Blacktop to Auction Block

In a little less than an hour the most talked about Free Agent class in the history of the NBA officially become eligible to visit teams and negotiate contracts. This is the moment that the Knicks, media, fans, LeBron James and the NBA itself has anticipated for the last two and a half years. "The LeBron James Sweepstakes" has been the talk of the season, with everyone from NBA owners to the President of the United States speculating what would happen once this day came. Well, it's here and one thing is for certain, we know a little more, but still don't know a damn things. LeBron is meeting with the Nets and Knicks first, then he'll meet with other teams vying for his services, the Bulls, Heat, Cavaliers, Clippers, Mavericks and anyone else who wants to make a pitch before he decides where to take his all-world skills.

While LeBron is the centerpiece, he is certainly not the only game in town this year, as fellow superstar Dwayne Wade is also a free agent, and so is Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson, Amar'e Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer, Dirk Nowitzki, Paul Pierce and Rudy Gay. The next few hours into days promise to be as exciting for any basketball fan as any in the last 15 years. There's no use to talking about the money, it's far more than any of us will ever see with maximum contracts reaching $127 million for re-signing with your current team and just under $97 million if you choose to sign a maximum deal with another team.

Just last week, 60 young men heard their name called in association with a NBA team for the first time as they were drafted from the amateur ranks to join the greatest players on Earth. Players like John Wall, Evan Turner, and Demarcus Cousins aspire to be like the big names that will dominate SportsCenter and newspapers for the next week or so, on the court, in celebrity and in salary. In 1998, the NBA placed a scale or a salary cap on the amount of money that rookies can earn on their first contracts, in effect making them earn the big bucks that unproven players had been given until that point. Now, these players have to play three to five seasons before the megabucks are earned, the money that really changes your life and the lives of those around you.

In his book Forty Million Dollar Slaves, William Rhoden explores the culture of excess and exploitation that these athletes, largely Black males find themselves in as their schoolyard obsession has become the business of their lives. There's one major difference about this crop of free agents as opposed to those of yesteryear and many of the athletes that Rhoden wrote about, these guys are in control. Players like Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing were all under the rule of super agent David Falk, who pretty much controlled how his clients were portrayed in the press, which teams they negotiated with and held his players at ransom for salaries that have changed the rules that govern the money of the sport.

Lebron, fired his agent at age 20 and formed a sports marketing firm with three childhood friends named LRMR, that not only represents him, but O.J. Mayo and NFL player Ted Ginn Jr. There are no super agents controlling the information that leaks out, manipulating back door deals, these guys are handling business for themselves these days and I'm proud of them. Another free agent this year really gets a nod for shedding the hold agents had over the NBA stars and that's Ray Allen. Once the NBA instituted a scale for maximum salaries, Allen hipped himself to the game and realized that he didn't need an agent to negotiate that deal for him, just a lawyer to review it and broke free, breaking the chains of the power brokers league wide.

So, while the spectacle that begins in 13 minutes may be similar to a high-end auction house, we're actually watching future Fortune 500/1000 companies merge with other Fortune 500 companies in some of the shrewdest business moves this side of Halliburton. The speculation is has reached a fevered pitch and will overflow as the players and team representatives jet set around the country in the eight days preceding the actual July 8^th signing day, I'm just gonna watch as the rich get richer, players and owners and a certain team that's spent the last two years dumping salary may strike out become the biggest loser this side of Cleveland.
7 minutes and counting…

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The Hump Day Song of the Week: Zhane "Sending my Love"

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Dear Summer

Dear Summer,


I’m just writing to tell you that I am not twelve anymore. I really don’t like it when it’s hot as hell anymore! Playing in the sun until my neck is three shades darker just isn’t my idea of fun. In a little over a month I’ll be 32 and I’m still trying to figure out what men in their 30’s do. I mean aside from going to work to keep the lights on. There’s gotta be more than making buffalo wings and having a few drinks with friends when the fight’s on. Then again, I may enjoy life a little too much from time-to-time and summers at the gig keeps me running ragged. So I’m finding joy in the simple things in life these years, my mission over the next two months is to grow a beard.

Plus, you know folk don’t have the good sense God gave them, breaking the precious summer rules at any opportunity. As I’m writing you this little letter my neighbors are cooking out in the front yard on a Tuesday night at 9pm. I guess they’re using the lightning bugs as candles, but for a house full of Negroes that don’t work all day, dinner should’ve been ready by the time I got in around 5. But that’s too much like the right thing to do and you’re about the exact opposite. It’s almost as if people use you to excuse away all of the mischievous and foolish behavior they can put together. During what other season could it possibly be a good idea to dye your hair kool aid red? Trust me, it never is, the thought of going out to a place where folks have a hint of sophistication never crosses your mind? Grown ass women with Nicki Minaj hair is not a good look! Neither is you fellas that insist on walking down the street with half your ass hanging out and a dusty wife beater on. This is what you make people do Summer.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that the kids only need two weeks off from school, before they resume their studies. Too many bad habits and bad parents for these youngins to absorb for two and a half months. It’s bad enough they can barely read, but a summer of listening to the street corner symphony can really deteriorate the brain cells and set them further back on the evolutionary scale. So after the hot dogs and fireworks on the 4th of July, they need to return to pens, pencils and arithmetic.

I’d also like to give a special shoutout to the single moms who send their kids Down South all summer…and then try to spend time with Teef all summer. In case you haven’t realized, that’s not the way things are going down anymore Summer, I’ve taken a few steps in a different direction. I’ve made a few changes since the height of winter, I’m eating vegetables, drinking less Level and to be honest, I’ve gotten tired of the way things used to be. I’m not interested in a Summer or a Saturday love, I’ve set sights on something more meaningful, but that’s another story, for another time. Everyone should be allowed room to grow right, so I’m just growing into my shoes and walking my walk.

Keep your cookouts and weddings, shootouts and birthday parties all in the same place, I ain’t really trying to be there anymore. I don’t really find smiles in your favorite pastimes the way I used to. Do me a favor, tell those party promoters I’m not going on their midnight boat rides or crab fests, so leave my Facebook inbox be. I remember spending my birthday with my family at Dorney Park, but things have changed and I can barely remember spending time with my family, guess that’s something else I need to work on.

There are people that spend all year waiting for you, that try to fill your 100 days with as much activity as possible, defying logic and reason, as if you’re the only season. Folks have overspent on gym memberships to tone their bodies and you’re the reason. It seems as if everyone’s searching for something to which they believe you have the answers, like the stars align and life magically shapes itself because you’ve arrived. While you may be the catalyst for change, folks fail to realize that the foundation must be shrouded in the preceding and subsequent months for any type of substantive change.

So Summer, I don’t ask you for love or a reprieve, I don’t beg you for vacation or barbeque, I don’t wish for 100 degree days on the beach, I just ask your 24 hours to tick like every other day I live. But, if you find it in your way to allow me to hold hands with someone at sunset once or twice and a few days to breathe easily between the 4th and Labor Day, plus a chance to smile a little more…it will be greatly appreciated.

Yours Truly,

Teef

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I’m Disappointed in America: Keith Sweat’s Platinum House

Question! When was the last time Keith Sweat made a hit song? Maybe I've missed something since LSG and that was how long ago? So why in the hell would TVOne send Dru Hill to him like he's some svengali that's got the magic touch needed to piece together their career? "Keith Sweat's Platinum House" premiered last night and I asked myself why the entire half hour. The show started with a 2008 clip of Dru Hill on a Baltimore radio show announcing they've reunited, only for Woody to announce that he's stepping off (again) to follow his religious calling. Hilarity ensured next as Sisqo thorough a hissy fit before Nokio and Woody had a little scrum.

