WWJD?
Nowadays, it seems that it wouldn’t be hard to get Pat Robertson to declare that GOD will smite you for your non-Christian ways. In fact Christian values are at an all time high in the entertainment realm, and Christians are really angry about it. Perhaps it was, The Passion of Christ movie or the ubiquitous WWJD (what would Jesus do) paraphernalia that were widely discussed, rebuked or enjoyed in western civilization, that started this rehashed cultural awareness, but not since Jesus Christ Superstar has the Christian religion been displayed in so many potentially controversial ways in the media.
Today NBC pulled The Book Of Daniel from the air, citing low ratings. Several NBC affiliates pulled the show because they felt that it painted Christianity in a disrespectful manner. Here is a brief description of the show from CNSNews.com:
The main character, Daniel Webster, "is a drug-addicted Episcopal priest whose wife depends heavily on her mid-day martinis," the AFA said in a message to its supporters.
"Webster regularly sees and talks with a very unconventional white-robed, bearded Jesus," AFA said, adding that the Webster family also includes "a 23-year-old homosexual Republican son, a 16-year-old daughter who is a drug dealer, and a 16-year-old adopted son who is having sex with the bishop's daughter. At the office, his (Webster's) lesbian secretary is sleeping with his sister-in-law."
AFA noted that the series is written by Jack Kenny, a practicing homosexual who describes himself as being "in Catholic recovery," and who is quoted as saying that he doesn't know if "all the myth surrounding him (Jesus) is true."
I’ve never seen the show, but it is fiction. Not only is it fiction, but also these depictions do exist in our society and are often ignored for the sake of saving controversy. You can turn on the news and get negative depictions Catholic priests these days. What is really controversial, fact or fiction?
Black Face Jesus
Then there is this New York “socialite” that gets invited to all of the “trendy” parties, that goes by the name, Blackface Jesus. He can be spotted on gawker.com, mostly being a party favor... however, he has been linked to a few other sites of angry Christians that you may recognize here and here and here (blackface Jesus is ubiquitous you see…)
He almost gets around as much as the John 3:16, sign waving guy, with the clown wig, that you see at every major sporting event in North America. I always had a special place in my heart for the dude from downtown San Antonio; he actually bears a cross (on skate), and trots down the streets of his metropolis. He doesn’t bother anyone with his burden…
Now Kanye West appears on the cover of Rolling Stone depicting Jesus in a crown of thorns. I am not sure what Kanye was thinking, but I definitely will read the issue, which I haven’t done in several months, despite being a subscriber. Perhaps West thinks that he could get his 2Pac/ Makaveli on like in the picture below:
This is crazy. This one blog even goes as far as being able to have facts proving Kanye West is an Anti- Semite. In my opinion, Kanye is about offensive as one who claims to have been stricken with stigmata.
In the end, Christianity isn’t about worshipping images; it is about worshipping GOD. Not everyone has the same way of worshipping, so I can’t see why people get so upset. You would have thought someone’s momma got slapped or something!
If we are the image of GOD, perhaps we are offended by what we see in the mirror?
I am not sure anymore. Perhaps we’ve all been inundated by the 24-hour a day, play-by-play and color commentary of the “crusade”, being broadcast by CNN and Al Jazeera as we speak.
WWJD?
The Sixth Degree
Notorious BIG5 months ago, the estate of the late great Notorious BIG sought to collect 2 million dollars from the city of Los Angeles, to cover legal costs accumulated due to the civil trial that resulted in a mistrial and a reprimand of the LAPD for withholding pertinent evidence. Well, they were awarded 1.1 million. Does that sound like implication of the city of Los Angeles to the death of Biggie to anyone else?
In my opinion, between these five people, a murderer can be found:
First you have Kenny Boagni, who claims to have shared a cell with former Los Angeles police officer Rafael Perez.
Then you have Rafael Perez who was at one time partnered up with LAPD cop David Mack.
