So, if you haven't already...go support good music!! You can buy "Good Kid M.a.a.D City" on iTunes. I'm cheap so I was a little distressed they only offer the deluxe version (three dollars more than the regular! Those dollars add up! shit!) but in the end its worth it! One of my favorite songs from the album

"Real" ft. Anna Wise

Hip-Hop...The ressurection and Next Movement

 

She almost died. Nas declared her dead but shame on him for thinking that she was easy to kill. She, Hip-Hop, wasn’t dead. She was just in critical condition. I can’t lie, she was damn near close to flat lining.

She was attempting to live in a world where techno beats and partying was taking over. A few took on the challenge of trying to resurrect her. Lil’ Wayne’s “Dr. Carter” was a shot at it depicting him as a surgeon who was pretty much bringing her back. I can’t lie, I believed him…temporarily. I believed him until he got further in his career and…well…kinda lost it (some would dispute he never had it to begin with but…that’s another post)! 

                                                                      Dr. Carter

Ludacris tried to dispute Nas’ claim by making “Runaway Love” and exclaiming at the end, Hip-Hop wasn’t dead.

                                                 Runaway Love

She wasn’t too impressed.

                                                Ludacris' latest song...Rest of My Life

She continued to lay in critical condition, only getting visitors who were paying homage to her; giving her their last words before they moved on with their lives. I, myself sat in a dark corner and balled for a few hours while listening to Nas’ “Illmatic” and wondering what the fuck happened? I put Kanye West’s “College Drop Out” on repeat and with a all black dress on and rope chain prepared myself to say goodbye to my beloved, Hip-Hop.

Then, a roommate a few years ago introduced me to a few underground artists. Something happened, a familiar feeling filled me when I listened to these kids that refused to morn something that wasn’t gonna die in their eyes.

I was instantly filled with joy and ripped the black dress off in celebration. I gave up so fast, shame on me too for believing that the spirit could be killed so easily! I listened to a song, “Hiii Power” and realized that a small group was devising a plan to resurrect our beloved. The underground bubbled up and like a good episode of House, bust through the operating room door, threw some gloves on and despite what everyone was yelling, began to perform an emergency procedure. She died on the table but only temporarily; they were determined to bring her back. And low and behold…they did. The people looked up and began to realize we were being force fed trash and our love had WAAAYYY more to offer than alcohol, parties and expensive brands.   

We have survived the ratchet era of Hip-Hop. An era in which only money, cars, clothes and hoes mattered. An era in which artist had no longevity simply because they lacked something (talent maybe?). They lacked the love and passion of making this music. The only thing that mattered to these businessmen and women were making money and showing it off. Not to say that there is no room for this, but she will die if this becomes more important than the love of making the music. 

I bought “Good kid M.a.a.D city” and was floored and relieved. Someone was becoming more popular who actually has a passion for the music. I explored other artist who shared the same passion. I’m going to dare to say, us Hip-Hop Generationers (born around 80s and 90s, the rise of the Hip-Hop genre) are entering into a new movement within the music. We now have J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar who at one point would be considered ‘conscious’ rappers and boxed into this category, cutting off their ability to be human and achieve balance. These rappers are now allowing themselves to speak on some real shit and at the same time roam over to the ratchet side (I keep saying it and I’ll continue to say it, we all got some ratchet in us!).

It’s a beautiful thing to be able to see these men and women who love the music, make an appearance and go against everything that the mainstream has asserted for the past few years. It felt as if I was holding my breathe, waiting on someone or something to break this cycle of ratchetness! Before I turned blue in the face and passed out I was allowed to exhale as I watched Black Hippy, Dizzy Wright, Hopsin, Pac Div etc., etc. Thank God! 

Hopsin Mixape: The Mind of Ill Hopsin

Dizzy Wright. Mixtape: Soul Searching

  

Jaren Benton. Mixtape: Freebasing with Kevin Bacon

Angel Haze. Mixtape: Classick

We all know that the music is the soundtrack to the culture of the time. We are experiencing a dramatic shift…and I’m excited to see what effect this will have on the young people in the broader society.