That was two years ago and Dru Hill is more irrelevant now, than they were then. It's been more than five years since their last album and damn near 10 since they've made anything that we cared about, but I'll admit that I am a little bit intrigued, I've always been a reluctant Dru Hill fan. However, this Reality TV marriage seems arranged and awkward to me, the chemistry is off with the group and Keith Sweat just doesn't make hits…in the last two or three decades. But they'll be plenty of drama, manufactured and pre-existing, and hopefully some good music will come from it. If not, we'll always have the Sisqo bitch fits to look forward to…

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Apologies Accepted

At 7:41pm I did something I hadn't done in nearly a year, I turned to BET. I almost made it a year; I was three days short of making a complete 365 days without watching Black Exploitation Television aka BET. I haven't turned purposely or even by mistake to the station since June 30^th of last year. Many folks were through after they botched the Michael Jackson tribute last year, but I gave them the benefit of the doubt, only having two or three days to pull it all together. I was done that Tuesday night when I looked at the lineup and Frankie, Neffie, Tiny, Toya and Wendy Williams were on back-to-backt-back. I just couldn't do it anymore.

So, when I started seeing advertisements for the 2010 BET Awards show last night, I was staunch in my politics, I knew the boycott was going to win out. That is until yesterday when I wrestled with the decision all day because there were a few factors that really intrigued. First, Kanye West was set to perform for the first time in months, Prince was receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award and Queen Latifah was set to host, which added a touch of class to an event that Jamie Foxx took a little too far left last year.

BET put together a pretty good show last night with quite a few highs and very few lows, undoubtedly a visual apology for the crap they threw at us last year. There were surprises and the usual BET fodder, but all in all in was a good show and I'm glad that I crossed my own picket line for a few hours last night, because then I wouldn't be able to do this:

• I hopped out of the shower just in time to see Kanye West perform "Power" atop a mountain with the biggest medallion I've seen since Slick Rick's hey dey. The camera seemed to stay at a distance the entire time, but Kanye seems to still be feeling his way back since hurting some little White girl's feelings last fall. What's the big deal? I hope he took the time off to address some personal issues and not because of the negative attention he received for telling the truth. There wasn't much to say about the performance, it was good to see him back, but wish he was there with that charisma we've come to love him for.
• I was tempted to stop watching after the Kanye performance, but Queen Latifah's opening sequence drew me in, she was funny, tasteful and after she busted a rhyme, I realized I couldn't turn.
• I've kept my feelings about this whole Alicia Keys/Swizz Beats mess relationship/pregnancy, but last night it was in full view as her belly was as prominent as she was in a too short dress as she went through a medly of songs that we've seen her perform over the past 10 years of her career.
• Usher performed "There Goes My Baby" and was pretty boring. In years past, Mr. Raymond has often been the highlight of any stage he stepped on; these days he's more of an afterthought. Tighten up Usher!
• I'm not sure why the "Best Female Hip-Hop Artist" category exists, especially when two of the nominees no one has heard of, Lil' Kim is a has been and Trina never was, so Nicki Minaj walked away with this category and her usual cartoonish self took the stage in a pink wig and wedding dress, then threw on a fake accent to begin her speech, before losing it and regaining her hood while speaking on how she's fighting for females. Too fake for me!
• Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, Diddy, Sean John performed "Hello/Goodmorning" with Dirty Money, T.I. and Rick Ross. Mr. Combs showed everyone how you're supposed to perform on an awards show. He had the smoke machine working, the pyrotechnics, the lip synching, but it was entertaining.
• Nia Long and Larenz Tate reenacted classic scenes from Love Jones and I started to get nostalgic for Black Hollywood.
• Deneice Williams joined Monica on stage to sing "Silly" as Monica performed "Everything to Me" and sounded at times like she hasn't sang in over 25 years, but it was good to see her and the nod paid to the old school.
• Jermaine Jackson wasn't as greasy as he's been for the last 15 years, but something just wasn't right with his hair, can't quite point a finger on it, but it looked like his doo rag didn't reach his ears.
• Jermaine introduced the Michael Jackson tribute that we've been waiting to see and then stepped off…leaving a silhouette of someone performing Michael's moves and it was none other than Chris Brown. In the wake of his assault of Rihanna last year, Chris was persona non grata and wasn't included in any of the Michael Jackson tributes that took place, but most folks have been speculating of what his tribute may actually look like and last night we saw it. I've said it before, this boy can dance! No, I mean, he can dance! And if there was ever anyone to do this tribute, it was him. By the time he got to "Man in the Mirror" the emotions of the moment overwhelmed him and he broke down crying. His performance and specifically the breakdown, has become the most talked about topic in the Negro America. Real or phony, you gotta feel for the boy, he's been maligned in the press for the last year and change, watched record sales swan dive and faced a seemingly unforgiving culture from the periphery…until last night. (More on this later this week)
• The hottest Nigga in the game right now, may also be the corniest on stage. Drake is absolutely horrible live! He looked akward jumping and skipping around like he was 5'2, 125lbs and didn't seem confident rocking the stage alone, but got a much needed assist from "Mr. 103" himself, Jeezy. Drake's gonna have to step his stage game up if he plans on having a lasting impression on the game
• Why were the Black Eyed Peas at the show? They looked completely out of place and when they presented an award they seemed high! I still don't know anyone who has a Black Eyed Peas album…
• Trey Songz performed "Yo Side of the Bed" and then moved into "Purple Rain", at which Prince cut his eyes as to say, "Don't mess this up!" and Trey's uneven performance left me looking at the TV a little weird. I guess he couldn't sing "Neighbors Know my Name" in front of his fine ass mama! Did you see his mom? Whooooooooooo weeeeeeeee!
• The night of lightskinned-ed comebacks continued with El Debarge taking us back to the early 80's with a few hits from the DeBarge catalog. Fresh out the joint and hopefully sober, El seemed to have regained most of his old range until stamina seemingly became an issue when he got to "Time Will Reveal". It would've been great to have seen Mark, James, Randy and Bunny…
• Todd Bridges shared a few kind words and memories of the late Gary Coleman and in one of the few mistakes of the night, Lena Horne's passing wasn't properly acknowledged.
• Proving that chocolate brothers are still hanging in there, Tyrese reassumed tribute status with a mini-Teddy Pendergrass medley. I would've preferred Jaheim, but I like Tyrese just the same, if only this brother will make an album…
• I gained a new level of respect for John Legend after he received his "Humanitarian of the Year" award and hearing of all his philanthropy. Legend has given his time, money and effort to various charities in parts of Africa and domestically. It was great to see an artist of his stature be so selfless and articulate his passion so well in his thank you speech. Now, about returning to soul music…
• I waited all night for the Prince tribute and I was disappointed. Janelle Monae was her usual energetic self (time for a new outfit boo boo), I can't remember the second chick's name (but she ruined my Prince favorite "If I Was Your Girlfriend), Alicia Keys went piano crawling while breathing through "Adore" and Patti Labelle did her usual (including kicking her shoes off) and bringing down the house while looking like Wesley Snipes in Too Wong Foo… I guess it would have been too much to ask for someone with testosterone to be part of the tribute. There has to be a brother or two out there that would've done Prince some justice, but who am I?

All in all, it was a pretty good show, though there's a segment of Black music that seems to be left out, that area where artists like Erykah Badu, Raheem DeVaughn, Anthony Hamilton, Lyfe Jennings and The Roots reside. The ignorance factor was definitely kept to a minimum last night, I wonder if Lil' Wayne being in jail has anything to do with that? Good show, good memories, but not good enough, the boycott resumed as soon the show was over!

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Fluidity

A stomach virus completely wiped my system out last week and pretty much disabled me for much of last week. I missed a few events and was unable to write as I tried to hydrate to enough to hold my guts in. But I'm back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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The Hump Day Song of The Week: Kindred the Family Soul "Stars" Live at The West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival

Always look at me the way you do today, treat me like a friend, listen to what I say...

