WTF Dennis!

Well, it's that time of year again--Halloween. You know it's Halloween when it's acceptable for a man to dress like a woman (or Shenehneh's cousin).

Now, I know that I said I would try to say something nice or not say anything at all, but I must ask: when was it ever acceptable (for a man or woman) to look like this in public? My Granny is rolling over in her grave at the sheer THOUGHT of me coming out of the house looking anything like this.


I give him an "E" for effort, but an "F" for not opting for a better look. Only Jesus can take the wheel on this one...

Elephant Man: the new Billy Blanks

I saw this video on Crunk & Disorderly, and I've been so afraid to watch it. But I finally gave it a chance today, and I couldn't stop laughing.

If you don't know, Elephant Man has a new workout video for those of you who want to whip your flabby as*es into shape through winding, thunder clapping and gangsta rockin'.

How in the blue h*ll did they find a way to commercialize this?!

Jena 6: your hard earned tax dollars is at work!

You know, I've gotten into this mode: if you don't have anything nice to say...well, you can finish the rest. You just watch the video and judge it for yourself.

Erasing Ethnicity: is the trouble worth the hassle?

I ran across this article on MSN, and it made me do a lot of thinking. Many women today (especially black women) are doing a lot of damage to their bodies to look less ethnic. People also forget to take into account those women who have trouble with society putting them "in a box" of what they are supposed to act like based on what ethnicity they look like. For instance, in Kimmora Lee Simmons' book Fabulosity: What it is and how to get it, she mentions how blacks thought that she should act asian (because she looks asian), and asians didn't take her seriously as a girl of asian ethnicity because she's dark. At any rate, before I give you my take on this subject, here are some of the facts from the article I found to be most interesting:

Surgery:

In the past five years, the number of plastic surgeries performed on minorities jumped 65 percent — compared with an increase of 38 percent for the overall population. Why the spike in minority candidates? Higher incomes and access to a wider range of ethnic-specific techniques.

THE QUEST FOR A SKI-JUMP NOSE Unlike the rhinoplasties performed on Caucasians (often to straighten a bridge or remove a bump), nose reshaping for minorities generally leads to narrower nostrils, a higher bridge, and a pointier tip — shapes typical of white noses.

TOP COUNTRIES FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION Spain, Italy, U.K., Sweden, Finland, India, Norway, Slovenia. In the U.S., the procedure ranks #1 for Hispanics and #2 for Asian-Americans among minorities.

Color contacts:

Since color contacts by FreshLook became available in 1984, women of color — including Naomi Campbell, Lil' Kim, and Ziyi Zhang — have been eager to experiment. "Our largest market is with dark-eyed and dark-complected women," says Jeff Cohen, vice president of global marketing for CIBA Vision (makers of FreshLook), citing African-American, Hispanic, and Middle Eastern women as the top customers in the U.S…

With this uniquely exotic notion of lighter eyes coming into vogue, colored-lens users climbed to 2.7 million in the U.S. alone last year.

Skin:

In June 2007, the first-ever tanning salon opened in Beijing. Called DB Salon, it serves legions of women under 30 with a strangely specific goal: to have the caramel coloring of American pop princess Christina Aguilera.

In India, Bollywood stars are going for the burnt-sienna hue one sees in Malibu, achievable only via a bottle.

And in Japan, bronzing goods account for $140 million in sales.

Hair:

34% of the hair dye sold in the U.S. last year was blonde.

80% of Koreans in their 20s lighten their hair.

It’s been a long road to loving myself for who I am. And that’s the beauty of me, loving who I am despite my flaws. Yes, it’s hard, but God made me this way for a reason, and I know that I have to have pride in who I am and the women that are dark and beautiful just like me.
Plus, I think that society puts such a strain on what they think a woman should look like, people tend to forget what's important--her overall health! Don’t think you have to follow the crowd. If you’re healthy and happy, then leave the rest to God.

From pieces to weight: Fiddy's new book

50 cent started signing autographed copies of his new biography From Pieces to Weight this week.

Click here to view excerpts from the book.

I’m happy Fiddy has moved on to other things, bedsides 'staged' fights with 'Ye. Maybe all of this venting will help him get rid of some of that anger. Dude seriously needs a hug!

From Pieces to Weight is available in stores now.