Additionally you have Suge Knight, the guy that supposedly hired David Mack to do the do with the assistance of Mack's friend, mortgage broker Amir Muhammad.
Perhaps all is needed is one genius to connect these five people to the late great Notorious BIG in six degrees of separation. I’ll be waiting for his arrival. In the meantime, peep this video.
Idlewild
Yeah, them boys done did it.
I don't know the outcome yet,
But it looks good so far...
Besides,
These boys have the Platinum touch!
The movie is slated for release: March 10
You can get more information
here.
no biting allowed
As Master Ace dropped in Marley Marl’s hip-hop masterpiece, the symphony, “There's a sign at the door: no biting allowed.” This unwritten but many times spoken rule of the hip-hop culture has been bent broken and reinterpreted many times and will continue to be debated in the future. The newest case of “you bit my style” involves Luther Campbell and 50 cent. Luke alleges that 50 stole lyrics from In the Club from him. Frankly, I agree with Uncle Luke. Not only did 50 bite, but the end result was worse than the original by far? If you don’t believe me, go “in the club” and play both songs and see for yourself…
you can check the original news source or you can listen to this classically clichéd theme by Jay- Z. Yeah I know it's old. It still makes me giggle.
I don't want to be unfair, so i also present a rebuttal from the good folks at We Eat So Many Shrimp.What an adequate name for biting advocates (jokes!!!)
do you need an ass whoopin?
I am relatively sensitive to violence in the home. It just seems as if domestic permeates society and the violence is ignored more often than not. This violence of the home is even represented in the media at times…
I am not sure where you stand on this particular “comic” strip, but the strip is relatively controversial for bringing issues, primarily of race into the forefront. This viewpoint, I cannot defend.
I feel it is wrong for children to be physically punished. Children cannot defend themselves. Children need to be nurtured and loved. A child will not prosper in an environment where fear rules. I feel that if you want your children to behave, you should lead them in the right direction by being the example and providing mentorship. Whuppin’ ass never creates anything but fear and resentment in a child that often breeds contempt.
Most often, it seems to me that violence in the home is perpetrated by one who desires to impose powerlessness on the victim. I find being a bully of such to be wrong.
Then there is always cases like these that start off innocently, as discipline, I am quite sure.
I just fail to see the comedy in this particular “comic”. I am not entertained. Sue me. Whatever you do, keep your hands to yourself.
Don't get me wrong. I do know the difference between a "spanking" and child abuse. I believe that child abuse can be eliminated through the absence of spanking. I liken it to being a casual crack head; any abuse at all is too much.
Besides, when was the last time you got beat for doing something wrong?
guilty pleasure
My latest guilty pleasure…
Tell Me - E40 feat Keak Da Sneak.
Keak Da Sneak doesn’t have a website, just a MySpace page. Now that’s what’s really gangsta. LoL…
RIP Mac Dre.
Dead Poets Society
Cool C I fondly remember my days, growing up in South Jersey in the 80s. In those days I listened to a radio show called Street Beat with Lady B. It was a four-hour show that covered hip- hop, rap, and freestyle of the period. My friends and I used to record the show on cassette religiously, just so we could have something “fresh’ to play in the boom box while we were break dancing. It was this era that became familiar with the hill- top hustlers and their chant (oooh ooooooh!). It wasn’t until the late 80s when the Hilltop Hustlers started gaining fame and recognition, but I remembered those days well. It wasn’t often that a Philadelphia emcee got some shine back then. All the real famous emcees ALWAYS came from New York (the Cali scene was then getting big too.) Yeah, I remember chasing girls with doorknocker earrings and eating cheese steaks while drinking strawberry quick… I was writing in my rhyme book fervently back then and I remember the emcees that inspired me from the Delaware Valley. There was Cool C, Steady B, Schooly D, EST, the Fresh Prince (yeah I said it), the Krown Rulers, and Ice Cream Tee, Cash Money and Marvelous, and Kool breeze. I remember DJs like Funk Wizard Snow, Jazzy Jeff as well. Enough of the memory lane bit…. My point is.
