UPtown!

FLASHBACK: November 18th, 1992, "Malcolm X" Is Released

2011-11-18T18:14:00.001-05:00

After a long journey through development hell, on November 18th, 1992, "Malcolm X" arrived in American theaters nationwide. The film, directed by Spike Lee, is a take on the life of El Hajj Malik Shabazz (otherwise known as Malcolm X) recanted from the book "The Autobiography of Malcolm X". Spike Lee went through hell and back making this picture, and in fact, it almost wasn't made! Spike had to deal with the politics of Hollywood as Warner Bros. didn't want the film's running time to exceed past 2 hours and 15 minutes and suggested that Spike be a bit more conservative with the budget. But Spike never did let down. With the help of prominent African-Americans, such as Bill Cosby, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Prince just to name a few, the budget of the film was extended and Spike's vision of a full fledged epic was brought to silver screens. Clocking in at well over 3 hours, "Malcolm X" was released in 1,249 theaters nationwide. But while in multiplexes, the film still had its fair share of setbacks. Moviegoers going to see the film ended up writing to theater chains and complaining that while they'd pay to see "Malcolm X", they were receiving tickets to other films released around the same time such as "Home Alone 2" and "Dracula". "Malcolm X" made a sizeable profit from its $33 million budget and gross $48 million at the end of its run. But one must ask, would the film have been bigger if it weren't for the box office mix up?

Denzel Washington gave perhaps his most powerful performance as Brother Malcolm but was snubbed in the 1993 Oscars when Al Pacino would end up going home with the Best Actor trophy. With all of its setbacks, "Malcolm X" is still considered a classic and has been recognized by Congress and preserved for being "culturally significant". If you ask me, America never really embraced Malcolm X or wanted to for that matter. I had seen the film as a young child and was hip to Brother Malcolm and his teachings. However, my peers were subjected to a paragraph textbook blurb about the man and mentions of his name were villainous compared to that of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. While, at the time of the film's release, Malcolm X was embraced through film, toys, apparel and almost anything that could be bought, today he's a distant memory to most. Do yourselves a favor and check out "Malcolm X" on Netflix. I'd HIGHLY recommend picking up the book "The Autobiography of Malcolm X". Never forget the memory of our black shining prince!

This Is How You Open Up A Movie!

2011-10-02T10:35:00.000-04:00

The opening credits to a film is very essential. If it doesn't appeal, you'll lose the attention of your audience. Your film must open up in a large way and prepare the audience for the next two hours. Spike Lee's "Do The Right Thing" is most remembered for its characters, dialogue, fashion sense and its impact on today's culture. However, lets shift focus to its first frames of film. No, it's not Mister Senor Love Daddy. No, it's not Spike strutting down the street as Mookie. Nor is it Buggin' Out pestering Sal and his "Wall of Fame". But it's Rosie Perez dancing to the frenzied "PowerSax" remix of "Fight The Power". It's loud! It's aggressive! It's vibrant! Much like the film itself. In my personal opinion, it almost outdoes the movie. Much props to Spike, Rosie, Public Enemy, Wynton Marsalis and the powers that be that conjured up this idea and helped bring it to fruition.

Tru Skool/UPtown Radio Show: 9/25/2011

2011-09-25T23:03:00.001-04:00

After coming off of a very thought provoking show, it was business as usual. We got into the current events and the Troy Davis aftermath, and we ended up getting a call from "Ray J" himself! Yes, "Ray J" called in and cleared up the whole beef with Fabolous, repped the Money Team... and some other questionable stuff. Then we had two ladies join us in some interesting male/female dialogue! Another memorable show!

TAKIN' IT BACK: Spike's Joint

2011-09-23T16:10:00.002-04:00


Spike's Joint as seen on opening day in August of 1990

At the dawn of the '90s, social consciousness and black culture was at its peak. Towards the end of the 80s, acts like Public Enemy, Afrika Bambattaa, X Clan, De La Soul and Queen Latifah, brought a new wave of black consciousness to the forefront of pop culture. While the impact was made in music, black faces were also making a splash on the big screen as Spike Lee's 1986 comedy "She's Gotta Have It" ushered in a new wave of black filmmakers. Spike was always a trendsetter of sorts since his early days. When "She's Gotta Have It" premiered in theaters, the director worked out a deal with distributor Island Pictures to sell merchandise (ranging from buttons, tees and even a book!) that served as companions to the film. Sometimes the director was there hawking it himself. Making tees was a hobby of sorts for Spike as he'd create some for every one of his releases. After 1989's "Do The Right Thing" and a few Nike commercials, Spike was now a household name and apparel for his movies were VERY popular. Apparel for Spike's movies were made in Brooklyn and go on to ship out all over the world and appeared on the heads or backs of popular acts of the time. It was only right that Spike would venture on creating a clothing line, and that he did in August 1990 by opening the store Spike's Joint in the Fort Greene area of Brooklyn.

Folks all over the world would come in bus loads to grab tees that stated "Make Black Film", "We Want Our 40 Acres", feature imagery from the latest Spike Lee joint or caps baring the name of civil rights leader Malcolm X. Spike's Joint clothing and merchandise would go from a small storefront to being featured in Macy's stores nationwide, even having a shop in Los Angeles. But Spike's Joint also make an international presence with a shop in Japan. As the message heavy movies and music diminished in the public eye, so did Spike's Joint as it closed up shop in 1997.

Though gone in the physical aspect, Spike's Joint lives on. In 2006, to celebrate 40 Acres & a Mule's 20th anniversary, Marc Ecko and Spike Lee teamed up for a very limited 40 Acres Cut & Sew collection of tees and outerwear. Most recently on Twitter, Spike would announce that there will be a one day Spike's Joint pop up shop featuring items both old and new. Judging by the general reaction, folks are in anticipation for this to become a reality. At the end of the day, Spike's Joint is still a staple in both black and pop culture. Ya dig?!?

Check out a funny parody of Spike's Joint on "In Living Color":

Tru Skool/UPtown Radio Show: 9/18/2011

2011-09-22T18:05:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday, the Tru Skool/UPtown Radio Show has probably its most engaging and thought provoking content ever. We started off things with what was the talk of the weekend in the Mayweather/Ortiz fight, but with guest Brother Eddie on board, we immediately went into the state of hip-hop and black culture today. Check it out!

The Irony of Shock Value

2011-09-22T17:54:00.002-04:00

What is shock value today? Rappers are calling chicks "bitches" and "hoes" and Tyler the Creator is rapping about popping pills, slitting a girls throat and then fucking her dead body. Is there anything shocking anymore? Apparently there is, and it's coming from something that is rather tame compared to today's society. So I am an avid Prince fan and I listen to his stuff daily, even while at work. Every time I play "Sexy MF", I get either laughs or gasps. Why so shocked? Again, society wants to "skeet" on you, call you a "bitch", "ho" or even have sex with your dead body, but a man calling you a "sexy mother fucker" is that shocking? Really? I never understood how in this day in age, "sexy mother fucker" can still strike such reactions. Granted the root of the word "mother fucker" comes from slave owner practices in the early 1800s where they'd breed a slave child with his own mother. Gruesome, ain't it? At the time of its release, many lambasted the choice of single because of the explicative title, yet years later we were treated to Akon's "I Wanna Fuck You" and Cee-Lo's "Fuck You" as radio hits. 19 years later, "Sexy MF" still has folks in awe. Prince did his job.

The Forgotten Classic: "Under The Cherry Moon"

2011-07-02T12:58:00.000-04:00

Prince's quirky rom com turns twenty five!

Prince, as we all know by now, is a music God. The man is said to have mastered over 30 instruments, he can sing, dance and pretty much do it all. Hitting the scene in 1978, Prince would earn respect but made himself an international star in 1984 with the release of the movie and soundtrack of "Purple Rain". Riding that wave of success, Warner Bros. was almost non-hesitant to greenlight Prince's next foray into film titled "Under The Cherry Moon". The catch was now that, while he sang and acted in his first film, this time he'd helm the director's chair in a bold move for such a novice in the film industry. Releasing on July 2nd, 1986 in United States, "Under The Cherry Moon", while ambitious, would go largely unnoticed but attain cult classic status in the 25 years since its release.

Prince as Christopher Tracy

While "Purple Rain" took a more personal and almost autobiographical approach, "Under The Cherry Moon" set Prince and co. in a timeless warp set somewhere in France. Christopher Tracy (Prince) and Tricky (The Time's Jerome Benton) are two gigolos from Miami parading the French Riviera looking for girls and money. The two engage in their fun until they both set their eyes on royalty as Mary Sharon (Kristin Scott Thomas) is said to be inheriting millions of dollars upon her 21st birthday. The two friends find themselves in competition over her love (or money) and in the meanwhile, both Mary and Christopher strike up a steamy affair that, while fun, proves to carry some serious consequences.

"Under The Cherry Moon" is nowhere near extraordinary or spectacular, but it is a fun film. Everybody has that movie in their collection that seven out of ten folks will say is "shit" but you love it. Here's that movie. First off, it was the '80s. The MTV generation was birthed and pop stars did almost ANYTHING to get some exposure. Remember, this is before the internet and YouTube. So for pop stars to exploit their new found fame and take it to the big screen was regular work then. It's shown, in the acting in particular, that the folks involved with this didn't take it seriously. In all, it was meant to be a fun popcorn flick. Nothing more. And in that vein, I think Prince succeeded. This film is exceptionally noteworthy for the American audience seeing Prince at his most quirky, charming and loose state. Prior to the film, Prince did very little interviews with the American press and when he did it was often littered with one word answers or no comment. Prince's persona was that of a cold, quiet and mysterious one and the fact that we see him engaging in plenty of fun on camera is pretty cool.

"Under The Cherry Moon" has its fair share of one-liners, incredible music, steamy scenes, head scratching moments and while it won't have you engaging in gut busting laughter, you'll be able to chuckle and be pleased. The fact that it was released in black and white will probably throw some off, and it was said to be one of the reasons that people wasn't too interested in it initially. However, if you can look past that and have an open mind, this is a good flick to catch when you wanna kill time. Check it out!

Happy Birthday @phatlipp18!!!

2011-06-11T17:16:00.001-04:00

Today is a special day as I celebrate the birthday of a fellow blogger and great friend, Haile aka Phatlipp. He's a fellow supporter of the site and has one of his own that MUST be followed! Much love and blessings over here from UPtown. Get with the #PHATLIPP movement NOW!

I Heard That: @VanessaCarlton's "Nolita Fairytale"

2011-06-11T17:02:00.000-04:00

Reeling off of the popularity of "A Thousand Miles", Vanessa Carlton was the "IT" girl of pop. She was a skilled musician and songwriter, however the industry runs on dollars over talent. Carlton's "Be Not Nobody" and her sophomore release "Harmonium" just didn't reel in enough for A&M Records and she was dropped. However, she bounced back with Irv Gotti and The Inc. (yes, as in Murder Inc.) and dropped "Heroes & Thieves" and its debut single "Nolita Fairytale". I heard this back in 2007 on Finish Line's store CD every damn day when I worked, and I loved it every single time. As with "A Thousand Miles" and "White Houses", its the melodic pattern of the song matched with Vanessa's voice that made in a winner. Vanessa is definitely a great talent among the dreadful pool of pop stars that we've been forced to endure. I will take her soft vocals and conservative presence over the engineer altered vocals of Britney Spears any day! She reminds me much of Lady Gaga pre-weirdo phase (however, Gaga is a much stronger singer). It's sad to see talent like Vanessa relegated to small club tours and released with little support from the masses. The fact that this song has gone unnoticed is criminal in itself. Take a listen!

I'm Back!

2011-06-11T16:28:00.001-04:00

Hello UPtown faithfuls! I'm so sorry for neglecting you all for a good four months, but a good four months it has been. Since you last heard from a brutha, I went through a dry spell of writer's block. Couldn't get a thought out for my life while I was spilling my guts onto Twitter (kinda backwards, eh?) I was contacted by a certain someone for an opportunity of a lifetime. Apparently my tweets and posts here were being monitored and I began blogging for Hot 97's DJ Bobby Trends. While being an independent blogger, I was just practicing for moments like this. I went from begging folks to read to actually being featured on a platform were I was being noticed by big names and people outside of my circle. I got to attend a few events, network and open doors for myself and the UPtown brand. With that said, starting tomorrow June 12th, UPtown will now be heard! The Tru Skool/UPtown Radio Show will be on UStream. While I'm not exactly where I wanna be, it's a hell of a lot farther than where I was two years ago when I decided to start blogging. Sorry for the time off. I really had to get my mind right and get the juices flowing once again. Thank you all for supporting and please know that UPtown isn't dead! Look forward to new things from UPtown. This is only the beginning!

Happy Black History Month!

2011-02-01T01:55:00.000-05:00

Wake up black folks! The shortest month of the year is here. Black History Month! Put down your Waka Flocka CD, pick up "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" and enlighten yourself. We may be recognized in one month of the year, but our influence in American culture dates back to hundreds of years. Stay black and remain proud!

In Retrospect: Prince "Diamonds and Pearls"

2011-01-31T19:48:00.002-05:00

For every artist (whether it be film or music), entering a new decade is usually a transitional phase. For musical acts entering into the '90s, the whole landscape had changed. New wave was dead, glam rock was seen as rather "gay" and hip-hop had gone from a fad to worldwide. No artist felt the transition more than Prince. Always two steps ahead of the competition, Prince was still wowing audiences with his skill and showmanship overseas while he was seemingly losing his grip on the homefront. While he endured some success with his single "Kiss" in '86 and a soundtrack for the 1989 "Batman" movie, nothing that he did commercially could top his 1984 release "Purple Rain". Since then, he'd compose albums that would push the genre envelope and achieve critical success, but sales were disappointing. In 1990, he'd go on to direct, act and produce "Graffiti Bridge", a musical that seemed foreign to the American audience. "Bridge" would go on to bomb at the box office and its companion album, while being critically acclaimed, would suffer the same fate on the Billboard charts. His sexually provocative stage antics and lyrics were now tame to this new generation of music listeners. Prince, like many other musical acts of the 80s, was perceived as "washed up" or "old fashioned".

With "Graffiti Bridge" being his second album flop in three years, both Prince and his record company (Warner Bros) knew that it was in his best interest to remain relevant. During his 1990 "Nude Tour", he had put together an early version of a yet-to-be titled new album consisting of both new and old reworked tracks. It was on his 33rd birthday that listeners would get a glimpse of his new project when he issued a 12" vinyl of "Gett Off" exclusively to nightclubs. Boasting steamy lyrics, a dance hip-hop influenced sound and a Jeep system booming bass line similar to En Vogue's "Hold On", "Gett Off" became an instant radio hit.

On October 1st, 1991, Prince (and his newly christened band, The New Power Generation) released "Diamonds and Pearls". Much like the leading single "Gett Off", the album was a mixed bag of genres but sounded a lot like the time. Where there were the standard mainstream pop/rock, ("Cream", "Diamonds and Pearls") there was also the influence of funk, R&B, hip-hop and the "new jack swing" style ("Daddy Pop", "Jughead", "Money Don't Matter 2Night" and "Push"). Let's not forget the signature Prince ballad ("Insatiable"). Without a doubt, "Diamonds and Pearls" has to be the most dated music he's made since the early '80s. With lyrics like "maybe the cartridge U was playin'/don't fit in your video game", there is no arguing this. Aside from lyrical content, the sound of it all just screams 1991. The latter attribute is something that doesn't happen often when looking back in Prince's catalog. But at the end of the day, the music industry is a business and an artist is subjected to fulfilling the wishes of a record company.

Much to the delight of both Prince and Warner Bros., "Diamonds and Pearls" became a smash hit. Twenty years later, I've been listening to it as if it were new. While not being groundbreaking, the lack of concept, catchy lyrics/hooks and upbeat nature of it all pleases me just as it was supposed to do to listeners back in '91. Mission accomplished.

