST SIGNING AS AN EXECUTIVE. THE WORLD WAS BEFORE ME AND I WAS EXTREMELY EXCITED TO ENTER A FORUM I HAD STUDIED SO MUCH ABOUT.
I HAD GONE TO LATIN QUARTERS AND UNION SQUARE. I SAW SOME OF THE BEST PERFORMANCES AT BOTH OF THOSE SPOTS INCLUDING PE, KRS 1, ERIC B & RAKIM, SALT N PEPA, JOE SKI LOVE, FRESH PRINCE AND JAZZY JEFF. THAT’S JUST TO NAME A FEW. NOW IT WAS GOING TO BE MY TURN AND I WAS GOING TO MAKE EVERYONE I KNEW HAPPY TO KNOW ME. LOL
THROUGHOUT MY YEARS IN THIS GAME OF ENTERTAINMENT I HAVE WORKED HARD TO REMAIN FOCUSED AND HUMBLE. I HAVE HAD UPS AND DOWNS AND HAVE LEARNED SOME OF THE MOST VALUABLE LESSONS AT THE SAME TIME HAVING EXPERIENCES THAT WERE TRULY PRICELESS. I HAVE SPROUTED MY WINGS BY GOING INTO OTHER SECTORS OF ENTERTAINMENT SUCH AS VOICE OVER,ACTING AND PRODUCING. I WROTE A BOOK OF INSPIRATIONAL WORDS TWO YEARS AGO CALLED JUST MY TAKE. I RECENTLY STARTED DJING AND FOUND A WHOLE NEW LOVE FOR HIP HOP MUSIC.
NOW I COME TO THE REASON WHY I FELT COMPELLED TO WRITE THIS IN THE FIRST PLACE. RECENTLY I SAW A COMMENT ON A BLOG WHERE SOMEONE MADE MENTION OF WHAT THEY THOUGHT WAS MY AGE AND HOW I SHOULD SIT DOWN. LOL SIT DOWN FOR WHAT? AS IF HE/SHE IS WARMING THE COUCH UP ENOUGH. I WAS BORN FOR THIS AND WHETHER YOU LIKE ME OR NOT YOU SHOULD AT LEAST RESPECT THE ART OF HIP HOP. THAT MEANING NO ONE TELLS NATALIE COLE SHE CAN’T SING ANYMORE, OR TONI BRAXTON, OR MADONNA OR ANYONE ELSE OUTSIDE OF HIP HOP. YOU DON’T SEE STEVE TYLER OR TINA TURNER OR STEVIE WONDER SITTING DOWN!! I NAME GREAT HEAVYWEIGHTS BECAUSE IN HIP HOP I AM THAT. NEVER GET IT TWISTED. AS LONG AS PEOPLE PUT PARAMETERS AROUND HIP HOP THE MORE WE LOSE POWER AND CONTROL. THE MORE WE END UP WITH REPEAT EPISODES OF THE MOTOWN ERA WHERE MULTI TALENTED ARTISTS MAKE A CAREER OF HITS AND HAVE NOTHING TO SHOW FOR IT AT THE END OF THE DAY. NO WAY TO SUPPORT THEMSELVES, NO HEALTH INSURANCE AND WHEN THEY DIE, NO MONEY FOR A PROPER BUREAL AND SERVICE. HIP HOP CAN AND WILL GO AWAY IF WE DON’T CONTINUE TO PAY RESPECT FOR ALL OF THOSE INVOLVED AND ALL THAT WE HAVE DONE TO GET THE ART WHERE IT IS TODAY. “YOU SIT DOWN!!!!!!!!” AND LEARN SOMETHING ABOUT WHAT YOU SAY YOU SO CALL “LOVE”. YOU DON’T “LOVE” HIP HOP MUSIC WHEN YOU BLATANTLY CRITIQUE MCS AND SAY HARMFUL AND HATEFUL COMMENTS THAT DO NOTHING BUT SUPPRESS AN ARTIST. YOU WANNA CRITIQUE? SAY SOMETHING THAT WILL HELP AN ARTIST ELEVATE THEIR GAME NOT TO DESTROY SOMEONE’S ATTEMPT AT SHARING THEIR WORKS. I WRITE THESE THOUGHTS NOT JUST IN MY DEFENSE BUT FOR ALL THOSE WHO CREATE DAILY AND ARE TOLD THAT THEY ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH OR THAT THEY ARE TOO DIFFERENT WHEN IN FACT THAT’S WHAT ART IS ABOUT, BEING DIFFERENT.
