"Oh Yes Mr. West!"

One of my favorite rappers made a triumphant comeback at the tenth annual BET Awards as well last Sunday right behind Chris Brown and El Debarge all  performances were jaw dropping moments. Repping Chi-City "The Windy City" also known as Chicago Mr. Kanye West opened up the show performing his song "Power" standing on what appeared to be a volcano but  the stage also appeared to resemble a mountaintop with images of snow in the background on the big screen while sporting a rather large pendant necklace it was festive image of Egyptian icon Horus.  The lyrics in the song "Power" are honest and in your face "Lost in translation  with a whole fuc%!g nation /They say I was the abomination of Obama's nation/ Well  that's a really good way to start a conversation/ At the end of the day goddammit I 'm killing this shi#!/ Y'all know I'm killing this sh#!/" It has been a moment since we have seen Kanye it seems as though everyone was still holding a grudge from the incident at the 2009 VMA's when he interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech. "Taylor I'm gonna let you finish but Beyonce' had one of the greatest videos of all time." It was rude but still comical honestly he did Taylor Swift a favor after that incident her career took off and Beyonce' is doing just fine as always. Kanye's  fifth studio album Good Ass Job will drop in September this title will complete the tetralogy that went along with previous albums College Dropout, Late Registration, and Graduation.

"Fall Back!"

America has many issues such as the economy, education, wars, foreign policy, domestic policy, the list goes on but one hot topic that is fresh on every one's mind is the Oil Spill in the Gulf Coast many people have been criticizing President Obama saying that he hasn't shown any empathy and could be doing a better job. Let's keep in mind that he has been in office for a short period of time but people should be used to his laid back attitude. I have been watching extensive coverage on The Situation Room live on CNN and Former President Bill Clinton was interviewed Sunday in Cape Town, Africa and when asked about President Obama's leadership this is what he had to say "I think he's done a better job than he's  given credit for," Clinton said. "I feel very strongly about this." Back in the 1990's when Clinton had only seen his second year in office his approval ratings dropped but I feel as though we are never content and sometime ungrateful when we have a good leader. "Until people feel good about their own lives, they're not going to feel good about their President," Clinton said. "And there's nothing you can do about that." Clinton also said that a few things I feel strongly about and agree with he said Obama is brilliant, articulate, and an exceedingly empathetic person. Understand that President Obama has his tied to his back he has a job most people can't handle he has made progress but miracles don't happen over night so let the man do his job.

"Change Means Second Chance"

Last night the tenth annual BET Awards kicked off the summer the right way the night was filled with many jaw dropping moments. It is no secret that Chris Brown has had a turbulent year the world was on his shoulders since his violent attack on then girlfriend Rhianna. in Feb '09. 

Domestic violence is wrong and there are two sides to every story but no other human being has the right to judge others people make mistakes no matter how big or small we all make mistakes. I hope that Chris and Rhianna have received the help that they need. Chris was finally able to pay tribute to his musical idol Michael Jackson some people say it was long overdue Jermaine Jackson introduced Chris onto the stage and the crowd embraced him he did a phenomenal job.

The moment that truly caught every one's attention is when Chris Brown broke down into tears while singing "The Man in the Mirror" I think that song has a deeper meaning for Chris because he is at a crossroads in his life with that being said MJ would have been proud.  Chris is the "Man in the Mirror' himself and he is trying to change his ways those tears were from pain; pain from losing MJ and other obstacles that have stood before him.  That performance brought me to tears as well for a couple of reasons still knowing Micheal has passed but is in a better place and I see a young man on his own road to redemption he is only human and has been feeling pain just as well. From lessons come blessings I support you Chris stay strong and move on with your life.

"Charlie's Favorite Angel"

Last summer a year ago today 1970's sex symbol Farrah Fawcett passed away after losing her  longtime battle of cancer. I am young and apart of a different generation but when I was much younger I did and still do enjoy watching  reruns of Charlie's Angels. Farrah Fawcett was born in Corpus Christi, Texas the youngest of two daugthers. She was of French, English, and Choctaw Native American ancestry. She was also a Roman Catholic and attended University of Texas Austin and became a sister of the Delta Delta Sorority. By her sophomore year she got a small break by appearing in a photo of "The Ten Most Beautiful Coeds" it was from the university she attended but it also ran through CrashBox magazine. Eventually she asked for her parents permission to relocate to L.A. and try her luck in Hollywood she appeared in many TV commercials, films, etc. but she was most known for her role as Jill Munroe on Charlie's Angels, that gorgeous feathered hair, and her infamous photo wearing a red bathing suite. Farrah Fawcett the true definition of a sex symbol much love to her.