I Heard That: Sleigh Bells "Rill Rill"

2011-01-27T16:01:00.001-05:00

Yet another snowy January day in New York City while I sit in my room aimlessly flipping through channels. I'm not a big fan of MTV Hits, but for some odd reason I left it on as I was cleaning my room. After tons of dreadful Young Money videos, I heard a guitar riff that caught my attention. I looked up and this video was just premiering. I didn't recognize the girl at all and I didn't know what she was saying, but I dug it. Apparently this song, titled "Rill Rill", is off of their 2010 debut album "Treats". The mellow sound takes me back to when I first heard Len's "Steal My Sunshine" and packed the spontaneity and excitement I felt when I first heard MIA's "Paper Planes". Catchy sound, catchy lyrics and they hail from Brooklyn, New York? I can dig it. Check it out for yourself!

Its Gotta Be The Shoes: The Air Jordan 2011

2011-01-26T15:58:00.000-05:00

Twenty six years and three retirements later, the shoe line that put Michael Jordan on the map is still going strong.

Though leaked for months now, and even making a cameo appearance on Dwyane Wade's feet this past Christmas, the Air Jordan 2011 was officially unveiled today. With its name bearer, Michael Jordan, long out of the league, the young roster of Jordan Brand - most notably the aforementioned Wade - will be relied on to expose the shoe to the hopeful consumers. Though the Jordan line has lost its risky and daring features of yesteryear, designers are now geared towards performance more so than looks. The Air Jordan of the past is still embedded in the culture of the youth of today but its more recent models has been more reviled than revered. Not something that you can pull off in skinny jeans, the newer models of Air Jordans do catch my eye from time to time. It's a love or hate thing. Which is always good. I think shoes like the Air Jordan 2011 is for your basketball player, and if not, somebody with an athletic sense of style. While they're more performance geared, in typical Jordan style, there is also attention brought onto the look of the shoe. The 2011 is handcrafted and made with pristine premium quality to hold up during extreme conditioning. If the Jordan 2010 looked like a training shoe, the Jordan 2011 seems to be a contrast as it is purposeful yet looks as if it was crafted after an actual dress shoe. This Feburary, you can pick up the Air Jordan 2011 for $170, or if you're like me, wait until massive discounts appear because I don't quite see this one flying off the shelves.

The night HE came back home...

2010-12-01T19:38:00.000-05:00

Fans adore him in Florida. In Ohio though, hate is an understatement.

Tomorrow night, LeBron James returns to the place where he played ball for the majority of his career but with another team. Cleveland, Ohio is one bruised city when it comes to sports. A reference to Art Modell alone is a quick jab to their morale. Their resentment for LeBron however is a bit on the fence. Half of me puts myself in the shoes of a Cavalier fan and says to boo the Hell out of him. As a fan, you hate to see people quit or get outta dodge because things aren't going right. That's even if there is a valid reason. The ignorance of the fan will always overshadow the logic. Then there is the other side of me that says, "OK? And?". What are they mad for? The presence of LeBron made Cleveland and interesting city for seven years. The seven years that included countless playoff appearances, a trip to the NBA Finals and notoriety that keeps them in the news to this day. I'm a grateful person. So in hindsight, be happy. Cleveland sat on a high horse for a while and fear the failure that they will soon face on a team of nobodies. But that's life. Somebody made a resounding point when they said that "every team just goes through a streak of being trash". The Lakers had a rebuilding period after Shaq took his talents to South Beach, the post Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls were the laughing stock of the league and my Knicks had a decade long drought. The "prime" franchises have all had it at some point because of age and the fact that, unlike the MLB, there is a salary cap. The NBA is a league of selfish athletes and, the rare instance in Miami, doesn't happen too often. Whether it's the NBA or life, nobody takes less than their worth. Cleveland's front office tried to surround LeBron with people but they ultimately failed and lost their star. His fault? No. It's on the hands of the front office.

Dan Gilbert, a scorned ~~slave~~ owner.

Speaking of faults, let's point the fingers at owner Dan Gilbert for a second. Now, this LeBron return could be like the awkward reunion with a girlfriend. You'll exchange a few words but ultimately things are silent and weird. Of course in the world of sports there are fans and emotions, but it was the rally cry of Dan Gilbert that ignited the hostility that has folks expecting the worst. Who will ever forget the letter of doom that was issued just moments after the decision? What about the sense of ownership? Is this a multi-millionaire athlete we're dealing with or a slave? LeBron is his own man and has free will to make his own decision. Now, I didn't agree with it for the sake of his legacy but it is what it is. Thanks to Mr. Gilbert, security level is high going into Thursday night. The Miami Heat has their travel itinerary under wraps to avoid it being leaked and a crazed fan harming LeBron. Fans, short for fanatic, are idiots. A person with the leadership that he has shouldn't have reacted the way he did. Instead, Gilbert should have kept his peace and make moves to make sure that LeBron was socked when he did return. If the people see their leader get frantic, so will they.

Thursday night will be an interesting one to say the least. Will it be just like any other nationally televised game or will it bring back memories of the Detroit fiasco of years back? Tomorrow we'll find out.

I Heard That: Kanye West & Nicki Minaj

2010-11-28T19:18:00.001-05:00

Kanye West and Nicki Minaj headlined hip-hop's biggest day since 2007.

Two years of anticipation, public appearances, a Twitter profile and a short film later, Kanye West's highly anticipated "return" to glory "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" is finally here. I can honestly say that with every listen, it's clear this is not only the best album of the year but a groundbreaking album in hip-hop. That's even if you can call this hip-hop. Kanye, has not only matured his sound, but made music that transcended hip-hop. From the opening track "Dark Fantasy" we're given a story book intro from Nicki Minaj and taken to a cinematic and epic world of music. I commend Kanye for the progression he has made in his own music as it is very evident here. Every thing sounds larger and boasts a grandeur sound that I haven't heard in an LP in a while. If there is only one fault with this is the over production of the opening track "Dark Fantasy". I prefer the overdubbed female vocal to be left out but nonetheless it's the albums lone flaw. The highlight however, which surprisingly took the spotlight from my favorite song leading up to the album release, was "Blame Game". As we all know, Kanye's music is very personal. In fact, personal was an understatement when speaking of his last LP. With his very public break-up with model Amber Rose, it was inevitable that the ordeal would be highlighted in his music. "Blame Game" tells the tale of a man used only to have his stature benefited by his more basic counterpart. Heavy drums, light piano chords and the soulful voice of John Legend serves as the ingredients to the most heartfelt track on the LP. But it was the outro by comedian Chris Rock that was the icing on the cake and make this song possibly one of the best of Mr. West's career.

Coming from listening to Kanye's latest CD, I expected Nicki Minaj's debut "Pink Friday" to be less than stellar. It was everything I imagined it to be. While I've always preached that music has no gender barrier, with each listen, it's clear that this album wasn't made for me. It's pure hip-POP oozing from one track after the other. Nicki Minaj's "Barbie" persona takes center stage in all of the fluff of this album. The Nicki Minaj (that I can respect more) from Kanye West's "Monster" re-appeared in "Roman's Revenge", a not-so tongue in cheek response to the harsh criticism handed to her by fellow female MCs and most notably Brooklyn's own Lil' Kim. But aside from "Roman's Revenge", the rest of "Pink Friday" is nothing more than radio fodder. Now, I like Nicki. In fact, I predicted her success at one point! No excuses can curve my view of this album. This is just a very uninspired and flat debut that is honestly both disappointing and foreseen. With her fame came the infamous Barbies and Kens that she calls fans, hence creating her own little world. There is no substance and no real heart inside of the plastic shell of this "Barbie".

Both Kanye and Nicki Minaj's LPs are fine examples of the future and current state of hip-hop right now. While Kanye is evolving, Minaj is dreading along the safe line and secluding her sound to her own maniacal fans. If you have a generic ear, Nicki is for you. However, if you like substance and need a fresh sound, check out Kanye's "Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy".

In Retrospective: The Work of Mr. West

2010-11-22T20:20:00.001-05:00

Kanye West's mere presence has blessed our ears and the media for almost a decade now, and he shows no signs of slowing down with the release of his latest LP "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy". While he seems to irritate the hell out of folks with his antics, when it comes to his music, there is no arguing his genius. Let's take a quick look back at his work to date...

The College Dropout (2004)

Best known for producing the best tracks off of Jay-Z's classic "The Blueprint", Kanye West released his debut album "The College Dropout". The concept of the album was based on the fact that Kanye was, in fact, a college dropout turned success story. At this point, Kanye now owned his own spotlight and pulled out the big guns for his debut effort. Jay-Z, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Ludacris and Common were among the guests on this album. While the youth at the time were so immersed in the "gangsta" sound of 50 Cent and G-Unit, "Dropout" offered a more diverse alternative that was backed with his signature sample heavy beats and "backpacker hip-hop sound". The lead single off of "Dropout" would introduce the world to his "you can't stop me attitude" as he recorded "Through The Wire" while his mouth was wired following a near fatal car crash in 2002. West, full of bravado, even challenged radio stations to play his intense religious stance (not often boasted in hip-hop besides MC Hammer's "Pray") "Jesus Walks"... and they did.

Hotlist: "All Falls Down", "Jesus Walks", "Through The Wire", "Get 'Em High", "Breathe In, Breathe Out" and "Last Call"

Late Registration (2005)

Fears of a sophomore slump loomed over 'Ye when I first heard "Gold Digger", the first single off of "Late Registration". The over produced pop sound scared me for a bit as I initially dreaded the song. Then I heard "Touch The Sky" with (then newcomer) Lupe Fiasco. After the release, it was clear that "Registration" would be yet another solid effort by Mr. West. This was the first time that I've ever heard a hip-hop album embrace the strings the way that this does. Where it was spotted on "Dropout", it became the staple of "Registration". The orchestral tone and cinematic feel of the strings added extra substance to the entire LP. This served as the first glimpse into the eclectic nature of Kanye's sound as his catalog grew. Years since the album released, I've grown to embrace it more and more.

Hotlist: "Touch The Sky", "Drive Slow", "Crack Music", "We Major", "Late" and "Diamonds from Sierra Leone"

Graduation (2007)

Upon the release of "Graduation", there was a huge media blitz when it was announced that Kanye's latest album would release the same day as rapper 50 Cent's effort "Curtis". Thus triggering the "Battle for Hip Hop Supremacy". I remember going to buy it at Best Buy and seeing a huge and half empty wall full with copies of "Curtis" and labeled where "Graduation" was. Must I say who won? Kanye's much publicized album would end up being the last album in the series to take on the school concept. Though not as complex or intriguing as both "Dropout" and "Registration", the sound is quintessential Kanye and represented the outlandish figure that he had become. While "Graduation" doesn't seem to take itself too seriously, it captures your attention nonetheless.

Hotlist: "Stronger", "I Wonder", "Can't Tell Me Nothing", "Flashing Lights", "Everything I Am" and "Big Brother"

808s & Heartbreak (2008)

Reeling in from the excitement that was "Graduation", Kanye West's personal life seemed to hit an all time low. Not only did his fiancee leave him but he lost the only person that helped him in his rise to success and basked in it with him, his mother. Down but not out, Kanye would create his most personal LP to date, "808s & Heartbreak". This time, he'd take a more experimental approach and sing all but one song in autotune (a voice alteration method made famous by T-Pain). Due to the "too close for comfort" theme, it struck a chord with me. This would go on to be his most daring and baffling effort yet. The influence of "808s" ushered a whole new wave in hip-hop. Considered "melancholic pop" and shunned by most of his audience, the sound would give birth to acts such as B.O.B. and Kid Cudi, as well as influence Drake's debut album "Thank Me Later". This album will be criminally misunderstood and underrated for the years to come. If his recent work is his "return", then who was the genius at the helm of this?

Hotlist: "Say You Will", "Amazing", "Paranoid", "RoboCop", "Street Lights" and "Coldest Winter"

To whom this may concern...

2010-11-17T17:06:00.001-05:00


For every one of life's joyous moments, there's always a downer.

WARNING: This blog entry is very passionate therefore it will contain some strong language

A couple of weeks ago I was on Twitter late at night and just wrote up a nice blog. I took the opportunity to use Twitter as an outlet to send it out directly to the folks that were on. It was late and people were wide awake and talking nonsense anyway. Why not let them read a quick paragraph or two about something everybody was talking about or put them onto something? I sent them out, people read and left feedback and even re-tweeted the article. All was well until I gave it to few individuals that didn't seem to care and one young lady, in particular, responded "UGH! I gotta read this?". Now, here I am putting my all into something and in return getting dissed. An opinion is an opinion, but we're in a time where the dumbest and least interesting things seem to get all the interest (ironic eh?) and something with substance gets put down. It's fucking annoying! I proceeded to go on a rant, jokingly referred to as my "Kanye moment", but I don't take back a damn thing that I said. People are fucking idiots. Not all, but a good bunch of them are. While your busy re-tweeting a "titty Tuesday" and becoming the one millionth person to view a 50 Tyson video, somebody with actual talent and has something going for them will remain in the dark. How do you think the local and very talented MC feels about seeing Soulja Boy and Lil B gain notoriety while they get shunned? What about the filmmaker that puts his all into a hard craft just so it can never be watched by anybody? We (Americans) tolerate too much bullshit. I have to dumb myself down and resort to doing a "dougie", rapping horribly and spreading false rumors (hello Media TakeOut) on a blog to gain notoriety? I'm too fucking good and smart for all of that. It's people like that that'll crush the dreams of an insecure person. They want you to believe that you're boring and will fall upon deaf ears because you don't please them. Not this guy! I'm lucky to have wonderful followers and have the support of friends, like fellow blogger Haile David, to know that I'm nice at what I do and while it may be small now, it will get me somewhere VERY SOON. Jesus once had a small following and look at who he is today. Yeah, I took it there! Haters and detractors are what I like to call the "unfortunate folks". Talent and smarts weren't given to anybody and they were unfortunate enough to be left out of that batch. I do what I do and I do it well with no trouble while the no talent retards are trying their hardest. Yeah I'm feeling myself, so what? If you're reading this, keep supporting and tell a friend. If they ain't with it, fuck them and whatever they do support. It ain't for everybody.

Takin' It Back: "Waiting to Exhale"

2010-11-16T18:49:00.004-05:00

This December will mark 15 years since the groundbreaking film "Waiting to Exhale" was released. "Waiting to Exhale" originated as a best-selling book by author Terry McMillian that catapulted her popularity and gained a strong following from African American women three years prior to the film's release. Look at the poster. Four black women just laughing and enjoying life. Look at Whitney Houston. Head back, cracking up. In fact, Loretta Divine (far left) looks like she is telling one funny joke. Here is where the problem lies... the movie is anything BUT that. Sure it has it's comedic moments, but the film will forever be known to African American men as a horror. Every male character in the film had some ounce of dirt on them. There were the men who had affairs with Robyn and Savannah (Lela Rochon, Whitney Houston) but had a wife and family, the man who left Bernadine (Angela Bassett) for a white woman AND took much of their fortune and the closeted bi-sexual ex husband of Gloria (Loretta Divine). Then comes Wesley Snipes character, via a brief cameo, who seems good and says all the right things but then ponders cheating on his dying wife with Bernadine. Can they cut us some slack?! Then let's not forget that it introduced black women to the alternative method of getting over a man: burning his things. I remember watching it in theaters as a child and watching the faces of black women glow during that scene. It was entertainment for scorned black women worldwide. With all of the drama and male bashing, it actually is a good movie. I may have to squirm in my seat while watching with a woman, but I enjoy it nonetheless

The soundtrack, so good that it deserved it's own paragraph, just added to the awesomeness of the experience. With a Babyface produced album, there was no possible way that it could have gone wrong. Prior to "Exhale", Babyface had a healthy track record when it came to producing a soundtrack album. "Boomerang" anyone? The soundtrack was contributed by all female acts such as (star of the film) Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, SWV, CeCe Winans, Brandy and Toni Braxton. It spawned a few hit singles and garnered a few Grammy nominations including the Album of the Year award. I get funny looks when I'm belting out "Why Does It Hurt So Bad?" and "Count on Me" in the stockroom at my job but... who cares?! It's good music at the end of the day. No matter who sings it or the subject matter, there is NO gender barrier when it comes to music.