I READ ANOTHER HATER COMMENT “WHY DOES SHE? (MEANING ME) STILL WEAR THEM SNEAKERS? ISN’T SHE TOO OLD FOR THAT?” LOL I BEEN WEARING NIKES, ADIDAS, PUMAS, LOTTOS, CONVERSE AND ANYTHING ELSE THAT I’VE WANTED TO WEAR ALL MY LIFE. I’M NOT DEFINED BY WHAT I WEAR NOR DO I MAKE AN ATTEMPT TO HIDE BEHIND THE LATEST FASHIONS. I AM ME!! SNEAKERS DON’T MAKE ANYONE LESS MATURE AND THEY CERTAINLY DON’T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH A PERSON’S TALENT. I’LL STOP WEARING MINE WHEN RUSSELL STOPS WEARING HIS. DIDN’T KNOW THERE WAS AN AGE LIMIT FOR SNEAKERS IN HIP HOP, LOL, SOMEBODY BETTER TELL PASTRY SHOES BECAUSE THEY KEEP SENDING THEM TO ME AND WELL, I KEEP WEARING THEM, LOL. HOW SILLY? WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT KIND OF TIME DO YOU HAVE ON YOUR HANDS THAT YOU CAN FIND FAULT IN SOME ONE WEARING TENNIS SHOES? CREEP.
BOILS DOWN TO THIS! I WORKED MY ASS OFF TO GET WHERE I AM TODAY AND BEST BELIEVE I’LL BE ON THE SCENE WITH MY SNEAKERS AND A GANGSTA LEAN!! LOL
Feb
08
This afternoon I was blessed to be in the company of some great students at the University of TN. We landed in the am which allowed me a little time to rest and then we were off to the races. It took a minute for me to adjust to the time difference, but that’s nothing that a nice grande cup of Starbucks can’t handle ).
It was the 4th Annual black Issues Conference of 2009 and I was invited to give the closing keynote speech. I took center stage behind the podium in the auditorium filled with students who were eager to listen to my experiences as young lady coming up in the hip hop entertainment industry. I shared quite a bit in just 47 minutes but I believe I was able to create picture for all that were engaged.
I love telling the story no one has heard or even more so the story that is mine to tell. I told of my entry into hip hop, my love for all those great artist that I appreciate like Rakim and Salt n Pepa. I told of ups and downs and my action filled journey through this male dominated industry and more.
All in all I would have to say in the infamous words of Ice Cube, “IT WAS A GOOD DAY”.
Thank you to everyone involved for making me feel comfortable and I look forward to seeing you all again sometime in the not so distant future.
Mar
04
I REMEMBER WHEN SIRIUS RADIO WAS CALLED CD RADIO AND IT WAS JUST A FEW CELEB HEADS REPPIN’ FOR THEM. GRANDMASTER FLASH, BEBE WINANS, STING AND YOURS TRULY. NOW MY GOD IT HAS GROWN INTO SUCH A POWERFUL MEANS OF MEDIA AND PROMOTION IT’S NEARLY UNBELIEVABLE. HIP HOPS HEADS FROM ALL OVER THE GLOBE TUNE IN TO HEAR THE LIKES OF THEIR FAVORITE DJS DAILY AND SOMETIMES WEEKLY.
LAST NIGHT I JOINED MY GOOD AND LONG STANDING HOMIE TONY TOUCH ON SHADE 45 FOR A WALK DOWN THE MC LYTE MEMORY LANE AND SPOTLIGHT ON ALL THAT’S NEW. HE PLAYED ALL THE FAVORITE LYTE JOINTS INCLUDING THE NEW “BROOKLYN” REGGAE JOINT. HE ROCKED SOME ALMOST SEPTEMBER TRACKS WITH KRS 1 AND AL BE BACK. TONY EVEN PLAYED THE JOINT MILK AND I RECORDED WITH HIM OVER 10 YEARS AGO. CRAZY HOT MONTAGE!!
THEN WHEN I THOUGHT IT COULDN’T GET ANY BETTER Q TIP WALKED IN AND SHUT IT DOWN… AT LEAST FOR ME. TIP AND I HAVE MAD HISTORY, FROM THE LATIN QUARTER DAYS TO THE NEW MUSIC SEMINAR DJ WORLD SUPREMACY BATTLE AT WEBSTER HALL LOCATED IN THE VILLAGE (EXCUSE MY RUN ON SENTENCES LOL).