Pac Div. Mixtape: Mania

Jean Grae. Mixtape: Cookies or Comas

Medusa Mixtape: http://www.2dopeboyz.com/2012/05/29/sound-fx-medusa-mixtape/

Black Girls Code is a program designed to help introduce girls of color to technology and science. They are the semi finalist for a $200,000 Focus Forward Filmmaker competition! Watch and Vote! Watch and Vote!

http://vimeo.com/focusforwardfilms/semifinalists/51886136

Azealia Banks...the girl is DOPE!

Azealia Banks: L8r
Mixtape: Fantasea (?? not sure, if you know the name please leave it in the comment box!)

One of my FAVORITE Hippies...Ab-Soul...

Ab-Soul ft. Kendrick Lamar ILLuminate
Mixtape: Control System

Ladies...Mr. Idris Elba...try to control yourselves..

Did I mention accents are my weakness...yum...

Peace, Love and Progress

-->

I come in peace but please don’t test me I’ll leave you in pieces.

Standing in the front door with a shotgun in hand and a pick in my fro,

Welcome to the Cleavers.

But I’ll wave you in with open arms, invite you in to eat

Like you a Katrina victim and I’m FEMA.

Sit you down like you my student and teach you something,

We can enlighten one another.

But your shit I will not take,

Punish your ass like I’m your God given birth mother.

I come in peace but please don’t test me I’ll leave yo ass in pieces.

Progress is what I’m aiming for and if you trying to stop that

I’ll flush ya like feces.

Cleanse your mind and soul

Lead you into the light like Ephesians.

Daughter of God, no blasphemy, try to save you like I’m Jesus.

Love is what I’m aiming for (what Lil Boosie say?)

You Betta Believe it!

I’m a lost girl wondering, giving knowledge

And also seeking it.

But don’t take my kindness for weakness.

Two fingers in the air and wave them like a beatnik.

I come in peace.

Please don’t leave in pieces.

The Boondocks and Black Women

Its not a secret, I'm a huge fan of the Boondocks! I been following this series since I first discovered the radical little afro'd black boy, Huey, in the St. Louis Post Dispatch comic section. I was fascinated with McGruder's views on politics, black culture and his ability to get under peoples skin! I still in a way, model my delivery of my views after his. Although some may have differing opinions about what he says and how he says it, one thing can't be denied, this man is brilliant!

I was enjoying his clever puns and ratchetness (yes, we all have some ratchet in us. he is included) throughout his "Ma Dukes" episode when a friend brought up a rumor surrounding him. "You know they say he don't like black women." I paused the episode and pondered the statement. As a fan and a black woman, I needed to do some research!

After a few quick searches, some things popped up surrounding his love life and preference for women. Its speculated that he has a strong liking for Asian and White women. There was even a post (mind you this came out shortly after the Ma Dukes episode...so take it with a few grains of salt) about a mistress of his that claims he expressed how unattractive and undatable he found black women.

Ebony Brown, Season 3

I had to sit back and take a moment to reflect. I even took a few minutes to think back to episodes in which black women appeared. I asked myself, what kind of black women, if any, frequent the show the most? I could only come up with a few episodes. The first is,"Lovely Ebony Brown". This is a later episode in which Granddad finds and loses the perfect girl for him (mainly because of his own insecurities). Something to note is her appearance, she was of a lighter complexion and straight hair with more European features than African.

A second episode in which a black woman is center is, "Guess Hoe's coming to Dinner?". Again, Granddad thinks he finds the perfect woman only to find out she is a hoe...literally. She was A Pimp Named Slick Back's property (by the way, this episode is fu%^*ng hilarious!). Cristal (like the champagne) was also of a lighter complexion with long blonde hair.