"Waiting to Exhale" became a crossover hit in theaters and convinced studios that a film with an all-black cast can in fact bring in dollars. Mind you, this was all pre-"Sex and the City". With both a hit movie and hit soundtrack album, 15 years later "Waiting to Exhale" remains a staple in the culture of African American women and left a lasting effect in the entertainment industry concerning African American talent. You go girl!

Girl Power!

2010-11-15T21:10:00.000-05:00

In 1966, James Brown told us that it was a "Man's World" and since the beginning of time, the Alpha Male stood his ground and ruled his Earth with little to no influence from the (lesser and more submissive) woman. If this is indeed a man's world, then the men of the 21st Century has proven otherwise. Look at the man of today and tell me what attribute of him is actually brought upon by his own will? The way we dress, walk, talk and carry out our everyday lives is for the woman. Let's put the machismo aside and admit it. Even our everyday conversation shows how vulnerable we are to the other species. The male species needs a woman for every inch of their being. Whether it's physical or something as small as a conversation, we need to be fueled by them. Only a man can have a full conversation with a woman and not get a reply. Persistence and will go hand in hand when it comes to dealing with a woman. If you think about it, what do they need from us? To make a child, of course, but after that what does the female need from a male? I visited Facebook the other day and was going to comment on a friend's photo when I seen 75 (I repeat... 75) comments that were 95% males. What made it worst is that it wasn't an ongoing conversation but each man tried to one up another in the compliment category. "Ma you are so sexy". "OMFG the things that I would do to you". "You're the most beautiful girl in the world". Mind you, the girl isn't that pretty. (Sorry to whomever I may have offended). But let's be real, the male species are savages when it comes to women. Even when they give us their goods, we become a different person. A man that has sex (with a woman) for the first time in his life will live for and depend on her body. The woman and her body is so high on a pedestal, he almost worships it. He'll be so warped in her that he'll ditch his own family, friends and whatever he stood for before experiencing her. Then, if needs be, he'll kill for that woman. I've seen it happen and trust me, it gets that serious. The female influence is so heavy that some men even take after them. This day in age, men are obsessed with looking "pretty", dressing as tight and skimpy as a female and there are even ones in touch with their "sensitive side". It was once the man being annoyed by a whiny and emotional female, and now the tables have turned. Is this a sign of the times? Are the chickens coming home to roost? What is going on? Even in my commentary I will proudly make a submissive male statement: I salute the woman for being who she is and having us worship the ground that she walks on. The female may not shatter the very ground that we walk on but her presence is definitely felt!

Don't believe the hype... just yet

2010-11-12T01:29:00.001-05:00

No. You. Didn't. After LeBron's much publicized "decision", worldwide attention has been on Pat Riley's well orchestrated ~~CON~~ team, the Miami Heat. With the top three free agents all taking their talents to South Beach, the championship is en route to Miami this June. Right? Well... from the look of it, I wouldn't place that bet just yet. The first game of the season against the Boston Celtics, the Heat was definitely turned off as Dwyane Wade struggled, Chris Bosh fumbled and LeBron James was his usual self and carried the team from a 20 point deficit. The chemistry was non evident and their small but failed comeback was completely on the play of LeBron. Now, if I can remember, didn't LeBron leave Cleveland to endure LESS pressure with the extra help in Miami? Then they went on a small run and looked like the Heat that every ignorant basketball fan hopped on. The problem with that is the fact that they smacked around mostly chump teams (the Sixers, the Nets and the Timberwolves). Then there were the costly losses to the Hornets, the Jazz and (once again) the Celtics. All close in score but ugly nonetheless. Horrible passes, ill advised shots and poor play from one of the "big three" (the overrated Chris Bosh). It's obvious that they have trouble with teams of more substance. The Heat, projected to be the monster squad of the NBA, is nothing more than an average good team. Miami stands at 5-4 on the early season after the ridiculous predictions of an 82-0 season. There is no doubting a playoff berth but I can easily doubt a championship. Of all the somewhat average stats that they hold in the league, the most damaging is that they're number one in most allowed points. The "big three" and the Miami Heat allow more points than the swiss cheese defense of the New York Knicks. To add further insult, the "fans" that sang the battle cry at the beginning of the season are now doubting a playoff berth. A team of big names can get you but so far. You've got to play the games first. Don't give this squad the title yet. It's a fifteen man roster, not three.

Media Enemy No. 1

2010-11-11T11:13:00.000-05:00

Aside from his music, Kanye West is the king of quotes. Whether he's telling us about how he admires the style of gays or just flipping out, there is never a dull moment when the camera is on Mr. West. We were given the first glimpse of this five years ago when he declared that "George Bush doesn't care about black people" on live television during a Hurricane Katrina fundraiser. Wacky? Yes. But I didn't disagree with his opinion in the least bit. Five years later, now former president, George W. Bush went onto The Today Show with Matt Lauer and called that moment the worst in his presidency. Really? Not Hurricane Katrina? What about September 11th? Not even the War in Iraq? Oh wait, he thought that was the best thing that he could have done. I couldn't believe that Bush would pin his worst moments in the White House on a rapper. Days later, Kanye West went on to The Today Show to clear the air and show some sympathy. However, I feel as if Lauer was trying to dig into Kanye and force an apology out of him. Listen folks, George W. Bush isn't a racist. But once again, he damn sure didn't care about black people! Kanye wasn't wrong for stating his opinion. While "racist" isn't the term that I would use to describe Bush, look at how the Katrina situation was handled and how he claimed that FEMA's head Michael Brown did a "helluva job". If Kanye had to take anything back, it was calling him a racist. That's that. Then they wanted him to watch Bush's face and force the apology out of him. Kanye got irritated and I don't disagree not one bit. It's bad enough the man is taking time out of his album promotional tour to clear the air about something irrelevant, but now you want to force it out of him? It looks like a televised crucifixion to me. Some white folks are still salty about the Taylor Swift situation and have it out against Kanye and it's unfair to him. Kanye has a new album due out, Taylor Swift was a year ago and George Bush was the president five years ago. Let's move on!

A Night at the Movies: "For Colored Girls"

2010-11-11T10:34:00.000-05:00

Director and screenwriter Tyler Perry is back with another project, this time without, his popular character, Madea. "For Colored Girls" is his take on the 1975 stage play "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf". If you've been keeping up with my blogs or personally know me, I don't favor Tyler Perry much. I often feel as if his work is shallow, has no depth and just strike "oh no he didn't!" reactions out of us all. With all the melodramatic flair, there never seems to be a lesson learned or any thought provoking message at the end. We're treated to the guy saving the girl's life and we get a bible sermon somewhere in the middle of the movie by Cicely Tyson. However, "For Colored Girls" isn't quite your standard Tyler Perry flick. First off: it's rated R. In one of the first frames we're shown a man's bare bottom and shortly greeted with a couple of F bombs from Thandie Newton. The language in the film isn't too vulgar though, it's a nice balance and doesn't feel like we're being hit upside the head with F bombs. Then there is the acting. I credit Tyler Perry for adding more depth in Janet Jackson's acting (especially in "Why Did I Get Married Too?") and everyone else in the movie flourishes. I must also add that the guy doesn't save the day here. In fact, the male is pretty much the villain in almost every woman's life. Perry even finds a way to parody religion through Whoopi Goldberg's character. It should also be stated that there are a few graphic moments in the film. "For Colored Girls" feels like a mix of "Precious" and "Waiting to Exhale", and I don't know if it's bad. I can tell you one thing, all that it's missing is a good soundtrack. This is one of the rare moments that I question the content being good or the acting. The acting is so good that I feel as if it diluted the blues of the standard Tyler Perry flick. The few melodramatic moments have Perry's name written all over them but in all I didn't feel cheated. It's been rumored that the release date of the film is to include it in Oscar consideration, but I highly doubt that it'll happen. "For Colored Girls" is a sign of progression in Perry's work and may be one of his best films. I wouldn't call it one of mines but I suggest that you do go check it out.

Kanye West's "Runaway"

2010-11-03T23:12:00.002-04:00

Our favorite personality resurfaces again after his very personal LP, "808s & Heartbreak", with a new one titled "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy". Before we get to experience that, we're taken to his fantasy world in a short movie that he directed titled "Runaway". Do I understand "Runaway" to even give you a brief synopsis? No. But if there is one thing that I can tell you, it's visually stunning. The eclectic choice of music (taken directly from the upcoming LP) is incredible and stretches the limits of hip-hop. I'm not saying it's the greatest thing ever but it definitely is very different from standard hip-hop. West gave us hints of this with "808s" and it seems as if he hasn't missed a beat. Will he ever? His genius is in the music and that's where this film flourishes. I believe that was the point because the cardboard acting would've killed this review. The album will definitely be a concept album and this film sets the stage for that. According to Kanye there is a lot of symbolism within the film which is something that I definitely pick up with every view. The star is the music and the music fuels the imagery which makes this so appealing to the eye. With that said, enjoy the eye candy (especially with model Selita Ebanks playing the Phoenix) and look forward to the LP... as I am.

People of color among the disappointing stories of Election Day

2010-11-03T20:22:00.001-04:00

I wonder if they came out on Election Day

This past Election Day, a paltry 10% of African Americans voted. The result: 35 ~~bigots~~ members of the Republican Tea Party are seated in Congress while not one African American presence is seen. Not one. Sure we have Obama in the White House, but where is presence felt in Congress? The problem is that Obama's campaign in 2008 was all the hype and folks wanted to vote just so they can say that they took part in history. This time around, the election just wasn't "cool" enough and hell he is already in office. The problem is that the Republican presence in Congress has Obama's position in the White House looking temporary as the 2012 election looms near. But see many of us don't know that because we choose not to keep up on politics or simply don't vote because "the Republicans have the upper hand anyway". People of color have the time and day to commit to anything else unimportant. Before we register and get out and vote, we're busy praising Lil' Wayne's release from jail. Let's put our ignorant thoughts about politics aside and take part in it. At the end of the day, whoever you helped put in office will somehow fight for your cause. The world isn't perfect and Obama has 8 years worth of mess to clean up. Let's not count the man out. We helped put him there and we should stand by his side. And by doing so, we must make sure we put the right people in Congress that will carry on his fight for "change". Many great leaders fought for our rights as American citizens, and most notably our right to vote. Shunning the opportunity is a slap in the face and further hampers our voice being heard. It doesn't end with Obama folks. We have a long way to go.

MC Hammer addresses "Hellboy"

2010-11-03T19:33:00.000-04:00

Well... I guess MC Hammer isn't under a rock after all. If you didn't know, MC Hammer has been telling us that he's going to expose Jay-Z in the last couple of months. Jay upset Hammer while referencing the fact that he blew $30 million in a song. Hammer had a plan to expose Jay this past Halloween and clean up the morality of hip-hop. Right? Well, he attempted and... he failed. Above is King Hammer (not MC anymore... excuse me) latest classic "Better Run, Run". First off, what's with the blatant shots of an overpriced laptop? They took the time to zoom into the name brand and show us that it's the latest Beats Audio laptop. It's like Hammer is saying "Hey look! I got SOME type of money!". The opening scene... is it necessary? Is it supposed to be funny? I'm confused. Then there is the actual video. MY LORD! Dude has an extra dressed up in a devil Party City mask chasing a horrible looking Jay-Z through the woods. Then there is the dancing; what's up with the dancing?! Diss songs and it's accompanying videos are supposed to strike fear and show the opponent "you can't see me". But Hammer is dancing while rapping and looking like a fool. (SIDENOTE: Peep the white corporate execs while the black people in the video are presented as urban and relegated to dancing. It's not cool to perpetuate stereotypes Hammer man). Furthermore, Hammer saying that he's gonna "bust" Jay in his mouth? I'm sorry but the fact that you're a reverend makes that very hard to believe. This song and video is all sorts of hot mess. I strongly suggest that somebody tell Hammer that he isn't "too legit to quit". His time is up and his desperate plea for relevancy is quite embarassing. Going at Jay though? Please Hammer don't hurt YOURSELF.

October's Own: The "Scream" franchise

2010-10-20T23:07:00.000-04:00

Starting with 1978's "Halloween", the slasher film was in full swing throughout the 1980's. But there was but so many "Friday the 13th" sequels and topless bloody cheerleaders that audiences could take and the well ran dry by the 1990's. The "master of horror" Wes Craven and writer Kevin Williamson would change all of that however when "Scream" opened in theaters nationwide in 1996. The pop cultural references, thrills and overall entertainment value makes this franchise among one of my favorites. With the "Scream 4" teaser trailer hitting the internet, let's take a look back at the "Scream" franchise.

"Scream" (1996)

Who can forget the iconic Drew Barrymore opening sequence? Better yet, how smart was it to cast an A-list actress among a bunch of nobodies then kill her off early? That was Wes Craven's way of letting us all know that nobody was safe in "Scream". This modernized take on the slasher film was very refreshing and interesting. Note, the "rules of surviving a horror film" by the character Randy, the film is very aware that it's a horror film. Wes Craven and writer Kevin Williamson put together this film after studying all of the 80's slasher films and the endless amount of cliches. The end result is a well written and well executed satire/horror. Fifteen years later, once all of the thrills have run dry, it makes for a funny and entertaining movie night.

"Scream 2" (1997)

The second installment in the "Scream" franchise may just possibly be equal or better than the original. The humor has a bit more bite and thrills come a bit stronger. This time Sidney is in college and, with the release of a movie based on the events of the first movie, we learn that a duo of copycats are out to get revenge. What I always loved about this film was the beginning and the inclusion of black actors (even though all but one were killed... whatever happened to Duane Martin's character?). Overall, the film is a bit more upbeat than the original and definitely an advance from the previous film.

"Scream 3" (2000)

This time around we're taken to Hollywood as "Stab 3" is in production and the Sidney and Co. find themselves on set amidst the mayhem. Where "Scream 2" excelled, "Scream 3" took a few steps back. First off, writer Kevin Williamson wasn't aboard on this one. The commentary wasn't witty enough (or even existed for that matter) and now, whoever wrote this film, made the film a part of the very cliches it clowned on. Then there's Parker Posey. Parker Posey plays Jennifer Jolie who plays Gale Weathers in, the movie within the movie, "Stab 3" and annoys the living Hell out of me with every frame she inhabits in this film. Her character is odd because I don't know if her quirky theatrics are to be done on purpose or is blatant horrible overacting. Then we're told that, not only is Sidney's mom the whore she was made out to be in the original, but she was a whore that acted in B-films. That was an added "twist" to the series and concluded with the unveiling of the real murderer. At that point, the entire "Scream" franchise jumped the shark. The film just throws off the pace of the series. "Scream 3" isn't "Batman & Robin" bad, but it was very off nonetheless.

"Scream 4" (2011)

Here's to the future...

10 years later, a new "Scream" film has gone into production with most of the original personnel behind the camera. Word has it that Wes Craven wouldn't sign on to another sequel if it weren't anything as good as the original. He signed on and on April 15th, 2011, we'll be the judge of that.

October's Own: Michael Myers

2010-10-19T01:31:00.000-04:00

Whether you call him "The Shape" or "The Boogeyman", Michael Myers is probably THE most intimidating figure that I've ever seen in a horror film. His skill doesn't involve the supernatural, but he's a real figure. He's no different from the local creep, albeit a bit stronger. Then there's his subtle nature. He just stands there and stare. I get chills typing that. Dude goes for the kill with impeccable timing and doesn't seem to break a sweat or flinch while doing so. Then there's the theme song. That infectious piano chord will haunt me til' the day that I die. I will never get over how creepy it or the person it's made to acknowledge is. One thing that makes Michael Myers so damn cool is that he's had many of sequels, a trashy remake but he has never gone to space. Jason, take note.