Cool C, a member of the Hilltop Hustlers, has been slated to join the Dead Poets Society on March 9, 2006. Ironically, that day is the same day that the Notorious B.I.G. joined the infamous Dead Poets Society. No, this is not a society of people that are linked to the film, or book, but this is a group of emcees that lead their life a particular manner. Members of this Dead Poets Society have a difficult time separating reality from the romance of fantasy and always seek to seize the day. Members of this Dead Poets Society generally lead reckless lives where immediate gratification outweighs any consequence. An indulgent mentality as such will never allow you to live very long; longevity is the fodder of realism. Cool C will not be the last to join the society either; romance is the only thing that keeps some folks in the ghetto pushing on.
Funny thing is, some people view the lives of these men (or lack thereof) is the real entertainment.
Who Will Be The Next Dead Rapper?
Keep in mind; the loser is the one that lives…
Should they hip-hop or should they stop?
Should they hip-hop or should they stop?
The old adage, “hip-hop don’t stop” referred to the staying power of the culture of hip-hop, as opposed to the staying power of, let’s say, disco. However, there comes a point in everyone’s life where they come upon the divergence in the path of life and must decide whether to stay or go. Hip-hop is no exception. I explore some people that I feel are at the cusp of such revelations.
Mays and Benzino
This duo may have seen the heyday of a cultural beacon in their relationship and workings with the Source magazine over the years. However, the magazine has been plagued with declining sales and plummeting interest due to socio- political involvement of the founder and president. The magazine faces money legal troubles relating to harassment suits and other financial negligence and recklessness. Failure to deliver magizines to their subscription holders as well as a well publicized beef with omnipotent encee Eminem, hasn't helped their case out either. In general, the magazine ceases to be the beacon of hip-hop culture that it once was and its luminescence has been downgraded to a mere flicker.
DMX
Dark Man X has sold a lot of records in his heyday, going platinum at least five times. In fact, DMX has sold more records than most respected artists in the rap game today, going platinum or better 5 out of six attempts. It just happens that the dog can’t keep his nose clean these days, having been arrested for such criminal infractions such as speeding, impersonating a federal officer, possession of crack smoking paraphernalia, paternity suits and animal cruelty to name a few. The darkman has openly criticized the rap game as well as being a teetotaler on retirement from hip-hop. His later offerings seem to have been missing the passion that encompassed his earlier, more sucessful offerings and DMX seems to be just going through the motions as of late. Perhaps his real calling is that of a character actor? Hmm… Then again, DMX wrote his best rhymes while in jail.
Lauryn Hill
I admit, I’ve never really been that much of a Lauren hill fan. I always felt as if the true flavor of the fugees came from Wyclef jean, of whom I am a great fan. I would be lying if I wasn’t one of many hip hop fans that didn’t scratch their head at her many psychotic misgivings over past recent years. If she wasn’t lambasting the Pope, she was exhibiting “mental strife” in or around her live performances. It had been rumored that she had fallen prey to a religious fanatic that was leading her down the path of psychosis. Her latest offerings seem to showcase less and less her musical talent and more and more of her social dysfunction. I mean, damn girl! You have four kids already. Be a mother to them kids! When is it time to put down the music and straighten out your life? I am not sure, but check out a late release from the queen and then judge for you…
Lauryn Hill - "Rebel" (studio version)
I may be prejudiced...
But, I am feeling...
just a little bit...
Bamboozled...I feel prejudiced because I can't bring myself to even watch the VH1 television show, the
Flavor of Love. It may be the best thing since the "loosy", but I cannot even fathom the descent of a legacy that contains such art as,
Black Steel in the hour of Chaos and
It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back. I remember when "the clock" stood for the time of oppression is drawing to and end. Now it just represents the last "chick" standing. I just want to know if I am being unnecessarily prejudiced.