Cristal, Season 1

After going through a few more episodes in my mind, irony set in. Huey and Riley Freeman, the main characters of the show are both voiced by Regina King, a black woman, and yet representation of black woman are extremely scarce within the series.

Regina King

I had to sit back and ponder this irony within the Boondocks. I did some additional research and came across the MoKellyReport (go follow it/read if you don't already! He is not a game!) who in so many words stated that although this man is a phenomenal writer, critical and creative thinker, he still has work that needs to be done within himself. I agreed.

I am still a HUGE fan of the Boondocks and Aaron McGruder's work. He inspired me through his series to continue to call out a patriarchal white supremacist system in which we live, just as he has/did. But even though he can call it out, doesn't mean he is immune to it, and as far as I know, he never claimed to be.

It is impossible for one show, leader, organization, etc. etc. about black people to get it right. It will take a variety of different approaches to truly capture the complexity of black male AND female life. I fervently applaud The Boondocks and use it's shortcomings as more inspiration to help create a space for black women. I only hope that someone, someday will point out my shortcomings and utilize it in the same way.

Peace, Love and Progress.

Source: Black Ankh Afro Thoughts

The Olmecs...A post about them soon to come..

Look at those features...who else has them?

There is a debate on who this was sculpted after...who do you think?

Zulu Tribe girl

So much Color!

Beyond Dope

Source: Natural Queen of Coarse

Say it...

Source: Natural Queen of Coarse

Make the Leap

Sometimes that space in between seems so much bigger than what it really is...

Source: Natural Queen of Coarse

Random Fact

source: Natural Queen of Coarse

Ladies and Gentleman...Ms. Tricia Rose!

I want to be like her when I grow up...

Oh and If you're interested in getting the book she is discussing (which I strongly suggest if you like what you hearing) here is the link son! http://www.amazon.com/Hip-Hop-Wars-Hop-Matters/dp/0465008976

Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop!

So, this article is kinda long but I think its worth the read.

"When I die, bury me inside the Louie Store." Funny, If 2chainz were a woman, and a model, I'm sure that Louie wouldn't dare put him in a fashion show (can we guess why? Starts with a B ends with a K). So the bigger question is, why give these companies so much shine when they probably wouldn't even spit on him if he were on fire?

Well, there is a reason. We are in the age of advertising. No avenue is off limits when it comes to pushing a product. In some cases, these companies pay record labels (good money by the way too) to have their artist mention their products in their songs. Now lets take a minute to reflect...These artist (take ratchet rappers for an example, you know those rappers who are only out for about 2 years, only rap about materialistic things and then they disappear) are placed under contract and forced to perform about things that are within the confines of that contract (money, cars, clothes, hoes, etc.). If the artist is not successful in sales, the label drops them. The artist is left in debt while the label laughs all the way to bank, cashing in about 4 million on average from the ratchet rapper/singer.

One word can sum up this process: Exploitation. This is not to state that all record labels are corrupt and only want to make money off the poor souls then drop them back in debt where they came from, not at all. But the vast majority (About 6 major record labels run it. Period. Look it up!) have followed this trend. Along with this article, a good read on the subject is "Its Bigger Than Hip-Hop" by M.K. Asante Jr.
http://politicalpalace.yuku.com/topic/2217#.UKA7U4WfuP9

http://www.amazon.com/Its-Bigger-Than-Hip-Hop/dp/0312593023

Susie Carmichael

I'm grateful to have this girl to watch as I grew up. I loved/love the Rugrats with a passion, mainly because of Susie! I think I have her (along with bunch of others) to blame for the way I am now.


I didn't know all of this about her and her family! Did you know her mom was a Pilot, Doctor and a Chef?? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susie_Carmichael

Just as long as Its Barack's...

Tell em Riley...

                     If you haven't seen this episode The Fundraiser...stop what you doing...and go watch it!