October's Own: The horror flick

2010-10-19T01:10:00.001-04:00

The final scene of "Friday the 13th" ushers in a new era in horror films.

In a little less than two weeks, everybody will be dressing up for Halloween. It's a day that has taken on a lighter form as the years go by, but let's not forget what it's really about. Horror! Chills! Thrills! Weather aside, it's safe to say that this is my favorite time of the year.

Since young, I've been an avid horror fan. Before I was into writing, deep messages and acting within film, there was no joy than watching a good scary movie. To this day, I love being able to see a film so scary that I can't trust the dark corners of my own room. I'll never forget the first movie that scared the living crap out of me... "The Exorcist".

There is so many different spiritual entities in this world, I don't doubt ANYTHING that I see in these flicks. The zombie that looks like he plays hockey and slaughters kids, yeah. The man with bad acne that wears tacky sweaters and catches you in your dreams, of course. But something that can't be physically seen but yet affects us and our body, I can't doubt it. What also intrigued me about "The Exorcist" was the fact that there is documented evidence of such. Going into "The Exorcist" I had heard all the stories. People throwing up in theaters, people passing out in theaters and all that jive. But I sat there in front of my TV expecting a supernatural movie from the 70s with little to no CGI. It's safe to say that it didn't phase me... until I saw the shit that I saw.

As if Linda Blair's makeup wasn't horrific enough, it was the backwards messages, the voices, the imagery (especially that creepy ass demon that kept popping up) and the fact that it could all be real. I remember taking off the VHS (damn, remember those) and being floored. I put in "Planet of the Apes" afterwards and yet my mind was still stuck on that poor girl in "The Exorcist". Now both movies were done and it was time to sleep, I was my father's shadow for the entire night. At the age of 12, I waited for my dad to get tired so I could fall asleep with him. No lie. I slept jittery but I slept well entertained. That's the magic of a good horror movie.

Nowadays, a horror flick is not so much horror but nothing but torture porn. If it isn't completely torture porn, it's remakes with torture porn. I'm tired of the retreads! Where is the original horror flick hiding? The next couple of posts will be dissecting and paying homage to the best examples of horror in film...

Step It Up: Lamar Odom's taste

2010-10-14T02:44:00.000-04:00

As Ed Lover would say... C'MON SON! Lamar Odom must be cock-eyed.

America's pastime is your soon future...

2010-10-14T02:14:00.001-04:00

First the BET Hip-Hop Awards and now this?! In 2011, the good folks over at Warner Bros. are planning to open the vaults and release cartoons, better known as, "The Censored Eleven". The "Censored Eleven" consisted of a collection of both "Looney Tunes" and "Merrie Melodies" shorts that were deemed racially offensive and locked up in vaults years ago. Yes folks, titles like "Coal Black and De Sebben Dwarfs" and "The Jivin' Bears" are finally yours to own. But before you cause a scene at your local Best Buy, it should be noted that the collection will be released exclusively through the Warner Archive Collection online. I became familiar with these cartoons around 2000 when I went to go see Spike Lee's "Bamboozled" in theaters. Spike put together a montage of offensive imagery and (to my surprise) I saw Bugs Bunny in blackface and being chased wild savage Africans. These cartoons have been circulating around YouTube for a while but Warner Bros. claim that they're in high demand. There is nothing like watching "Uncle Tom's Bungalow" while eating your Frosted Flakes! Listen, I'm not totally pissed about it. Release it, don't promote it and let it die. Get it out the way. I'd much rather fathom the thought of it NEVER seeing light again but whatever. At the end of the day, it's a business. They're that desperate for some cash. Cash that they won't be getting from me!

Its Gotta Be The Shoes!: Picks of the Week

2010-10-13T23:02:00.000-04:00

Air Jordan 7 Premio "Bin 23" Collection

After its debut this past Summer, the "Bin 23" Collection from Jordan Brand has featured 3 Air Jordans using different concepts and made with premium quality. Next up in the collection is the Air Jordan 7 taking on an interesting look. In Michael Jordan's 2005 book "Driven From Within", Tinker Hatfield claimed that his inspiration for the Air Jordan 7 (most notably its multi-colored pattern on the sole) was derived from Western African art. On this particular pair of the Air Jordan 7, the inspiration is fully integrated in the design and color of the entire shoe. While I'm not a fan of the $200+ price tag, this pair of Jordans is easily one of my favorites and the most unique that I've seen. The eye catching design, bright color choice and well executed inspiration of it all makes this a possible purchase whenever it's released.

Nike Air Zoom LeBron 8 "Pre-Heat"

The latest LeBron James signature shoe is due out in a couple of weeks and one colorway pays homage to the lifestyle he's now living. Taking cues from the classic "Miami Vice" television shoe logo, the newest colorway of the Zoom LeBron 8 is dubbed the "Pre-Heat". The teal and pink bounces of the black perfectly and the clear outsole just adds to the freshness of the shoe. We already know that he's public enemy number one in every arena in the U.S., why not look good while being bad?

NBA 2K11: The greatest sports sim... EVER?

2010-10-10T14:29:00.000-04:00

Only four years removed from (in my opinion) the most revolutionary basketball game ever, "NBA 2K7", 2K Sports offers up "NBA 2K11". The hype of this game comes off the heels of the now infamous "decision" by LeBron James and the announcement that Michael Jordan will be the cover athlete. How do these correlate? Well LeBron's decision will now make online game experience infuriating and well... Michael Jordan is on the cover! The last time we played with THE GREAT Michael Jordan was in EA Sports' "NBA Live 2000" (the Wizards era MJ was in "NBA 2K2" and "NBA 2K3" but ehhh...) as an unlockable character. Since then, we've been treated and disappointed by the different variations of MJ via player modded characters. Word is that since the release of the game with the greatest cover athlete, its been the greatest thing since. I've played the demo and I must say, this is the best basketball game that I've ever played. It moved so fluidly and everything seemed to be so accurate and on point. I didn't even get to play the game with the full features, but knowing the detail crazy person that I am, it will be nothing less than a virtual wet dream... PAUSE! Arena specific music, classic teams, vintage MJ, virtual Jordans, in game promos, a trip to the White House, draft day trades and all the little details that mean so much is here. Now, instead of possibly dreading another blunder at The Garden, I can have Patrick Ewing and company lace 'em up and beat up the superstars of today. The idea of that alone is epic! I don't own an XBox 360 at the moment, but please believe that I will be buying "NBA 2K11" in advance. Do you own a copy? Can you call "NBA 2K11" the greatest sports game ever?

A Night at the Movies: "The Social Network"

2010-10-10T14:10:00.001-04:00

For every success, there is an equally compelling success story. Thus was the case for Harvard undergraduate Mark Zuckerberg, now known as the co-founder of the multi-billion dollar empire Facebook. With success comes it's tragic drawbacks and light is shed on that in "The Social Network". The film is easily one of the best written, well directed and acted films that I've seen in awhile. This day in age where we spend our $13 on a cheap thrill or tame laughs, we're rarely told a story that extracts so much emotion. Take it from me, starting a business is no joke. If there is one valuable lesson to be taken from "The Social Network", with friends, money and notoriety... be prepared for the bullshit that comes along with it. The performances are stellar (especially the villainous Sean Parker role by Justin Timberlake) and the darkness of the film just plays along to its bittersweet nature. If I were to call this film the best biopic since 1992's "Malcolm X", don't take me as being overzealous. While there seems to be some debate concerning the authenticity of the script, writer Aaron Sorkin (of "The West Wing" fame) has constructed a deep script and the storytelling is light years better than the stuff in our multiplexes now. "The Social Network", in my honest opinion, will end up being one of the most memorable films in this decade and definitely a film for this generation. In a sea of rental worthy films in your local multiplexes, this is one that you MUST check out!

It's Gotta Be The Shoes: Air Jordan 13 Retro

2010-09-09T14:08:00.000-04:00

This holiday season it'll be 1997 all over again for sneaker enthusiasts. The Air Jordan 13 will return once again in two original colorways to kick off the holiday season. On Black Friday, consumers will be treated to the uber popular "Flint Grey" colorway that was last seen in 2005. Then, in typical Jordan Brand fashion, we're treated to the True Red colorway (pictured above) that hasn't been seen in its original mid cut form since 1997. Unlike the recent wave of Air Jordan 6s and 9s, I don't see any difference in each models. The leather seems to be on point and, most importantly, there are NO alterations. Well I know what I'm going to be spending money on this Holiday. Both shoes will retail for $150 and will be available as a general release for all to get fly.

A proposed mosque unveils America's ugly truth

2010-09-09T13:19:00.000-04:00

Americans ignorance is proudly on display.

It's a story that was bubbling at the beginning of the summer and has now boiled over. Word got out that there was a proposed Islamic mosque being opened up near Ground Zero around May of this year. Since then, survivors and survivors of the victims of the 9/11 attacks has come out and angrily opposed this. According to them, the proposed mosque is a show of disrespect and insensitivity towards the families and victims of the terrorist attacks. Then there's Pastor Terry Jones of Florida who, "for the sake of the country", decides to further show his disgust with this issue by burning a Koran. Where do I begin?

First off, I find NO issue with a mosque being built near Ground Zero because it's an American right to have freedom of religion and freedom to practice wherever. Now, they'd be gutsy to try and built the mosque on the very spot where the World Trade Center once stood but... they're not doing that. Americans have caught a case of Islamophobia. Since the 9/11 attacks, many are looking at individuals of the Muslim religion with a side eye. Now any man with a beard and a rag wrapping his hair is being profiled at airports nationwide. The very mentioning of studying the religion gets a concerned response. It's horrible. Not everybody of this religion is shady or some type of terrorist.

Like every religion, you have people that study it and people that mock it. The very Christians that denounce the name of Allah and brand their religion as "evil", used to burn crosses and lynch black men all in the name of Jesus Christ. Yes folks, Ku Klux Klan (much like Al Qaeda) were religious terrorists. They murdered and terrorized African Americans and other minorities all in the name of their white skinned and blue eyed Jesus Christ. So let's lay off the "Islamic terrorist" stereotype shall we? And this Terry Jones guy is a joke. The media is a powerful thing. If he burns that Koran, the image will live on and anger those that you're trying to keep away from the country. President Obama said that his actions would become a "recruitment bonanza" for Al Qaeda and he was absolutely right. If Terry Jones was so Christian, he'd know that his actions is contradictory toward the word.

Quit spewing hate, racism and profiling all in the name of God and this country that you're only endangering. The mosque will only build a bridge between the people affected and the people misunderstood. This is a chance for the faithful Muslim to shed some light onto his or her religion. Open eyes and show that it's way more than what the boneheaded extremists make it out to be.

New year, same Prince

2010-09-05T00:15:00.001-04:00

The Purple One is back. Then again, he hasn't really gone anywhere. Prince, in all his reclusive-ness, continues to drop albums year after year including his latest "20Ten". What makes "20Ten" seem like somewhat of a mystery to the folks here in the United States, is the fact that it was never released here. Much like his 2007 album "Planet Earth", Prince chose to give "20Ten" away free overseas (particularly Europe and the UK) with select newspapers and magazines. The dude hates the system. He pimped the SoundScan system back in 2004 and now he doesn't even acknowledge it. Even the digital platform of music, which he pioneered, is now deemed "dead" to him. To Prince, music is music and not sales figures. I wholeheartedly agree with the man. However, is he delivering the very music that he is preaching?

"20Ten" follows the basic structure of a new Prince album. It's a chock full of throwaway retro sounding Linn drum and synth numbers with an occasional ballad here and there. This is much like his last effort, "MPLSound", but less cheesy. There are bright spots with the catchy numbers ("Beginning Endlessly", "Act of God" and "Sticky Like Glue") and then he hits homers with his ballads ("Future Soul Song" and "Sea of Everything"). I wasn't going into this album expecting a second coming of "Purple Rain" or "Sign O' The Times" but I sure as hell didn't come out with a complete retread of "MPLSound".

It's an average album at best. But seriously I'm concerned with the man himself. I personally believe he's the greatest thing to ever happen to music. While that may not be universally accepted, it's definitely a fact that his presence in music is very necessary. Like athletes, a musician can have their peak periods and with time that kind of squanders away. Prince hasn't missed a beat when it comes to performing live. The man looks like he hasn't aged a bit! Prince will always rule the stage, but it's the studio that I'm concerned about. I'm not going to blame Larry Graham or the Jehovah's Witness influence, but it seems as if he's keeping afloat on his legacy as opposed to actual work. While I'll give this album a pass for the fact that it isn't horrible, but for Prince's standards, it's subpar. A catchy collection of music, that you'd play in the background without actually feeling it, is so unlike him.

It's time for change!

2010-07-12T21:41:00.003-04:00

OK, so LeBron James never came. So what? Any realist could've told you that. With as much cap space as the New York Knicks had there was no way their thought was "LeBron or bust". On a day that'll forever go in basketball infamy, the Knicks introduced All-Star forward Amar'e Stoudemire as their big piece to an even bigger puzzle. The Knicks need to become the Knicks again. Patrick Ewing, Reggie Miller, Jordan, the Heat, Bernard King, 63 points - the current New York Knicks franchise is FAR from those glory days. Sure they don't have much championships to show for it but it was hard nosed New York basketball. Those Knick teams created hype and magic in the playoffs, not during the Slam Dunk Contest every All-Star Weekend. Every spring Spike Lee would have a front row seat to epic battles in Madison Square Garden, now he's in Los Angeles watching Kobe. Times are different. Do you remember Madison Square Garden chanting "MVP" and giving a standing ovation to players from the OTHER TEAM?! Has Hell frozen over?! The past decade was a truly abysmal one for the franchise and things are looking to be on an upside. The Knicks aren't looking to assemble an All-Star laced group of instant champions (well not yet at least... Carmelo and Chris Paul are said to be interested in coming to New York), but they're adding solid role players. Today the Knicks finalized a deal to bring point guard Raymond Felton aboard. They also traded off forward David Lee to Golden State for Anthony Randolph, Kelenna Azubuike and Ronny Turiaf. The Knicks are taking a low-key approach towards success. Role playing is the key and they're picking up young athletes to mesh well with Coach D'Antoni's run and gun system. While I don't expect instant dynasties, I see a bright future for my beloved Knicks. Suddenly it feels as if the horrific days of Scott Layden, Isaiah Thomas and Stephon Marbury are behind me and many other fans. Goodbye overpaid duds, hello prospects! Maybe it's the "well maybe next year" in me talking, but in all seriousness, New York basketball is on a steady recovery. Watch!

It's Gotta Be The Shoes: "Eggplant" Nike 1/2 Cent

2010-07-12T21:29:00.003-04:00

With Dunks and Air Forces sailing in the sunset, Nike is finding solace in any shoe constructed with the Foamposite technology. The Nike 1/2 Cent, which debuted last year, is still in continuation in all sorts of color combos. The latest being Nike's favorite, Eggplant. The metallic purple hue is now on the 1/2 Cent silhouette and ready to hit retail this Holiday. Excuse me for a second but I must rant as a sneakerhead. There was a time where Foamposite shoes were rarely seen past their early days. I loved the technology and futuristic look of it. But in the last two years, Nike has found a way to run that style into the ground. For Christ's sake they're even releasing a Foamposite Air Force One. Don't get me started on the "Eggplant" colorway. This is a case of over saturation. While the folks will eat it up for now, the whole Foamposite trend is slowly driving itself towards being shunned upon. Nike, slow down a bit. It's a good look but come on. Quit singing the same ol' song!

