juxtaposed
that's the word that comes to mind immediately when - within the span of 10 minutes - i hear a selection of tracks that includes the following two songs:
Play Your Cards Right by Common, featuring Bilal
and
Wouldn't Get Far by Game, featuring Kanye West
and lastly, is it just me, or did Dem Franchize Boyz answer their own question? fuqing wack morons.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
another day to face of sharecropping in this paper chase
I take this shT personally, I'm makin moves
But this treadmill lifestyle ain't workin for me
-Little Brother, Speed
I finally got a chance to see Byron Hurt's documentary, Beyond Beat and Rhymes. The movie's full title; Beyond Beats and Rhymes: A Hip-Hop Head Weighs in on Manhood in Rap Music, is a composite sketch of what the movie explores. I felt both conflicted and relieved. As a hip-hop head myself, the movie spoke to me in a raw form about issues that I've always held dear. And at the same time, it brought to the fore the mixed messages inherent in much of the music and within ourselves.
It made me think about how often I have ever had a conversation about masculinity amongst friends or associates. And I have come to realize the answer is paltry. Honestly, it does not surprise me. In some ways, I would like to believe that I have somewhat of a more humanistic view of masculinity. I share an affinity for power and respect innate in many men, yet I personally don't allow things to rattle me too often. Or at least I try not to let that happen. Naturally, there are always exceptions to the rule. Nevertheless, I try not to let homophobia, stereotypes, and gender bias cloud my perceptions of reality.
As someone raised by a single woman with younger sisters, by street dudes from around the way, and by foster brothers stuck in the revolving system, I try not to let naivety be my downfall. The movie will not be the saving grace of this music I call my own. But it is a step in the right direction towards compelling those who have a stake in it to take more responsibility; for their actions, for their words, for their integrity.
There are moments both funny and poignant that will reveal the true colors of both interviewees and viewers. The onus is on the audience, however, to decipher the between the lines and higher contextual meanings and reasons for some of the issues that are addressed - and the ways in which some people in the film respond the way they do. I just hope viewers don't walk away having missed the true substance - and point - of it all. Much like those who don't get the whole hip hop is dead debate and simply enjoy the good beat, yet miss the lyrics and messages - whatever they may be good or bad - completely.
So basically, I've got a lot of focus and projects to work on. I've been compiling a long list of books and movies in which I can immerse myself. Maybe I'll try to share some reviews when I'm done. In other news, I'm still recovering from some serious under-the-weather stuff. Last night was horrific! I'll spare you the details in case you are eating a ham-n-cheese sammich as you read this. Anyways, peep this low-budget video from Little Brother and enjoy. Stay real.
But this treadmill lifestyle ain't workin for me
-Little Brother, Speed
I finally got a chance to see Byron Hurt's documentary, Beyond Beat and Rhymes. The movie's full title; Beyond Beats and Rhymes: A Hip-Hop Head Weighs in on Manhood in Rap Music, is a composite sketch of what the movie explores. I felt both conflicted and relieved. As a hip-hop head myself, the movie spoke to me in a raw form about issues that I've always held dear. And at the same time, it brought to the fore the mixed messages inherent in much of the music and within ourselves.
It made me think about how often I have ever had a conversation about masculinity amongst friends or associates. And I have come to realize the answer is paltry. Honestly, it does not surprise me. In some ways, I would like to believe that I have somewhat of a more humanistic view of masculinity. I share an affinity for power and respect innate in many men, yet I personally don't allow things to rattle me too often. Or at least I try not to let that happen. Naturally, there are always exceptions to the rule. Nevertheless, I try not to let homophobia, stereotypes, and gender bias cloud my perceptions of reality.
As someone raised by a single woman with younger sisters, by street dudes from around the way, and by foster brothers stuck in the revolving system, I try not to let naivety be my downfall. The movie will not be the saving grace of this music I call my own. But it is a step in the right direction towards compelling those who have a stake in it to take more responsibility; for their actions, for their words, for their integrity.
