99 problems but your attitude ain't one

I learned a long time ago back in high school when a school friend that we'll call John put me in a bad mood one day because he was in a bad mood and said something really sarcastic. Now, John was not a bad person and usually was funny and approachable, but the point was that I almost carried that bad mood with me all day until I realized I was making his problem MY problem. Why should I walk around upset all day just because he was? Even though what he said bothered me and I couldn't control what he said or did, I didn't have to take ownership of his problem. Now, how does that translate to adulthood?

I've slowly began to accept the idea that if a person has a problem with me that's their problem, not mine. I know, it's not rocket science but it's a hard thing to practice. We all care what people think about us, but we all know that we can't make the whole world happy, fine. Yet, sometimes I'd find myself trying to rationalize why a person isn't nice to me one day when they usually are, or why someone has this imaginary issue with me that each time I see them they avoid eye contact. These mysteries that I debate over in my head are just not that worth it. I've learned to keep it moving. That doesn't mean I don't notice when a person is acting a certain way toward me, but if I attempt to be civil, and know I've done nothing wrong I really don't give a flying vampire bat about it.

You have to learn not to care. That's hard for a person like me who likes genuine relationships, and I'm not a people pleaser but I like to communicate even if briefly with most people. I must say I've even gotten better at small talk (hold the applause).

I've decided to ease the burden off my shoulders and my mind. Of course I care about my reputation and how people view me, but when a person has no reason to have an issue yet creates one with me with passive aggressive antics I choose not to care. If I offend someone or did something wrong bad enough they decide to act like they don't want to be civil, then they can be adult enough to discuss it with me. It's not MY problem even if it's directed at me. Sure, I can address it but I've learned not to make it my issue.

I have TOO many problems to overcome than to take on someone else's problem even if their problem is with me.

Rise of the Planet of the Inconsiderate Movie-Goers

I haven't been to the movies in almost two years. Of course, I've seen many recent movies courtesy of Netflix, but since moving to Philly I haven't actually gone to the theater.

We went Friday to see Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Decent movie, but what was even more painfully entertaining is how I forgot partly why I hate going to the movies. People seem to lose all sorts of etiquette. Now, granted it could have been much worse but here are the lowlights of my movie-going experience.

1. My pet peeve is when there are a plethora of seats yet a group of people decide to make you get up to let them in so they can sit in the middle of your row. I always choose an end seat because I don't want to have to climb over people's laps if I need to leave the theater - some people don't seem to mind that. With dozens of rows left and empty, a couple (who were nice and courteous) proceeded to excuse themselves as they moved their way through to the middle of our row. I wasn't mad, just confused. I like my space, and don't understand why others want to be all next to a stranger.

2. Then fifteen minutes later a group of older women do the same thing only this lady has the nerve to not ask us or say "excuse me" like the couple but the lady stops near our row and says. "I guess we'll have to get in here", then says something else I can't recall of the same nature. Yes, I stalled on letting them in because COMMON courtesy is to say excuse not say some vague sentence in hopes I'll spring up to let you in. All four of y'all were old enough to have manners. Shame on you all.

*Also, I don't know if the lady next to the empty seat in between us was scared of us or what. Usually women leave their purse on the floor (or tucked between their feet, as I do), or casually put it in their lap. This woman was holding onto her purse for dear life. Poor woman, she could not have possibly enjoyed the movie if she felt the need to clutch her purse the whole time.

3. This older man was sitting in front of us the whole time. At one point before the movie began the previews were on so he goes up to a row of dudes that had seated in front of him and apparently tells the guy to put his phone away. When the man returns to his seat he's mumbling something, so I presume he thought the guy was trying to record/bootleg the movie. I don't know if the man worked for the theater or was just nosy. I hope he worked there because if not he really should have minded his business. The guy had a cell phone not a camera, I doubt he was going to capture a master bootleg. Oh, and the other guy told him to mind his (won't right the word on my blog) business. I wasn't hoping it wouldn't spill into drama, it didn't.

4. Sorry, but every time I see a large group of inner-city youth I think flashmob. I live in Philly so I preserve the right to have that thought. Of course the large group of teens enter the theater, loudly so that everyone knows they've stepped in the building. Luckily, they sat nowhere near us. Hey, they're entitled to go to a movie and have fun, but in recently events in this area you do have to be somewhat wary of a large group of teens swarming around.

5. I hate when people clap during the movie at a pivotal moment, or when it's over. I'm not saying people can't show their reaction but I find it kind of cheesy.

All in all, not a bad movie, not a completely bad experience.

It's Bigger than the 27 Club

When reports surfaced that British singer Amy Winehouse had died, it didn't take long before stories circulated comparing her death at 27 to iconic musicians who also died at the same age such as, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Kurt Cobain.

Titles like, "Amy Joins the 27 Club: Who Are the Other Members", "Winehouse just latest to musician to die at 27" which permeate the web seem to trivialize the overall seriousness of the situation and fail at the opportunity to go deeper into who the artist was besides the drug-induced antics and rumors that circulated her, in her last years.

We're all just ordinary people

When an artist has talent it becomes hard for some of us to understand why they choose the path of drugs. When an artist has millions, it becomes hard for us on the outside to really understand why they would choose to water down their reputation with pills, crack, or alcohol. The reality may be a tough pill for some to swallow, so here goes: they're humans, they just have a talent they have been able to make money off of. Yes, some artists are extraordinary and unbelievably talented, but nearly everyone has met someone who is extraordinary in their lives, they just may not be famous.