IT’S ALWAYS A GOOD FEELING TO SEE BROTHERS LIKE TONY TOUCH AND Q TIP, WHETHER PLANNED OR SPURR OF THE MOMENT. IT’S A WARM FEELING. IT’S THE WAY YOU FEEL AFTER YEARS OF BEING IN TOUCH AND SEEING HOW ANOTHER HAS GROWN, MATURED AND GOTTEN BETTER WITH TIME. WE ALL COME FROM A VERY SPECIAL TIME IN ENTERTAINMENT, SPECIFICALLY HIPHOP AND TO STILL BE INVOLVED DOING WHAT WE LOVE WITH A DEEP CONNECTION TO THE MUSIC STILL IN TACT…..FEEEEEEELS DAMN GOOD.
Mar
04
BROOKLYN COMES TO LA WAS THE THEME AND WE DEFINITELY BROUGHT IT! IN DOWNTOWN LA THERE SITS THE CUTEST HOTSPOT THAT SERVES GREAT FOOD FROM A VERY DIVERSE MENU WITH AN ATMOSPHERE THAT’S MODERN AND SEXY.
WELL EVEN WITH THAT SWEET AND CHIC SET UP WE BROUGHT BROOKLYN IN AND BROKE THE RULES!! LOL
HIP HOP, REGGAE AND HOUSE HAD THE CROWD JUMPING!!
MUSIC BIG UPS TO
DJ BURT BLACKARACH
ERVIN ARANA
Mar
09
THERE IS SOMETHING SO BEAUTIFUL ABOUT THE PEOPLE OF NEW ORLEANS. I’M SURE IT HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE HOSPITALITY AND HOW THEY EXTEND THEMSELVES IN MAKING SURE YOU’RE OK AND YOUR VISIT IS PLEASURABLE. OR IT COULD BE THEIR SKIN TONES THAT RANGE FROM BUTTER PECAN TO RICH DEEP CHOCOLATE…OR COULD IT BE THOSE HIGH AFRICAN/INDIAN CHEEK BONES OR THAT SOUTHERN DRAWL DIPPED IN A FRENCH CAFE AU LAIT. WHATEVER IT IS KEEPS ME FASCINATED ABOUT NEW ORLEAN FOLK.
AFTER SEEING A BASKETBALL GAME AT THE ARENA AND WITNESSING CHRIS PAUL AND HIS CREW WHOOP THE OPPOSING TEAM I CELEBRATED THE NEW BRAND JORDAN SHOE AT A DOWNTOWN HOT SPOT.
LOVE THE ENERGY
THE FOLLOWING DAY I HAD OFF AND DECIDED TO TAKE A WALK THRU THE HARRAH’S CASINO, TRAVELED UNDERGROUND, DOWN A TUNNEL, UP AN ESCALATOR AND FOUND MYSELF IN FRONT OF AN OUTSIDE RESTAURANT THAT I REFUSED TO PASS BY. THE ATMOSPHERE WAS GREAT AND WHILE THE MUSIC PLAYED I CHOMPED DOWN ON SOME GOOD BBQ SALMON. AS I SAT SOAKING UP THE HEAT AND SUN I SPOKE WITH A YOUNG GIRL WHO WAS A HOSTESS AT THE ESTABLISHMENT. SHE WAS EXTREMELY PROUD OF HAVING BEEN BORN IN NEW ORLEANS AND ALTHOUGH SHE HAD LIVED IN MANY PLACES NOTHING WAS LIKE COMING HOME, ONCE AGAIN TO, LIVE IN HER NATIVE HOMETOWN.
SHE BOASTED THERE WAS NO OTHER CITY ON EARTH WITH THE HERITAGE AND CULTURE AS DEEP AS WHERE SHE NOW RESIDED AND EVEN THOUGH I COULD HAVE FOUGHT IN THAT INSTANCE TO UPHOLD THAT NY HELD THE WIDEST VARIETY OF FOREIGNERS THAT CAME FROM ALL OVER THE GLOBE TO BE IN THE MIDST OF THE 5 INFAMOUS BOROUGHS THAT MAKE UP NYC. YES I COULD HAVE TOTALLY GONE INTO ALL OF THAT BUT THIS YOUNG LADY WAS SO PROUD OF A CITY THAT STILL REMAINS TO BE UNDER SERVED THAT I FELT AN OVERWHELMING NEED TO JUST LISTEN AND LEARN.
I WILL RETURN TO NEW ORLEANS BECAUSE I INTEND TO HELP IN ANYWAY POSSIBLE. ANYWAY THAT MY SERVICES ARE NEEDED AND IN ANYWAY THAT I CAN SHOW THE LOVE FOR THEM THAT THEY HAVE CONTINUOUSLY SHOWED TO ME.