Karrine Steffans on the cover of Today's Black Woman

So I was looking at Sandra Rose’s blog site, and I noticed an article she posted about Karrine Steffans being on the cover of Today’s Black Woman Magazine.

So, nosy me decided to do some investigating. Yep, it’s true. Many people do not think that she deserves to be on the cover of the mag, and many of them want to execute a protest against her.

First of all, I respect Karrine for having the courage to release her demons to the world in two best selling books, despite the criticism. Who would have thought that it would have made her millions? But what I don’t like about her is that it seems like she never learned from her own experiences, even though she claimed to have written her books so that others can learn from what she’s done, wrong or right.

Even more so, I hate the fact that people ACT like they can not relate to her on some level. Karrine had feelings of desperation, and many of us have had the same feelings. She’s had to do what she had to do in order to survive, and many of us did the same thing. And like my very good friend Fred would say to me “Everyone has had their times when they acted out like a whore.” He’s right-- I know I’m no angel, and Karrine does not profess herself to be one either.

My point is this: maybe in your opinion she went about her business the wrong way. If that’s your opinion, that’s fine. But don’t front like you can’t relate to her feelings in some way, because you probably can.

Foxy Brown gets into a scuffle--AGAIN!

I was hoping that Foxy meant what she told the judge when she said that she was "changing." But as you can see, that's not the case.

Fox Boogie Brown has received 76 days in confinement for a scuffle with another inmate at Rikers Island jail. But it wasn't the first scuffle the jailbird princess had with inmates while she was incarcerated. The 28 year old diva got into a shoving match with another inmate earlier this month.

She can keep it up if she wants to. She's slowly turning into the spawn of Ike Turner.

Read more.

Gay rights group asks Obama to cut ties with Donnie McClurkin

According to The Associated Press, a gay rights group as asked presidential hopeful Barack Obama to cut ties with gospel singer Donnie McClurkin because of his views on homosexuality. (full story). AP reported that the group felt McClurkin spreads “false information” about homosexuality.

McClurkin was slated to help fundraise for Obama’s presidential race at a concert in South Carolina this weekend. In a telephone interview, McClurkin stated that he did not believe that it was the intention of god. ‘Sexuality, everything is a matter of choice.” He also said that he did not believe in discriminating against homosexuals. "What people do in their bedrooms and who they are as human beings are two different things," he said.

We need to stop separating ourselves, in my opinion. It is my belief that one of the reasons why people are afraid to “come out of the closet” is because of that separation. Like Obama said, they are our brothers and sisters too.

Cornel West's album is hot?! That's what critics say...

I have a snitch who told me that Dr. Cornel West's second Hip Hop album, Never Forget: A Journey of Revelations, was hot.

I've always liked Cornel West, although I've questioned many of his views. However, I think it's great that he's released an album. It's got to be more positive that what we're listening to now. Plus, I hear that he's one of the greatest lecturers ever (according to Ms. Purity Chitwood, and she's a reliable source on those matters). So that means this album has got to be great.

If you don't know who Dr. Cornel West is, here is a breakdown:

*He's a prominent professor of African American studies and philosophy at Harvard U.

*He's also a best selling author, lecturer, and a social activist.

*West's book Race Matters won a Critics Choice Award and was listed as a New York Times Notable Book of the Year in 1992. Other works included Keeping the Faith: Philosophy and Race in American (1993) and Jews and Blacks: Let the Healing Begin (1995), co-authored with Michael Lerner. In 1996 he co-authored The Future of Race with his Harvard colleague, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (answers.com)


The album features songs by Prince, Andre 3000, Talib Kweli, KRS-One, Killer Mike and others.

Click here to read XXL Mag's review.

Coolaid the Clown: One great role model.

Today, I ran across something extraordinary on America's Got Talent, and it came in the form of a clown.

That's right--a clown. Coolaid is his name, and he has opened his home to inner city youths in Los Angeles, giving them other options, as opposed to going down dangerous roads, like gang violence and/or drug dealing. But he's running out of space in his house, and he could use the help, according to his web site.

Considering the fact that our youths need more role models nowaday (especially since Jena 6), we could always stand to support those who are trying to make a difference in our communities.

Take a look at this video. I'm sure that you'd want to donate after watching the superb job he has done with these kids.

Reasons why you should wear condoms and shoes!

