I love this little video clip. I wish I could hear more. I believe I’ll always be a fan of DJing. Some may not understand it or never got into it, but it was fun.
Hip Hop and specifically DJing was my anti-drug, anti-thug, anti-gang, anti-crime. I never had time to get in trouble, because when I wasn’t in school or church I was DJing. All of the hours spent in my room with my headphones on just spinning records. It was the lead motivation for me to even consider audio engineering as a career, a career that didn’t materialize for me, but I tried.
Anyway, I just want to offer this clip as my 2009 tribute to Jason Mizell, Jr. aka Jam Master Jay of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group RUN-DMC.
This past weekend we all were stunned with some very interesting events. I’m obviously not going to be able to touch on all of them, but just wanted to mention a few that caught my attention. The gamut runs into politics, sports and entertainment, so I will try to keep my thoughts, ideas and suggestions brief on all of them.
Sarah Palin; Governor of Alaska (Steps Down Before 1st Term is complete)
To the surprise of many on multiple sides of the political spectrum, I’m not going to beat up on her for this latest sporadic decision. Like I’ve said awhile ago, there’s no need for me to keep beating up on the GOP, because they’re doing a good job at it on their on. Each time I’ve tried to offer a sincere non-partisan warning it was ignored, discounted and attacked, so my position has been to step out of it and speak to those who are open-minded enough to hear what I have to say and I in return to them.
Sarah Palin has the right to leave the position of Governor, a position that the people of Alaska voted her into a few years ago for any reason.
Politically, this move makes it even easier for her fellow Republicans, not Democrats, but REPUBLICANS that will run for President in 2012 job much easier to slam her on. This Democrat is leaving her to her own vices.
It’s time for politicians and political pundents to trust people to be smart enough to recognize partisan political games, political ideology from people who just want to do what they’re suppose to do and serve We The People. Too many political people are too busy serving themselves and those who helped them get to where they are instead of We the People.
I sincerely wish Sarah Palin the best and will not participate in attacking her personal decision to leave office 18 month before the term is up. Politically, she just opened herself up to attack by HER FELLOW REPUBLICANS, although I believe there will be some Democrats who will see the easy target and shoot at it. But I say to them, this is not our fight to wage at this time.
Now anyone who still believes I’m being hard on her still is simply crazy. I have my own opinions about this decision in relation to politics, but I respect her personal decision and question the strategy of the political decision. Who does she have advising her? This is not a wise political strategy regardless of party. So for once I agree with George Will and Newt Gingrich on questioning the political strategy behind this, but I’m not attacking the beloved politician, only wishing her well in her future endeavors.
Steve McNair; Former Titans & Ravens QB Found Dead
Now being a Tennessee Titan fan I was blown away by the news of Steve McNair being killed on Saturday. What bothered me more was the situation he was in.
Man… Steve… Big Sigh… Seriously, you’ve could have just called a brother. I would have welcomed you in. Man we all go through these hard times in our relationships. We’re the same age, I understand how ya feel. People start trippin’ and you feel you have no one there to really talk to. I get you, but dude… she’s 20 years old. This girl was only 1 years old when we graduated from high school, this is not right man. Was the ______ that good? There’s some 30-something year old women out here that would have been more logical alternative than this.
It’s alright man. What’s done is done. If I am to be honest I must offer my unconditional and sincere prayer for the continued grace and mercy to be bestowed upon your soul, memory and the family, friends and fans you leave behind. Everyone is not forgiving, but everyone wants to be forgiven. Who am I to judge you? You’re still alright with me. Rest in peace.
All I have to say is… THAT’S MY MAN! I really like Anthony Kim, but when I saw Tiger come up from 6th to tie for first and then stayed there I knew he had it. I want to be like you when I grow up.
Seriously, this may not be grand news to some because Tiger has won multiple tournaments. He’s Tiger Woods many would say. But as my father illustrated in a sermon of the weekend, it is the work behind what allows someone to make such a statement that’s the real point of it all. He is the #1 Golfer in the world, but consider the journey.