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The Revival: Kindred the Family Soul

The 7^th Annual West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival in Philadelphia introduced a new wrinkle into their lineup this year, the Jazz Hang Suite, and the headliners on its inaugural night were none other than Philly Soul artists Kindred the Family Soul. The husband and wife duo of Fatin and Aja Graydon Dantzler took the stage to the familiar refrain of "The Family Song" and the show housed in a tent was transformed into a revival of sorts, a revival of soul music, a revival of love. Fatin officiated the evening, showcasing Aja's powerful vocals, while conjuring the spirit of the great soul men like Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding.

Engaging and highly interactive, the Dantzler's endless love for one another spills over into their music and ultimately resonates through their live set as the two gave their all to each song on the set, while honoring the other and even flirting at times. When "Rhythm of Life" from their debut album "Surrender to Love" kicked into a house music mix the crowd rocked, bounced and swayed in their seats, undoubtedly still digesting the soul food offerings from the host restaurant Relish. This is a major departure from the SRO venues that litter Philly's music scene, but Kindred kept the funk coming, determined to get folks out of their seats. After a rousing performance of "Where Would I Be (The Questions)" from 2005's "In This Life Together" it was obvious that the itis did not take effect and the crowd was now ready to party.

But Aja changed the pace when she took center stage to belt out "Woman First", the soul sistas stood and sang along, arms waving, testifying as she sang the story of their lives in lyric. When the music broke down, she shared some of her day-to-day struggles as mother, wife, artist and woman, and then encouraged the women in the audience to not believe the hype and stand by and support the brothers as we closed in on Father's Day. Fatin admired his wife from side of the stage, pulling his camera phone out to film her performance, as in awe as those who witnessed her put her heart and soul into the song. She finished and stepped to the background as the male half of the duo moved to the front and took us down memory lane with a stirring interpretation of the mighty O'Jays classic "Lovin' You". He was quick to dismiss his performance as not measuring up to Eddie or Walter's, but you couldn't tell that to those who were lost in it.

The song ended with a classic "slow drag" between the parents of six (yes, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and love moved through the air, warming up those inside the heavily air conditioned tent. Next would be a chorus-only performance of "Love Train" followed by my personal favorite "Stars" and I was ready to fall in love, because of how easy the two people on stage made it look. The show reached its climax when they performed their very first single, "Far Away" to the delight of the audience, who were nearly all standing by now to an anthem of the pressures of everyday life, love and struggle. The spirit of soul music filled those in attendance whom were not ready to leave so early (around 11:35), so an extended performance of William DeVaughn's timeless 1972 hit, "Be Thankful for What You've Got" stretched out for nearly 20 minutes, complete with audience members repeatedly singing the chorus and a selected few joining Kindred on stage to sing the famous words, "Diamond in the back, sunroof top, digging the scene with a gangsta lean (whoo-ooh-ooh)".

We're in a time when music just doesn't sing about love like it once did, where Jay-Z and Beyoncè have become the media darlings for the musical marriage and long gone are the days of Ashford and Simpson and what they represented as a working couple, together in matrimony and music. Earlier this month I wrote that the duo seems forced these days, that chemistry lacks between a man and woman on record, but anyone in that tent outside of Relish on that Friday night will testify that it lives on with Kindred the Family Soul.

Follow them on Twitter @Kindredthefam and join their website (http://www.kindredthefamilysoul.com/) for updates, the insightful and at times hilarious web series "Six Is It!!!" and upcoming tour dates, including two shows in New York City at Feinstein's at Loews Regency on July 2^nd…see you there!

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Mutha@#$% Him and John Wayne!

A line in the sand was drawn Sunday night as episode 9 of the final season of “The Boondocks” did what I’ve been waiting three seasons for it to do. Aaron McGruder used his animated alter-egos in an episode named “Pause” to explore homosexuality, the state of Black Hollywood, the cult-like nature of (some) organized religion, Black manhood, our intra-community race war, Ice Cube's standing in Black Hollywood (before "Are We There Yet?") and the biggest fish of them all, Tyler Perry.

Under the thinly veiled guise of a fictitious character named “Winston Jerome”, McGruder squeezed everything I’ve said for the past five years into 20 minutes of live action animation as he explored Perry’s fascination with light-skinned protagonist against dark-skinned antagonist, the redundant nature of his productions, cost cutting measures, and the stereotype laced material he perpetuates all under the pretext of positivity and religion. But that’s not where the show stopped; he essentially outed Perry by having his character lust after a male lead and having him stay surrounded by a buff entourage, while claiming that Jesus is his co-writer and giving him these ideas.

If you’ve never seen an episode of “The Boondocks”, you have to understand that its creator toes the fine line of social commentary with blatant ignorance and for most of the episodes this season have missed his mark, but this week’s episode, while offensive to some, is by far superior to each episode this season. There’s a scene that reinterprets The Rocky Horror Picture Show that I believe is pure genius, as is the inclusion of Kadeem Hardison of “A Different World” fame to drive the point of the lack of options in Hollywood home, as well as Perry’s penchant for cheap labor. Equally hilarious were the kool-aid references to illustrate the cult-like trance Perry’s legions of fans seem to be in by not seeing through his ruse.

The other running theme was the “pause” game made famous by the hip hop community and practiced in our neighborhoods in which the word “pause” or the phrase “no homo” is used as a misnomer when something that can be considered homoerotic is uttered. It’s become commonplace in the dialogue of our youth and even those with close ties to hip hop culture, further widening the gulf between Black male imagery and the understanding of homosexuality. The fact that simple words misconstrued imply homosexual intentions and they could be excused immediately is just as silly as the thought that everyday words and phrases are being linked to being gay. It’s just another example of how far we’ve got to go.

However, there is one area of the episode that I pretty much don’t discuss in these pages and not readily converse about personally, religion. This is not the first time “The Boondocks” has probed religion, but it may be among the most offensive as “Jesus” was uttered just as much as “Nigga” any other weeks, and may drive some folks away. I’m pretty sure Tyler Perry will take a break from wrecking Ntozake Shange’s classic “for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf” to send an e-mail to his cult, decrying Aaron McGruder and “The Boondocks” as misguided haters, then he’ll stand on his wallet and take the high road while throwing subliminal darts and vow to keep providing the quality, positive, spiritual productions as he has for the past blah, blah, blah”. I don’t want any of you to forward that e-mail to me…I don’t want read that shit!

There are plenty of one-liners and moments that are memorable. As a matter of fact, judge the episode for yourself…

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The Summer Rules 2K10

School's out, but class is in session. Today is the first day of summer which means that the 2010 Summer Rules are now in e-f-f-e-c-t! For the uninformed, the Summer Rules are a set of social codes that I've cultivated over the years in an attempt to ensure that we all have pleasurable and memorable summers, but your cousins find new ways year after year to sink to new lows. So, the rules evolve each summer to include the niggerdom from the year before and of course the golden rules...