Boil on someone's inner thigh. YUCK! (pic--CDC)



According to the Baltimore Sun, here is another reason why YOU should wear a condom/protection before sex, and keep on some type of footwear at all times!


Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria are far more widespread than scientists previously thought and might be killing more than 19,000 people a year in the United States, according to a study published today.
Of the nine sites that researchers examined, Baltimore had the highest rate of infection by invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as MRSA. But health officials said the city was more urbanized than the other sites, which could account for much of the difference.


What is Staph? (source:Web MD)


It is a type of infection caused by a Staphylococcus (or "staph") bacteria. Actually, about 25% of people normally carry staph in the nose, mouth, genitals, and anal area. The foot is very prone to pick up bacteria from the floor. The infection often begins with a little cut, which gets infected with bacteria.

These staph infections range from a simple boil to antibiotic-resistant infections to flesh-eating infections. The difference between all these is how deep and how fast the infection spreads, and how treatable it is with antibiotics. The antibiotic-resistant infections are more common in North America, because of our overuse of antibiotics.

The type of staph infection that involves skin is called cellulitis and affects the skin's deeper layers. It is treatable with antibiotics.

This type of infection is very common in the general population -- and more common and more severe in people with weak immune systems. People who have diabetes or weakened immunity are particularly prone to developing cellulitis.

What does staph infection look like?
Staph cellulitis usually begins as a small area of tenderness, swelling, and redness. Sometimes it begins with an open sore. Other times, there is no break in the skin at all -- and it's anyone's guess where the bacteria came from.

The signs of cellulitis are those of any inflammation -- redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. Any skin sore or ulcer that has these signs may be developing cellulitis. If the staph infection spreads, the person may develop a fever, sometimes with chills and sweats, as well as swelling in the area.

What can be done about a staph infection?
Antibiotics are used to treat these infections. But there's been a gradual change in how well these antibiotics are working. While most staph infections used to be treatable with penicillin, in the 1980s that changed and stronger antibiotics are now used.

In about 50% of cases, however, we see resistance to even these stronger antibiotics. These cases are not just happening in hospitals -- as once was true -- but now are occurring in the general community. That's been a problem. Many doctors are accustomed to using certain antibiotics, but those then fail because of antibiotic resistance. There are several more potent antibiotics now, but doctors need to know when to use them.

There's another treatment we sometimes use with staph infections. If the infection goes so deep that it involves muscles or fibers that enclose muscles, it needs to be surgically cleaned.

Can staph infection be prevented?
You can take steps to help prevent it. Any time you have a cut or skin breakdown, wash it with soap and water, keep it clean and dry, use antiseptic ointment, and keep it covered. A couple of recent outbreaks among football players began when one team member had a boil, and the infection was spread to other team members.

The staph infection is contagious if the wound is weeping or draining, and if people share towels or other items that are contaminated. Wearing foot coverings in locker rooms and other commonly used areas can help prevent contamination.

If the sore becomes unusually painful or red, get prompt medical attention. If red lines develop, that's a sign the infection is spreading and needs medical attention.

F*ck New York?! What?!

Last night, I interviewed Donny Goines, a budding emcee from Harlem. He made a song that took me for a loop, but I felt his message. The New York bred artist produced a track called F*ck New York, of which, I must admit, was so crazy to hear in the beginning.

My first thought was “Hold up, isn’t that the birthplace of Hip Hop? To say those words are strong and demeaning to those pioneers of rap music.” Actually, I was my words were not that eloquent (oh yeah, I was cursing).

But I listened. And the more I listened to Donny's words, the more I understood him. There are people out there misrepresenting NY, and its a mess. That says a lot because I’m from Cleveland.

There was a gang of New Yorkers in my neighborhood in Cleveland, and I remember them not accepting mediocrity, being prideful of their respective boroughs, and always keeping it 100.

Sad to say, that’s not the case in today’s Hip Hop or pop culture markets. There are emcees (and some homo-thugs) on a paper chase, not reppin’ what Hip Hop culture is about. So they come out with a bunch of catchy hooks and ring tones, but nobody really GRASPS the essence of the music, the lifestyle or the culture any longer. If you want to know what it's REALLY about, pick up ANY article Queen Latifah has written. You can feel the life jump into your soul...it's that DEEP!