Over the weekend there was an announcer who was talking about Tiger’s career in various aspects and he briefly mentioned the tremendous impact he has made to the culture of golf since his 1997 Master’s win. Although the other announcers glossed over the importance of his statement I had to agree with him. Here I am watching golf and enjoying it. I’ve actually preferred to watch a PGA Tournament over most of the NBA Playoffs. That’s a death sentence on the streets. J I would have had my ‘Brother Card’ revoked and put on Black Man suspension if this got out. J (For those who may be uptight, I’m only kidding).
Listen, my point is that Tiger Woods along with other great golfers like him and others have made a great cultural impact to the amazing game of golf to a segment of the population often discouraged from the game. I am more than just basketball, football and baseball, I am golf, tennis and politics too, since that’s a game within itself.
It’s not because of his heritage I and many others marvel at his accomplishments, but it is because of his heritage that I and many others recognizes his accomplishments, because it makes a statement to people of all backgrounds that anyone can achieve their goals and dreams if you work hard at it and not allow the obstacles to hold you back. Congratulations Tiger and just watch, one day I swear I’m going to be out there. Me and You, one on one and when I’m finish you’re going to call me Tiger Woods. J
I don’t even know what else to say. The imprisonment of fame and wealth along with the leaches that comes with it is enough to overwhelm anyone, but just like the statement another King realized its truth, at least you can say today that you’re Free at Last.
a2a_linkname=”TI&S | Human Nature”;a2a_linkurl=”http://timvalentine.wordpress.com/2009/06/29/humannature/”;
In the wake of millions of people throughout the world mourning and in shock over the sudden death of Michael Jackson I wanted to take a moment to think about the reoccurring message that flowed throughout most of his music like a melodic baseline. That was a message of love, tolerance and acceptance of people as they are.
What I’ve found to be very interesting is the commentary I’ve been hearing and how it’s been given since the announcement of his death.
Many of us can remember the song “Black or White”, because it was often referenced in jokes aimed at the ethnicity of Michael Jackson. One of the many things that he uniquely understood and tried to convey was how to be a blank slate.
He was often misunderstood and marked as an easy target by many. The thoughts, ideas and suggestions people made about everything from his appearance to his sexuality to how he conducted business was a point of argument and concern for many. Often in death the detractors are reluctant to speak much ill of the deceased, because it’s socially seen to be in poor taste. Obviously it didn’t stop them from saying it while he was living, so why should it stop them in his death?
Who among us do not have a side to us we wouldn’t want publicized? The things we’ve said or may have done for any reason dragged into the court of public opinion for all to judge would be an absolute nightmare for many of us. I’m sure if I had or ever obtain the level of fame halfway comparable to Michael Jackson some would find some things I do strange and out of the ordinary when over analyzed and scrutinized by the public. Some have criticized my words on this very forum, so I couldn’t imagine what that would be like millions of times over. So as we all think about the life and death of Michael Jackson I suggest that we look at the person beyond the glare of entertainment and consider his greater impact and contributions to the world.
One of the things that Michael openly shared was a message of love. It’s human nature to want to lift someone up before we work to bring him down. How often are we willing to put ourselves in their shoes in efforts to understand who they are as a person and not who we have made them out to be?
Forgive him for what you don’t understand, because you would want to be forgiven for what we may not understand about you. Allow him to be in peace. Consider the over arching message he strived to offer through music and build upon it.
References & Inspirations
Michael Jackson – 1983 “Human Nature”
a2a_linkname=”TI&S | Michael Joseph Jackson”;a2a_linkurl=”http://timvalentine.wordpress.com/2009/06/26/michaeljackson/”;
I was actually traveling when I heard the news on XM Radio that Michael Jackson died. I didn’t want to believe it. Not Michael Jackson, no it couldn’t be Mike. Mike’s gone, but I never got to meet him. He can’t go yet.