There are moments both funny and poignant that will reveal the true colors of both interviewees and viewers. The onus is on the audience, however, to decipher the between the lines and higher contextual meanings and reasons for some of the issues that are addressed - and the ways in which some people in the film respond the way they do. I just hope viewers don't walk away having missed the true substance - and point - of it all. Much like those who don't get the whole hip hop is dead debate and simply enjoy the good beat, yet miss the lyrics and messages - whatever they may be good or bad - completely.
So basically, I've got a lot of focus and projects to work on. I've been compiling a long list of books and movies in which I can immerse myself. Maybe I'll try to share some reviews when I'm done. In other news, I'm still recovering from some serious under-the-weather stuff. Last night was horrific! I'll spare you the details in case you are eating a ham-n-cheese sammich as you read this. Anyways, peep this low-budget video from Little Brother and enjoy. Stay real.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Take the day off and lay off the crazy water
If they was psychic, they'd try to give 'em the electric chair
It's getting hectic in here, and it's an election year
-MF Doom, "Back End"
a storm is brewing....and the cat's out the bag. this year will definitely be a different kind of interesting to say the least. so we may as well take it from the top and go back 18 months. ironically, both pieces were by the same writer.
It's getting hectic in here, and it's an election year
-MF Doom, "Back End"
a storm is brewing....and the cat's out the bag. this year will definitely be a different kind of interesting to say the least. so we may as well take it from the top and go back 18 months. ironically, both pieces were by the same writer.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Spendin life illegitimate livin life in imprisonment
Before you learn how to shoot better learn how to aim
Theirs already enough of our people that's dyin from AIDS
I try and remain calm but it's fryin my brain
And I am ashamed my generation's dyin over chains
Lyin on the pavement red leakin out the side of they brains
Tell me when will this environment change
We need new leaders but all we get is new heaters
And divas and two-seaters as soon as that loot see us
-Termtanology, "Watch How It Go Down"
Every January, I start the new year with sedated jitters; my head and heart hopeful for a improvement from the revious year. Yet, my mind always darts quickly to 1994 and Durant Avenue. And I don't think Charlton Heston and I would get along too well. Locally, more people become desensitized to violence with each successive body that sprawls out on cold concrete. I was going to start my own words by saying how futile it can be when you feel as though you are preaching to the choir. And then, I realized there was a recent movie of the same name (since renamed), and it seemed more apropos to just go with the flow and let that stream of consciousness just roll out.
So anyways, a new year and not too much writing going taking place on my end. My creative juices are zapped, my pockets are tapped, and my brain is sapped. On some bone dry ish, son. I use to get annoyed at people who incessantly went on and on about needing a vacation. Mind you, these bums were fellow classmates. We were all bums back then. Not to say we aren't still bums, but you can be the judge of that. We used to connect.politic.ditto with each other on the daily. Whether it was in the library at 2 in the morning, in the computer lab at 4pm, at lunch, over email, at the gym, or over dinner. Mind you, dinner time is still not a set-in-stone ime for me. "Dinner" could mean anything eaten between 6pm and 3am. And yes, sometmes there are more than one dinners in a given night. One of our main hangouts was this spot near Harvard Square in Cambridge called Hong Kong. We used to go there, get the corner booth and our favorite waitress, Julie, would greet the crew as we setlled in for a night of food, laughs, talk, and food (duh).
Invariably, we'd talk about everything under the sun. From classes and women, to current events and music, to sports and business ideas. One of the things that stands out the most was the passion we all brought to the table. As casual and informal as we were with each other, we held our own discussing and debating all sorts of topics. Being black men at an HWCU, it was natural that we made every effort to bring up sensitive issues that impacted our peoples. We had our own little rainbow coaliion of varying family, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, yet the common bond we shared was a love for our peoples.
In comparison, I look back at old news articles and can recall us having talks about them at their height of media hype. Naturally, seeing the dramatic demise the streets of Boston have taken in the last 24 months has caused us to discuss the issue more recently in much greater detail. And unfortunatly some times, with much more greater personl attachmen to the discussion. Yet, the arallel that I can draw from all of that "building with the brothers" that we had, was a sense of camaraderie that is essential to building community. The group dynamics and composition have changed a bit over the years, but the game ain't changed that much. Communal unity is what we achieved. I could spit a verse on the spot for any given situation and someone else would chime in with the next two lines.