At any rate, I can’t wait until New York takes Hip Hop back. Don’t get me wrong, I have love for all Hip Hop, no matter who you are or where you come from (correction: I have love for all Hip Hop that is good). But those “homo-thugs” have got to go, and I KNOW there are New Yorkers out there that agree with me.

H-Town Hip Hop legend dies at 33

A piece of Hip Hop history just left us this past weekend. Houston is a buzz with the death of the city's legendary rapper, Big Moe, whose real name is Kenneth Moore. Big Moe died suffering complications following a heart attack. The rapper was only 33 years old.

For those who are not familiar with his work, here are his career highlights, as reported by Mediatakeout.com:

Kenneth offered a slow and calm style. He both raps and sings, called rappsinging, and his producer's craft smooth, melodic tracks that bounce along at a leisurely pace.

Like many of the Houston based rappers, Big Moe began his career freestyling and making flows on DJ Screw's mix tapes before going to Wreckshop Records. Wreckshop Records released Big Moe's debut album, City of Syrup in (2000), the title nodding to Houston's reputation for drinking codeine-laced syrup, which Moe pours from a Styrofoam cup on the album's cover.

"City of Syrup" album featured his single, "Mann!" that Moe intended to be the South Side's answer to Black Rob's East Coast hit "Whoa!". A year and half later, Moe returned with his second album, Purple World in (2002). It offered a "who's who" ensemble of Houston vocalists, two versions of Moe's breakthrough single, "Purple Stuff." Priority Records distributed the album, ensuring that it would be everywhere, from the street corners of Houston to Wal-Marts in suburban America.

Even MTV gave Moe's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory-themed video a few rotations. He has been featured in songs with Mike Jones, Z-Ro, Lil' O, Southside Playaz, and Big Pokey. Big Moe was also in talks to make appearances in the up and coming cartoon series Pablo and Victor, where he was slated to play as himself.

R.I.P

Can't "Crank Dat Soulja Boy" any more!

An Ohio school banned students from doing the "Crank Dat" Soulja Boy dance at their homecoming party.



Finally, people are listening! It's about time parents challenged their children to do the same thing. Don't get me wrong, I L-O-V-E Hip Hop music. But many listeners don't actively hear the music coming through their speakers.



Although musicians (across the board) need to take responsibility for their lyrics, they ARE NOT BABY SITTERS. I'm glad the parents in that high school realized this.

Confessions of a Dark Skinned Sistah...

I was so dismayed to hear that there was actually an event for light skinned sistah's in Detroit (click to read full article). Wait! Let's not forget the LIBRA'S...

But here's why the thought of this event grinds my gears:

When I was 16, I just so happened to ask one of my aunts what I looked like and how I acted when I was a baby. She said that I was quiet. She also said that I was an ugly baby!

I laughed really hard. DAMN! That was cold. But then she kept talking, and went on to say that my cousin (a brown skinned sista) was just as ugly, but my other cousin (a light skinned queen) was beautiful child."Well if you're ugly, you're ugly," is what I was thinking while she was talking. But then I actually heard her talk about her distaste for dark skinned people in that conversation, even though she didn't come right out and just say it. In that chit chat with my aunt, I festered so much hatred for my light skinned cousin.That was a shame because she had done nothing to deserve my hatred of her.

OMG! It was so deep. Every time I saw a light skinned sista, I had something negative to say. Don't let me even SEE a picture of Tisha Campbell, Jada Pinkett Smith or my home girl Samantha looking cute. They were all kinds of "light skinned heifers" and "ugly h*es" and any other names I could think of. In my 16-year old akwardness, all I heard was "Your cousin is so pretty," this and "Isn't your cousin just blah, blah, blah," that. I felt sub human. I felt like I was beneath their standards of success or beauty and as a result, I hated myself for years. I was jealous and confused.

I can't tell you how proud I am of both of my cousins. They've grown to be so beautiful inside and out. Granted, many of you may hear my light skinned cousin say something that you may think is really stuck up or conceited, hell sometimes it is straight up stuck up and conceited. But you can kick rocks. As she always told me (in so many words) while we were growing up, "If you don't think you're the sh*t, who will?" (Didn't think I was listening, huh?)

I've learned so much from both of my cousins, and I'm proud to say that they are related to me, and that they are strong, beautiful African Queens.

Peace and Love:>)

King Rod: "A 9-5 ain't for everybody."