• Moisturize! Please take a few minutes to rub some shea butter or Eucerin on your skin. I'm talking about more than the hot spots too; get your feet daily, elbows, knees, thighs, the pinky knuckles, that fleshy part between your thumb and index finger, and definitely your face! All that! In fact, ladies keep a travel bottle in your purse and fellas keep one in the car and at the job, you know we tend to dry out quickly.
• Make sure that your whites match for that "White Affair" or that boat ride around whatever river yall float around in your neck of the woods. It may not look like it the store, but eggshell white and bone are two different colors and that lodi dodi whose ear you're yelling in notices.
• Ladies, I don't care how you get it done, Nair, bikini or Brazilian wax or an old-fashioned shave, but please keep your legs, underarms and bikini line shaved and trim. I don't care what they do in France or what India.Arie sang, it ain't cute!
• Fellas, if you think it's cool enough to wear sandals, then you need to be cool enough to get your toes touched up once or twice. One too many of yall are showing your toes and haven't clipped them all year or ever pushed your cuticles back, you may want to take care of those crusty things before you slip on those mules.
• This is the most of important rule of them all and applies daily, not just during the next two months, but deodorant is your friend. There is never a reason for you to smell like you just finished running a full, unless you just finished running a full! So please get your hygiene in order, because as Charles Barkley once said, "Anything else will be uncivilized".
• I witnessed a major violation Saturday as a front yard cookout made its way a little further than any grill should ever travel, the sidewalk! I'm not sure who thought that was a good idea, but that was the tackiest thing I've ever seen in my life. Cookouts are made for the backyard, unless you're Down South where you have massive land and your house is squarely in the middle of it, but you East Coast folks know better.
• I'm going to need for the ladies to dress according to their sizes this summer. I'm seeing way too many of you packing too much of you into shirts a size too small. Trust me boo boo, it does not do anyone any good to see you busting at the seams while screaming Maxwell's name.
• Fellas, I'm gonna give you this one for free to help avoid some summer blues; stop using your birthdate as the password to everything! You keep wondering how your lady knows about your bust-it baby, your passwords are easy as 1-2-3, be a little more creative (I mean, if you're gonna be in these streets.)
• It is entirely ok to sit out and event or two, you don't have to dance on every set, fall back a bit and let it be an occasion when folks see you. Plus, it will give your outfits time to cycle, too many of yall are bringing back those hookups back too fast, I see the pictures on Facebook.
• Teachers, find something to do with your time, work at a day camp, go on vacation, but leave your working friends alone during the day. That means, no Facebook, Twitter or BBM's during the hours of 8:30am – 4:30pm letting us know how you're chillin'.
• 
  
  Many of us have RSVP'd for a wedding or two, which in itself is a summer ritual, but no reason for you to act a fool. There are special wedding rules like:
  • Don't take someone you're not ready to marry to a wedding
  • Don't take someone in anticipation of seeing your ex.
  • If it's an open bar (rare because your friends are cheap) go easy, nothing worse than being the sloppy drunk at the wedding, too much space for embarrassment.
  • Stop trying to catch the bouquet; nobody is marrying your trifling self!
  • Fellas stop hitting on everything with estrogen at the wedding; the bride's auntie is off limits!
  • And please keep your comments to yourself for the day, stop hating because your girl beat you to the alter or you think your boy is trying to turn an ex-stripper into Claire Huxtable.
• I know the rising mercury seems to raise our aggravation levels a bit, but it being hot outside is not a good enough reason for you to act a fool wherever the spirit moves you, control your tempers and we'll all encounter less Nigga moments this summer.
• Please pack your Uggs away with the turtlenecks and sweaters; you have absolutely no reason to pull them out in the next couple of months. Fellas, the same goes for the Timberlands, we did that in '90's.
• I really don't know why, but hanging outside is definitely a summer sport, but it shouldn't be. Please take yourself in the house at a decent hour. It can't be that hot in your place to the point that being outside feels better. If it is, Walmart has a great sale on air conditioners and fans going on right now, jump on it!
• All of you frontin' like you've been recession proof; please stop trying to get someone to go half with you on season passes to Six Flags! I haven't been in years, so splitting costs with you so you can get all of your kids a pass is not really my idea of a good investment.
• Those of you that have moved into new homes in the last few months, your place does not have to be the BBQ pit. Don't let your friends convince you to have cookouts every weekend. It's far too much work to keep that up. They don't bring food, don't help cook, bring cheap ass liquor and are too full, too drunk or too trifling to help you clean afterwards.
• Put the brown juice down! Hennessey + heat = police! Find a summer drink like a Mojito, Sex on the Beach, Tom Collins, Electric Lemonade, Long Island Iced Tea, Planter's Punch or a Woo Woo. You know drink money and bail money are opposite ends of the friend spectrum.
• Many of you have saved since last year (save = not paying the light bill, wearing the same weave for two months or not paying child) to take an expensive vacation this summer. Please be humble about your trip, because your friends do not take kindly to hearing about you going to some exotic locale where the water is indigo blue and they're gonna be spending a few days looking at the brown water of the Jersey shore. Besides, they'll have lights, their hair done and no warrants when you return…
• Remember every day is not a holiday, it is only summer, you do not have to fill your calendar with activities because the weather is nice. That get too expensive and wears on the body, stretch it out some, I can't stand when people say "I need to be doing something, it's summer". The season shouldn't dictate your want to get engaged with the rest of the world.
• As a matter of fact, I've been watching Facebook status updates and many of you need to do some summer reader, to improve not only your grammar, but your world view. Holla at me if you need some book recommendations.
• Just in case any students stumble upon this, sleeping until 2 is completely unproductive, get your ass up and clean your mama's house, read, learn to cook, get a summer class or job, but lazing around the crib is a waste and bad practice for adulthood. And please stay away from your significant others (or someone else's) without parental supervision, I've noticed a surge in babies born in April and May.
• Boycott BET and VH1 this summer, just wanted to throw that in there…
• Fellas, you're a little too old to be getting heat rash, cut those cornrows and get something that doesn't have you sweating so much.
• The big weaves and wigs are a definite no-no for the summer ladies, braid it up or go natural, but the lion's mane is really not a good look, you just look hot.
• Get that hate out your system! It is really not cute for you to spend your entire summer hating because everyone around you is enjoying their summer, taking trips, going to concerts, having a ball and you're standing still watching. Get up, get out and do something, even if it's one of those corny midnight boat rides (we still on that?), but do something besides hate on what everyone else is doing, no one wants to hear that ish all summer
• The most important rule of them all is to be safe this summer, some folks are out there fired up on hate, jealousy and Hennesey, just looking to ruin someone's fun. Stay clear of them, keep your nose out of folks' affairs, follow the preceding rules and you'll have an enjoyable summer.

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Any Given Sunday

Sunday by design was made for rest; however, in practice it has become a day to cram many of the things the hustle and bustle of your week didn't allow time for. You know, like the laundry, cleaning the bathroom, shopping or even date night with your new boo boo. If you're like is anything like mine, Sunday is a welcomed sight, because it signals the end of a long week and the chance to recharge for the next six days. In weeks past, Sunday has continued with the activity of the previous days or found me trying to catch up on what I've been unable to fit into my week, because Thursday and Friday got away from me.

Not today! Today is one of those days when not having children or the obligation of celebrating Father's Day with my dad is special, because I'm able to shut out the rest of the world, load my DVD player with movie after movie, grab a good book or two and crash on the couch. My body has its own special way of telling me when to chill and yesterday it decided to speak up. I absolutely crashed at the most inopportune time and when I would ordinarily continue to push myself, I knew I had to shut it down for a day or two. Unfortunately due to the nature of my job, taking a vacation in the next two months is totally out of the question, but please believe that September and October will find me cutting loose and treating myself for all of my hard work and the stress I place myself under.

However, until I'm able to do just that, I'm gonna take mini-vacations on Sunday to give my body and more importantly, my mind a chance to rest recover. So I'll be watching baseball or movies and writing a little, but definitely trying to take it easy, so I'll be shutting down my cell phone, not answering the door, hell, I don't even want to cook. As a matter of fact, I need a volunteer to bring a brother Sunday dinner for the next 12 weeks, can someone do that for me? Who knows, I may even make it to church a few of those Sundays…

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A Hero ain’t Nothing but a Sandwich

Today being Father's Day makes it fitting to talk a little about OG Duck Davis aka Mr. Donald Davis. Mr. Davis is someone who took me under his wing when I started my gig six years ago and as he likes to say, has become my "illegitimate father". He's not only taught me the ropes on the job, but since I've relocated to Trenton he's introduced me to key people, showed me where to go and more importantly, where not to go. For the past 30 years he's worked within the education sector in various capacities leading up to his current position as Director of Youth College at Mercer County Community College overseeing Upward Bound, Project Smile/Gear-Up and Educational Talent Search.