We shouldn't be surprised when celebrities have "normal people problems", and addictions. We wouldn't make fun of the drug addict down the street who struggles with an addition, or an alcoholic in our family, yet when it comes to celebrities it's open season.

Why do some artists not get the chance to truly prove their artistry?

Amy Winehouse was a talented vocalist, bellowing out soulful tunes who quickly moved on the industry radar after her 2003. Her addiction quickly overshadowed her talent and started to sabotage attempts for her to revive her career.

It's easy to celebrate someone more after death than we did while they were alive. There's a reason why today Winehouse's Back to Black moved to the number one spot on iTunes. Some may have been dear fans, while others may want to celebrate the music of a woman whose troubles prevented her from being the star she could have been, and others who never listened to her music may want to experience the music that garnered her so many fans.

Unfortunately, like many artists before her, we tend to nurture their legacy after they're gone and ridicule them while they're alive if they stray from perfection. Now, we'll retire the unflattering, embarrassing photos snapped of Winehouse to be placed on the biggest gossip sites, and replace them with the classier photos of her better days. That's the way the story goes.

As of yet, the cause of death has not been released as a post-mortem examination will be performed today.

Mary J. Blige Just Fine

We all know the story about Mary J. Blige’s harsh beginnings, difficult childhood, and drug abuse that chronicled her personal life in the 90s. While we respect the struggle, we also have grown to love and appreciate the new and refreshed Mary who has traded “I’m going down/ ‘cuz you ain’t around”, and pleading to a man “I can love you better than she can”, for a woman belting out tunes like “no more drama” and “just fine”.

One aspect of Mary that stays true is her genuineness and ability to not get caught in the crazy music industry hype - something most artists are unable to escape. Mary does not sweat the small stuff. Mary is not a R&B songstress who discredits new and talented songstresses, unlike some singers we need not mention, Mary does not feel the need to mimic the younger singers, unlike some singers we need not mention, and most of all, she understands her legend and the power behind it. She doesn’t dilute the formula that made her popular in the first place by trading her image for a new one with each album. If Mary changes, it’s because she actually goes through a transformation, not because someone is behind her pulling the strings. Of course, she has sought out new sounds and tested her abilities to create new music, but all in all, she reigns true to herself.
Mary J. Blige’s new endeavor, a second perfume fragrance following her debut perfume My Life from last year proves she is further branding herself. Unlike some veteran R&B singers, Mary is not focusing on recreating her image with each album, or sounding like a knock off of another singer in the music industry. Perhaps, because she knows that those formulas rarely work. Instead, her formula is expanding her name and focus on other projects where she knows she can excel. She’s using her fame to inspire others to buy her product, and from what it seems, it’s a pretty damn good product. So all other veteran R&B singers, get a pad and take some notes.

Photo via HSN.com

How I Made a Karma Book

I don't throw out greeting cards. Now, that's not to say I know where every card I've ever received is - I don't. When I get new cards I display them; these cards I used are from a few years ago or so. I've wanted to do something creative with the dozens of greeting cards I've received over the years for awhile. Yesterday, I took an empty scrapbook, some edge scissors and cut out inspirational or positive messages people have written me in cards and make some "karma pages".

I didn't cut up ALL my greeting cards as some had very long messages, or had beautiful covers so I creatively incorporated those without cutting anything. I highly reccomend this for anyone who has a bunch of greeting cards and has no idea what to do with them. This took me like about 45 minutes.

My reason for making this is to collect positive words of encouragement and good wishes I've received along with some images for an artistic effect. I call it a Karma Book because it is filled with memories, words of encouragement and messages from some of the closest people to me (and some I was close to at one point in time), and somehow I've connected that with the idea of attracting positivity. You also can use any images or inspirational quotes you live by to fill the pages, I just started with what I already had.

Note: This is super easy. I am by no means a scrapbooker, or expert with arts and crafts, but was able to make it look pretty decent.

Materials: scrapbook 12''12, textured cardstock 12''12, decorative edge scissors, glue stick, and bond glue, greeting cards, old concert stubs, card cover images, etc.

Spicing Up your H2O

I love drinking water. I know some people find it bland or boring but I've never had that problem really though sometimes I do need a little flavor. Unfortunately, a lot of those "flavored" waters like Vitamin Water, (couldn't get enough of these in college!), have more sugar than they should and aren't really stocked with nutrients and vitamins like they claim. Now, I'm not even gonna lie, I occasionally drink Vitamin Water every once in awhile. I also like Arizona Tea Water that claims to be 100% organic tea, but I have always hated those fake tasting flavored waters that taste like water with just some sugar dumped in.

In college, I also got hip to spicing up my water in a natural and healthier way. I'd use a concoction of limes and cucumbers and put them in a pitcher of water (something I once read in an article that Beyonce did). It adds flavor but it also doesn't give that weird aftertaste that some flavored waters give. Sometimes I'd add a slice of lemon instead. It actually reminded me of these really good flavored waters Aldi's used to carry in orange, lemon, and lime that had the perfect balance of water and a hint of flavor.