It goes without saying that Tupac Shakur influenced numerous people from around the world, and even more so upon his death. People who listened to his early productions might tell you that those born after 1989 could never understand the extreme impact Shakur had on rap music. But in Indie Hip Hop artist King Rod’s case, that ideology is 100 percent false.

“Coming up on Pac, everything was real,” he reflects. “It made me grow up fast. Instead of going to my mom or dad with my problems, I’d go to Pac.”

King Rod is only seventeen, but he’s determined to make his mark in Hip Hop history. Backed by the souls of music legends, King Rod says he’s here to inspire, and he has his eyes set on the only way to the throne.



MISS SHAUN (MS): It seems that many Hip Hop artists remember the day they wrote their first rhyme. If you remember, tell me about yours.

KING ROD (KR): The first rhyme I wrote was in fifth grade. It was about the high school football team, because I came from a small city and that was the popular thing at the time. The Havana Gladiators.

MS: What made you want to pursue music as a career?

KR: It's kind of the love for it (music). It's the drive. I don't even have to get paid for it. I basically want to spend my life doing something I love. Like I say "A nine to five ain’t for everybody!"

MS: For those of us who are not from Tallahassee, give us an idea about what the Tally Ho Drop is all about.

KR: Okay, it's a popular dance that really just caught on in the nightclubs around the city. It's a dance from the hood that we would do to T-Pain's "Dance Floor". We'd do that and the Holton Street Hop.

MS: Your song "The Don't Really Know" is very popular on MySpace. What was your inspiration behind that song?

KR: The inspiration to that was from the fact that I have no brothers or sisters so I had a lot of time to think. I'd look around me at what people were going through and at what was happening in our country. Asa rapper I feel like it's my job to point out what's wrong, what's right, and just to give my opinion.

MS: You're pretty young in the game to have such biting lyrics, and your music seems very mature in comparison to other mainstream artists around your age group). Can you describe your musical influences and style? Where is all of this maturity in your lyrics coming from!?

KR: ... I don't try to make to make it one way or another, I just try and say what I feel is true. Also listening to a lot of what's out there, it's like nobody wants to step up and go that extra mile. The way I look at it you could be hood while still sounding intelligent. Even in Holton Street Hop, that's a dance song, I'm not on there with a twelve bar verse just talking nonsense.

MS: Everyone has something to say about Hip Hop music and where it's going. Where do you think Hip Hop is going, and where do you plan to take it as an artist?

KR: Good question. Hip Hop music right now is definitely going mainstream. Everything is commercial. It's money. It's all about money. There's no emotion. There's no art. It's all about sensationalism. What I want to do is make music that makes other people say, "he's only seventeen, and he can do this!?" I want to inspire more young artists to not be limited in terms of the content they write.

MS: What advice can you give to others that are just as young as you are, and want to make their mark in Hip Hop music?

KR: Write! Write a lot! Learn and take advice from anybody who's been there. You can learn something from anybody, even an idiot. You've just got to learn to take things away from positive and negative experiences. I listen to everybody. But read and work on your vocabulary. Practice enunciating. Freestyle, it does help. And never turn down a show, even if it's for one guy in a barn. All those little shows add up to experience. No matter how large or small the crowd, you still give them a show and that makes you better

Boy killed, everyone acquitted. That's bull dookie, straight up!

Gina Jones (mother), left, her lawyer Benjamin Crump and Robert Anderson, right, prepare to make a public statement concerning the verdict in the Martin Lee Anderson trial. (AP Photo/Robert Cooper,Pool)

Let me get this straight: Michael Vick can kill a dog, get ALL KINDS of charges against him, in addition to possibly losing his career. But a teenage boy is tortured AND killed, and everyone involved is ACQUITTED?!

Click here to read more.

WHAT THE COWBOY H*LL IS THIS WORLD COMING TO? This is the time when we NEED to be marching!

Am I taking this out of context? Let me know, because I am not happy about this one.

Is Hip Hop dead? Goodwin says "H*ll Naw!"

So here’s the question:

There was a point in time when music served as a tool for healing and change, especially in the 60’s and 70’s. With the Global War on Terror, Jena 6 and post-Hurricane Katrina, I think we need Hip Hop music to channel all of its energy to help America heal. So where is Hip Hop? Did it die with Tupac and Biggie?