Apr
27
Video shoot at Wingate in BK
Just like clockwork I arrive on time to bust the mic up once again with a new joint called Brooklyn. In this song I rock over a reggae charged rhythm. Painting an extremely vivid picture of what it means to be raised in the heart of Brooklyn where the West Indian culture is deeply embedded in everyday living.
I grew up in the 90’s near Rutland Road and Winthrop. My train was the #3 and my stop was Newlots. PS 219 was the public school I attended and soon after I was in JHS at Arthur S. Somers on Kings Highway. I went to George W. Wingate for the last three years of my schooling and during that period I held an after school job at Kings Plaza in a lil Mexican spot called Chi Chi’s. I ate White Castles on Empire Blvd. and went to the movies at the Kenmore Theaters on Church Ave, somebody say amen. All the while with a dream of rocking the mic.
My boy Eric that I went to JHS with saved me and invited me to a recording session that would change my life forever. And here I still stand undefeated…yes!! The business, neither he nor she can break me. I am a survivor!!!
The song Brooklyn, from the upcoming CD, much like Ruffneck (a theme song released in 93) pays homage and respect to the borough that pushed me, taught me, challenged me, but most of all the hometown that loved me.
This past Friday we set out on a mission to capture the visual for BROOKLYN in BK. Sha, Swiss and a couple of cool cats made it all happen with 2 HD cameras and a boombox. Talk about guerrilla style video shoot!! We stole shots from Juniors to Utica Ave and everywhere in between. I guess it wasn’t stealing seeing that I am a Brooklynite and all of those places were my stompin’ grounds and if anyone had the right to shoot there…..it was me).
School kids and adults alike stopped to talk with me and were amazed that it was me walking down the street where Alb Square Mall used to be. I walked slowly through the crowds of people in my Adidas warm up jacket that adorned the word KINGSTON on the back. I took pics with everyone that asked and even had the opportunity to spread some love and inspirational words along the way. At the last location we stopped for beef patties and coa coa bread while my manager Big Fred decided to have ox tails (he’s a trooper) lol. For me…..Curry goat? YES……but ox tails? I’ma have to pass on that one and leave that to the real ballers….Afterall I am a f-a-k-i-n’ Jamaican ,lol.
Brooklyn available for purchase at itunes, Amazon, Rhapsody and Napster.
Be sure to sample a listen first seeing I have 2 other songs that don the title Brooklyn )
May
04
http://www.motionbox.com/videos/3096d7b41d17e2cabe?type=sd
Aug
30
On Sunday, August 30, 2009, New York City Council Deputy Majority Leader Member Leroy Comrie (D-Queens) and the Southeast Queens community will host a ceremony to rename the corner of 205th Street and Hollis Avenue to “RUN DMC JMJ WAY”. The ceremony will take place at 2pm Run D.M.C. was an influential Hip-Hop group whose members were born and/or grew up in Hollis, Queens. Founded by Joseph “DJ Run” Simmons, Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels, and the late Jason “Jam Master J” Mizell, Run D.M.C. is considered to be one of the most important and influential artists in rap music history. Seven ground-breaking albums and countless hit singles resulted in the group paving the way for rap music to become the multi-billion dollar industry it is today. Additionally, Run D.M.C is given credit for immortalizing Hollis, Queens as one of the birth places of Hip-Hop.Run D.M.C. was inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 4,2009 in honor of their historic and successful twenty-five year career.“Given their historic accomplishments, RunD.M.C. are a tremendous source of pride for the Hollis community I represent,” stated Council Member Comrie. “Their dedication and hard work has inspired countless others and they have given back generously to this community. Most recently, Mr. McDaniels donated numerous memorabilia for the establishment of the Hollis Hip Hop Museum, which is located in the Hollis Famous Burger restaurant, owned by music executive Orville Hall, on 203rd Street and Hollis Avenue.“I have chosen the 205th Street location because it is in proximity to the museum and also is the site of a famous mural of the group’s late member, Mr. Mizell. It is my sincere hope that this street renaming, combined with the museum, will help to economically revitalize this particular neighborhood as a potential tourism attraction.”Members of the Hall of Fame group and Mr. Mizell’s family will be present to witness the unveiling and receive personal street signs from Council Member Comrie.WBLS radio personality Dr. Bob Lee and Power 105 radio personality Ed Lover will be present to emcee the ceremony
Aug
30
Really doesn’t matter who’s wearing it, before I even know who the designer is. Right after I see the way the cloth moves. Forever and a day I am a lover of the fabric not the tag. However, I always know when I’m in love with something…it’s got to be Ralph Lauren. I’m sick……..