I listened to CNN on XM 132 for hours. I couldn’t believe it. When it began to set it, I started to think about my room as a pre-teen and teenager. The first time I saw Thriller was over a church member’s house. We all sat down in front of the TV to watch it. It was an event.
As I began to receive text, email, tweets and IM from all over I started to think about my favorite songs. ‘Say, Say, Say’ , Billie Jean, The Lady in My Life, Smooth Criminal, I Can’t Help It, just to mention a few. I didn’t care about what people said about him, I was cool with him. Now he’s gone. MAN!
I just don’t really have enough words for this one, so I’ll just leave you with one of my favorite songs and videos of all time. Rest In Peace Mike. Thanks for the music, creativity and inspiration.
Fell free to share your stories about Michael Jackson too.
I understand the concept for Black Music Month, but this is where I have a slight issue with it. In February I wrote a piece called “Whites in Black History” to prove the point that Whites are just as much apart of Black History as Blacks or any other race and vice versa. Many people miss that, but oh well. Black Music Month – I appreciate the contributions to music from Black artists, groups and musicians, but shouldn’t we begin to change this way of thinking?
Don’t misunderstand me; I think it’s perfectly fine to celebrate the tremendous contributions to the history of music by Black artists. I referenced one song by Michael Jackson at the beginning of this article. I personally love music, but even the song I referenced had people of other races who contributed to its creation and success.
Music often documents and benchmarks our life struggles and experiences. This is true for Blacks as well as Whites, Hispanics, Latinos, Asians, and all other races I’ve omitted. Music is apart of our lives and often brings us together.
I remember back in 1986 when RUN-DMC and Aerosmith collaborated to release “Walk This Way”. I love how they used the wall to divide both groups and then they broke threw the wall with music. Brilliant!
All of the people who I was friends with who exclusively listened to Heavy Metal got a taste of what my other friends who exclusively listened to Hip Hop and vice versa. We discovered that we’re not all that different. We may use a different slang, but it all essentially means the same.
So I believe its fine to celebrate music by Black artists, but would you be upset if we celebrated music by White artists? Now I’m sure there’s someone reading this right now saying, “Hell Yeah someone would have a problem with it.” And you’ll probably be correct.
This is my suggestion and what may get me in trouble, so Let’s Get It Started as I peak over the fence to whisper my diabolical plan.
Have someone likable with clout in the music industry, say a Clive Davis to propose White Music Month. Now the reason for it can not be because Blacks & Hispanics have a music month. It has to be for the reason to celebrate the musical contributions of White artists. As a Black guy I personally would defend it, because I don’t see the problem with it.
Now you can’t tell anyone I gave you the idea, because if this got out I would be treated worse than Rush Limbaugh at a 50 Cent concert or welcomed like Minister Louis Farrakahan as a guest on the 700 Club. (I’m sorry that was mean. Funny, but mean.)
Anyway, I’m going to leave you with one of my first dedication to the proposal of White Music Month. Enjoy.
OK ONE MORE — I’ve got to put this one in there. I love this video. All they need is to have U2, George Clinton, LL Cool J, Toby Keith and Lenny Kravitz and let me play the drums and I’m in Heaven.
“’cause that’s how we roll”… sigh… listen, most of the people who are on FOX News or are fans of the entertainers on FOX News do not listen to Hip Hop, nor do they understand what you’re talking about.
I get what you’re saying, but you have to consider your audience. You can say that on MTV or BET without any need for explanation to follow. You saw how they looked at you, because you lost them with that analogy. It’s alright, I’ve done it many times.
Mike, I shouldn’t have to explain this to you. I know you understand what I’m saying. Stop talking like that.