Anyways, sometimes I really don't feel like chopping up lime and lemon or cucumbers, and unfortunately, sometimes if you leave them in the water for too long it becomes too acidic and not worth drinking anymore. So, as the picture indicates my new best friends for my water are just sprinkling some drops of lemon or lime juice in my water. It's less messy than slicing the limes or lemon and they are very low in calorie; the lime juice has just 1.25 calories per serving.

Cooking Chronicles: Quiche part 2

So, the first time I made a quiche in December it didn't go that smoothly. I think the culprit was that I didn't use real eggs and used egg substitutes (was lazy and didn't feel like getting a regular carton). So once I sliced, diced and threw everything together it took forever for everything to cook and for awhile it was really runny and I had to throw it in the oven to cook more. Despite falling apart a bit when cutting slices, it still came out really good.

Fast forward to June - my last quiche came out perfect. I used 6 real eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, turkey bacon (cooked beforehand), raw mushrooms, and spinach from a can and buttered the pan with a butter substitute and not an oil. It was the perfect texture and consistency, and I was pleasantly surprised after last time's fail. I cooked it for about 35 minutes.

My two cents on making a quiche: don't use fake eggs (unless you have to because you don't eat real eggs) ! Also, using butter to grease the pan makes the crust hold everything together more.

Kids will be kids?

Recently many of teens and younger children have graced headlines for unruly, disruptive and violent acts. One of the more publicized events was last year in the Philadelphia when Flash large groups of teens (Flash Mobs) gathered around some of the more popular businesses and restaurants of Philadelphia to cause ruckus, beat innocent people all in the name of "fun".

Legions of people have blamed the parents. Many have cited the absence of acceptable role models/fathers in the child's life as a reason for the poor behavior. I agree for the most part, however, I think the most blame lies in the fact that these kids have poor self-concept. You have to have a poor concept of self to want to wreck havoc on others. Something is not fulfilled or missing from you inside to make you make better decisions.

A group of 9-12 year olds from Southwest Philadelphia beat a 41-year-old woman in a horrific game of "catchin wreck" several months back. They even taunted the woman when she begged for mercy because she lost her son and can't take anymore pain. These were the same group of kids who also almost killed a 73-year old man previously when the assaulted him and stole his money, causing him to have a heart attack. Oh, and one of the 12-year-olds was pregnant. So what type of child do you think she will raise? Unfortunately, in that case I doubt you could even rely on the child's mother as clearly something was allowed to go on that resulted in this child's pregnancy. And if you know your child is pregnant at that age, why continue to let her go out and get into more trouble?

(Disclaimer: when I say "they" or "kids today", I don't mean ALL kids, but many. I know there are good kids out there) There is a generation gap; the new kids have a lot more anger in them than ever before. They're mean, they're ultimate bullies and clearly have no concept of right and wrong. All kids make mistakes. When I was a kid in the 90s', a mistake was cheating on a test, hitting your sibling too hard, breaking your mom's vase, sneaking out the house to go play, drinking underage. It wasn't beating people to death, robbing, raping, assaulting, etc. The phrase kids make mistakes goes out the window with this.

They know what they are doing. The argument may be that their brains have not fully developed yet and they do not have the best judgement. I am much wiser now than at 15, and probably will be wiser (hopefully, lol) at 32 than now. BUT I knew what not to do at 14. I knew that causing harm to someone could get you put in jail, that my mom would be mad at me and I'd be embarrassed.

Many kids though, don't care. They have no concept of "what happens after I do this?" and it's scary. I could cite all the disturbing incidents of teen violence, even stats from the suburbs as well, but I'd be here all day.

What I will say is that we've lost our way. Especially with some inner-city youth. Many rely on ugly stereotypes about people of color to guide the way they act almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy. You live in Philadelphia and you have nothing better to do than cause problems? I lived in a small town where many things closed after awhile except for the local WaWa and the diners. We would drive around just talking, sit at the river or chill somewhere, so I don't want to hear the excuse they're bored. Yes, there probably aren't enough activities geared towards keeping teens busy, building leadership, etc., but what they are doing is ridiculous, causing people fear and is just downright embarrassing.

Sure, some parents probably had no idea where there kid was, they may have lied about where they were going, as many of us probably did as kids when we didn't want an argument. However, some of these parents are just as belligerent as their kids. Some of these parents are ready to fight or cuss someone out for what they deem as disrespect in a second, so what can we expect? Some of these parents encourage their children to fight someone who disrespected them. I wish I didn't have to say that, but there is an influx of parents who really don't "parent". I won't pretend I know what it's like to have kids because I do not have any yet, but if you can't properly teach your child to be a contributing member of society, don't have any. There's enough problems with children running around thinking they are invincible because no one checks their behavior at home.

"You Owe Me"

"You Owe Me" isn't just the commercial rap song effort from Nas featuring Ginuwine in 2000, it's what his soon-to-be former wife, and mother of his child, Kelis, is singing all the way to courthouse. In July, Nas was ordered to pay $55,000 a month, but now the singer and her lawyer are saying it's not enough.