And Goodwin answered it. GOOD LOOKIN’!


Well, I don't think hip hop is dead, I just think the type of hip hop you'd like to hear is harder to find, but [it] still exists. Plus, I look at my own music, and the response I've got from some people on myspace, and I realize that the issue isn't just to be blamed on labels. People themselves, the consumers, are less interested in music that carries a message and much more interested in just having a good time...

The fact is, they wouldn't market [the music] if it wasn't making money, and it's making money [so] people are buying it, which leads me to believe that's what people want. I've had people on myspace listen to my music, and because it wasn't that type of stuff [they normally listen to, they said] it was wack. So it makes me feel that the blame lies with the labels, but also with the people who support that movement by spending their money on that sort of music. There was a time when there was room for all sorts of Hip Hop. But now, it seems like all it's about is the party and materialism, and people are just eating it up.

Maybe the fact that 50 Cent's new album isn't selling that much is a sign that people are getting tired of it. After all, Common's album did pretty well when it came out. But it will take a lot more than that, especially on the part of the consumer, for things to make a radical change.

So the question is, how attached is the consumer to shallow Hip Hop? After all, it seems like there's a perception that gangsta rappers make their music for the streets, or for the people, while conscious rappers are just a preachy bunch of whiners. That misconception wouldn't stick if people didn't believe it. And they respond to it.

So instead of focusing all our energy on blaming the labels, perhaps we should also work on the general perceptions that exist, and work to change people's minds about what's really important.

"You'd rather have a Lexus or justice? A dream or some substance? A Beemer, a necklace, or freedom?" -- From Hip Hop, by Dead Prez

Goodwin is an underground artist out of Brooklyn, NYC. Check him out here on myspace.com.

From Houston to your speaker: are you ready for what The Lower Level is bringing?

As I mentioned before, I had the privilege to meet a Hip Hop group out of the Lone Star State that’s not taking their music as a game. The Lower Level is straight out of Houston, and they’re not messing with these “Hip Hop clones” and “I can only produce hooks” type rappers. Although they were (at one point) signed to a major label, Jedii and Freddy Freaxx took their own musical route, refusing to accept any BS from media "know-it-alls." They profess themselves and emcees, and they tell me that the music they make is just as real as they are--100%.

MISS SHAUN (MS): How did you two hook up as a group?

Freddy Freaxx (FF): We met in the 9th grade when I changed High Schools. We both were on the basketball team (and) we had a thing for music. We both had talent and we both rapped together back then. Jedii met (producer) Q-Stone in college, I came home from the service, and The Lower Level was born.

MS: Tell me about the Lower Level's chemistry. How would you describe your (individual) style? How is it fused to produce the music that you create today?

FF: The Lower Level has a genuine sound. Our styles flow like a 1-2 punch. I have a laid back, seductive flow, with an all terrain texture. Ain’t no telling what I’ll say or do. Jedii’s more energetic, with various techniques to run the track. We’ve been doing what we do, that's why it flow so easy. We both respect and love the music, we are both musicians. We both have our own creativity.

Jedii (J): … That’s where the chemistry comes from. We [are] not new to what we’re doing. You know the whole H-town style of flow didn't get really popular until the late nineties, So in other words, people were just learning how to rap, by then me and Freaxx were seasoned emcees that had already created our style, and we was like “F*ck changing. We dope.” A lot of cats…came up off [of] making songs from other people’s beats [and] using other peoples hooks [by] just kind of changing the words around … We never did that. We were blessed enough to have our own producer the whole time, so we were coming up with our own beats, hooks, everything. We have been working together [for] so long now that it's easy. We sit down with Q, and we start songs from scratch, he starts making the beat, we start vibing with Q and it just comes together every time.



MS: Well, on that note, you’ve seen it for yourselves: Hip Hop has made some drastic changes. Where do you think Hip Hop is going? Where do you want to take it as artists?


FF: Hip-Hop has turned more in the direction of being commercial. It seems like everybody’s just chasing the money. The Lower Level is here to keep the [liveliness] in Hip-Hop. We want to give people something real to bump to, no matter what time it is. We will keep instruments and other original elements involved in Hip-Hop. Hip-Hop is real and will always be real.