Listen, just consider who you’re talking to and quit all of this YO, YO, You know what I’m saying, that’s how we roll talk, what’s the deal son. You’re not Hip Hop and that doesn’t make you cool. Listen, if you want to be ‘down’ (cool) be yourself, do you. Although I can remind some artist of this same fact, but Hip Hop respects individuality. Those who stand out and have been sustainable have an unique style.
People who continue to misrepresent and only seek to profit off it is the problem. From corporations to politicians, it will always appear phony when you’re not authentic. Mike, the GOP is not cool (to true hip hop fans), nor does it care about those who are listeners of the genre by evidence of their actions concerning them.
Perhaps you should target Country Music fans more. Oh that’s right, you’re losing ground there too. Hurry up, Get’r done, you still got time.
I really do feel sorry for you and the party now, but you won’t listen to what I have to say. All I can do is seek to appeal to your better nature in hopes what I may have to say will be received.
FINAL THOUGHTS OF THE WEEK
After an interesting few weeks of political craziness I thought I’d insert some fun. I’ve thought of the perfect way for Congress to resolve their differences. Why not go back to how we solved our problems in the early to mid 80’s.
So get your crew and let’s have a break-dance battle. WORD!
Can’t you see Mitch McConnell and Harry Reid out there on the floor of the senate battling it out over the some piece of legislation? President Obama on the turntables with Vice-President Biden rockin’ the mic.
Both crews walking to the floor of the senate ready to battle with the Republicans wearing red and Democrats wearing blue. Sigh… I can see it now…
Well second thought, I’m not sure how well this may work. At least I would get a kick out of it.
It’s not so bad out there that we can’t all work together. We can fight and argue, but at the end of the day we got to be willing to come to a resolution.
What is going on within the Republican Party? I’m getting tired of defending Republicans from the attacks of other Republicans.
In my best Sinfeld impression, “What is the deal?”
P is for Party Partisans
Although he’s finally gone, but the evidence of his presence lingers like a fart after a meal at Taco Bell, not the Former President George W. Bush, but his nephew, George P. Bush. (I think the P is for Partisan, but I can think of some other descriptive P words that may adequately describe his remarks, but I rather just call him Mr. Bush for now.)
Mr. Bush was speaking to an audience in Orlando, FL on 02/21/09 and had this partisan thing to say about his fellow Republican, Governor Charlie Crist (R-FL); “There’s some in our party that want to assume that government is the answer to all of our problems. I’m not going to name any names. You know who I’m talking about.” Now when reporters quested his statements he says, “That will be on his track record and people are going to remember that.”
I guess I shouldn’t expect any less, you are a Bush. But why are you using this level of inflammatory language against your own party. It’s like the same level of language I’m using towards you now, but I’m not talking about another Democrat, I’m talking about you.
Although I’m beginning to get tired of defending Republicans from themselves, I find myself doing it again. Governor Crist is doing what you were too partisan to do; he’s concerned about his state, not the state of his next election or within the party. He’s the Governor of Florida not the Governor of Republican Florida. I think it was someone you know (Uncle George) who helped facilitate the means for the environment we all find ourselves in.
Those Republicans
“There’s a tug of war right now within the party as to where we go next,” Gov. Mark Sanford of South Carolina, one of the conservative Republican leaders, said in an interview. “I am in the camp that says we go back to basics. There are other folks who say something a little different. The answer will be determined in this tug of war.”
Among those tugging opposite him is Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California, who only last week concluded a battle to close his state’s $42 billion budget deficit over the opposition of Republican state lawmakers who opposed tax increases in the compromise.
But it seems to be almost another kind of Southern Strategy going on within the Republican Governors. Gov. Mark Stanford (R-SC), Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-LA), Gov. Haley Barbour (R-MS), Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) and of course Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) who is not in the south, but…
Now I just want to see how these governors explain to the people of their state the real reasons why they didn’t accept the stimulus money when they have budget shortfalls and so many other things that the state could use that money for? Was it all in the name of your own political posturing? How do you explain that Govs. Stanford, Jindal, Barbour, Perry and Palin?