I Heard That: Prince "20Ten"

2010-07-12T21:08:00.004-04:00

It's 2010, a new decade is upon us and Prince is still as important as he was three decades ago. This past Saturday, Prince ushered in the new decade of prominence with a new album titled "20 Ten". Before fans stateside can get excited, it should be noted that it's available ONLY in Belgium, Ireland and the UK. Not only that but for FREE with copies of certain magazine publications. Music is his gift and it's very clear that he's willing to share at no cost. The album is getting moderately positive reviews from critics with some calling it "his most consistent work in 23 years". I guess us Americans will have to do with being teased on YouTube until we get a release date!

The "King" has just become a court jester

2010-07-11T15:45:00.004-04:00

With all the hype and fanfare towards the Summer of 2010, it came and went in all but one week with a "decision". LeBron James, once a high school phenom and now reigning MVP, lead a group of incredible talent in the most worthy free agent class since the Summer of 1996. A pool of young athletes in their prime were now available to anyone willing to pay the right price for their services. However, none were more sought out than King James. July 1st, 2010, the race begun and James' decision was supposed to come by July 5th. According to James, the decision was so tough that he needed extra time to think it over. Extra time and an hour of airtime in a program, appropiately titled, "The Decision" that was set to air July 8th. The 8th came and viewers were glued to their screens. Was he going back to his hometown and remain a Cavalier? Would he join forward Carlos Boozer in Chicago and begin a new era of champions? Will his love for the borough of Brooklyn be enough to usher in his own legacy of Nets basketball? What about reviving winning ways to the "Mecca" with the Knicks? The L.A. Clippers? Nah. But what about Miami? Miami was almost the longshot being that Wade re-committed and Chris Bosh was now onboard. The King needs his OWN throne. Many questions were about to be answered in that hour. All lights were on LeBron and the decision had already been made. With Cleveland making no effort to secure their star, he decided to bolt. His name wouldn't shine in the lights of NYC. The Windy City will keep dreaming about the good ol' Jordan era. LeBron was heading to Dade County to join his super friends in Miami.

Allow me to put my love for the Knicks aside, since I could remember (2002, in fact) I've always been a LeBron James fan. When he was drafted in 2003, I didn't cheer for the Cavs success. I cheered for LeBron. When he went on a tear against Detroit and ventured into the NBA Finals in 2007, I didn't root for the Cavs. I rooted for LeBron. In the past 8 years, I was completely behind anything this man backed or accomplished. So going into "The Decision" and amidst rumors of his future whereabouts, I was ready for LeBron to start a new chapter anywhere... as long as it wasn't in Miami. To win a championship with this newly assembled squad is too easy of a task. Why should King James give up the pressure and legacy just to take the easy road to success? Just giving in so submissively just for a stake at the gold? Michael Jordan never joined Larry Bird and the Celtics just to get over Detroit. Kobe Bryant (yes, he even looks like a Saint thanks to LeBron) stuck with the Lakers through their rebuilding phase just to find redemption with two more NBA titles. The greats rough it out!

Now, could LeBron have used some help? Yes. But was it necessary that his help come from two of the top players in the league? No. Hell no. LeBron took a supposed "pay cut" just to become a shadow in what essentially is Wade's town. Speaking as a fan of the sport that I love, and not living in NBA 2K Fantasy Land, I'm very disappointed with the landscape of it all. Hell, as a fan of LeBron, I'm disappointed in him. I grew up watching superstars compete against eachother and creating a storyline to greatness. Not 3-4 superstars co-existing on the same team and creating a lop-sided effect on the entire league. The King caught the attention of the masses and has watered down the product. Sold out. Gave in. Whatever you want to call it, LeBron James capturing a title will be an achievement but none to build a legacy on.

In Retrospect: Public Enemy's "Fear of a Black Planet"

2010-04-09T21:31:00.003-04:00

Very rarely, especially as of recent, is there a hip-hop record that changes your life. A hip hop record can tell you move "on the next one", advise you to "swag surf" or even brag about your "lemonade", but when was the last time that it shaped your consciousness? April 10th, 1990, Public Enemy released their third LP, "Fear of a Black Planet", amidst the sweltering hot racial tension taking place in New York City. Filmmaker Spike Lee released "Do The Right Thing" the summer before only to scare conservative critics into believing that the film would incite race riots. Tawana Brawley stood on trial against white New York police officers that she claimed sexually abused her. A young Bedford Stuyvesant native by the name of Yusuf Hawkins was murdered by a mob of Italian men for just visiting the Bensonhurst area of Brooklyn. All of these things occured while this group still had the balls to stress the "fear of a black planet". It was obviously a long and tense two years seperating their groundbreaking 1988 LP "It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back". On this record, Public Enemy's message is louder and bolder than ever. From the first track we're given samples of newscasts and speeches while one stands out:

"There is something changing in the climate of consciousness on this planet today."

With that quote we're well advised of the turmoil going on around the time this LP was recorded and we're now about to be schooled. After the intro, P.E. throws us in the pit of fury with the song "Brothers Gonna Work It Out". This track orders us to "get involved" and serves as a call in arms that pulsates through Prince's strangulated guitar solo from the end of "Let's Go Crazy." The next track is devoted towards the King of ALL Hype Men, Flavor Flav. Before VH1 managed to make a complete fool of him, Flav's presence with Public Enemy was like the Ying to their Yang. While we were intimidated by the image of a scowling Chuck D. and the military like presence of their entourage, Security of the First World, there was Flav to ease that tension. Flav would contribute solely to "911 Is A Joke" and a track later on the LP, "Can't Do Nuttin' For Ya Man". The aforementioned tracks would be the most memorable attributing to his name. As for Chuck D., on this album he sounds more determined and louder than ever. The subjects of every track covered almost every issue concerning blacks in America. "Pollywanacracka" was a dismissal of blacks who felt that they needed a white partner to succeed in life, and that fellow blacks weren't good enough for them. Due to the lack of blacks on the silver screen, "Burn Hollywood Burn" was a call for Hollywood and black folks to step it up and have our stories told. P.E. even found time to address their critics in the track "Welcome To The Terrordome", while also managing to address the 1989 Virginia Beach riots and Yusuf Hawkins. In all, "Fear of a Black Planet" was calling for a revolution. We wasn't being told to grab guns and go for ours but yet to remain true and stand up for our right. With the tracks "Brothers Gonna Work It Out", "Power to the People" and "Fight The Power", we're given the ammo to incite a reaction. Since its release, "Fear of a Black Planet" has gone multi-platinum and its impact on many has it placed on many "greatest albums of all time" lists from credible sources. In 2004, the Library of Congress chose this album to be added to the National Recording Registry deeming it "culturally, historically, or aesthetically important, and/or inform or reflect life in the United States." Here was something pleasing to the ears yet feeding a lasting message, something you don't see nowadays in hip-hop.

Entertainment for Dummies: A Tyler Perry Joint

2010-04-06T21:24:00.003-04:00

Last night I managed to check out filmmaker Tyler Perry's latest film "Why Did I Get Married Too?" and was really looking forward to it. After all, the previous film in the series is the most honest and my personal favorite Tyler Perry film. Now, instead of posting a review of the film, as the movie played out things were bothering me. It's not so much to do with the film itself but the craft of it all. Aside from the corny cliche "sequel dialogue" (ex: obvious mentions of the previous film only to refresh the audience), I was watching a follow up to one of my favorite movies become a Tyler Perry film. Well if he made this film then isn't it his? Yes. However, if you're critical of any Tyler Perry project and have been following him all these years, you know exactly what I'm talking about. The acting was a bit more sub-par (with the exception of a few and most notably Janet Jackson), the melodramatic lever was raised and (as we all know) he couldn't help but have a man save a woman's life. I was surprised Madea didn't pop up and whoop somebody's kids. I am not trying to bash Mr. Perry. I love his rags to riches story and for this man to succeed the way he does, I believe, he is truly blessed. In fact, a true talent. But even Stevie Wonder himself can see Perry's trends. His films are dumbed down to the core just to appeal to the masses. Every film follows the same formula. Any character can go into the dumps and in comes another character like Superman to save his/her life. Think back on EVERY Tyler Perry film and prove me wrong. The recurring character Troy (the sheriff in "Why Did I Get Married") can even fall into that category. However, it was the wit and charm of that film that veiled the repetition a bit. What kills me is that for years Spike Lee was criticized for having "weak" female characters and with every film Tyler Perry gets a pass. Then there is the flat dialogue and story progression. As a writer myself, I think Perry has so much potential and just fails to capitalize on it every time. When you want him to go one way, he goes another. That's not always a good thing. In return, I came out of "Why Did I Get Married Too?" scratching my head. While I did get some laughs and thrills, the most important part of the film lost me. That most important part was the ending. The ending managed to make one of my favorite movies a typical Tyler Perry joint. I won't even go into the ending. Lets just say that if you've followed his films, it's so typical. That's where my beef of Tyler Perry lies, in the laziness of his work. Perry himself acknowledges that he dumbs down his work for the masses (his 60 Seconds interview explains it all). If I can say one good thing, he is masterful of how he gets the audience. Nothing will get a black audience any more riled up than heightened tension followed by a good laugh. He plays those keys and it works every single time. While that may put dollars in Perry's pockets and get all of his projects greenlit, when the next Tyler Perry joint rolls in theaters, my $12.50 will remain right in my pocket.

I Heard That: Erykah Badu "New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh"

2010-04-02T00:06:00.003-04:00

Two years removed from her last album, and probably the last great R&B album in years, Ms. Erykah Badu is back with "New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh". While its accompanying first single and video is the talk of the town, don't let that cast a shadow on the album itself. Badu's last record had a more political tone, driven by hard funk machine beats and was a bit more aggressive. On "Return of the Ankh", there is more of a live instrumental sound and, for the first time since her 1997 debut "Baduizm", she returns to a more mellow sound. The message of this album is simple. Love. From track one until the eleventh and final track, Badu is dealing with love and her persistent nature to grasp that feeling. Like book ends, on the opening track "20 Feet Tall" she speaks of her lover "building a wall" and being tall enough to get over that wall and progress towards that love. While on the last track "Out My Mind, Just In Time", Erykah sounds as if she's coping with the love lost and is just trying her best to move forward. Love has its high and lows on this album but what remains consistent is Erykah's soulful delivery. 13 years deep and she has managed to never falter. Aside from the incredible first single "Window Seat", I really enjoyed the entire album. In particular, I loved Badu's nod to both Sylvia Striplin and The Notorious B.I.G. with "Turn Me Away (Get Munny)" [Music fact: Sylvia Striplin is the singer of the 70's song "Can't Turn Me Away" which was sampled by Junior M.A.F.I.A. in the song "Get Money". Get it now?]. I rarely recommend albums to get cozy to but look no farther than this one. To compare this album to its predecessor is not an easy task, but I will say that as of right now this is the best album of the year. No doubt about that!

Cry me a river...

2010-03-23T00:10:00.003-04:00

There is a growing trend nowadays and it's the rise of the CRY BABIES. Anybody that knows me well, know that I am a playful dude. Life isn't guaranteed length so I figure that I might as well have some fun while I'm here. I find every opportunity to make someone smile and I seize the moment. In fact, that is one thing that I am sure everybody can say about me. However, I am learning as of recent that there is a new wave of sensitive folks out there. Case in point, I'm talking to somebody and they point me out as an ugly character on TV. OK, fine. That was a joke. A lame joke but we're cool so I didn't get offended by it. About an hour later, the person tries to read and it's obvious that they're having problems. So, I seize that moment to joke on their problem and they get upset. So upset in fact that when they give me an attitude for the remainder of the night and I don't get a goodbye when they leave. What's wrong with that picture? I'm sorry but if you get a chance to crack on me, chances are that I'll do so in return. Not to be petty but we're cool and things like this should slide. If I never get offended by what you say to me then I expect the same in return. The worst is the person that puts up the front. You know the type. They step into a room, make their presence heard and put on this intimidating front only to get easily offended by a joke or remark. Life is no fun being serious. I usually tend to reserve that for productive things but being that everybody seems to get touchy around me, I may just conform to that attitude. The last thing I am doing is apologizing, so what else is there for me to do? It seems like everyone gets really touchy about things that isn't serious. Since when did me talking in a playful tone become "OD'ing"? SMH. A lot of people really need to get over themselves and laugh every now and then. I am not saying to go around putting eachother down but be sure to handle what you dish out.

Don't fake the funk!

2010-03-11T21:54:00.005-05:00

I've mentioned before how social networking sites act as a window into our life. How much we share on there gives an individual a peek inside who we really are. I'm on Facebook and I began to get a bunch of bulletins on my news feed from someone I went to school with. Their feeds were coming straight from Formspring. People were asking him questions on his preference and somebody said "what type of guys do you like?". Immediately he got defensive and wanted to know how the person came to that conclusion. The questions that came after pretty much outed the person for who he was while he vehemently denied. Now, I know this kid and from what I know... the persons charges were VERY accurate. If you're taking a bunch of very suggestive pictures, you're spotted with a certain type of company and display characteristics of who you really are, why hide it? I have no problem with gays. One of my good friends is gay and while that lifestyle may not be my cup of tea, you are who you are. I am no perfect person myself and will not judge. However, when I see a person NOT being true to themselves it's annoying. We should all take pride in who we are. Veiling the elephant will not only fail to cover the truth but make it THAT more evident. I can tell people my interests and things about me without flinching or feeling the need to bite my tongue. It reminds me of the episode of MTV's "True Life" when the gay guy was posing as a straight man, only to find out that his peers knew all along. He looked silly. Not only is he being blatantly fake but challenging his character on Formspring and posting it on Facebook?! Really? The same Facebook where you have a picture of yourself getting a lapdance from a man? Listen folks, don't hide your character. Be you and love yourself! Somebody doesn't like you for who you are... forget 'em!

Sony wants in

2010-03-11T21:22:00.003-05:00

This is a dog eats dog world we live in. Competition is fierce and when it comes to the multi-million dollar gaming industry, the boxing gloves are on. Sony has just announced their answer to the Nintendo Wii with the Playstation Move. The Playstation Move is pretty much an add-on to the Playstation 3 console and translates real life movements to video game movements. I ain't mad at Sony for trying to get in on that Nintendo paper. Right now the Wii is without a doubt one of the more popular consoles. Its edge is the family appeal. The games are simpler whereas the Playstation 3 and XBOX 360 usually carry more teen or adult titles. The Playstation Move will be available worldwide by the end of 2010.

Look out folks!

2010-03-11T21:17:00.002-05:00

My brother and Tru Skool affiliate DJ OOO Child has just scored a spot on 99.3 FM's The Joynt radio station. Not only that but he is putting together his first mixtape "Diary of a Spin-a-holic, Vol. 1". Congrats bro! Tru Skool... LET'S GO!

What's the fuss?!

2010-03-02T00:05:00.004-05:00

I, like many other young people, went and got an account on a new and popular website called formspring.me. Basically the site is an outlet for people to ask you questions to get a better grasp of who you are. Whoever asked me the questions began to ask what type of girls do I like and one even flat out stated "do you like light skinned girls or dark skinned girls?". Me, being absolutely honest, went onto saying that I like light skinned girls. Then came a flood of statements pretty much calling me out and claiming things about myself that isn't true. Listen folks, I DON'T hate dark skinned women. Never will. I have women in my family that I love and are dark skinned. I just was never attracted to them. Now, that doesn't mean that they're ugly because I can show you a few dark skinned women that I think is pretty. It's just something in me that I can't control. My very first crush was in first grade. A girl named Jasmine Harris and she was as light as the day. Do you think a 6 year old really had time to admire a light skinned girl for her hair and skin complexion? NO! Do I put them on a pedestal and make them the epitome of beauty? No. Beauty comes in all skin colors. My wrap sheet just happen to have a couple of biracial and mulatto sistas on it. I'm also gonna separate personality because a dark skinned girl has never done anything to trigger resentment on my behalf. As a matter of fact, I've been so disgusted and turned off by girls of ANY race because of personality. So don't put me in a pool of bruthas that can't stand black women because of their personalities. Someone even questioned the girls once in my life and claimed that I should "open my horizons" and that not dating dark skinned girls was my "problem". If you ask me, that's reversing her argument. You're telling me not to discriminate yet you're cheering on 1 side. Biased much? I'm going to do me and go after what I like. But to call me a "bigot" and claim that I "discriminate" my kind is a lil' bit far fetched. If we wanna put skin color aside, I am of African descent and I've dated girls of African descent. Case closed.