I awoke today to a friend's status stating the news regarding Nas/Kelis and a variety of tweets on twitter regarding it as well. It was apparently a discussion on Hot 97 and according to dimewars.com here's a breakdown of what Kelis requests:

- Nas pulls in $244,826 a month
– Kelis rakes in a relatively paltry $13,744 a month
– Kelis should get child support totaling $17,225 a month
– Kelis should get spousal support totaling $72,728
– Nas should pay retro child support totaling $29,522
– Nas should pay retro spousal support totaling $281,571

I'm not a mother, or a wife, yet, but have a few words regarding this. We know Kelis's career hasn't been as acclaimed as Nas's has been. When she first emerged on the scene in 1999 she garnerered some buzz: she had a funky sound that was not quite R&B, not quite pop, she was eccentric with wild hair and had some in-your-face songs that brought variety to the music landscape. In the years following Kelis hyped up her mainstream appeal with hits like, "Milkshake", and "Bossy", but still hasn't matched up with Nas in terms of record sales, performing consistently and mass appeal.

It should also be noted that Nas, who is a big name in Hip-Hop and a veteran as far as the genre is concerned, doesn't have the mainstream following of someone like Jay-Z or Lil Wayne. I'm not an accountant and saying he can't afford all of this, but since he isn't selling like Lil Wayne, or creating business partnerships and running other entrepreneurial endeavors like Jay-Z, and is getting older in age, how long will that be the amount he earns per month. With that said, Kelis has every opportunity to supplement an income on her own merits.

She just gave birth, but as an entertainer I'd assume she'd eventually want to work more on her music career. I won't pretend to know what she is going through or what she's thinking, but this issue just seems to be more about obtaining more money that finances actually needed to sustain her lifestyle. Just a thought.

Her demands are pretty excessive. I'm sure her lawyer is pressuring her to make these requests, but she's making the spousal support and child support system look like it's supposed to be a cash fairy. I don't know the details of their relationship and of course speculations point to supposed infidelity, though Nas maintains that he was a good husband - far from perfect he admitted, but a good husband.

I'm not a celebrity so maybe I don't understand the dependecy of luxury to feel "comfortable", but if she is making that "mere" $13,000 a month and that is combined with the $55,000 she already set to be receiving from Nas, that is enough to provide a very lavish lifestyle for herself and her child. Retro-active child support when the child has only been in this world a month? Retro-active spousal support? Please. Kelis, I know you did not walk away from the relationship with no money in your pockets, and I did not hear any reports of you being with a home, kicked out of your home, or unsure of where to lay your head at night.



I guess Nas is kicking himself for not having a pre-nup. For the average couple, a pre-nup is not always something necessary, but if either party makes an extensive amount of money, or both do, for that matter, you should have one - just in case. It doesn't mean your marriage will be doomed or you are entering with doubts, it's just insurance. Many people go through their lives, fortunate not to be in a car accident, but they need it - just in case. We can't control others' decisions and actions and sadly, sometimes people become strangers to us, so you must protect your assets.

All I can say is things are about to get uglier. At a time where the focus should be on their one month old son, Knight it's dedicated to bunting heads on financial matters, dealing with lawyers and fixation on money.

A Few of the Biggest Movie "Haters"

Hollywood in Love Jones (1997) - Played by Bill Bellamy, Hollywood was that guy in the group of friends who always had a sarcastic remark not because he was witty, but because deep down he was a hater who lacked the intelligence, creativity and overall personality his buddies had. All of that manifested into the fake confidence and cockiness of Hollywood's persona.

His punk move: Taking out Nina after her and Darius broke up and intentionally bringing her to a party where they'd run into everyone, which made her look like an official homie hopper. After instant embarrassment, Nina asked him to take her home where he adamantally refused telling her to walk. But just when Nina was about to her walk home Mr. Lovehall (Darius) saved the day (or night.)





Debo in Friday (1995)
You couldn't have anything with Debo around! Not a bike, not money, and certainly not a backbone, which is what Red found out one unfaithful day. We all remember that when Red tried to get his "borrowed/stolen" bike back from Debo he got hit.

Punk move: Hitting his girl, but Ice Cube had a remedy for him. A royal beatdown on his lawn cheered on by neighbors tired of Debo terrorizing the neighborhood.













Remy in Higher Learning (1995) - In every sense of the word, Remy was a "hater". After being shunned by social crowds and laughed at his first semester in college, he eventually found comradery with white supremacists which set off a chain reaction of unfortunate events in the provocative film focusing on race, sexuality, and gender.

Punk move: Shooting on Peace day and consequently killing Deja (Tyra Banks)










The Color Purple(1985) - Mister
Hateful, mean and obviously eternally pissed off he didn't get to marry the prettier sister and had to "settle for Cielie"

Punk Move: Inviting Shug Avery to live with him thinking he could have his cake (served by his live-in servant/wife Cielie) and eat it too. Eventually moved by motivation and learning that her sister had been writing her years, she breaks the bonds of years' mistreatment.













Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)- Patrick
In this unique film which explored love, neuroscience, memory loss, and fate, Patrick is at the center of it all. He uses the old notes and memories of Clementine (Kate Winslet) who comes to his company to get her memory erased , and her boyfriend, Joel, (Jim Carrey) to lure her into a relationship using the advantage of knowing the intimate details of her past relationship.

Punk Move: Believing his plan would work. Although at first, he managed to woo her by using recycled memories, she eventually started to feel that something wasn't quite right. The film was a good portrayal of fate because though both their memories had been erased Clementine and Joel eventually met again and start dating only to discover they weren't the strangers they thought they were.

Competing for Love?

Reality TV is anything but reality these days. They need to change the name. We all know that most of the fights, eliminations and events are all staged and the only thing real about these shows often is the name of the cast members (well sometimes).