Some folks say to keep your enemies closer than your friends, but I ain't buying that bull. I've met a lot of awe-insiring brothers (and sisters) the last few years who have moved me tremendously. So here's a belated new year's prayer for guidance and favor over their spirits in hopes that a tidal wave of activism will overflow from the role models out there. Like Term said, the ghetto is microcopic. The biological web of life will either empower or eat you alive. But I ain't with that asexual reproduction, son.
It's gonna take the man in me to conquer this insanity
Theirs already enough of our people that's dyin from AIDS
I try and remain calm but it's fryin my brain
And I am ashamed my generation's dyin over chains
Lyin on the pavement red leakin out the side of they brains
Tell me when will this environment change
We need new leaders but all we get is new heaters
And divas and two-seaters as soon as that loot see us
-Termtanology, "Watch How It Go Down"
Every January, I start the new year with sedated jitters; my head and heart hopeful for a improvement from the revious year. Yet, my mind always darts quickly to 1994 and Durant Avenue. And I don't think Charlton Heston and I would get along too well. Locally, more people become desensitized to violence with each successive body that sprawls out on cold concrete. I was going to start my own words by saying how futile it can be when you feel as though you are preaching to the choir. And then, I realized there was a recent movie of the same name (since renamed), and it seemed more apropos to just go with the flow and let that stream of consciousness just roll out.
So anyways, a new year and not too much writing going taking place on my end. My creative juices are zapped, my pockets are tapped, and my brain is sapped. On some bone dry ish, son. I use to get annoyed at people who incessantly went on and on about needing a vacation. Mind you, these bums were fellow classmates. We were all bums back then. Not to say we aren't still bums, but you can be the judge of that. We used to connect.politic.ditto with each other on the daily. Whether it was in the library at 2 in the morning, in the computer lab at 4pm, at lunch, over email, at the gym, or over dinner. Mind you, dinner time is still not a set-in-stone ime for me. "Dinner" could mean anything eaten between 6pm and 3am. And yes, sometmes there are more than one dinners in a given night. One of our main hangouts was this spot near Harvard Square in Cambridge called Hong Kong. We used to go there, get the corner booth and our favorite waitress, Julie, would greet the crew as we setlled in for a night of food, laughs, talk, and food (duh).
Invariably, we'd talk about everything under the sun. From classes and women, to current events and music, to sports and business ideas. One of the things that stands out the most was the passion we all brought to the table. As casual and informal as we were with each other, we held our own discussing and debating all sorts of topics. Being black men at an HWCU, it was natural that we made every effort to bring up sensitive issues that impacted our peoples. We had our own little rainbow coaliion of varying family, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, yet the common bond we shared was a love for our peoples.
In comparison, I look back at old news articles and can recall us having talks about them at their height of media hype. Naturally, seeing the dramatic demise the streets of Boston have taken in the last 24 months has caused us to discuss the issue more recently in much greater detail. And unfortunatly some times, with much more greater personl attachmen to the discussion. Yet, the arallel that I can draw from all of that "building with the brothers" that we had, was a sense of camaraderie that is essential to building community. The group dynamics and composition have changed a bit over the years, but the game ain't changed that much. Communal unity is what we achieved. I could spit a verse on the spot for any given situation and someone else would chime in with the next two lines.
Some folks say to keep your enemies closer than your friends, but I ain't buying that bull. I've met a lot of awe-insiring brothers (and sisters) the last few years who have moved me tremendously. So here's a belated new year's prayer for guidance and favor over their spirits in hopes that a tidal wave of activism will overflow from the role models out there. Like Term said, the ghetto is microcopic. The biological web of life will either empower or eat you alive. But I ain't with that asexual reproduction, son.