Perhaps you will offer your explanation when you announce your intentions to run for the 2012 Presidential Nomination of your party.
What all the rest of your Republican Gubernatorial colleagues understand is that this is not the time for posturing or party politics. The grand ole party will not be all that grand if no one has any money. That goes for the party of the people too. Quit the politicking and get down the political business of the people you represent, not just the Republican part of them.
Perhaps Gov. Crist should consider 2012? I personally don’t won’t him to win, but he seems to be the voice of reason within the Republican Party these days. (Source)
EMPTY WORDS OF INCONSEQUENTIAL LEADERSHIP
Now you would expect this sort of comment from a Democrat, but it’s coming from the Republican Governor of Utah, Jon Huntsman. What is going on with the GOP?
“I don’t even know the congressional leadership. I have not met them. I don’t listen or read whatever it is they say because it is inconsequential – completely.” Now the Governor had criticism for what he saw as a misdirected spending in the stimulus package, but added that Republicans had no credibility on fiscal responsibility.
“Our moral soapbox was completely taken away from us because of our behavior in the last few years,” he said. “For us to now criticize analogous behavior is hypocrisy. We’ve got to come at it a different way. We’ve got to prove the point. It can’t be as the Chinese would say, ‘fei hua,’ which means ‘empty words’.”
WOW!
NO ALLOWANCE FOR YOU
When the three Hebrew boys were refused to bow to the king he sent them into the fire to burn. Hold up that’s the wrong story.
When the three Republicans Senators, Collins, Specter & Snowe refused to bow to the sentiment of the party-line and exercised reason and consideration for the constituents of their state the GOP Kings got mad at them. Now GOP Chairman Michael Steele told the FOX News robot, I mean reporter Nick Cavuto that he was open to keep what is basically keeping their allowance during the next election cycle as an act of retribution for their vote.
YOU DOWN WITH THE GOP
Now this is the same guy that just recently proposes that he was going to attract the “Hip-Hop” generation to the GOP. Before I say this one I must first apologize, but I can’t resist it.
<turn me up in the headphones, yeah that’s the beat, little bit more bass>
Chairman Steele, now I’m probably more apart of the Hip-Hop generation of the 80’s and I admire your optimism, but I think you may have more success with the Country Music crowd than the Hip Hop crowd. But I would love to see a video with a group of Republicans chanting, “You Down with the GOP”, “Yeah You Know Me”, “Who’s Down with the GOP?” But you may be on to something since there was that little hit you all made around Christmas called “Barack the Magic Negro”. Also the last administration was pretty gangsta.
DON’T EVER TOUCH A BLACK MAN’S RADIO OR HELICOPTER
My man John McCain had this to say to President Obama regarding, well I’ll let you read it.
Sen. John McCain – One area I wanted to mention that I think consumed a lot of our conversation on procurement. It was the issue of cost overruns and the Defense Department. We all know how large the defense budget is. We all know that the cost overruns, your helicopter is now going to cost as much as Air Force One. I don’t think that there’s anymore graphic demonstration of how good ideas have cost taxpayers enormous amount of money. So the — we will and I know that you’ve already made plans to try to curb some of the excesses in procurement. We really have to do that. We’re going to have to pay for Afghanistan as you well now and we’re not done in Iraq, but most importantly, we have to make some tough decisions, you, Mr. President have to make some tough decisions, not only about what we procure, but how we procure it…
President Barack Obama – This is going to be one of our highest priorities. By the way, I’ve already talked to [Defense Secretary Robert] Gates about a thorough review of the helicopter situation. The helicopter I have now seems perfectly adequate to me. Of course, I’ve never had a helicopter before. You know? Maybe — maybe I’ve been deprived and I didn’t know it. But I think it is an example of the procurement process gone amuck and we’re going to have to fix it. Our hope is that you, Senator Levin and others can take leadership on this and one of the promising things is, I think Secretary Gates shares our concern and recognizes that simply adding more and more does not necessarily mean better or safer and more secure.