Best Is Yet to Come

For those who don't know the month of June is special to me  because it is not the only the month slavery ended it is also Black Music Month and this year BET will have its 10th annual award show also the network celebrates 30 years of Black Star Entertainment. I have watched the annual show since I was nine years old and it has only gotten better each year. So many wonderful moments have happened in the past ten years Rick James showing his true colors with his infamous quote"I'm Rick James bi%th!" Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holiday sang an amazing rendition of "And I am Telling You", Alicia Keys reunited girl groups from the 90's En Vogue, SWV, and TLC, Destiny's Child gave those sensual lap dances, the good foot fellas hit the stage together James Brown and his biggest fan Micheal Jackson. All star tributes have been held for the likes of Gladis Knight, Diana Ross, The O'Jays, Al Green, just to name a few this year no different BET is showing love to the one and only purple man himself Prince. Tune in Sunday June 27 @ 8 PM/7C the main event is being hosted by Queen  Latifah.

Larger Than Life

 Friday will mark the one anniversary year since pop icon Micheal Jackson has passed away a moment in time that left the world in shock. His music inspired a generation of artists that constantly try to imitate his sound and dance moves these artist include Chris Brown, Omarion, Justin Timberlake, and Usher and Chris Brown are arguably the closets things we have to Michael. Before the fame, fortune, and tabloids Michael was born to Katherine and Joseph Jackson in Gary, Indiana on August 29, 1958 he was the seventh child out of nine children. 

Growing up he admired performers such as Ray Charles, Jackie Wilson, and James Brown. Joesph Jackson once was a boxer and musician but his wife Katherine saw something special in her boys and she realized they had raw talent. So they formed the Jackson 4 with Jermaine as the lead singer but Micheal was eager to prove everyone wrong and they became The Jackson 5.

They were introduced to the world in 1969 by Diana Ross on the Ed Sullivan Show they had several years of hits on Motown Records released three albums in the 1980's. Micheal became a star in his own right in later years he the was subject of ridicule and false accusations I don't believe he molested any children. He was too kind and that was used as his weakness. I have much love and respect for the entire Jackson family and that includes Joe yes he was a good father and manager sometimes he pushed too hard but his intentions were always right. Music was his son's passion and he lived to please others there will never be another Micheal Jackson may he rest in peace.

145 Still Going Strong

All my life I have been passionate about history even the days I was lazy in class my teacher still knew I had a great love for the subject. Before I go any further in the subject that I am about to discuss I am aware that many other people have been enslaved and mistreated such as the Jews, Irish Catholics, Hispanics, etc. but even these people are able to celebrate their own independence day. Today marks the 145th anniversary of the day that the terrible institution of slavery had ended. President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 although it took the state of Texas  what it seems like two years to recieve the news according to an old folktale  President Lincoln sent the news from Washington through a union soldier who rode all they way on mule. On the other hand historians say that many slave owners had been aware of the Emancipation Proclamation but never told their slaves about it. Initially that doesn't suprise me why would they if they knew the slaves were not supposed to know how to read and write anyway. Take the time to enlighten your children about their history and enjoy this celebration we now know as "Juneteenth Day."

The Wait Is Over

Last Spring CW network cancelled the popular sictom The Game a show revolving around the lives professional football players and the women in their lives. The series premiered in Fall '06 as the spin-off from the long running show Girlfriends. At the time the series was cancelled its characters Tia D. Mowry, Pooch Hall, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Brittany Daniel, Coby Bell, and Hosea Chanchez contracts didn't expire until June 30, 2009. So BET had to negotiate their contracts since they are the network that is showing episodes in syndication. The only conflict is that Coby "Jason Pitts" Bell is now the USA show "Burn Notice" so with that being said he will only be a recurring actor. But you can look forward to seeing the crew back in action for Season 4 in January they will be filiming in the ATL.