It's that 30 years of experience that makes conversations with him invaluable, but it's his nearly 58 years of life that makes my relationship with him immeasurable. If you've ever spent five minutes in his company, you know that Don is a rare breed. To the faint of heart, he's offensive, borderline rude, but those of us who know and love him understand that's just the way East Trenton grew him. That's why when the MF's stop and he shares some wisdom with you or tells you how he sees things from his prospective, you have no choice but to take heed. There have been times when we're in the bar and between shots; he gets serious to talk about health, the direction of my career and even relationships. Even more endearing are the days he just shows up at my place or calls to make sure that I'm not spending a holiday alone or that I'm eating Sunday dinner.

So when he was honored with the 4^th Annual Legacy of Fatherhood Award at the Platinum Dads Awards Celebration yesterday, it was great to see that all of his hard work, dedication to his family, to the students that come through his programs and those he's touched through his community outreach recognized and awarded. It was such a change to see the usually boisterous man humbled and almost nervous, yet beaming with pride, because he was the man of the hour yesterday. His nervous energy was apparent as he couldn't sit still, walked around the banquet hall, looked around, and then pulled out what appeared to be a seven-page speech. He said he had to say, he said that nearly 58 years of life, the experience of his journey couldn't be summed up in a quick "thank you" speech and he planned on telling his story on that morning.

We ribbed him about the length of the speech, but it was at that point I realized that I've been fortunate enough to hear that speech over the last six years in various forms. I've heard that speech during conversations in the office, in the car on the way to basketball games, on a bar stool, in my living room and his, plus from the countless friends and former students that always have a Donald "Duck" Davis story to tell. He's become one of my closest friends, but I still refer to him as Mr. Davis quite often out of respect, because he is so much more to me. He is a friend, a valued mentor, and an illegitimate father.

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My Father's Son

*Reprinted from June 13, 2008

June is known for one more thing: Father's Day. My dad is probably cringing as he reads this because he was so unsure of what I would say about him if I ever decided to blog about our relationship. I suppose he believes I'd simply talk about things that would project him as a bad father. But the truth is, he may not have always been there when I wanted him to be, but he was there when I needed him.

It would take weeks to describe all of the intricacies of our relationship. We don't have a traditional father/son relationship, but what we have works for us. There are moments over the years that have outlasted any one time I've been disappointed by him. Like, one night on the train after a concert when talking about Ving Rhames, he busts out, "Five years ago, he starred in a play called "When I Come Back to Harlem, Who's Gonna Be There?'" and all of the White folks believed him. Or, when I was unsure where he was on 9/11 or when he saved my life a few days later.

There's no simple way to explain how we are towards one another, when we say 'I love you' it almost sounds weird, more than likely because it hasn't been practiced over the years. But I've learned so much from my dad over the years, more than he realizes, more than what he thinks. Like, I've gotten a true sense of community from him, being an advocate and an activist for the youth, and I've learned from mistakes he's made. He's no Cliff Huxtable or James Evans, but he's my dad and neither of us can deny the other...we look so much alike!

Aside from my dad, there have been other men who have served as a father figure throughout my life. My step-father Eric for one, he would always talk about being self-sufficient, never having to depend on a woman for anything. So, he taught me to cook, how to wash clothes and things of that nature. My uncle Troy, who has a quiet cool about him, I've been able to pick up things from him in regards to maintaining a household, managing your finances and a model for what a husband should be like. My great-grandfather, who as long as I can remember has taken me everywhere with him, I learned hard work from him. My aunt Danielle's father Ronnie, who was my mother's step-father, but essentially my grandfather because he was there for most of my life, I watched him put in long hours and take care of his family.


I always speak of the women who raised me, but these men had an equal hand in their influence over me. So to them and all of the fathers out there, not your baby-daddy, Happy Father's Day!

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Twice as Nice

It had to be one of the worst games I've ever watched for 41 minutes and one of the worst games I've ever seen Kobe Bryant play, but somehow, the Los Angeles Lakers became back-to-back NBA champions last night and I'm ecstatic this morning! For the past two weeks I've been badgered by friends, received messages from friends that I didn't know watched basketball, harassed by my neighbors and haunted by the failure of the 2008 matchup with the Boston Celtics, but all of that was eradicated in a seven minute stretch in which Derek Fisher, Ron Artest, Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol came up big while Kobe struggled with his shooting touch. The supporting cast made big shot after big shot, scrambled for loose balls, played the best defense they have all season and then Kobe remembered he was a basketball player a made a key shot, a few free throws, but most importantly grabbed 15 rebounds as the momentum turned.

Yes, the game was so ugly that it was beautiful. The Celtics started hot and jumped out to a lead that they held through three quarters while the Lakers seemingly couldn't buy a basket. However, when the 4^th quarter started, it almost seemed as if the Celtics forgot how to win. Lamar Odom and Ron Artest brought a little NYC toughness to the game, Gasol stayed active, Fisher returned to the court to nail a three pointer and the Celtics didn't have an answer. As the game ebbed and flowed, my heart raced, fluttered, I paced and swept the kitchen floor to burn off nervous energy. I even became a little superstitious, changing my Magic Johnson jersey to Kobe Bryant at halftime, switching seats in the living room, but I kept my Converse Weapons (circa 1987) on the entire time.

When it was all said and done, the Lakers franchise won their 16^th NBA title, Phil Jackson won his 11^th as coach (13^th overall), Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher got their 5^th and the star of the night Ron Artest got his first. It what had to be the most sobering (and troubling) moment of the night, Artest thanked his hood (Queensbridge) and his psychiatrist for helping him through his personal struggles. It is not everyday a professional athlete admits to seeking help and for it to be a Black man was monumental. Artest has overcome a myriad of on-court and off-court issues to shine on the biggest night of his career and for him to disclose that information was special. Yet, it was nearly negated by the fact that he promoted an upcoming rap single immediately following, put the mic down Ron Ron!

The big question over the next week is if Phil Jackson will be back as coach, his contract expires, he's been dealing with a troublesome back for seasons, he's 65 years old and has nothing left to prove. But, Phil likes to win titles in threes, so I hope he returns for another three-peat. The window was officially closed on this version of the Celtics as the aging Big Three have reached a crossroad in their careers, Kevin Garnett can't consistently play at the highest level of intensity anymore due to injury, Paul Pierce was up and down this series and soon-to-be free agent Ray Allen couldn't nail his jump shot with regularity since his record-breaking game 2 performance. Add to those factors that Coach Doc Rivers has hinted at wanted to spend more time with his family and watch his top high school prospect son Austin's senior season and to quote Rick Pitino, "Larry Bird is not walking through that door!"

The postgame activities went all the way to the abyss when Celtics forward Rasheed Wallace attempted to confront the officials after the game, trying to get into their dressing room "just to talk" as he said. A notorious hothead with a particular indifference for referees, Sheed claims to have played his last game and judging by his actions afterwards, he just wanted to display his appreciation to the three guys that called six fouls on him last night and have probably given him a boatload of technical fouls over the years. He may need to get the number of the doctor that's helped Ron Artest. Security and team officials were finally able to remove him from the area and he boarded the team bus in complete uniform and shades…good riddance!

All the talk during the series was about Kobe's legacy, his place in history, franchise and where he sits amongst the all-time greats. A dismal shooting performance in game 7 will make his detractors happy, but the journey to this championship, through the numerous injuries, the Jordan comparisons, being overshadowed by the LeBron James free agency hype, fighting the ghost of Shaquille O'Neal and that 2008 loss to Boston is proof enough that his talent and will to win, plus his ability to do the intangibles (15 rebounds in the clincher) led to his second straight Finals MVP and regardless of what the pundits or haters say, a title that places him among the best to ever lace them up.