Flavor of Love, I Love New York, Tela Tequila, Rock of Love, Real Chance of Love, For the Love of Ray-J and every other "dating" show have a few things in common. Scantily-dressed women, egotistical men, stereotypical types of men and women? Sure, but not just that. The exploitation of the word "Love".

These shows seems to imply love is something you need to compete for, especially as women. None of them are looking for genuine true ever-lasting love on the show. If they wanted to keep it true to what it is they'd replace the word "love" with "lust".

Sometimes, as in the case of Miss New York and Tela Tequila, the female is the object of desire by several male contestants who want to be her man, but more common is females fighting over men. Does life imitate art or does art imitate life? Of course, calling these shows art is an insult, but in reality we do see women fighting amongst each other all the time and girls are starting to do it at an even earlier age. They're fighting each other, beating each other up and doing other vicisous things all over a boy. All in the name of love.

Should you really have to chase love? Should you have to prove you're the "best" woman for a man. Shouldn't he know that, or decide on his own? It kind of reminds me of the Mary J. Blige song, "I Can Love U", where she sings how she can love you better than "she can" while pining for a man who just doesn't want her the way she'd like. (Love the song though).

It just seems shows like these dating reality programs enforce the idea that men need a bevy of women to chose from, test them out, and then after some test drives he'll pick the one for him. Only, in these shows, there rarely are any genuine love connections made as after the show is over they aren't really a couple.

The cliche part is how these attractive women with these perfect bodies come on the show and the male then gets upset or surprised when he learns she's an aspiring model, singer or an ex-stripper or porn star. As Beyonce sings, "you got a big ego...."

However, for those who can't get enough of reality TV have some more coming their way when 2/3 of the Stallionaires return to your TV screens on August 3rd on Vh1 with Real Chance of Love 2. Let's hope at least Chance actually picks a woman this time.

Disclaimer: Not for nothing, I do watch reality TV from time to time. As a entertainment junkie it's my unspoken responsibility to know what's going on and who's who. Just don't agree with some of the stereotypes and behavior perpetuated.

Reflections of a Music Icon

On Sunday DnA Talk Radio broadcasted a show focusing on the aftermath of the death of Michael Jackson and some of the difficulties he faced throughout his long hit-filled career.
Like many people I was a fan. An unwavering fan who periodically got the urge every once in awhile to listen to some classic Michael Jackson. A fan who although the hit-machine days had declined as the King of Pop aged still valued his artistry. Despite all of the controversy that surrounded some of his days, Michael Jackson leaves an undeniable void in the living music icons category. With music these days in desperate need of someone with the talent to unite people as Michael did his death has now bumped him from King of Pop, to music legend.
With that said, here's the show.



Also mentioned on the show:

After 16 years of serving the masses as the leading publication focusing on hip-hop/r&b and contemporary urban culture and lifestyle, Vibe magazine announced Tuesday, June 30th that it would no longer produce the magazine or manage its web site vibe.com. The condition of the economy, print advertising decline, and the unstable music industry are some of the reasons by cited by former CEO, Steve Aaron of the folding of the publication. Click to read my blog reflecting on my experience as an intern at Vibe.

Pleasure P Aims to Please

Pleasure P's album came out a few weeks ago, and here's my take on it.

Those expecting former Pretty Ricky member Pleasure P's debut album to be drenched in riveting sexual explicitness and gyrating beats will discover something of a different flavor. In 2007, he announced his departure from the group and unlike artists who release music that is the reincarnation of the very sound that garnered their former group's success, Pleasure P is more calculated. Poised to distinguish himself post-teen R&B group fame he's here to introduce the real Marcus Cooper with a blueprint that has few traces of his Pretty Ricky days.

Introduction of Marcus Cooper is a solidly mature album as was foreshadowed when lead single, “Did You Wrong”, showed a young man sincerely singing to the woman he's had a rocky relationship with and wasn't of the borderline raunchy one-night stand caliber of some songs of today. Following the positive reception of his first single was the unapologetic, “Boyfriend #2, where he appears to have no qualms with serving as a “boyfriend on the side”; the single climbed up music charts and as of now, is his highest ranking single. Pleasure P showcases his mastery of the slow jam with songs like, “Let Me” and “Under”, but doesn't skimp on the sexual-themed or up-tempo songs like “Birthday Suit” and “Fire Lovin” – which is much expected by someone with a moniker like Pleasure P and who proclaims to be the “new bad boy of R&B”.

In an industry where featuring an overwhelming roster of artists on albums seems almost like a prerequisite for new artists (and sometimes, veterans) Introduction of Marcus Cooper's only collaborations are “I'm a Beast” featuring Yung Joc and a bonus track remix of “Boyfriend #2” with Flo Rida - after that, it's all ears on Pleasure P. A few of the men behind the scenes are the late Static Major who he attributes for giving him musical inspiration, Adonis, Cool and Dre, Rico Love and R&B singers Tank and Keith Sweat. The harmonious union between Pleasure P's voice and the production leaves little room for mismatched melodies and vocals on the album.

Introduction to Marcus Cooper makes a good first impression and officially catapults him into the ring with some favorite newer R&B heavyweights. With an album that possesses charisma and lures you in until the next strong delivery, Pleasure P pleases his first time around.