Aboriginal Tasmainian People

These are the indigenous people of Australia, the Aboriginal Tasmanian People. Before British colonization there were about 3,000 to 15,000 of these peoples living there. Disease, much like the indigenous peoples of America, effectively destroyed (genocide, murdered) full blooded aboriginal people.

A little more on their history. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aboriginal_Tasmanian 

As always, this is only a starting point, if you want to know more...do your research!!
   

Basquash!!

So, I'll admit...I LOVE anime!! As a writer, I think I like the story lines more than anything! Sometimes it can get a little weird and its often very eurocentric (like the rest of the world) but you gotta know how to navigate through the tons of anime out there! Don't worry...I GOTCHU!! This sports related futuristic anime has a lot of black and brown faces! The main character and love interest is even a black girl with natural hair! Shit, I don't see main characters as love interest this dark in movies that are aimed at us *cough Tyler Perry cough*. That was enough to hook me for a few episodes. Check it out! What do ya think?

 http://www.animefushigi.com/watch/basquash-episode-1

Brooklyn Castle

For ten years this school has won national chess championships. A school were 70 PERCENT of their kids live below the poverty level and quite a few are black...

Pac Div

Heard about this group on Facebook through Kendrick Lamar's fan page. I appreciate good, lyrical music. You know, the kind that sounds like they took some time and thought about what they were saying. I'm not saying I don't like my ratchet music! Not at all (we all got some ratchet in us! nothing to be ashamed of!) But I can't listen to "Birthday Song" all day everyday! 2chaniz is cool, but the fact that he gets more shine than some...that's another post.

Pac Div- "Anti-Freeze"
Mixtape: Mania!

A little bit more about the band...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pac_Div

Queen of the Ring...

Babs from Diddy's "Da Band" took her passion for Hip-Hop and started a female rap movement called Queen of the Ring. Based in New York young ladies from all over the country travel to showcase their freestyle skills against other female MCs. Man, these girls are beyond cold! I quickly became a fan of the fierce FREESTYLE (these girls come in going off the top of their heads...that takes talent to deliver like these women do!) battle and found myself following the movement!

 I became a fan of Torie Doe immediately due to the fact this girl is tiny but raps with the soul of fucking giant!! And also she's from Harlem, NY one of my favorite places in New York! Without further ado, Ladies and Gentlemen: Torie Doe V. Royal Honey

After the competition whats best is these lioness' hug and show that there is no love lost!! I love it!!!

On "Unity" and Progress

So I wandered back over to the site of conflict to find a disturbing post I'm sure my roommate and I inspired the author to write. It was a comical piece in my eyes and not the least bit infuriating. I'm perfectly OK with her 5 Reason You're (Me, and Antionette) Are Not Ready To Swirl. She has the right to interpret what we said anyway she likes! As an adult, I don't expect everyone to completely agree with what I'm saying. That's unrealistic! I don't think that unity is built around completely and totally agreeing with what someone is saying but rallied around a cause. We may have different ways of uplifting black women and black people but we are both attempting to do that in a society that would rather we not. I commend you Christelyn, even if you don't appreciate me pointing out the shortcomings on your blog. I know criticism can be hard to take (Just look at Tyler Perry's reaction to Spike Lees criticism...nuff said!) but it is necessary in order to keep moving forward. I hope that any readers who have conflict with what I'm saying don't hesitate to call me out! This is how we learn and grow! As long as we can come to some common ground, it doesn't matter to me what route we take to reach our goal of uplift and forward movement! Peace, Love and Progress!

Ok, so this pic got little to do with the post BUT...this passage some real ish!

Chile Student Protest 2011-2012

I bet you didn't know the kids in Chile ain't taking this shit no mo!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011%E2%80%932012_Chilean_student_protests



Lead By this young woman...Camila Vallejo http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/aug/24/chile-student-leader-camila-vallejo
 

Terrorist Threats...Black Hippy Shit

Ab-Soul...