As a Laker fan this title was special because it was over the Celtics. All year, like most NBA fans and silently officials alike, wanted to see Kobe vs LeBron, Lakers vs Cavaliers, but the opportunity to defeat and put an end to the current version of Celtic Pride was worth the 8 month wait for the Finals to conclude. Now, it's time to turn my attention to what has become my favorite part of the offseason, the free agency sweepstakes that this year includes LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Amar'e Stoudemire, Dirk Nowitzki, Joe Johnson, and Ray Allen, all of this after the NBA draft next week…I love this game!

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I’m Disappointed in America: The Ultimate Merger

Omarosa's back! Seriously…again. How this woman lands on show after show is beyond me, but she's done it again with the man who helped to make her infamous when she participated on his show "The Apprentice", Donald Trump. Somehow someone convinced The Donald that it was a great idea for an Omarosa dating show, TVOne was foolish enough to air it and 12 corny men are desperate enough to try to win her affections. The showed aired three consecutive times giving those who really wanted to check it out an opportunity to piece it together while watching the game, rearranging the Tupperware, painting their nails or whatever and I'll admit, I snuck a few peeks and it sucked!

Oh yeah, Al B. Sure is one of the bachelors trying to win her heart. Yes, that Al B. Sure! I have no idea what he's doing on the show, they say they've known each other a while and dated in the past, but dude for real? You're Al B. Sure, I know there's still a few groupies from '88 that you can hook up with. Omarosa has made a career out of being a bitch on various reality shows and during interviews, I'm pretty sure it's a character, but is this the woman fellas are looking for? While the brothers seem successful, driven cats, they are also some of the biggest herbs I've ever seen and like true reality dating show fashion, they'll create drama, proclaim their love, look like fools and ultimately someone will merge with her for the finale and then fade into reality star memory. It seems as if these cats are looking for a lifetime of love or 15 minutes of fame, either way, we shouldn't be watching this.

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I'm Disappointed in America: You're Cut Off!

VH1 has done it again, managing to sink lower as each new cycle of programming begins. This time, "You're Cut Off!" is the offender, and boy is it bad! The show features nine spoiled rich girls whose parents or significant others have threatened to cut the purse strings if they don't learn fiscal responsibility and develop an overall appreciation for life. Judging by the looks of some of these women, the benefactors are more than a few years late in trying to teach these life lessons.

VH1 has managed to find the most pompous, ignorant and delusional women walking the face of the earth or some very bad actresses. The show is all wrong, they dumped the women in a ranch house in LA with a life coach and meager accommodations. They should've dropped them off in South Central with a chick named Keisha that will proceed to slap any of them if they got out of line as she raised her kids by working, collecting public assistance and doing hair! Now that's an idea for next season, yall can have that VH1.

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The Hump Day Song of the Week: Christion "Soon"

I've always loved this song...

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Forever, Michael

*note - Due to a previously scheduled engagement, I was only able to attend the opening plenary.

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture kicked off Black Music Month on June 4th and 5th by collaborating with dj lynnee denise of WildSeed Cultural Group to present “After the Dance: Conversations on Michael Jackson’s Black America”. This two-day symposium was built around Michael Jackson’s impact on and relationship with Black America from various points of view, such as manhood, his philanthropy, representations of Blackness and of course, his enormous talent. The opening plenary featured noted journalists Tourè and Nelson George who for nearly two hours delved in Michael Jackson 101 from his Gary, Indiana roots to his global reach.

The two gentlemen and scholars engaged the audience in personal reflections of Jackson’s impact, as well as examined how his talent and experiences shaped his world view, softened the perception of Black men around the globe and ultimately, changed Black popular music for better and worse. Former Billboard writer George, who authored the bestseller The Michael Jackson Story after the success of Jackson uber-successful Thriller album, spoke about the experience of writing that book and how Jackson’s success catapulted his career, but also how their “relationship” evolved over the years. He begins his latest book Thriller: The Musical Life of Michael Jackson, by reliving a childhood trek to Madison Square Garden to see the Jackson 5 before examining MJ’s path to greatness and the origins of Thriller, then its impact on Jackson, pop culture and the world.

George told of a conversation with Michael while working on his first book that was initiated by trademark Joe Jackson bullying as the two explored Joe Jackson heavy-handed approach as manager, but how important his role as father was in the development of his sons and family by extension, an overlooked part of the story because of the horror stories we’ve come to know Joe by over the years. Another aspect discussed was Michael’s mentor-pupil relationship with producers Bobby Taylor (who discovered The Jackson 5), Deke Richards (who took over for Taylor and crafted the early hits), Quincy Jones (‘nuff said) and Berry Gordy himself, each of whom helped craft Jackson into the perfectionist that he became by the time he took complete control of his career by 1987’s Bad and 1991’s Dangerous albums.

The discussion moved to how Jackson’s non-threatening male image, softened the world’s reaction to African-American men, because of their fascination with Michael. His almost ambiguous sexuality rebuffed myths of Black male hypersexuality and provided the platform for Black male stars to succeed internationally, because of his depth as a performer and humanitarian. Micahel’s philanthropic efforts raised millions for charities across the world, and he gave millions more from his personal wealth, especially to children’s charities, a fact that will be turned against him during his troubled times. Tourè spoke of how Michael used his body as an instrument, how his every precise movement fed the music that surrounded him, altered how we viewed his performances, helped to write his songs and amazingly added to his vocal performances. Tourè also related a personal experience that everyone in attendance took a blood oath not to share.

Nelson George made the most interesting point of the discussion, drawing comparisons between Thriller and Orsen Welles’ magnum opus Citizen Kane, as the definitive work that both artists chased and failed to replicate through the rest of their careers and even more, their lives. While Kane was Welles first full-length feature and has been lauded as the greatest film ever made in some circles, he failed to meet the expectations in subsequent works, much as Michael did with Thriller though it was near the midpoint of a career that spanned 40 years. It was the success of the greatest selling album in history that sent Michael Jackson into orbit and changed the course of his life, as he gained a level of stardom that he couldn’t outlive and a measure of success that he could never match.

Though the media’s slanderous nickname “Wacko Jacko” was banned for the weekend, no true Michael Jackson discussion can be held without the tumultuous last quarter of his life that was filled with inactivity, child molestation allegations, bizarre behavior, marriages, children, financial difficulties and a comeback tour that was derailed by his shocking death on June 25th of last year. The panelists kept it all the way real as they discussed many of the poor decisions Michael had made since his life became more sideshow than showtime. So real in fact, one audience attendee seemed to think that George wasn’t a fan and seemed poised to pounce on him if he confirmed her suspicions. It is this Michael Jackson that has lived through the media since his death, which like the last years of his life, became a circus the media fed instead of observing his legacy.

As we watched the speakers trade observations on the King of Pop, audience members readied questions, comments and personal reflections, one brother proved to be a walking Wikipedia entry of Michael Jackson, but we were all attracted to the Schomburg this night for a discussion on a man that sang, spinned, and moonwalked through our lives and made the impossible plausible. We’re closing in on the one-year anniversary of the greatest entertainer of all-time’s death and tribute parties, discussions, radio and video blocks will fill our calendars, but honest discourse like what took place in Harlem, U.S.A. that Friday night is what’s needed. In his death, we have found that his life has meant much more than those dance moves, the songs we’ve grown up on and definitely the last 15 years of his life that nearly erased the memories of those who idolized him from near and far.

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The Insomniac's Diary: A Hump Day Hangover

I've decided that I need to see more Nona Gaye. That's what happens when you're up at 3am watching Ali. That woman is fine! Somehow I went from being dead tired when I walked into my place at nearly 8pm to staying up until 3:30am writing, watching movies and trying to listen to Drake's album (review coming soon). Maybe I was riding the high of the Lakers' win, maybe it was the high provided by Ciroc Red Berry, more than likely it was the fact that I was banging away at the keyboard.