911 is a Joke was series social satire. I wonder if I skip this show, will I miss the revolution.
And to think, I once wore a clock!?!?
Top 10 hip hop albums 2005
Well I have arrived after all. I am here to express my undying love to the culture that we know and love as hip-hop. I won’t be long windedin this intro. There will be plenty of reasons for you to send me hate mail in the near future; I know not many will agree with my opinions. Nonetheless, let me give your prejudice something to feel. I present the top hip-hop albums of the year 2005.
Top 10 hip hop albums 2005
Common- Be
If I had only one word to describe this offering by Common, it would be complete. Common takes us on a spiritual enlightening through the eyes of a city dweller by painting a picture that is rich with imagery reminiscent of James Baldwin or Richard Wright. Not only that, he also works with some of the premiere producers that accentuate his sound like a handshake, instead of playing paper- scissors rock with the lyricist. There is not a lot of filler, just good music. It has been a long time coming for common and he has finally arrived, just like me.
Notorious B.I.G.- Duets
There was obviously plenty of effort into making the official last release from the legend we know of as Biggie. I was not left disappointed, as everyone who participated brought their A games to the table and made the late great Frank White sound as refreshing as…. Well as he sounded on that fabulous mash up of him and Frank Sinatra.
Kanye West- Late Registration
Kanye speaks to me like no other artist. I secretly am Kanye. I dropped out of college. I registered at a later date. He really steals outfits from my closet (anger). I always relied on making my own beats to my own music… Also like me, his views are not always popular and sometimes show the inner conflict of man. The only real difference between us two is he is extremely arrogant, with a lucrative record contract, and the ear of America. Well at least you are listening to me.
Lil Kim- The Naked Truth
Prejudiced marred the release of this album as well as her dwindling, non-music related persona. No one in his or her right minds thought that lil Kim was capable of putting out a classic album. I am not sure whether the album is classic, but it was definitely better than most releases of the year. Aside from very weak interludes, the album provided a deeper look into the mind and relationships of lil Kim; a look that went well beyond the capacity of her vagina.
DJ Quik- Trauma
One of the most under appreciated talents from the west, DJ Quik has always provided edgy tracks as backdrops for many an up and coming emcee. His rhyme flow has upgraded fabulously, to include wit and substance that extend beyond gangster pimp braggadocio. In fact, his music is what gangsta rap should have aspired to, but didn't.
Juvenile - Reality Check
The best product ever to evolve from the Cash Money Family, Juvenile has dropped an album worthy to fit into the regular rotation of my Cadillac. Hell, he almost made me trade in my caddy for a heavy Chevy a couple of times as he kept my trunk rattling.
Black Rob- The Rob Report
Black Rob hasn’t lost a step during his extended hiatus at all; in fact his skills have increased to keep him atop the heap. He still has the ability to craft a gritty story into a crafty rhyme. The production is stellar. This is definitely head nod music.
Blackalicious - The Craft
I won’t even say anything about this album except it is exceptional. Anything else would spoil the surprise. Okay, I will say it is unlike most available hip hop offerings… it is the “real” hip hop album that was too intelligent for BET’s audience…
Talib Kweli - Right About Now: The Official Sucka Free CD
Talib Kweli has always excelled at wordplay and metaphorical skills as well as the ability to bless a track with presence. What he has that other wordsmiths don’t have is the ability to apply metamorphosis to change his metaphors into music. He is a true alchemist.
Missy Elliot- The Cookbook
On this album, M. Elliot combines various flavors. Old school, Crunk, R&B, Call-And Response, Pac- Jam, Go-Go, easily blend together into a style that is characteristically Missy Elliot. Missy doesn’t really play by the rules, and is often overlooked in the realm of the female emcee, but I recognize her contribution and I am pleased.
All of these joints are available at Amazon.com... not the bootleg bodega!
BlackCaesar!