Black Power Mixtape

For all my readers who were born in the 80s and 90s but soul been fighting since the 60s...BLACK POWER MIXTAPE!! I couldn't find the link for the full video, but you can go to topdocumentaryfilms.com and enter it into the search!

Books for You!!!

So you think to yourself, 'Yeah, I wanna know more about black culture but damn, where do I start?'
Don't worry I got you covered son!!!! (in my Bronx accent). How bout we start at the beginning! Good reads that are informative and despite the title, entertaining as well.

 "Africa: A Biography of the Continent" John Reader
 

"Precolonial Black Africa" Cheikh Anta Diop
 

I bought both of these from Amazon.com for under $15...just saying!

HYFR...

Jarawa Girls

Importance of Language

Imagine, if when brought over here the slaves never forgot what their native tongue was? How powerful would that be? I present to you,  a lady from a the Bo tribe that is now extinct (She was part of the Andaman Tribe) speaking about holding on to their language.

http://www.survivalinternational.org/news/8049

By the way, if you would like to help out the Jarawa people, the link above gives you a few options. Its pretty cool, go check it out.

The Jarawa People

Y'all Smell that???? Revolution is in the air...

http://www.boston.com/news/world/latin-america/2012/11/08/argentines-protest-huge-anti-government-march/m4YaCzLfM4tAWHpsW0IcxM/story.html



Argentines Protest In Huge Anti Government March

Black in Latin America

Before watching this I had no idea Brazil had the second largest black population next to Africa. Damn, they hella black down there y'all.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/black-in-latin-america/ 

Ladies and Gentlemen, Tim Wise!

Drop that knowledge on 'em.

Never Surrender

And if my blood is spilled in the street and leaks onto the concrete 
I pray that it writes a beautiful poem of how I never surrendered.
And if what I say disturbs you because you have misconstrued my view
I hope that when the smoke clears, my people can see I never surrendered.
And even when I stand at the gallows
My head will not hang low
A persistent battle I'll put up until I go
Because I will never surrender. 


                              Che Guevara

Damien Escobar from group, Nuttin' But Stringz

How many black boys will look at Hip Hop in a whole new light now? I thought about my nephew the whole time watching this video.

By the way...Did I mention passion and talent for something is a turn on? ;)

Yaass!

Get it girl! Get it girl! Gone and get it girl!

Niggas Talking Bout Save me!

HaHa! Gotta Love the Boondocks...I swear, I met some people who remind me of Uncle Ruckus just recently!

80s baby but My Soul was a Black Panther...

Now who the kids gone listen to? I guess me if it isn't you!

Come Back Lauryn!!!

Now who said hippies aint black...?

Black Hippy Shit...How swag am I?

Black Hippy (From Left to Right) Jay Rock, SchoolBoyQ, Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul

So What is HiiiPower??

Its more than a song...its a movement! Started by Kendrick Lamar he states the three Is in HiiiPower are for heart, honor and respect. Its about remaining above all the bullshit in the world and maintaining your self-respect and dignity the best way you know how. Its acknowledging that we are only taught half truths in the world and encourages our generation to actively seek what our truths really are! Now say it with me, HIIIPOWER!!!

Keep it Moving

Even when facing opposition, if you believe in what you do then keep doing it!

Little Rock Nine...I hope you familiar with it..No? Google it!

Addressing a Comment from...BB&W

To answer your question. Yes, I am a "street kid". I hail from the inner city. I'm not ashamed of that AT ALL. But I'm the worst type of street kid. The most dangerous kind of street kid you'll ever meet...A street kid with knowledge and intelligence. Because of where I'm from I don't run from conflict and because of what I know, I can (or will try) to back up my fight with facts. So yeah...be afraid of the "street kids"...you have every reason to be. Peace, Love and Progress Ladies. Peace, Love and Progress.


They were called a bunch of "street kids" too. I give you SNCC. Damn, white men aligned with them...why not them as a example? Lack of historical knowledge...? If you dont know who they are...do your research!!

Yeah...thats about right.