As is par for the course, random thoughts dotted my movie watching, here were a few:

• How can only 11,569 people get out to vote for the first new mayor in 20 years?
• Congratulations Tony Mack, but did they really have to shut down a block because your 300 paid staffers weren't paid?
• Where is Billy Dee Williams?
• Is Oprah really giving Jenny McCarthy a show? I always knew she hated Black men, but it seems like she hates Black women too, because she doesn't seem to help either with a platform for new ideas.
• The Karate Kid made $56 million in the box office over the weekend, does that mean that I should see it?
• Why do I need ID to get ID? If I had ID, I wouldn't need ID! Shoutout to Mos Def!
• Am I the only person who likes to watch "Wipeout" on ABC?
• Damn I really want a steak and baked potato!
• Has anyone you know ever called Jacoby & Myers?
• Who said it was cool for folks to roll in those Hoverounds like they were vehicles?
• Shouldn't those folks need a license?
• Do you cringe when Magic Johnson opens his mouth?
• I miss my rabbit :(
• Helloooooooooooooo, is this thing on?!?

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Election Day Redux

The city of Trenton is heading back to the polls today to finally decide who will be the first new mayor of the city in over 20 years. Let me rephrase that, the city of Trenton should be heading out to the polls today, but the likelihood of today's runoff vote being indicative of the city's population is highly unlikely. During the historic 2008 election, there were over 26,000 votes cast (23,577 for Barack Obama), as people were anxious to be part of something historic. Last fall, the shortsightedness of people was evident as the turnout for the gubernatorial election was down to just over 10,000 in November and that poor turnout is a direct result to the Chris Christie's tyrannical reign. The two candidates in today's runoff, Tony Mack and Manny Segura combined to receive only 4,219 votes in a city of over 41,000 registered voters. It seems like folks were so preoccupied with history, they lost sight of the present and more important, the future. Over 33,000 voters sat out the primary, perhaps it's a matter of apathy or disenfranchisement, but there's a lot of ignorance attached to. In a city so small, with problems so big, not having your say in the changing direction of your city is really sad.

I can only hope that Trentonians make their way out to their local polling place today and vote for mayor and city council, plus the public question regarding the sale of the suburban pipes and water towers of the Trenton Water System. Facing dire straits financially, the city has worked out a deal that amounts to $400 million over the next 20 years to American Water Company. The deal is being sold to the public as an infusion of cash to a city that needs it, but also needs an increased police presence, more parental involvement in the school system, and an overall paradigm shift. The deal was as good as done until petitioners raised awareness with a campaign calling for the city to not sell one of its most valuable assets and a grassroots movement was born that now has the residents poised to vote on the matter. However, with numbers like $80 and $400 million dollars being thrown around and less than a third of registered voters voting last month, doesn't look good for opponents of the Trenton Water Deal.

The city itself has taken a proactive approach to dispute the claims of those against the water deal, by releasing a fact sheet (read here) and commercials promoting the incentives that will come from the deal. Even Manny Segura has a new commercial touting himself as the best candidate for mayor, while Tony Mack may be resting on his standing as a favorite son of the city in his bid to become mayor. All of this is happening while students are getting a less than adequate education, property taxes are rising, violence increasing and summer isn't even here yet, but it seems it may be politics as usual.

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There's No Sex in the Champagne Room!

Pretty soon these professional athletes are going to come to the conclusion that clear heels, green money and brown liquor doesn't mix! Vince Young from the Tennesee Titans had a Nigga moment in a Dallas strip club last night, getting into a fight with a dude allegedly over a remark the guy made about Young's alma mater, the University of Texas. They don't play with their sports down in Texas I see. I thought he got busy because he ran up a $10,000 tab on lapdances or champagne, guess that only happens on $2 Tuesday! The Dallas police issued Young an assault citation which is punishable by a $500 fine, but a suspension may be forthcoming from the NFL. I'm glad former teammated Adam "Pacman" Jones wasn't around...

Peep the video

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In Search Of…Nelly

By the turn of the millennium hip hop's influence had been seen and heard from nearly every part of the country, but Y2K introduced us to the St. Lunatic sound of St. Louis native Nelly and his Midwest swing. The debut single "Country Grammar" and album of the same name added an additional party element to hip hop and went on to sell 9 million albums. His next album Nellyville sold another 6 million records and it was obvious that Nelly was a superstar. But, there was one problem…he couldn't rap! Nelly was a nursery school rhymer in every sense of the word and quickly became a pop star and the antithesis of the true M.C.
The beginning of the end came when he was booed at Hot97's Summer Jam in 2003 at the height of his fame, partly because New York wasn't feeling his pop music and mostly because his set was standing in the way of the white hot 50 Cent. As hip hop has gone deeper into the Dirty South, the "derrty" M.C. has slowly faded away with sales of his last two albums significantly falling off, with his last album Brass Knuckles failing to sell a million copies.

The funny thing is, most of the Southern rappers have taken his style, added a street appeal to it and are enjoying fractions of the success he enjoyed the first half of the millennium. So, if he gets the right beat and comes up with another catchy hook, he may have another hit in him. Although I'm rooting against him, I started booing the moment he was introduced that evening in Giants Stadium, I hope he's saved some cash from those 20 million records he's sold over the course of his career. I think back to his contributions to hip hop culture, bad rhymes, that damn band-aid, the jerseys and the “Tip Drill” video---wait, remove “Tip Drill” from that list.  Truth be told, I'd rather hear Nelly, than Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame, Plies and Yo Gotti. Actually, I quit hip hop last week after VH1's Hip Hop Honors!

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The Nigga You Love to Hate

The homie Will says I'm getting too soft. The big homie Chuck says I'm falling off. They say I've been too nice, too PC, too people friendly, the anti-Teef. I'm not really sure what any of that means, I guess I haven't been spewing my brand of ignorance as often as I once did, in the manner I always did. Trust me, the ignorance is there, it's just a little toned down. I haven't called Oprah's big-headed ass out in a while or called Tyler Perry a minstrel show homosexual in a few months, but how many times and ways can I say those things without it getting old? Someone even sent me a text message asking why I censored the word "nigga" in the page heading? I didn't think folks paid attention to such things, I've been getting the feeling that I've been writing here for practice from time to time.

So I've branched out, attempted to diversify my portfolio a little bit and not be as snarling as usual. The bottom line is much of what I'd been gathering material from bores me these days, so I'm forced to dig in other places these days, so the delivery reflects that. Also, I've had a lot on my plate lately, trying to get my health in order, balancing my workload, and really trying to enjoy life a little more is a lot for one man to handle, even if that man is Teef. Not to mention that I've picked up a few readers from the things I've posted on various sites in the past few months and I really don't want to scare them off so quickly, I've gotta break them in slowly.

Summer is running down on us and it being hot outside is a good enough reason for Nigga moments and for me to report on them, plus many other goings on and other things that have raised my ire in the last couple of months, but I've chosen to ignore. I got that ignorant ish you seem to love and when I decide to let loose, don't be upset if something hits too close to home, because it's what you've been waiting for…well ain't it? That's all talk, I'm much happier these days and finding different ways to express myself. If you're looking for that old Teef, the archives are right over there, knock yourself out.
Sincerely,
The Nigga You Love to Hate








   

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Writer’s Block

I've sat in front of this keyboard for four hours and this is the first thing I've typed. I'm not sure what it is, writer's block, lack of inspiration or if my mind is just so cluttered that I can't place complete thoughts together to give you something to read. I guess I'll shut down and try again tomorrow. I can ramble my way through 500 words, but that'll be shortchanging you and me. I think I need a vacation; I need some time to ease my mind. This past week turned me every which way but loose and when I came up for air, I was only able to gasp enough to get me through a day or two.