MS: Sooo is Hip Hop dead? And I’m still trippin’ off of that blog (on myspace). “If Hip Hop is dead, YOU probably killed it.” Why all the anger? Was it a situation that fueled the fire?

FF: No anger, just putting the truth out there. Everybody wants to point fingers instead of doing something about the problem. The South has been very influential in Hip Hop, that should be obvious. The Industry is killing Hip-Hop, let Hip-Hop be what it is: the sound of the streets.

J: …Hip Hop is not dead. Yes the music is the cornerstone, but Hip Hop is now a culture, reflected in the way we speak [and] everything. What pisses me off is when some people who are in the position to change things don’t. Instead of at least doing their part, which is nothing more than putting out something tight, original and game changing, all they do is follow the clones who mess up the game, and then they complain about it. Don’t complain! Do something!

MS: I feel that. But there are other blogs that The Lower Level has put out that are even more controversial (I like them, however). Everyone has something to say about Hip Hop and the people that listen to it. What do you think about the social responsibility that you hold to the people that purchase and listen to your music?



FF: People are influenced by what they listen to, we do understand that. Although we are not here to raise our listeners, we do make a note to put out useful information in our music. We don't talk about things we have no knowledge or experience in. If we save somebody some trouble or give them the heads up on a situation or issue, then that’s a benefit of real information in your music.

J: Our social responsibility lies in the truth…A Tribe Called Quest ain’t never lied: Industry rule #4,080 [record company people are shady]. You already know. So that’s what we offer our audience: music that they can relate to.

MS: So can people relate to your song ‘I Ain’t Trippin’?” [I know this may sound like a silly question but] Is that your “I’m too grown for that foolishness,” song?

J: I Ain’t Trippin’ is one of my favorite songs because it is an example of how we do it. We made that song in typical Lower Level fashion. Go to the studio with no idea of what to write about, no track, no nothing. Q-Stone picked up the guitar and we started talking about the ride to the studio and there it was.

MS: What advice do you have for those trying to make their mark in Hip Hop music?

FF: Always stay true to yourself. Make music about your life [and] tell your side of the story. Learn the business, and learn about people. Have your own voice.

J: BE original. I’ve never seen a famous clone…there is only one original, so be that!!!



The Lower Level with Mike Jones

Breaking obscurity: Miss Jones tells it all in her new book

I recently read “Have you met Miss Jones,” the memoirs (if you will) of New York’s Hot 97 morning show DJ, Miss Jones.

I’ve always liked her, as a DJ and as a vocalist. When she was a guest DJ at Dayton, Ohio’s 102.9, I listened faithfully every night at 7 from my college dorm room. I have to admit that I never understood (and disagreed with) a lot of her viewpoints when she conducted interviews. But now that I’m in radio (I host a morning show in the Armed Forces) I have a better understanding, and I have a lot of respect for her. I still don't agree with a lot of her viewpoints, but that's on me.

What I do appreciate is the fact that she broke in a market that was male dominated, which makes it easier for black women like me trying to make it in the same industry.

I’m really happy that I’ve read her book, and I hope that others take the time to do read it too. It clarifies a lot of NONSENSE that people typically misconstrued about her famous interviews, her professional career, and her life.

Everybody hates Isaiah Thomas...for real, for real!

According to firethomas.com, he's the DEVIL!

PHOTO: firethomas.com

Although Isaiah Thomas has to hand out some cheddar for his crude advances to a former team executive (read more), the firethomas.com website has already had a movement in the making to get rid of his behind!

This website discusses reasons why the New York Knicks should fire him, of course. One of those reasons was that he "repeatedly shows the "Charles Smith Gets an A for Effort Under the Basket" motivational video during practice."

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not condoning anything he did, and if he’s just a “stupid” leader, then I really feel sorry for him because that’s something you can’t change. At least that’s what my momma tells me (she said there’s three things you can never change while you’re living: ugly, stupid or the DMV).

But DAMN! There is actually a movement of people that are READY to see his butt go. Amazing. Makes me wonder if there’s more to the story. Hmmm…

Jennifer Hudson: the city is hers!

The closer it gets to the premiere of the Sex & the City movie, the more I get anxious. I know that former American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson is going to ‘kill ‘em .

And even though I love Kim Cattrall’s character, I want her to leave her clothes on in this movie. Then I’ll be a-okay.

The movie is slated to hit theaters May 2008.