Never Can Say Goodbye

The Wall of Magazine Covers (this was only some of the many)

Taken at The old Vibe office location 215 Lexington Ave

A mixture of thoughts filled through me when I heard VIBE was closing its doors. First, I was in disbelief, thinking it was a rumor. The magazine industry along with newspapers has been suffering for awhile and while they may have been hit as well, I couldn't fathom a world without the magazine I'd been reading for nearly ten years. I recently had visited the new office in May while conducting an interview for an upcoming issue, learned about their new magazine, The Most Mag! and saw many familiar faces - happy many of them remembered me.

While the lives of those on staff are the most dramatically impacted by this sad news, it also hit me hard as a former intern of the publication (and several other former interns who have twittered about it or expressed sadness). I can recall being ecstatic that a magazine I'd been reading avidly since 13 would even pick me to be a fly on their wall as an intern but I was picked for Fall 2007. With very few classes that semester and on the brink of graduating it was the perfect ending to my time at Kean University. We were Shirea Carroll's first team of interns and were nervous but still eager to fulfill part of our dream of becoming music journalists. The semester was filled with hard work, lots of lessons, new opportunities and of course some mistakes, but it made us all stronger in the end and sad to leave the guidance of our intern coordinator Shirea and positive career model that Danyel Smith gave off with her mounts of success and always wise words of encouragement and well wishes. We also were surrounded by many other creative great minds on staff that influenced many of us and helped us cultivate our raw talent.

Besides the memories I'm sure many people have whether they worked there, used to worked there, freelanced, or just remember scooping a copy every week is the big question involving media. In my mind if the biggest, most popular urban magazine can fall, who is next?

It's like if you have a favorite table in your house that is so sturdy and one day a leg breaks off. If that can break, then there may not be much hope for anything else in the house. Amidst all the ominous news with the still dysfunctional economy, celebrity deaths, this was just the straw that has broken the camel's back for me.

As Danyel Smith once said on her podcast, Take it Personal that she does weekly with her husband, Elliot Wilson of Rap Radar and former Editor-in-Chief of XXL about the crumbling of print media she addressed journalistic integrity and who can you trust in media. Yes, we have news, gossip and blog sites, but many of those people are not journalists. Not to water down any passion they may have for media or entertainment, but there is a difference between someone with an interest and someone with a keen understanding of how to reach an audience, be biased at times and how to disagree with something without being disrespectful. Yes, journalists do blog, and some bloggers are journalists, but as great as the Internet is, anyone can hop on and pretend to be an expert.

The saddening part is that I've seen people comment on gossip and blog sites talking trash about certain magazines and hyping up gossip sites for their fast and easy news on celebrities. They often complain about magazines' content, the artists they cover and that the magazines are much thinner than before. Some of which may be true. However, do these people think that they may be part of the problem? The lower the sales the less money to fill it with content and the magazine has to make their money somehow so yes, it may be more ads. As far as the artists covered? Blame it on the audience, not the alcohol.

At the end of the day who is accountable? Do most of these sites have the artist or craft in mind or just a juicy story; sadly the later is most often the case. Do they actually choose their words wisely or just want to insult whatever or whoever they are talking about? Is there structure? Are they unbiased? Not to say none of these popular sites check their sources or that I don't go on these sites daily, but unlike the work that goes into fact checking magazines and reputable web sites anyone can feign it. I guess as someone who went to college to study journalism and at one point interned for Vibe and AllHipHop.com the idea of journalism is personal to me although I never had the opportunity to be a full-fledged journalist on a staff. All of this is constant reminder how our society is too obsessed with instant gratification only to be left empty handed at the end.

It's sad to see a staple in entertainment industry leave, but I wish everyone luck and show love top my FA '07 intern crew, Miryam, Claire, Guerdley, Emmanuel, Desiree, Natalie and Sabrina.
Here's a few covers: the first issue I helped work on as an intern, an issue I contributed to, and a few random others

Do You Remember the Time? Michael Jackson Best Music Videos

Any Michael Jackson song made between the early 80s' to early 90s' can most likely be labeled a pop classic. While some of those songs are bona fide stamps of his talent, he's also had amazingly creative music video concepts which always told us a short story. Here are my favorite Michael Jackson videos.

Note: Due to embedding disabled on all Michael Jackson videos on Youtube the link to each video is in the title of each song.



Thriller(1983) - "Thriller" still has never been topped as far as popularity, humor, and overall entertainment. I mean who can beat a vintage Michael Jackson in his prime sporting a red jacket, piping an addictive chorus with a jolt of fear as ghouls strut along with him? This is the number one video.


Remember The Time(1992) - Featuring an all-star cast of Iman, Eddie Murphy and Magic Johnson I've always loved the imagery of this video. The ancient Egyptian inspired royalty concept combined with special effects is what makes this one of his best music videos of all time. Michael serenades Iman as he mysteriously disappears from the guards who want to get him away from the beautiful Queen. He turns into dust and shows off some of his best dance moves since "Thriller".


Scream(1995) - No one expected the pleasant surprise in 1995 of Michael teaming up with his baby sister Janet for the energy infused musical explosion that was "Scream". Expressing their outrage of being constantly in the news and hunted by the press and paparazzi they came together for this instant smash single. The best part of the video is when they breakdown and start dancing in unison. Both happened to be in the midst of their pop icon peak when "Scream" broke through to the top 5 on r&b, pop and dance charts.


Earth Song(1995) - The video depicting the human destruction of the environment, poverty and war is one of Michael's most underrated music videos. Obviously more serious than his usual dance hits it featured good visuals and made more of an action statement than some of his other videos.