I can't put my finger on what's going on with me. Well, actually I can, but it's a little more than I'm ever going to share within the parameters of these paragraphs. I'm fine mom, no need to have the entire family call me, I'll be back in effect soon. Until then, I'm going to immerse myself in what's going on in the world, down a bottle of vodka, listen to Stevie Wonder and bring myself out of this funk. In the meantime, check out "The Bachelor's Archive" on Eurweb.com, go through posts from the last five years here and brace yourself for my return.

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Some New Kind of Fool

It takes a fool to lose twice and start all over again…

Teddy P. never lied!

The heart seems to work independently of the mind far more than it should. We repeatedly tell ourselves, "This time things are gonna be different" or to borrow from Teddy, "This time I'm gonna win". Next thing you know, you're losing again, and cursing the day you were foolish enough to believe otherwise. All the coverage about relationships in the past few months seems to have skipped over the disenfranchised, that segment of the population that has repeatedly been knocked back in their attempts at love. Those folks that have simply said enough is enough and decided to opt out of the relationship game altogether. Those that have tried to hold on, but their faith is gone and to them, love is just another sad song.

I've been on the periphery of that group for the last few years, not totally ready to throw in the towel, but not eager to jump into a relationship either. I guess I'll compare it to the double-dutch jumpers of yesteryear waiting for the right time to jump in, steady bobbing and hedging, waiting until I can match the rhythm of the rope. Funny thing about rhythm, sometimes the tempo changes and you're left off-beat, wondering what happened.

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The Hump Day Song of the Week: Erykah Badu "Next Lifetime"

Life imitating art imiating life...

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We, the People of a New Amerykah...

Last night, a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania crowd became citizens of a New Amerykah as Erykah Badu mesmerized a capacity crowd with her blend of soul, funk, jazz, and hip hop all rolled up in what can only be described as Baduizm.

Ms. Badu took the stage at Philadelphia’s Tower Theater at 10:10pm and the capacity crowd greeted her by standing and cheering as she walked on stage in sweatpants, a t-shirt bearing her youngest child Mars’ name, a pair of black heels and to give the outfit that extra bit of Erykah, a top hat. They remained standing, screaming, flashing pictures as the music played and the anticipation built. A sip of tea and she began her assault on her willing victims with “20 Feet Tall” from her latest album, The New Amerykah Part II: The Return of the Ankh and carefully weaved through songs from that album and its predecessor, The New Amerykah Part I: The 4th World War, as the crowd remained standing through the first five songs. Nearly two hours later as she finished “Bag Lady” and went into “Window Seat”, they were still standing.

“The Out of My Mind, Just in Time” tour is Ms. Badu’s latest offering for her legions of fans that have been under her spell since 1997’s Baduizm and those she’s picked up along the way with a catalog as diverse as the outfits she wears and monikers she goes by. The set list is filled with her most recent work, but 20 minutes into the show, she took the crowd back to 1997 by performing “On & On”, “Appletree”, “No Love” and my personal favorite, “Next Lifetime”. She returned to her latest album following an interlude about the effect that she has on the men she gets into relationships with before going into “Fall in Love (Your Funeral”)” and the playful interlude, “Loving Me”.

The highlight of the night was a soul wrenching rendition and J-Dilla dedicated performance of “Didn’t Cha Know” from 2000’s Mama’s Gun, honoring the song’s late producer, as well as interpolating “Believe in Yourself” from The Wiz in an apparent tribute to the amazing Lena Horne. She stood center stage and belted out notes from deep within that reminded everyone in attendance of the reason they spent their hard-earned money for tickets.

She continued to pour through her catalog, played classic drum beats on her drum machine, turned the show into a party with “I Want You” from Worldwide Underground and before saying goodnight…but that didn’t last long, because there were more gems (obvious and hidden) to be sung. Like, “Love of My Life”, “Soldier”, and “Me” and then she was gone from the stage again. Only to return two minutes later as the still standing crowd begged for an encore, to which their pleas were answered by a performance of “Bag Lady” that found her walking through the crowd, giving impromptu auditions for background singers, before heading back to the stage to close out the show with “Window Seat”.

While Erykah Badu was delicious as the main course, Philadelphia soul singer Bilal and newcomer Janelle Monae were tasty as the appetizers. The hometown boy Bilal eschewed crowd favorites from his 2001 debut 1st Born Second in favor of material from his widely bootlegged album Love for Sale and the upcoming Air Tight's Revenge, due September 14th. Most of the audience grooved to the music and tried to make out the lyrics to the new material, but nearly bust from the seems during the opening riffs of "Sometimes" and completely came undone when he closed out with the hit "Soul Sista".

Janelle Monet's set was short, but filled with energy and reminiscent of the stage shows of the glory days of R&B. She slipped, slid, pranced, held powerful notes and then tipped on the tightrope during an excellent rendition of her hit single of the same name, culminating with her being cloaked by what looked like an angel of death a la the famous James Brown bit. She definitely picked up new fans, as I saw many people return to their seats following interruptions with a copy of her debut album The ArchAndroid.

Last night’s show was just what I needed to continue my celebration of Black Music Month, a night of live vocals, entertaining stage shows and most important, soul! When I exited the Tower Theater wiping sweat from my brow, I felt like I owed Badu a couple of extra dollars, because she gave us our money’s worth and then some. If you’re a fan and this tour is heading to your city, I would advise you to get your ticket now, wear something comfortable and prepare to go out of your mind, just in time.

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Summer Read: Helena Andrews "Bitch is the New Black"

The title may make some of you cringe, but read this review and see if it's something that you may want to put on your bookshelf.

Being a bitch or labeled as one is something that often – whether rightly or wrongly – sticks. Meaning, if you self-appoint yourself queen bitch supreme out of confidence or someone else gives you the title out of malice it may become the only prism some will be able to view you.

Before I met author Helena Andrews or read her first book “Bitch Is the New Black,” I’d read criticism from individuals who thought she was a bitch in the pejorative sense. A profile on herself and the book had already run in The Washington Post and while some enjoyed it, many others loathed what they thought Andrews represented.

Critics argued there was nothing celebratory or novel about a black woman being a “bitch” and unceremoniously lumped her into the common stereotype of the “lonely, successful, single black woman” who was single because of her own failings.

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I'm Disappointed in America: Are We There Yet?

Say it ain't so Ice Cube?!? You went from being that crazy MF straight out Compton to Tyler Perry Jr. with your new show "Are We There Yet?". I didn't watch, because the commercials turned me off, but it just seemed so tacky. Plus, Terry Crews, the coon of the moment is the star.

What happened to the hood friendly films you made like the Friday franchise, All About the Benjamins and the Barbershop movies? Money can make folks do the funniest things, like make shows that totally counter to what the last 20 years of their lives have been about. So...is TBS just giving away shows over there? If so, I have a few sellout ideas!

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The Hump Day Song of the Week: Musiq "I Used to Love H.E.R."

Feels right...

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Who Stole the Soul: We Need a Revolution

The calendar's arrival at June 1^st means that we've made it to another Black Music Month and all forms of media will be commemorating it with television specials, articles, music tributes, blocks of classic soul videos, concerts, etc. But after hearing Ne-Yo's new single "Beautiful Monster" and subsequently listening to the radio for 45 minutes, I'm confused about the state of Black music (apparently BET is too by nominating Justin Beiber for a BET Award) and asking myself (and now you), who stole the soul?

Later this month we'll celebrate the one year passing of Michael Jackson, who is largely responsible for the soulless music we're hearing these days (don't get it twisted, I loved the man too). Everyone who picks up a microphone these days is aiming for the ghost of Thriller and the iconic status "The King of Pop" achieved. Michael Jackson was a once in a lifetime talent, whose career trajectory was extraordinary and unique, as were the consequences he suffered due to his fame. What he gained in wealth, popularity and stature was at a cost not many will be willing to pay, his soul, literally and figuratively, which is partially why his sound didn't translate to the times as he got older and we became lost in the sideshow of his life and weren't really checking for album release dates.

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