I Heard That: Prince "Cause and Effect"

2010-03-01T16:18:00.004-05:00

Legends NEVER rest! Just a couple of months from the lackluster response to the Minnesota Vikings fight song, Prince releases "Cause and Effect". Prince was once a man of fresh ideas and used to raise the bar for himself, but this is the same ol'. It's nice to hear him rock out on the guitar but the song really does nothing to me. His lyrics seem to get a bit dull with time and he now sounds like an aging man. With age and a change in religion drastically affecting his music, am I the only person that misses the raunchy Prince?

Pray for Guru!

2010-03-01T15:39:00.003-05:00

Sunday Feburary 28th, the hip-hop world was at a standstill over a legend. Guru, one half of the legendary hip-hop group Gangstarr, suffered a heart attack and was put in a coma. The news was confirmed by his partner DJ Premier on Sirus Satellite Radio and spread fiercely by folks via the internet. With Gangstarr, Guru has contributed to the classic tracks "Dwyck", "Mass Appeal", "Jazz Thing" and his solo effort with Chaka Khan, "Watch What You Say". Keep your thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery with Guru as he undergoes surgery.

1 year... and COUNTING!

2010-03-01T15:15:00.004-05:00

March 2010 marks a year since I started my UPtown! blogsite. Over the year I've shared my thoughts on fashion, movies, music, scandals and society in general. Most recently, I began a string of commentary pieces that I'd cast light and share my thoughts on issues swept under the rug by society. With so many thing coming up in my personal life, soon I'll be sharing with the world through UStream and YouTube in the form of video blogs. My Twitter page is constantly active and serves as the blueprint for a lot of the stuff posted onto the site. Along with my brother DJ OOO Child and friends, soon an entertainment group will arise from the ground, and UPtown! will be right there along the way covering things. See folks, things is still in its infancy but this year has been a reflective one. Now it's time for evolving and becoming bigger than before.

Do they ever learn?

2010-02-25T03:38:00.002-05:00

If you attend the University of California, San Diego, then you probably got this invitation:

"February marks a very important month in American society. No, i'm not referring to Valentines day or Presidents day. I'm talking about Black History month. As a time to celebrate and in hopes of showing respect, the Regents community cordially invites you to its very first Compton Cookout.
For guys: I expect all males to be rockin Jersey's, stuntin' up in ya White T (XXXL smallest size acceptable), anything FUBU, Ecko, Rockawear, High/low top Jordans or Dunks, Chains, Jorts, stunner shades, 59 50 hats, Tats, etc.
For girls: For those of you who are unfamiliar with ghetto chicks-Ghetto chicks usually have gold teeth, start fights and drama, and wear cheap clothes - they consider Baby Phat to be high class and expensive couture. They also have short, nappy hair, and usually wear cheap weave, usually in bad colors, such as purple or bright red. They look and act similar to Shenaynay, and speak very loudly, while rolling their neck, and waving their finger in your face. Ghetto chicks have a very limited vocabulary, and attempt to make up for it, by forming new words, such as "constipulated", or simply cursing persistently, or using other types of vulgarities, and making noises, such as "hmmg!", or smacking their lips, and making other angry noises,grunts, and faces. The objective is for all you lovely ladies to look, act, and essentially take on these "respectable" qualities throughout the day.
Several of the regents condos will be teaming up to house this monstrosity, so travel house to house and experience the various elements of life in the ghetto.
We will be serving 40's, Kegs of Natty, dat Purple Drank- which consists of sugar, water, and the color purple , chicken, coolade, and of course Watermelon. So come one and come all, make ya self before we break ya self, keep strapped, get yo shine on, and join us for a day party to be remembered- or not. "

... unless you're black.

This has been an on going trend in recent years on college campuses across the country. And I ask, when will they learn? Why are things of this nature being thought of and actually being executed. And the funny thing is that when their spot is blown up, they're quick to say that they're not racist. Or that it was in fun. Things like this AREN'T funny. I get sick to my stomach when I see my people live out this stereotype everyday, so imagine it being made fun of. "Compton Cookout"? Really?

Black unity? Yeah right!

2010-02-22T23:32:00.003-05:00

News flash folks! Hate is among us. The sad part is that it is fueled by our own people. Today you can go on blog sites and look up a thriving rich black man and I can almost guarantee you'll find OUR people slandering their name. Case in point, Jay-Z. Jay-Z's story is that of an American dream. From the gutters of Brooklyn to the penthouses of Manhattan and all with focus and drive. On the flipside, our people is calling him a devil worshiper. Mind you, the whole illuminati/devil worshiping rumor came from an old and bitter acquaintance of his. It doesn't stop there. Let's take a look at Sean "Diddy" Combs. The epitome of a hustler and it was all done legally. Here is a brother that worked his ass off to not only put on himself but put on his people. He too has come under suspicion of being associated with a "secret society" that supposedly sacrificed the life of The Notorious B.I.G. for his success. This is hearsay that is being echoed in the barber shops, corner stores, work places and even schools. By US! Something else really ticked me off recently. I went onto YouTube to listen to Malcolm X's speech on the difference of the field negro and house negro. Basically what Malcolm was trying to say was that the more uppity, brown nosing black man was the typical "house negro". And while Malcolm is describing the house negro, across my screen is a picture of President Barack Obama and the White House. OK so here is a Black man doing his thing and changing history yet some of these "deep" bruthas and sistas, who upload the video, think that he is an "uppity house negro"? Come on! Look at white folks and how they interpret their more famous or rich counterparts. White folks don't look to slam Bill Gates. Instead they thrive that their children become something like that. We have the Media Takeout's and World Star Hip Hop's that just fuel such non-sense on our behalf. I've said it for years and I won't let up. We, as in BLACK people, put each other down time after time. Like crabs in a barrel, we pull each other down. And while we have made some progress, if you ask me, it's the reason why we haven't made it farther. Once someone gets money or notoriety, we slander their image and try so hard to dig deep in their dirt only to lessen the impact they're making. This rant isn't limited to the Jesse Jackson's out there either. Here is a man that preached black unity in the 60's and 70's, but in a slip-up behind the scenes of a CNN broadcast he was heard saying derogatory things about President Obama. Black folks, if we wanna get "there", let's squash all the hate and encourage whatever rise one makes. As long as it is something that best represents us.

A Night at the Movies: "Shutter Island"

2010-02-22T23:11:00.004-05:00

Filmmaker Martin Scorsese is back after his last feature film outing in 2006's "The Departed" and teams up with Leonardo DiCaprio for "Shutter Island". "Shutter Island" is a period thriller that places two detectives in a search for a missing mental institute patient on a island. They're somehow deceived into staying on the island and begin discovering disturbing human experiments within the institute. I love a thriller complete with twisty plots and great acting. It's all here! Leonardo DiCaprio really seems to impress me with every film that he does. He's come a long way from the teeny bopper actor we were all introduced to in the '90s. As for Martin Scorsese, while "Gangs of New York" was a bit disappointing, he seems to be on a hot streak with films. They're always engaging and good enough to really recommend to folks. This thriller kept me at the edge of my seat and I admit even at the end of the film, I didn't quite know what to make of it. Of course I thought it was good, but with everything that goes on in the film you end up feeling like one of the patients in the movie. "Shutter Island" is must see material and definitely a bright light in 2010's movie forecast.

What in the world?!

2010-02-22T22:56:00.003-05:00

25 years ago hunger in Africa drove Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones to come together and make the charity song "We Are The World". 25 years later the world was shocked by the horrible earthquake out in Haiti. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the song and raise awareness to the disaster the song was remade. Which is ironic because that too is a disaster. "We Are The World 25" is a well meant disaster at that. It's a random group of faces (even the guy that played the African in Mo'Nique's gem "Big Girlz") that is desperately trying to recapture the raw emotion of the original. Not only do I despise the attempt but the addition of Lil' Wayne vocals along with T-Pain's in AUTOTUNE was so bad. Then the hip-hop section made me cringe. I don't even wanna get into Wyclef's billy goat like singing. I know he was directly affected and all but... no. Just don't do it to yourself Wyclef. This attempt to recreate the classic song was an all-around fail. Jay-Z recently came under fire for not participating and he shared the exact same sentiments as me. Re-release the song via iTunes or something but don't, I repeat, don't ruin the classic song. Well the damage is done and here is the song.

I Heard That: Erykah Badu's "Window Seat" and "Jump In The Air"

2010-02-22T16:28:00.002-05:00

Without a doubt, the 13 year presence of the eccentric and soulful Erykah Badu has been one of the bright spots in Black music. With every release since her 1997 debut "Baduizm", Erykah has pushed boundaries in her work and remains fresh. In 2008, Badu announced a set of albums under the title "New Amerykah" that would sprawl 3 albums long. She released "New Amerykah Part One (4th World War)" to universal acclaim and remained mum until now. "New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)" is set to release March 30th and two new songs has leaked. The first of which being "Window Seat" is a smooth track laced with the drumming of The Roots' own ?uestlove that is quintessential Erykah. The mellowness of it all kinda reminds me of her debut single "On and On". The second track is "Jump in the Air" which features rapper Lil' Wayne and singer Bilal. Usually I am against Wayne being on any random track but this one seems to be cool and channels Parliament Funkadelic a bit. Overall, with the two tracks being evidence, "New Amerykah Part Two" seems to be yet another classic Erykah album in the making. I'm definitely looking forward to it.

Its Gotta Be The Shoes: The Air Jordan 2010

2010-02-10T13:50:00.006-05:00

Another year, another Jordan. That statement can both represent and yet undermine the latest signature Air Jordan hitting store shelves. This Saturday, the Air Jordan 2010 will mark the 25th signature shoe in Michael Jordan's iconic brand. Making this shoe even more of a turning point in the evolution of Jordan Brand, this shoe will shift focus from its namesake face of the brand and pass it on2 Dwyane Wade. The newest member of Jordan Brand may soon B the heir 2 the throne of the legacy as he is prominently displayed in the ad "Nightmares Never Sleep". So in many ways, the Air Jordan 2010 is a very important shoe 2 the legacy of the Air Jordan. Equipped with a lower cut and a lower price tag ($169.99), the Air Jordan 2010 is all about breaking the mold. Even if it includes a see-through window. Not quite seen b4 in any other basketball shoe, designer Tinker Hatfield included the see-through window 4 ventilation and 2 symbolize the whole concept of the shoe. The concept being that Michael Jordan's defensive prowess allowed him 2 see-through his opponents. What makes 4 a cool concept seems a tad bit distracting. It's something I can applaud as well. The look of the shoe takes the Jordan franchise back 2 its different and daring stage. Where the look challenged what is considered "normal", set standards and pushed boundaries. After all we're in a day in age where the average sneaker consumer is actually going 4 style over performance. While Jordan may have actually cause that trend, now Jordan Brand is reversing that and stating that the Air Jordan 2010 is a baller shoe. I can't argue that point. I mean the shoe actually looks a whole lot better when U C it in action. With a free flexing independent forefoot cover (which is a 1st), lightweight, better fit and ultra thin Zoom Air cushioning, the Air Jordan 2010 is "built 4 the game's most athletic players."

U done f**ked up now

2010-02-10T12:39:00.005-05:00

In a recent interview with Playboy Magazine, John Mayer (or as I like 2 call him Ladies Love Cool John) was very candid about many subjects from wild sex with Jessica Simpson 2 enjoying porn and masturbating. But when probed about dating, he had a little "joke" 2 describe his taste. Mayer states, "My dick is sort of like a white supremacist. I have a Benetton heart and a fuckin' David Duke cock." Do I get what he was trying 2 say? Yeah. I mean we all have preferences BUT really? The whole "white supremacist" and "David Duke" reference? Then 2 make matters worse he begins a race lecture, of sorts, and relates his struggles 2 a Black mans. But the prize of that lecture is the quote from Mayer himself, "if you really had a hood pass, you can call it a nigger pass." I don't think Mayer is racist at heart. I just think he is the token white boy that has a lot of black peers and followers and feels comfortable. A lil' bit 2 damn comfortable if U ask me. I think he could've made his point without the references. He turned an opportunity 2 make light of his answer in2 something very UNFUNNY and UNCOMFORTABLE. Not only that but he really shouldn't speak on race. He isn't black and knows nothing about my "struggle". If U can't write a song that's called writers block not the plight of the black man. I always knew there was something about John that I didn't care 4. But like many crazy comments from RELEVANT people, this will get swept under the rug and all will B 4gotten. John has an image with the ladies and some black folks that won't let this become a big issue. Like John said, "that's why black people love me".

How many times can we say OVERKILL?

2010-02-10T12:17:00.002-05:00

Yesterday Paramount Pictures announced that they're preparing another "Mission: Impossible" flick 4 2011. The original "M:I" was due 4 a sequel but "M:I 2" fell flat and "M:I 3" was a snoozer. It should've been a sign since the 2nd film 2 just stop there. I wouldn't mind a re-boot, another Tom Cruise leading action flick is the LAST thing we need. Dude has all the looks of a movie star but has no substance. But hey, I ain't knockin' the mans hustle. Fans of the series will surely B happy.

Big Brother is among us...

2010-02-10T11:56:00.002-05:00

Over the summer I began tweeting and I have an application on my phone called UberTwitter. UberTwitter is an application 2 tweet from ur mobile phone. UberTwitter has an attached link with every tweet that satellites find U and show wherever ur tweeting from. Early on, I didn't mind it and thought it was a cool thing until I found out some1 was stalking me via Twitter. Which in return lead 2 me disabling that option. Now, b4 I go on, I have NO problem with social networking sites. It's my main resource 2 keep in touch with many and it's fun. However, things like tweeting and having people C where ur at is kind of creepy. Then U have these applications and sites where people R pretty much logging in their whereabouts and giving away every single detail about their life. I'm an open person but I'd NEVER put myself out there like that. If U ask me, aside from random stalkers, social networking sites is a ploy 4 Big Brother (the government) 2 keep tabs on us. I support social networking BUT never allow urself 2 B put out there like that. Without a doubt I know that the feds keep up with many of us via social networking sites also. Recently a man in Brooklyn was arrested because of Twitter. What happened? He had a restraining order filed against him and he mentioned the person on Twitter. There R also drug dealers being caught 4 mentioning what they do and where they do it and being tracked down from Twitter and Facebook. I never did like the openness of Facebook, which is Y my profile is VERY private. Folks, allow some privacy and try not 2 air out urselves. U don't know who is reading.

Happy Black History Month!

2010-02-10T11:47:00.002-05:00

I know it's 10 days overdue (and the shortest month of the year but... that's another issue) I'd like 2 wish every1 a Happy Black History Month! Take the time 2 enlighten urselves on all of what black culture has 2 offer... or just watch a lot of TV One.

UPtown! Boogie

2010-01-27T22:18:00.002-05:00

R U like me and like old school hip-hop? Say no more! I bring 2 U, "UPtown! Boogie". A playlist of the best in old school hip-hop that'll change up weekly or monthly. Aside from giving U stories, here at UPtown! I'm going 2 try and cross media a bit. "UPtown! Boogie" is the first of many outlets 4 me 2 shine a light on certain acts. Here is the 1st batch of videos 4 ur viewing and listening pleasure. ENJOY!

Well done Gang Green!