You Rock My World(2001) This song had a short time span on radio play and while wasn't one of his solid classics it was a good comeback nonetheless. In 2001 he wanted to remind us he could still rock our world with his a catchy hook and a song bursting with flirtation as this admonition of being attracted to a special lady is reminiscent of "The Way You Make Me Feel", and "Do You Remember the Time".
The video adds a little humor with him checking out a woman with funnyman, Chris Tucker before he belts out into song and dance. In classic Michael Jackson protocol he made sure this music video showed more like a mini movie than just your typical run of the mil video.

Leave Me Alone (1987) Michael Jackson was bashing the paparazzi way before Scream where in 1987 in an eccentric video featuring a roller coaster ride (one can link to the ups and downs that would soon be Michael Jackson's career) he features Bubbles the chimp, himself dancing alongside a skeleton and riding on a small plane as he told the public to "just stop dogging me around"

Billie Jean (1982) - Simple video, but still caught your attention. Jackson proclaims innocence in a song where he repeats "but the kid not being my son" The mysterious former love interest "Billie Jean" makes no appearance in the video as Michael avoids a reporter hot on his trail. He shows off signature moves as he steps from place to place with each spot lighting up.

This video also exposed the world to the "moonwalk", a dance that wasn't entirely his but one that he altered to immortalize into his own. Despite proven fame in the music business the CBS president at the time, still had to threaten MTV with prohibiting some of their popular rock(white acts) from being played on MTV unless they showed "Billie Jean". He became the first black artist played on MTV.

After the radio show, it's the after party....

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
Today we had our second guest, Nafiys "IModel" Blakewood, former cast member of BET's College Hill, season 2 on the show . If you take a trip down memory lane, you'll remember his season the most as the one with "Jon", the wild guy liked to run around naked and with Peaches who caught heat for throwing Jon in the fire (pun intended). Nafiys breaks down why he believes his season was blackballed after its run on BET with no reunions and no invites to any events, what went on behind the scenes, the importance of twitter, modeling, and why he'd be a good match for Miss New York.
(SCROLL DOWN FOR AUDIO OF THE SHOW)



To see more of IModel visit:

www.mrblakewood.com
www.twitter.com/imodel


On the big screen, Alicia recommends seeing - Star Trek and Dance Flick

IN WEIRD AND STRANGE NEWS
Don't Be Surprised if They Ask Where The Cash At! - The European teen who auctioned her virginity for 14,000 apparently owes the German government a cut

You Bee Serious? - Thousands of bees surrounded a NYC Game Stop for hours trapping workers


WHO'S ON TOP OF THE R&B/HIP HOP WORLD
Top 10 R&B/Hip Hop Albums


Also, for commentary on celebrity news check Toni's youtube vlog at:

www.youtube.com/shortisparkle
and be sure to follow http://twitter.com/albyoungmogul one of the most motivated industry go-getters around

And thanks to all who listened! Your feedback is always much appreciated!


WWW.DNATALKRADIO.COM

Reebok Re-up

The more things change the more they stay the same. Some styles and brands stay relevant generation after generation. Everyone has owned a pair of Reebok classics at one point or another (Adidas, too. But that's another blog post for another day). Sure, yours may have been the original white or black ones and now they're showcased in shoe store displays in neon green, pink, yellow, purple and a bunch of other loud colors, but when they called them Reebok Classics I think they were on to something. Atlanta's B.O.B's is just one of the artists featured in Reebok's Classic Remix Collection, which has paired up some of the newwer innovative music artists with a classic song from the 80s with the release of a new shoe. Kidz in the Hall and Kid Sister have also been featured on the campaign with their versions of, "I'll House You" and "I Got it Made". B.O.B's remake won't officially be released until May19th, but here's a sneak peak behind the scenes.

B.O.B. Reebok Classic Remix 30 Sec. Video Spot from reebokclassicremix on Vimeo.

Mic Check

I have more than enough recent albums to keep me busy for awhile; Chrisette Michele, Keri Hilson, Jamie Foxx, Day 26, a few hip-hop albums and many more I need to check out. But there are some artists I'd like to see to put out a new album now. I know I'm greedy, but blame it on the talent. Some of these artists may be preparing for a new release, but these were just a few on my mind today.


Whitney Houston - Don't hate. Ms. Houston still and will always have diva status. Now, we've been getting pump fakes for years with rumors of a new Whitney Houston album, but I heard this time she really is working on putting together an albums soon. Let's hope so; at this rate we won't get another album from her until she's 60. Not a good look.


Justin Timberlake - Sorry Robin Thicke, my favorite blue eyed soul crooner is still JT, but you're very close on the chart. Oh, and on that new album, Justin I want a bunch of ballads with a side of that pop/r&b you do and a song featuring Lil Wayne. Sound good? Great.



Alicia Keys - I was feeling a certain type of way about her with that whole Swizz Beats/Mashonda marriage controversy came to light, but I won't let that get in the way of my love for Alicia's musical style. I know, her last album wasn't that long ago, but I'm in the mood for that intrinsic talent that captures the spectrum of human emotion and love and that's definitely A. Keys.



Mya - She's not been forgotten in the industry at all, but where is the new album??

TGT- Weren't Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank supposed to have this super R&B trio thing going on? I think all we got was a remix to Tank's song, "Please Don't Go". Stop playing and show us what you got.