It's gonna take the man in me to conquer this insanity
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
on some july 0-3 ish
we say gunshots inna de air
but we you really mean it?
piff smoke blurs my brazen glare
but I - does she really wanna be seen wit?
we got dip sets full of nit-wits and dip sh!ts
who grip tecs and mumble dumb sh!t
instead of practising how to spit
i got plhegm backed up from 93 duke
the game ain't changed
being a lazy b!tch is just a sign of the times
because nowadays we throw up geometric gang signs
I apparently was not too thrilled with roc-a-fella that day. oh well.
but we you really mean it?
piff smoke blurs my brazen glare
but I - does she really wanna be seen wit?
we got dip sets full of nit-wits and dip sh!ts
who grip tecs and mumble dumb sh!t
instead of practising how to spit
i got plhegm backed up from 93 duke
the game ain't changed
being a lazy b!tch is just a sign of the times
because nowadays we throw up geometric gang signs
I apparently was not too thrilled with roc-a-fella that day. oh well.
Friday, January 12, 2007
MLK Weekend
stuff to do
Saturday, January 13
Saturday, January 13
- Young, Gifted & Black
Young poets, emcees, singers, dancers, musicians and artists will be exhibiting their craft in its rarest form.
4-7 p.m., $5, OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center, 11 Walnut Park, Roxbury/Egleston Square
Cardinal O’Malley Commemorates Martin Luther King’s Legacy
The annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Evening Prayer Service will be held at 7 p.m. at Bishop Peterson Chapel, St. John’s Seminary, Brighton. His Eminence, Seán Cardinal O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap. will preside and the Archdiocese of Boston Black Catholic Choir will provide the music. A reception will follow the service. For more information, please contact the Office of Cultural Diversity — Black Catholic Ministries at 617-746-5810 or ldesroses@rcab.org.- Film screening: Color Of The Cross
Roxbury Community College. 5pm & 8:30pm. - City of Boston Celebration: A Gift Of Song
featuring Peabo Bryson, Opera House, 7pm, free
- Youth Action Summit (hosted by Project Think Different)
9am-4pm, Cloud Place, 647 Boylston St, Boston, MA, 02116 - City of Boston Celebration: Oration by Governor Deval Patrick
Noon, Faneuil Hall, free - Stand with Martin, Stand for Peace: City of Cambridge Celebration
1-3 p.m., with a vigil in front of City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, followed by a tribute at the YWCA, 7 Temple St. - Museum of Fine Arts Open House: Beyond the Dream
The civil rights movement's impact on art, access, identity, and creative voice, 10 am–4:45pm - John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Screening of the movie, The Piano Lesson (Noon-2pm) & A Tribute to August Wilson (2-4pm) - “A Day ON, not a Day OFF” MLK Day of Service
For families and kids of all ages. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Roxbury Prer CHarter School, 120 Fisher Ave. 3rd Floor, Roxbury - Greater Boston Symphony Youth Orchestra Family Concert
3 p.m., Walsh Theatre, Suffolk University, $3 students, $5 adults, RSVP: 617-725-0022 x25 or rsvp@afroammuseum.org. - Dream With Us: Boston Children’s Chorus 4th annual concert
Jordan Hall, 290 Huntington Ave., 1pm, $10 - Ties That Bind: A Different Kind of Musical Celebration
The performance includes traditional spirituals, classical and readings of Langston Hughes, and is audience participatory, 4 p.m. at The First and Second Church, 66 Marlborough St., Boston. Tickets are $10, $5 for seniors, students and children 12 and under. Wheelchair accessible. More information, please call 617-445-7669.
Friday, January 05, 2007
when I'm in the hood I never discriminate
...when I kill kids they say shame on me...
...who the fuq told you to put their names on me?...
Some art transcends fantasy. The homie Pharoahe Monche has done it again. Peep the video for his song, When The Gun Draws [website], on his latest album. If you know son, then you may recall his Organized Konfusion days. Otherwise, you'll proably remember the Simon Says song at the very least. The video's style reminds me of the Eminem song he did with Dre back when he first really broke out. But the song itself immediately makes me flashback to Nas' I Gave You Power. Spoken in the first-person, it is a gun that tells the story and narrates its own tale of woe and worry. I remember when Guru spit, "instead of preaching death in my songs, I breathe life." I need more of that. Inhale.....