2010-01-24T18:01:00.002-05:00

The New York Jets, who entered the NFL Playoffs as a wild card, lost 2 Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in the AFC Championship game. B4 U Jets fans cry and call this team the "Same Ol' Jets", lets B happy 4 em. This team was the ultimate Cinderella team. If U can remember, throughout the season it was prematurely declared over from everybody (and even Coach Rex Ryan). There was no hope down the stretch especially when their last 2 games of the season were against the superior Bengals and Colts. They needed those 2 games 2 clinch their spot in the playoffs, and amidst much pessimism, they won them. Going in2 the playoffs, everybody said they'd lose 2 the Bengals. Beat 'em. Then going in2 San Diego, the Chargers were supposed 2 tame them. We smoked 'em. Now going in2 the AFC Championship, much like the 1999 New York Knicks in the NBA Finals, they weren't supposed 2 B here. We started off strong but no man in his right mind can undermine the greatness of Peyton Manning. Through all of this, the Jets will definitely mature and B a problem. Mark Sanchez in particular! This kid has a bright future ahead of him and this loss isn't a let down but a stepping stone. He will learn from this. Lets salute Gang Green on an incredible season.

I Heard That: Jay-Z x The Edge x Bono x Rihanna

2010-01-23T01:41:00.003-05:00

Jay-Z, The Edge, Bono and Rihanna came 2gether 2 make a track titled "Stranded" in support of George Clooney's Hope for Haiti telethon. The track is said 2 B produced by Swizz Beatz. I think it's OK, but then again I am a sucker 4 live performances.In particular I like when Rihanna comes on the track 4 the chorus. I'd love 2 hear the actual studio version. As 4 the actual benefit, I am not sure how much was raised but with all the star power, I'm sure it's a HUGE amount.

In A Perfect World...

2010-01-23T01:32:00.003-05:00

My New York Jets will B in Florida 2 face THIS MAN and his Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XLIV. We'll find out on Sunday!

Prince x The Minnesota Vikings?

2010-01-22T02:45:00.003-05:00

Prince, greatest musician of all time... in my opinion of course, and football share some familiarity. Remember the amazing halftime show of Super Bowl XLI? Well after being spotted at the Minnesota Vikings/Dallas Cowboys matchup last Sunday, he said he was inspired 2 write and compose a song 4 his hometown team. And I bring 2 U... "Purple and Gold". "Purple and Gold" is said 2 B the fight song of the Minnesota Vikings leading up 2 their big NFC Championship game against the New Orleans Saints. Ehhh... I know Prince is on the different side but this? And 4 football? Nah! Knowing me, it'll grow on me and it'll B a nice lil' tune 4 me 2 listen 2. But come on, this is football! Get on the guitar and wreak havoc 4 Christ's sake! Well... U still have a fan in me.

Introducing DJ OOO Child...

2010-01-20T22:27:00.003-05:00

DJ OOO Child from CJ Something on Vimeo.

I told U guys about my brother Chris Marin aka DJ OOO Child and his mixes b4, but now he's about 2 B properly introduced 2 the world. DJ OOO Child will B featured on a documentary coming up soon and here is a teaser. U can follow him on Twitter or Facebook folks. Support!

If it ain't white, it ain't right...

2010-01-20T17:02:00.002-05:00

Somewhere Shawn Bradley and Todd McCullough is rejoicing and planning a return. On Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, an up and coming basketball league (the All-American Basketball League) issued a statement announcing plans 2 start it's inaugural season this Summer. There is a catch. It's an ALL WHITE LEAGUE. U read that right folks. Only white players born in America is allowed in the AABL. Blacks and foreigners R a no-go. The founder and commissioner of the league, Dan "Moose" Lewis, denies racism in this segregated league and states "I don't hate any1 of color... Here's a league 4 white players 2 play fundamental basketball, which they like." Lewis goes on 2 say that fundamental basketball is different from the "street ball" played by the "people of color" and cites the Gilbert Arenas issue as proof that the all-white league is indeed VERY necessary. He told the Augusta Chronicle, "would U want 2 go 2 a game and worry about a player flipping U off or attacking U in the stands or grabbing their crotch?" Yeah because the last time I went 2 an NBA game it was 1 big coon zoo. Listen, this is absurd and an absolute cry 4 attention. The man is a promoter, he needs a lil' scandal and controversy 2 make bucks. But this proposal here will never catch on. He's already been denied by the mayor of Augusta, GA 4 a proposal 2 bring a team 2 the city. With all the progress that has been made in America, it's people like Mr. Lewis that reminds us that there is A LOT more 2 do.

Help Haiti: Wyclef defends Yele and CNN helps

2010-01-20T00:50:00.002-05:00

Rapper, and spokesperson 4 the Yele Haiti Foundation, Wyclef Jean has been criticized as of recently 4 the validity of how much Yele actually helps Haiti. At a recent press conference, Wyclef broke down and even called 4 an exodus from the country. Wyclef has been the voice of Haiti and has repped his country 2 the fullest, I so think this is all very genuine. U try coming from the obstacles he has and putting the entire country on ur back and watching it all crumble. That stuff is VERY heavy on his heart and I feel as if he is doing his best 2 help. I've contributed 2 the Yele Foundation and don't regret it 1 bit.

Here is raw footage of CNN's Anderson Cooper helping a kid as he was attacked by "looters". I'm sorry but since Hurricane Katrina, I've learned the fine difference between a looter and some1 that NEEDS help. In Katrina, there were those that needed the food or water. Don't get me wrong, there were some looters but that doesn't apply here. There isn't a Best Buy or Target in Haiti, these people will not try 2 steal a TV or game system. These R hungry people living in an already impoverished nation. There R no looters here. They have gone so low 2 act as if they're crabs in a barrel fighting their way 2 getting what they need. It's very sad and unfortunate 2 C people get hurt like this. They need the help immediately or else things like this will only make matters worse.

Its Gotta Be The Shoes: "Pistons" Air Jordan 6 Retro

2010-01-20T00:38:00.002-05:00

After the 60+ series, Jordan Brand is not done paying homage 2 the teams that Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls dusted on their way 2 championship glory. Proof of that comes in a Detroit Pistons makeup of the Air Jordan 6. I'll make this short and sweet by saying that patent leather and suede on the Air Jordan 6 is NOT pretty. This is a silhouette that I thought was hard 2 ruin. The Olympic edition Air Jordan 6 that released in 2008 was bad yet mildly attractive. Sorta like the girl that ain't that cute but has "something" about her. But here, Jordan Brand just drops the ball all 2gether. This is a TERRIBLE execution. I was hoping that, when I seen earlier pics, it was a sample. But the powers that B gave this a green light. No good! But if U think that I am wrong, U can expect these 2 release in the Spring with an expected $150 price tag.

Takin' It Back: "NBA Jam"

2010-01-20T00:10:00.005-05:00

BOOM SHAKA LAKA! What NBA fan in the early 90's did not know about or play "NBA Jam"? I remember as a youngin' watching basketball on NBC, or even in the middle of a show on Nickelodeon, and seeing the commercial for this classic. "NBA Jam" was a two on two game that usually featured the best of each of the NBA teams. My first experience with "NBA Jam" was getting it for the Sega Game Gear. I was so into it and mashed the buttons so hard that I'd sleep with sore or bruised fingers. It was THAT serious. My team of choice was the Knicks with Patrick Ewing and John Starks. Ahhh... the good ol' days. That game lasted me up until I was in junior high school when the aging of my Game Gear finally gave in. Since then, I'd find time to play it in arcades or, as I got older, download it onto the computer. After its reign in the early 90's, Jam's formula would be duplicated in other Midway titles like "NBA Hangtime" (mid 90's) and "NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC" (2000). The influence of "Jam" would even be seen in other sports titles like "NFL Blitz". Yep, I bought those also! "NBA Jam" is the quintessential sports game much like Madden does for the NFL. And now Electronic Arts, who bought over the original developer Midway, is even announcing that "NBA Jam" would make an updated return exclusive to the Nintendo Wii. That alone is enough to make me go and buy a Wii. Salute to the greatest basketball game of all time.

[UPDATE: As of November 18th, 2010, "NBA Jam" has taken the place of "NBA Elite" as the flagship NBA title for Electronic Arts. Therefore, it will now be released on ALL platforms and not only exclusive to the Nintendo Wii as mentioned. Also, uhh... a little game known as "NBA 2K11" has taken the title of "the greatest basketball game of all time".]

I Heard That: Michael Jackson "They Don't Care About Us"

2010-01-20T00:03:00.003-05:00

After the Spike Lee directed "This Is It" music video, Michael Jackson's memory is still lingering on the music channels. Here comes the 3rd video 4 his 1996 single "They Don't Care About Us". The previous 2 was directed by Lee but this 1 is pulled straight out of a scene from Jackson's film "This Is It". The Blu-Ray and DVD is actually being released on the 26th of this month so, by pulling a scene from the movie 2 serve as a promo video, this just might B a way 2 pull in consumers. Although I believe this will NOT B hard 2 do. This is Michael Jackson we're talking about!

Congrats Mo'Nique!

2010-01-18T09:13:00.004-05:00

Talented comedian, and now, critically acclaimed actress Mo'Nique won the Golden Globe last night 4 Best Supporting Actress in the film "Precious". While the film itself was hard 2 stomach, it was her role as the title character's bitter and angry mother Mary that was undeniably fierce. It was a disturbing yet ferocious performance that makes Mo'Nique well deserving of this honor.

Say it ain't so Spidey!

2010-01-16T20:28:00.002-05:00

Whatever memory U have of the "Spider-Man" movie franchise (Tobey Maguire, the battle with Dr. Octopus, the Sandman and Venom connection... and even Kirsten Dunst) throw that out the window. In 2012, there will not B a "Spider-Man 4" but instead a complete re-boot of the series. All of the actors and filmmakers that took part in the series and the pre-production plans of the fourth film R all gone.

"A decade ago we set out on this journey with Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire and together we made three 'Spider-Man' films that set a new bar for the genre. When we began, no one ever imagined that we would make history at the box-office and now we have a rare opportunity to make history once again with this franchise. Peter Parker as an ordinary young adult grappling with extraordinary powers has always been the foundation that has made this character so timeless and compelling for generations of fans. We're very excited about the creative possibilities that come from returning to Peter's roots and we look forward to working once again with Marvel Studios, Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin on this new beginning," said Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

I believe all of this has 2 do with the very disappointing reaction 2 "Spider-Man 3". While the film performed well both domestically and abroad, the character development and story left the audience let down. I know I was. If there is 1 mistake made in this move, is the fact that Tobey Maguire will not don the costume. He will ALWAYS B Peter Parker 2 me and whoever comes after him will have some huge shoes 2 fill.

Keith Olbermann goes IN on Rush Limbaugh and Pat Robertson

2010-01-13T22:23:00.003-05:00

So Limbaugh had another ignorant and ridiculous dig at Obama concerning the Haiti earthquake? Surprising (sarcasm). Both men were put in their place in this clip. GO MSNBC, DOWN WITH FOX NEWS! Ooh that made me feel a lil' warm inside :)

Social Media + Footwear = EPIC FAIL!

2010-01-13T18:44:00.003-05:00

Over the last couple of decades, the sneaker has been the primary focus when it comes 2 style. An outfit can B nice but it's the shoes that put the icing on the cake. It's safe 2 say that our shoes represents us. Now, U can make that statement LITERALLY speaking. Introducing the new shoe titled, "The Rambler". This shoe is said 2 include a sensory chip inside of it that transmits ur steps on2 the social networking site Twitter. Here's an example of how it works from the Rambler Twitter page:

. . . . tap . tap tap . . tap . . . . . . tap tap . . . tap . tap . tap . . . tap . . tap . . tap . tap . . tap . tap . . tap . . tap . . 12:12 PM Jan 9th from API

U've gotta B kidding me. This is the most useless crap I've EVER seen in my life. We've gotten some dumb inventions but this is the DUMBEST. Just unnecessary 4 no reason. On 2 the next 1!

Pat Robertson, the voice of Christian America? NOT!

2010-01-13T17:09:00.004-05:00

Televangelist Pat Robertson has been no stranger 2 his very boneheaded and overly "religious" remarks but this 1 has taken the cake. Immediately following the deadly earthquake over in Haiti, 2day Robertson stated that the Haitians were deserving of this tragedy. In fact, he goes on2 say that it was caused by their "pact with the devil" and that it's "a blessing in disguise". Last time I checked, God doesn't destroy 2 rid evil. Hell, if so, who made Pat Robertson God? Here is a "Christian" man pretty much preaching hate and showing no remorse 2 the thousands of lives dealt by this and all he could say was that it's a "curse" dealt 2 the Haitians? No prayer? I mean, after all, he is Christian right? It's the bible thumping, right wing and (trust me) closeted racists like Robertson that make me sick. This "Christian" man isn't supposed 2 B speaking such things. They come off as IGNORANT on many levels. Since we're being judgemental here, he oughta know that those words he just spoke were BLASPHEMOUS and he's mailing his ticket in2 Hell. May God bless Mr. Pat Robertson, and deal with him accordingly.

Devastating earthquake in Haiti

2010-01-13T16:42:00.004-05:00

Yesterday in the Haitian capital of Port-Au-Prince, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit the country hard causing severe damage. CNN was reporting a death toll of 100,000 people. Mind U, Haiti is populated by 400,000. That makes it 1/4 of the Haitian population reported DEAD. Information coming out of the country is very sketchy so who knows if the toll is actually bigger or not. Either way this is a country plagued by poverty and my thoughts and prayers go out 2 those affected. U can also help contribute 2 revitalize this shaken country by going on yele.org and donating any amount of money.

Its Gotta Be The Shoes: Nike Air Flightposite II Retro

2010-01-12T20:03:00.003-05:00

Nike isn't holding back in 2010. This is the year of the retro, and 2 make that point clear, Nike brings back a classic shoe. 10 years ago, I saw Kevin Garnett play in the Nike Air Flightposite II and always wanted a pair. I remember going in2 The Athlete's Foot with my mother and she picked out a million reasons Y she wasn't getting them. It's safe 2 say that I've held that grudge... til' now. The Nike Air Flightposite II will B dropping in 2010 in its original colorways and with all its original details (minus the Garnett references now that he is signed with Adidas).

Happy New Year!!!

2010-01-01T02:52:00.001-05:00

2010 is here folks! Another year is upon us and it's up 2 us 2 make something of it. In celebration of the new year, we're gonna send a message 2 2009. We're off that and "on 2 the next 1". Here's Jay-Z's latest video. Peace and love in 2010 y'all!

Much Props: Denzel Washington

2009-12-29T10:10:00.003-05:00

Denzel Washington, the GREATEST actor of all time, not only has a new movie coming out ("The Book of Eli" in theaters January 15th) but he is celebrating a birthday. 2day Denzel turns 55 years old and hasn't let his age stop him from dominating his craft. Denzel is the EPITOME of swag! Ladies young and old still feel something inside when seeing him. I can't front, I've watched his movies and applied some type of characteristic of his in2 my life. I'll never 4get his role as the ladies man and jazz musician Bleek Gilliam in Spike Lee's "Mo' Better Blues". Since that film, I've invested heavily in Chap Stick. Denzel may B great but he is also criminally overlooked by the Academy. His roles in "Malcolm X" and "The Hurricane" were some of the best in his career but never garnered him a Best Actor Oscar. But he'd later get it with, a good role but not top tier, his role as Alonzo Harris in "Training Day". Nonetheless the big homie gets much love of this side. Happy Birthday Denzel!

Stay posted!

2009-12-18T02:24:00.004-05:00

I do have a life away from the computer, and hopefully the rest of U do 2 LOL. But if ur not getting the UPtown! updates on a timely manner then follow me on Twitter. Stay posted 2 all my doings outside of UPtown! along with on-going convo and thoughts that'll eventually end up on here. And remember, SUPPORT UPTOWN!