First, “cost overruns and the Defense Department” wasn’t you the one who called to bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran? Bombs cost money. What about that 100 year war you were talking about? Anyway it was a good question and I’m glad someone is concerned about the vehicles of transportation of the President. Perhaps he can just catch a cab, hold on he’s Black that won’t work. Maybe he can just charter a helicopter, no that won’t work because it costs too much. What would you have done John if you had won 57% of the vote? Sen. McCain, how do I say this… Marine One comes with the whole Presidential Transportation Package. He gets to use a car, a plane and yet a helicopter. Now the Presidential motorcycle is optional.
The title of this section was a reference to the movie Rush Hour for those who may not have seen it.
CULTURALLY UNAWARE
The culturally unaware mayor of Los Alamitos, California is coming under fire for an e-mail he sent out that depicts the White House lawn planted with watermelons, under the title “No Easter egg hunt this year.” You just have to wonder where some of these people have been all of their lives. Do you know ANY Black people that could have told you not to do this?
Mr. Grose (Mayor) confirmed to the AP that he sent the e-mail to Price and said he didn’t mean to offend her. He said he was unaware of the racial stereotype that black people like watermelons. Sounds like the NY Post. Again, how unaware are you?
He said he and Price are friends and serve together on a community youth board. “Bottom line is, we laugh at things and I didn’t see this in the same light that she did.” So that makes it acceptable.
What I find astonishing about this is how some people can be so culturally sheltered that they are unaware of offensive language, gestures or even associations. The “I have a Black Friend” defense is not a defense. I have Kurdish, Jewish, Catholic, Muslim, Black, Latin & White friends, that will not excuse me from permitting or suggesting something that’s culturally insensitive towards them.
FINAL WORD
I’m sorry if I’ve offended anyone, I’m just having fun with this. There are Republicans I like; I’ve defended some of them here. These are the ones I think are demonstrating reason, but they have a hard fight ahead of them.
You have to admit that it’s silly. Personally I’m enjoying it. I’ve beat up on enough Democrats last year. Seriously I do not want to see you eat yourself into a party of one. You’ve got to get this under control, before it’s too late.
Now don’t be mad at me, I did defend some of the party. I just use a bit of bad humor to bring out a point. The party is beginning to implode.
I heard this song on the radio this morning that brought me back to my childhood. While changing the radio station in the car I heard “Love Will Keep Us Together” by Captain and Tennille. My parents bought me this 45 (record) so I can have my very own record as a kid to play on our family record player. (Now that’s old school) I never knew the name of the song, but knew the melody when I heard it. So being a person that has always wanted and searched for a deeper understanding I decided to write about it.You have to forgive me, but just humor me this time or again.
—-
If you take the time to retreat upon the chords of memory deposited into your life what is the melody you hear?
Do you hear the soothing or loving voice of your parents or the laughter from playing with your siblings? If you’re a preacher’s kid like me you heard the sounds of gospel and sermons and even the Psalms of David (ok that last one was just for my sister’s amusement) at some point.
Maybe you hear silence from being left alone, ignored, not taken serious, unloved or a lack of acceptance. Perhaps the melody you heard was the sounds of cursing and arguments.
When the chords of memory plays in your life regardless if you mute its melody or pump up the volume or which playlist you have it categorized; what will your remix sound like?
Long before we were old enough to think and properly use words, we thought in images. These images are loaded with emotion. We still associate images with an emotion. When I look at my son I smile, when I hear an old song I want to sing or dance, when I check my wallet I frown and when I witness discrimination I get mad. We all do this. From the first days of life we began storing memories of our emotional social experiences.
The burden we carry is our continual campaign to convince ourselves that we have to ability to either change the song and/or make it better. We can use samples from our influences and lace it over the beat of sound principle to make that melody if sour or sweet sounds like a hot remix.