Res - This woman has kept me hanging since 2001. After How I Do, she's still worked creatively on music, worked with Talib Kweli with Idle Spacehip, did a song for the Akeelah and the Bee movie, and released an album via Internet only but no official release. I usually don't say this about artists, but since you're keeping us hanging Res, yes, I want a How I Do part 2, no lengthy comments about going in a new direction and artistic expression, but just copy the same formula for me. Thanks.

Wyclef Jean - I need some electic guitar riffing hip-hop, singing, reggae mumbo jumbo and 'Clef is the perfect person, if not the only one who can satisfy my personal taste for this. Please make the first single with someone out of left field like a rocker or someone just so it has a kick to it.

Rihanna - Perfect timing! Maybe around fall or so, if Rihanna releases a new album out. I am very interested to hear, not so much any bitter songs indirectly or directly intended to get at Chris Brown, but how her style changes or stays the same. She definitely has grown a bit from album to album, but not completely morphed into something new; this year seems to have been a growing time for her as a person and her image so I'm love to see how she reflects that on a new album.







And just because I had to take it there: Spencer Pratt. Yes, from the TV show, The Hills, who recently during a radio interview expressed his dismay at the current state of hip-hop and added in he was a hotter rapper than most in the industry, "“I’ve always known that I secretly am the hottest rapper in the game. I’m the white Jay-Z in the game.” For his sake I hope he was joking, but I'm wondering what he'd call his album? The Silver Spoon, Very Resonable Doubt, The Wack Album? You know where I'm going with this. It's not that he's white that's the issue; the white rapper thing is no longer an anomaly or anything for anyone to scoff at it's that he puts himself in the category as Jay-Z and honestly is talking like he's going to save hip-hop when he would have a lot to prove.

More selections to come!

www.dnatalkradio.com

Group Theory

I recently caught up with some old Lost Boyz music, which reminded me as far as hip-hop goes they've always been known but somewhat underrated. They definitely gave us some good songs such as "Renee", "Me and My Crazy World", "Lifestyles Of The Rich & Shameless" and a few more. Which reminded me about the decline of music groups. The group dynamic still seems a working formula for some genres especially, like rock (which it always has), but it's highly underrepresented now. This is no new topic, but just my take on it.

We're in the age of what I like to call "microwavable music". Sure, you get some four course meals here and there with innovative and original artists, but for the most part there are many manufactured artists that don't require much grooming. Everyone has always wanted to make money but now it's the main focus.

Once groups started disbanding and people went solo, it worked for them. So, once it worked for them, whether they were a singer like Beyonce, Bobby Brown, Justin Timberlake, Sisqo, or rappers like Ice Cube, Jadakiss, (I know this is an extremely short list of many and people did this back in the day as well), the solo thing worked for you. You become the more "known" group member, and don't have to divy the money up anymore. You and your former group members claim the group is not broke up and you just wanted to do your own album, but a group album never materializes again once you reach success (unless everyone's career falls off and then you rely on the former success of the group for a "reunion")

Not to say artists aren't genuine or don't have the right to make their own music, but everyone else followed suit with the phenomenon. In this world we all want to be different, but yet fit in somewhere. New artists do what works. If being in a group is what's making the money they want to fit in, if it's being a solo artist that's what will be done. Not to say there aren't still music groups out, there's plenty, but anyone in a group is just a song and an album deal away from going solo.


Anyways, here's a throwback video from the hip-hop group whose most successful reign during the 90s put Cleveland on the map.

I Wanne Be Like T.I.(P)

How many entertainers have uttered the phrase, "I never said I was a role model"? Often this comes after some highly publicized indiscretion or arrest where people cry about how they're not setting a good example. While many shy away from this daunting title, others position themselves to be presented as one and T.I is now one of those artists. After his arrest in October 2007 for attempting to buy machine guns and silencers, T.I has literally been on a road to redemption with his MTV reality, T.I's Road to Redemption, and numerous speaking engagements where he advises young people not to get caught up in the street life. Guess the King of the South is now the King of the Mouth as according to an article from huffingtonpost.com, he's made 262 appearance as of now doing outreach.

A year and change after being arrested for attempting to buy machine guns and silencers at in Atlanta, he was finally sentenced on Friday, March 27th to a year in jail, getting a lesser sentence because of his agreement to perform community surface.

So, here goes: he now has an obligation never to get in trouble again - at least not to the extent where he intentionally does something incredibly illegal as he did last year. I repeat, he must never get in legal trouble again. The sincerity seems genuine and it has to stay that way. Why? Because while it's hit or miss when giving anyone advice, surely he has truly impacted many of the young people he has spoken to and if he somehow gets caught up again after serving his term, his message will be like a VHS tape - gone. I'm staying positive though because he does seem to be sincere in shedding away the mistakes of his past. Let's hope the old him is really dead and gone.




Should anyone consider people who are successful role models for the youth? Not really. Like I said, some people bask in that title and want people to look up to them while others want all the attention but don't want to be seen as anyone's role model. This is probably another blog for another day, but the problem is just because these people are good at one thing in their lives doesn't mean we should expect them not to have problems, drama, or controversy. The sad part is whether they want to be role models or not, many kids do look up to athletes, entertainers and rappers more than those who are business owners, doctors, etc. so because of that the lines do get blurry.