Lil' Mama... NOOOO!

2009-12-18T02:08:00.004-05:00

Here is a video of Lil' Mama mentioning her next dud... oops... I mean album and she manages 2 mention Nicki Minaj. Lil' Mama said that she is trying 2 b an alternative 2 Nicki's image and "focus on young girls respecting their bodies." Seriously? OK Nicki's FAKE (yes FAKE) cheeks and boobs is out there but she isn't 2 degrading. Besides, U really don't wanna get on the bad side of the clan known as the Barbies. U jumping on stage pretty much killed ur cred then just imagine those broads comin' after U!

Michael Jackson x Spike Lee - "This Is It"

2009-12-18T00:08:00.004-05:00

Michael Jackson - This Is It - Directed by Spike Lee from 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks on Vimeo.

I have told many people that, since being leaked, Michael Jackson's last single "This Is It" is my favorite song out now. Aside from him passing, this song is really beautiful. His vocal skills seem 2 stand out more, I love the strings and orchestra added and I even love the "Human Nature" like riffs on the bass. Well a long overdue video is out and it's directed by none other than Spike Lee. What's the odds that a video 2 my favorite song out now is directed by my idol, and it being dope? Very high! "This Is It" is a beautiful look back at the life of Jackson and the most fitting tribute I've seen. The duo is no stranger 2 powerful collaborations. Spike has also directed 2 very controversial videos 4 Jackson's 1996 single "They Don't Care About Us". One of which took place in Brazil and another in a jail. Kudos Spike and rest in peace Michael.

Step It Up: MTV and "Jersey Shore"

2009-12-17T23:25:00.006-05:00

I had heard that MTV was trying 2 bring a "Real World"-esque show based in the Jersey area 4 awhile now. When I heard that it was going 2 B on the Jersey Shore I was looking 4ward 2 it. I am a frequent visitor of Seaside Heights so I figured it'd B cool. I know I expected a diverse show. Oh boy how I was wrong. Not only is the show NOT diverse but it has a huge amount of cringing stereotypical activity. There's nothing I hate more than perpetuating a stereotype. As a black man, I have 2 deal with the shit everyday. From ur average white man addressing every1 in the crowd with an "excuse me sir" or "excuse me ma'am" then yell "yo!" when seeing me, 2 being followed in stores. Ignorance still looms! Channels like MTV create these programs that do nothing but feed fodder 2 the ignorant and blinded. "Jersey Shore" get big viewers but the images R disturbing. All I C is gelled up, orange, wife beater wearing, women beating, fist pumping Italians. Now imagine how some1 in the midwest would perceive any Italian they come across after watching an hour of this show. Yes there R people that R genuinely like that but it doesn't make it right. "Jersey Shore" has managed 2 make the "guido" a modern day coon. "Reality" shows like this isn't reality at all but a sitcom. And the folks getting laughed at is folks like us! But aside from "Jersey Shore", MTV/Viacom as a whole gets the L. Viacom (which owns MTV and owned UPN) is the company that bought BET and turned it in2 the minstrel show that it is. Let us not 4get how they bought VH1 and pushed shows like "Flavor of Love" (which turned Flavor Flav in2 a coon) and "For the Love of Ray J" (which caters 2 the "Mandingo" black man stereotype). As the dough keep rolling in, viewership is high and more and more spinoff shows like this appear on TV. Minorities (yes including Italians, we're all in the same boat) will always B buffooned and lose out against companies like MTV/Viacom. And what kills me is that we feed in2 the bullshit. It's always our own people that will keep shows like "Flavor of Love" or "Jersey Shore" alive and well. Change comes from within. If ur fed up with MTV/Viacom and any other outlet 4 shows like this, don't support and make ur presence felt.

Its Gotta Be The Shoes: "Citrus" Air Jordan 9 Retro

2009-12-17T22:56:00.004-05:00

With 2010 just a mere weeks ahead of us, Jordan Brand is ready 2 roll out products from what is supposed 2 B their big year. Along with the wave of Air Jordan 6 retros in 2010, the Air Jordan 9 will once again C its return 2 shelves. Pictured here is the "citrus" colorway. When I heard there was going 2 B a citrus color of the 9s I thought of an ugly, over produced shoe but Jordan Brand proved me wrong. The "Citrus" 9s seem 2 B a basic colorway of the shoe with very small citrus hints. This actually reminds me of when people would buy the white/black 9s back in '02 and dye the upper. I always wished Jordan Brand released THAT color but this isn't 2 bad. Citrus isn't usually my taste but I'm sure that after I C the apparel I'll learn 2 appreciate the shoe. This colorway is slated 2 release next summer.

Dear Tiger...

2009-12-12T11:28:00.003-05:00

Another ho?! That's 11 my man. And now U talking bout quitting golf "indefinitely"?! Damn homie. Keep ur head up fam. It's all good. HIT IT CHRIS!

OWWWWWW!

2009-12-12T10:07:00.001-05:00

2 teachers caught doin' the do in a classroom is a shocker but peep this... they were both shorties! And semi-bad (the Spanish teacher can definitely get IT)!!! But word is bond the janitor is a homo 4 tellin' on em. Either that or he mad he couldn't smash out 1 time LOL.

A Night at the Movies: "The Princess and The Frog"

2009-12-12T09:31:00.003-05:00

The last time I seen a Disney flick in theaters it was 1999's "Tarzan" and that was months shy of my 11th birthday. I did a lot of growing up since then but the child inside me never languished. I heard word of Disney's 1st black princess a couple of years back and looked 4ward 2 the outcome. With Barack Obama becoming the 1st black president in January, I couldn't b more ecstatic about the next black milestone. Last night I finally got 2 C Disney's "The Princess and The Frog" and I felt as if I was taken in a time machine. 1st of all, I'm very old fashioned and all these CGI-animated flicks make me yearn 4 the "good ol' days" of REAL animation and it's back. I also found myself engaged and enjoying a Disney flick 4 the 1st time since 99. Disney steered clear of all the stereotypical aspects of black life (something they learned from 1992's "Aladdin") and made a really fun return 2 the hand animated format. I must admit that the flicks of recent ("Shrek" in particular) made me look 4 a lot of adult humor in this, and while it wasn't there I still enjoyed it. If U have kids or feel like being a big kid urself then don't hesitate 2 check this out.

Real Talk: Where's the hometown fans?

2009-12-12T09:09:00.005-05:00

Last night I felt like doing some reminiscing so I pulled out my old elementary school and junior high school yearbooks. There were many different faces in each but upon looking at my classmates parting messages, 1 thing was in common. In junior high I graduated in the class of 2002 where a classmate Pedro told me "the Knicks are going nowhere". In elementary school I was in the class of 1999, and on the heels of the Knicks loss 2 the Spurs in the 99 NBA Finals, Rafael told me that "the Knicks suck". Valid opinions, nothing wrong with that. Mind U, these comments were made when the Knicks were perennial playoff contenders. When they'd make the Finals or playoffs and just because they didn't make it ALL the way they'd get hammered by New Yorkers. My point is that New Yorkers r the most FRAUDULENT fans in America. If ur not either the Yankees or the Giants, New Yorkers can give 2 shits about U. And if they do, trust me it's temporary. Patrick Ewing is the most beloved sports figure and have always rested in the hearts of New Yorkers right? No, wrong! When he was in New York, New Yorkers young and old called him a "bum", "choker" and some expressed joy when the Knicks traded him. But now he's a saint in their eyes. In 1998, the New York Jets finished 1st in the AFC East and headed 2 the Conference Championship with all the fanfare. When they lost they were relegated 2 the dungeon while Giants fans proudly touted their "G-Men". What really had me boiling was how New Yorkers cheered on Boston (HOME OF OUR RIVAL TEAMS AND... WELL OUR RIVAL CITY!) in the NBA Finals against the Lakers like they were our team. New Yorkers have no pride whatsoever 4 their city when it comes 2 sports and it pisses me off. I'm a loyal dude so I rep my home team 110%. Yes the Knicks is bad but damn can we all just cheer em on? I'd love 2 c how the Knick fans resurface (or just pop up) if we score big in 2010. Same with the Jets now, if the Giants don't make the playoffs and Gang Green does, what'll happen? New Yorkers will boo and bash whoever they feel isn't stepping up but isn't that kinda like kicking down an already crippled person?

Takin' It Back: The Harlem Shake

2009-12-09T01:09:00.002-05:00

Every generation has a dance or look that personified that era. In the 50s/60s, they were doing the twist. In the '70s, it was all about the theatrics on the Soul Train line. In the '80s, every1 caught B-Boy Fever and was breakdancin'. In the 90s... hell every1 wanted 2 B jiggy. But if U were a teen or tween in the early '00s, U was doin' the Harlem Shake. Well we know where the dance came from (Harlem... duh!) but who originated it? We don't know (although there have been many stories). But the Harlem Shake was a staple on the dancefloors from clubs 2 weddings. Everybody had 2 know how 2 do it and make themselves look good. Though U looked like U were having a seizure and about 2 foam at the mouth, it was a reaction 2 some of the hardest songs 2 come out around the time. Tell me... what was U doing when U heard Fabolous' "Holla Back" 4 the first time? What about P. Diddy's "Let's Get It"? Clipse "Grindin'"? Yeah like I thought. Most likely U was doin' the Harlem Shake. Let's sit back, peep this video and reminisce on an old pastime.

I Heard That: Clipse - "Til The Casket Drops"

2009-12-09T00:18:00.005-05:00

Them VA boys is back! Over the summer we got a glimpse of their latest offering, "Til The Casket Drops", with the songs "I'm Good" (with Pharrell), "Kinda Like A Big Deal" (with Kanye West) and "All Eyes On Me" (with Keri Hilson). We waited through 2 tentative release dates in eager anticipation and it's here. And folks, it doesn't disappoint. Coming in2 the album we were very aware of the Clipse's new swag. They were on a different stature than the dudes we met on their debut "Lord Willin'" and more established than the cats on "Hell Hath No Fury". These dudes have made it. This album on many levels can B compared 2 Kanye's 2006 "Graduation". Whereas in the 1st 2 albums he was the underdog on the come up and in "Graduation" he was on a higher plateau. This album is very much like that concept even though this still find ways 2 mention the game and their own come up."Til The Casket Drops" is laced with a lot of glossy production from their head man Pharrell Williams and even guest producing credits from the likes of Big Sean and DJ Khalid. My immediate favorites (aside from the aforementioned tracks) have 2 B "Door Man" and "Counseling". No song on this album will EVER trump the classics "Grindin'" and "Keys Open Doors" but this is no blemish on their resume. The delivery is stronger, the sound is richer and the feel is brighter. Clipse's "Til The Casket Drops" is DEFINITELY a REAL hip hop album!

It's Gotta Be The Shoes: The Air Jordan 16.5 "Cool Grey"

2009-12-07T23:56:00.004-05:00

Jordan Brand may deliver from time 2 time in the retro department but many sleep on their team shoes. However, the Air Jordan 16.5 is definitely their HARDEST team shoe release this year. Well they're carrying on this wave in2 2010 with the return of a beloved colorway. Cool Grey make its return on this silhouette and I can't front... it's dope. I never thought that I can C myself sporting a pair of team Jordans but these 16.5's make me think otherwise. With the wave of retros coming up soon in the new year, unfortunately these will have 2 take a backseat. If I catch these in an outlet, they're mine!

Susan Boyle is crushin' ur favorite artists...

2009-12-07T23:47:00.002-05:00

Jigga, Beyonce, Mariah... none of em did what UK artist Susan Boyle just did. The chick that captured the hearts of many on the television show "Britain's Got Talent" just had her debut album "I Dreamed A Dream" debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Charts. That ain't all. She sold a whopping 701,000 copies. That's the highest 4 any artist this year! I thought it was Eminem but his disaster... oops I mean album "Relapse" had pushed 608,000. Well we all know what demographic clamored all over this album. It was definitely the older audience being that they can't keep up with all the iTunes and what not. That's a good look 4 homegirl.

Who can U trust?

2009-12-07T18:33:00.003-05:00

We've all watched a game and seen referees make some of the most questionable calls ever. In all seriousness, yet not 2 serious, we all claim that the refs R being paid off. Some refs R just old as shit and can't really call a game 4 their lives, then there is Tim Donaghy. I don't quite remember how he got caught but homie was caught rigging games in the sake of his bets a couple of years ago. He did his time in jail and now he's speaking out. Now I C how Iverson got roughed up so damn much! It happened so often that the man is known 4 getting beat up and finishing. I don't think I can trust these games anymore after seeing this. With the footage and all it's all starting 2 make sense. Nothing is ever straight cut but damn it's kinda hard 2 face the truth.

A Night at the Movies: "2012"

2009-12-07T18:25:00.002-05:00

I'm going 2 try my best 2 make this review short and sweet. "2012" is EVERYTHING that I thought it would B. All fluff, no substance. The producers of this film has produced many other films like it and this 1 doesn't fall far from the tree. I thought the special effects was amazing. There is no denying that aspect but even with established actors (Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, Danny Glover) this film jus sinks when it comes 2 being engaging story wise. I've stated b4 that seeing John Cusack in the lead was enough 2 keep me away but when ur bored and have a chance 2 C a flick 4 free, what's a man 2 do? It was either this or "New Moon"!

Now here's a feel good story...

2009-12-07T18:11:00.005-05:00

The last time I updated my blog I was highly critical of Allen Iverson departing from the Memphis Grizzlies on a "personal" leave. I also predicted that he probably won't even return back 2 the team. Well since then A.I. has indeed signed off his Memphis stint and even ALMOST had a return with the New York Knicks. When the Knicks withdrew talks with A.I., he then retired. Days after announcing his retirement, Iverson's first team (the Philadelphia 76ers) decided 2 talk 2 their former star and offer up a starting position. Iverson took the deal and 2night he'll suit up with Philly against another former team, the Denver Nuggets. While I have a problem with A.I. not just being a good sport and taking the reserve position, his return 2 Philly is an incredible ending 2 this story and possibly his career. If things were my way, Iverson wouldn't B the 30 point per game scorer he once was but a great contributor 2 the team. Hopefully B 1 of the pieces 2 bring them back 2 relevancy this season. I couldn't help but feel 4 him in his returning press conference. The dude owes this 2 Philly and the people of Philly need A.I. back. I hope things R great 4 him from this day 4ward.

EDIT: All sneaker fiends out there, A.I. will return in the original Reebok Questions that he donned in his rookie season. PURE DOPENESS!

FORGIVE ME!!!

2009-12-07T18:07:00.002-05:00

Folks, I'm back! There R many many reasons 4 my hiatus but now I have no obstacles ahead of me and I'm free coasting. Back 2 bring U all the news and insight that U all like 2 read. Shout out 2 the people that wondered when the UPtown! blog was gonna B back.

A Night at the Movies: "This Is It"

2009-11-08T14:49:00.002-05:00

B4 Michael Jackson's death in June of 2009, he had announced a 50 show residency in London's The O2 Arena called "This Is It!". It was planned as a set of farewell shows. Tour director, Kenny Ortega, filmed Jackson as he rehearsed the show at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA and now it is released 4 all 2 C. Now I'm not the biggest Michael Jackson fan but I do respect the man, so I went 2 C this film not expecting 2 B blown away. I was wrong. Prince is my dude but U don't C him jumping off pianos and doing splits at 50. Michael Jackson, at 50, is dancing like he is still in his 20's. Not only that but this dude had an INCREDIBLE show in store 4 his fans. While I love musicians, Jackson is definitely a great entertainer. What made the film so cool also is that the audience joined in on it as if they were at the concert. Standing and dancing and singing. "This Is It" was definitely one of my better theater experiences and an insightful film. This was the 1st time I saw Mike take control of a show and all the doings behind the scenes. I'd definitely recommend this film if U wanna hear good music and watch a legend do work in his final days.