Without becoming inundated with all of the local woe and worry over gun violence, let's just say it [the video & song] makes a very strong point and leave it at that...for now. I believe I read something (somewhere) this week that said something like, Boston is a relatively safe place if you are white. And while an overwhelmingly large percentage of the homicide victims are Black males, it still affects us all. Psychologically, emotionally, and mentally. Mind, body, and soul all play a role in making the whole person. Yet, we are a people woven from many strands. Our diversity makes us beautiful. Our integrity and resilience makes us shine.
Yesterday, I sat and observed a group of women plan a performance and brainstorm the various angles from which they thought of addressing the many issues that affect their community. And through it all, it was clearly evident that street violence and the mental toll that is has on inner-city youth is a numbing reality. Our governor got sworn in and hours afterwards, he held a Youth Inaugural at the Shubert Theater. The same sentiments were echoed repeatedly just like they were last year; "Don't Wait Til We're Dead." Just like all of our societal ills (homelessness, global warming) and issues (education, healthcare) that need fixing, it is up to this generation to inform, prepare, and act...so that we do not continue the ever-revolving cycle of the next generation cleaning up the prior generation's mess. Exhale...Word.
...who the fuq told you to put their names on me?...
Some art transcends fantasy. The homie Pharoahe Monche has done it again. Peep the video for his song, When The Gun Draws [website], on his latest album. If you know son, then you may recall his Organized Konfusion days. Otherwise, you'll proably remember the Simon Says song at the very least. The video's style reminds me of the Eminem song he did with Dre back when he first really broke out. But the song itself immediately makes me flashback to Nas' I Gave You Power. Spoken in the first-person, it is a gun that tells the story and narrates its own tale of woe and worry. I remember when Guru spit, "instead of preaching death in my songs, I breathe life." I need more of that. Inhale.....
Without becoming inundated with all of the local woe and worry over gun violence, let's just say it [the video & song] makes a very strong point and leave it at that...for now. I believe I read something (somewhere) this week that said something like, Boston is a relatively safe place if you are white. And while an overwhelmingly large percentage of the homicide victims are Black males, it still affects us all. Psychologically, emotionally, and mentally. Mind, body, and soul all play a role in making the whole person. Yet, we are a people woven from many strands. Our diversity makes us beautiful. Our integrity and resilience makes us shine.
Yesterday, I sat and observed a group of women plan a performance and brainstorm the various angles from which they thought of addressing the many issues that affect their community. And through it all, it was clearly evident that street violence and the mental toll that is has on inner-city youth is a numbing reality. Our governor got sworn in and hours afterwards, he held a Youth Inaugural at the Shubert Theater. The same sentiments were echoed repeatedly just like they were last year; "Don't Wait Til We're Dead." Just like all of our societal ills (homelessness, global warming) and issues (education, healthcare) that need fixing, it is up to this generation to inform, prepare, and act...so that we do not continue the ever-revolving cycle of the next generation cleaning up the prior generation's mess. Exhale...Word.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
craigslist + youtube = crack
maybe it's just me, but...
i need to chill out before i end up buying some used turntables and quitting my job. just think, aside from wal-mart, ebay, and target, where else has more value for your buck? you can get a job, post a job, sell stuff, buy stuff, get a date, find a crib, violunteer, and find a side gig. and some of the posts are mad funny.
yet, for some twisted reason i found these videos entertaining this week
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtzZEUWN4X8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT6ahWs0TR4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIMj_ELa5oQ
i need to chill out before i end up buying some used turntables and quitting my job. just think, aside from wal-mart, ebay, and target, where else has more value for your buck? you can get a job, post a job, sell stuff, buy stuff, get a date, find a crib, violunteer, and find a side gig. and some of the posts are mad funny.
yet, for some twisted reason i found these videos entertaining this week
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtzZEUWN4X8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT6ahWs0TR4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIMj_ELa5oQ
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Oh Word?
So in an effort to do more writing, i decided to fight any inclination to hold back. Thus, upon reading Alex Beam's article last week, I decided to write a rebuttal and submit it on the strength. Apparently, they printed it on Sunday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)