If you’re tired of playing the same ole song that has haunted you all your life or even want to refresh the lyrics, check out your melody. What song is stuck in your head? If you don’t like what you’re hearing, remix it and make it your own.
In the end what will the soundtrack of your life be?
*Ya See. I’m not always serious. Maybe this video can help. Have a good day.*
Now there’s so much I can say about this, but I will let you chime in on this one.
It’s interesting to listen to a man speaking against homosexuality while wearing hills. If I have stepped out of my house ass out what do you think would happen?
Prince may not be gay, but come on dude… are you for real.
Seriously I actually like Prince and don’t want to criticize him, but am I the only person who would want to take a peak into his purple closet?
Mr. Nelson I enjoy listening to your music all these years and will continue, but you force me to go there. Should I even mention Graffiti Bridge or even Under the Cherry Moon.
Now you all can get mad at me, but I’m just saying…
If you can not view this video, please click here.
This may not speak to everyone who views this, but I hope you are honest with yourself. It’s all about who you allow yourself to be influenced by. My male influences span from my father to past and present business and political figures, but I like many people I know could have chosen a different route. My challenges as a Black man are the same either way as those who has had more or less advantages than myself.
Now I’m going to take a break from talking about politics and pay tribute to someone I really admired and often tried to mimic, Jason Mizell also known as Jam Master Jay.
I haven’t talked in detail about this part of my life although I’m a big music fan, especially RUN-DMC. Whenever I would hear any of their songs come on I turn up the radio and somehow it becomes RUN-DMC & Jam Master Tim because I’m on time with my “air turntables” on every break.
Years ago when I was actually on the turntables I would listen to him scratch and try to learn exactly position of the record for each scratch. I even remember when the first Rap video was aired in controversy on MTV “Rock Box”. Now it’s rare to see a Rock video on MTV.
Anyway, a few years ago on this day in 2002 in Hollis, NYC Jam Master Jay was robbed and killed in his studio. I remember getting calls and emails from friends from around the country that learned of his death. They would talk to me like I was his cousin or something. I was just a fan. I was shocked and even angered when someone who doesn’t listen to real Hip Hop at all said “it was probably over drugs”. Obviously they didn’t know Jam Master Jay. (Probably McCain supporters.OK, OK I’m just playing.)
If you can not view this video, please click here.
I care what anyone has to say about this one. I LOVE this video, because it was one of the few times we got to hear Jam Master Jay rap. This clip is a television appears RUN-DMC & Jam Master Jay did on Reading Rainbow from the mid-80’s. I was in high school then, but I was such a big fan I remember watching it just to see them. Yeah, I know it’s sad, but oh well. Just to prove I’m still a big RUN-DMC fan I watch Run’s House on MTV. MAN I LOVE THE 80’s.
I guess my moment of reflection has to end so I’ll say just “like all fairytales end, you’ll see Jay again my friends.”
WORD!
PS: One more for the people out there that may remember Graffiti Rock.
I guess I’ll always be a big fan of Jam Master Jay.
I actually love music, but have not really talked much about it here. I heard an interview on NPR “Tell Me More” with Ani DiFranco speaking about her 20th album. Although I tend to make Old School Hip Hop references I do listen to other genres. Here’s a performance of “Subdivision”.
Enjoy.
If you do not see a video playing, please click here.
I decided to make an audio tribute to Bernie Mac & Issac Hayes and share it with you.
Share this link with anyone you know who appreciates the entertainment these two talented men offered the world. I will keep it up for a few days before converting it for download only.
(I’m sorry that was mean. Funny, but mean.)
The culturally unaware mayor of Los Alamitos, California is coming under fire for an e-mail he sent out that depicts the White House lawn planted with watermelons, under the title “No Easter egg hunt this year.” You just have to wonder where some of these people have been all of their lives. Do you know ANY Black people that could have told you not to do this?