Who is Kel Spencer? Well ask no more...

Photo: jazzyjefffreshprince.com

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I had the honor (and I can definitely say it was an honor) to interview an emcee who hails from Brooklyn, NYC. His name is Kel Spencer, and this dude (hands down) ain’t no joke! Please believe me!

If you don’t know who Kel Spencer is, I’ll give you a taste, but you gotta SEE to BELIEVE, so check out his myspace page here.

Kel Spencer is not JUST an emcee, he’s a public speaker, Co-Chair of his own imprint, 3rd Power Music Group, and a ghostwriter for artists like Will Smith, MC Lyte, Nick Cannon and Rodney Jerkins (to name a few). He co-wrote the song Switch (performed by Will Smith), which won an American Music Award.
Also, Kel just got some love from MTV in London, where they’re playing his video THE BUILDING in rotation—THAT’S HOT! He’s constantly working, so look for his "Brooklyn Spartans" mixtape, and the "Who is Kel Spencer" documentary.



I can't say anymore. You HAVE to check this cat out for yourself, because he's on the brink of stardom.



Oh, and remember to VOTE 4 KEL SPENCER!



Until there's more (and there will be more)...

Monkey see, Monkey do

Theo Shaw, 18, (left) and Robert Bailey Jr., 17, (right) two members of the Jena 6.

Picture: npr.org

Hip Hop artists backing Jena 6 can be a problem if they’re not setting an example themselves.


In September, thousands of African Americans marched through the streets of Jena, Louisiana to show support for six boys on trail. If you don’t know what happened, here’s a rundown: six high school aged African American males, also known as “Jena 6” were initially charged with attempted second degree murder after attacking and beating a white classmate unconscious following an incident where nooses were hung from a tree in the school’s yard.

Since then, the Jena 6 males have garnered a lot of attention from musicians, especially those in the Hip Hop community. In fact, a benefit concert was hosted in Birmingham, Alabama showcasing artists like Jagged Edge, Nick Cannon, Hurricane Chris and (the bad boy himself) Bobby Brown. Moreover, there have been other rockers that have enthusiastically donated money, support and prayers to those at the center of the case.

But how long will this last? Especially since many the individuals supporting Jena 6 are publicly blasted for their raunchy and/or violent music? Not to mention those who are too busy defending themselves in court or getting carted off to jail for some of the same reasons why the Jena 6 boys got in trouble.

For instance, rapper Foxy Brown told reporters that they should pay more attention to what’s happening with the Jena 6 case, and not hers. Foxy Brown said all this during her legal trouble, which stemmed from her smacking a nail salon employee.

Rapper Trick Daddy was arrested for disorderly drinking, resisting arrest, and fighting in a Miami strip club in September.

David Banner and Master P defended their music to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “Aren’t there bitches out there?” David Banner asked. “Don’t they exist? Those types of women exist, and if they didn’t it’d be different.”

All of these situations are funny to me because there was a time when Hip Hop artists simply made the music they wanted without any excuses. Like, Public Enemy. They were a group that constantly educated and enlightened youths about their political and social surroundings, serenading crowds with songs like Hell No We Ain’t All Right and Can’t Truss It.

William Jelani Cobb, author of To the Break of Dawn, describes Rakim’s Casualties of War album as an eerie, Nostradamus-like tale of urban terrorism similar to the horrors of September 11th.

And Ice Cube’s 1990 album, AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted came out after the Rodney King beating and LA Riots. On his track Tales from the Darkside, he said the LAPD’s role was to “serve, protect, and break a n*ggas neck.”


So what’s different? There are too many excuses and not enough responsibility. Too many rappers aren’t taking responsibility for the words they express. If their neighborhood’s are dilapidated, over run with drugs and filled with men and women that hold no moral values, then there’s nothing anyone can do but try to fix the problem. At the same time, local and national decision makers need to take their communities back into their own hands, whether it’s on Capitol Hill or in their back yards. Rappers don’t express their views for just no reason, and neighbors don’t complain when there’s nothing to complain about.

Perhaps there will be some Hip Hop artists that will stand up and start taking more accountability for the lyrics they write. Maybe lawmakers nationwide will stop talking and start constructing and developing cleaner, safer communities.

Maybe America needed the Jena 6 experience—we obviously haven’t learned our lessons from years prior.