"Simply Rare"

Many new artist come about in the music industry and shake things up but one man that I just love and feel as though he deserves way more props is Anthony Ryan Leslie aka R-Les or just Ryan Leslie. Born into a multicultural family in fact he is of Caribbean, Dutch, Chinese, and African descent. At young age he developed the ability to recite music, as well as arrange chords to create songs. At the age of 15 he attended Harvard University and graduated at the age of 19 with a degree in Government, concentrating in Political Science and Macroeconomics. During his commencement ceremonies he delivered the prestigious Harvard Oration.

After that Leslie did not give up on his musical aspirations he produced beats for local Boston artists and by 2003 earned an internship for Bad Boy records  eventually  he became a producer and writer for the label. He wrote an produced Cassie's hit "Me and You" eventually he spread his wings and left the label. In 2009 he released two albums his debut album Ryan Leslie and later that year Transition. His hits include Diamond Girl, How It Was Supposed to Be, Addiction, Your Not My Girl, and Is It Real Love just to name a few.

"Better With Time"

We have all seen child stars come and go but recently I have fallen dangerously in love or perhaps lust with Percy Romeo Miller Jr. aka Lil Romeo he is not so little anymore in fact he will be 21 years old in August. The eldest son of Percy Rome Miller Sr. and Sonya Miller.

He kept his passion for music a secret from his father for sometime and finally let him hear demo tape and made his father proud. Back in 2001 Romeo enjoyed success with his major hit single "My Baby" a sample from the Jackson 5 song "I Want You Back." The following year he relased another album and had another hit song called "2 Way" which was featured on the Hey Arnold movie soundtrack. He even enjoyed small success with a TV show on Nickeloden and released more albums but shifted his gear towards receiving a higher education.

He was awarded with an athlectic scholarship to USC. There was a time when there was a competition between Romeo and Bow Wow at this point I think Romeo wins.

"Film Brought to Life"

It is evident that America faced uproar and turbulence during the 1960's and earlier parts of the 70's so many things occured Civil Rights Movement, Asssinations of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., the formation and influence of The Black Panther Party, Assinations of John and Bobby Kennedy, Water Gate Scandal, one thing that still peeks my interest is the Vietnam War well actually it was a conflict most people are unaware that it was actually never declared as a war.

One of my favorite films is "Dead Presidents" written by Michael Henry Brown and directed by The Hughes Brothers it is a crime drama film that was released in 1995 although it was based on  the real life experinces of Haywood T. Kirkland more of his story is told in the book Bloods: An Oral History of Vietnam War by Black Veterans  which was written by Wallace Terry.

I have seen many war movies that only touch basis with white audiences Pearl Harbor, Flags of Our Fathers, most recently Spike Lee did a great job on Miracle at St. Anna that shed some light on Black vets in World War II. Yet I feel as though this film was very much slept on it is gritty, intense, and brings about so many emotions. Many of our black soldiers were silenced and were not able to support themselves or their families and forced to live a life of crime such as the characters in the film. 

If you love music then the soundtrack is incredible it features the late  James Brown, Issac Hayes, Al Green, The Spinners just to name a few. I feel as though this left an impact on a generation lost they fought for a country that did not care about them or their civil rights yet Muhammad Ali was wrong for speaking out against this war and not participating in it. Find time to watch the movie and see what I'm talking about.

"All About A"

 Living by his own words of inspiration "God first and me second" my boy A Haygan aka A Singer Haygan  is another new hot artist on the cusp of stardom that I have met from around the way. Originally from Henderson, Kentucky  he is now currently a student at Western Kentucky University he was apart of the notable group Phresh Pham yes that is how they spell it. Now A Haygan is now spreading his wings for solo efforts he began singing in church at a young age and has since then found his calling in life which is music. His voice is truly amazing and he certainly has the charm that will fascinate more and more legions of females fans as his career takes off. If you still have doubts check out his hit songs "What She Want" as well as the new smash R&B single "Rain" both songs can be found on You Tube. It is rare yet refreshing that we come across an artist that truly brings the essence of R&B back to the music scene.

In the meantime if you want to see A Haygan in action or contact him feel free to see him Sunday June 13, 2010 @ Club Boondocks 6645 Flaherty Rd. Vine Grove KY 40175 he is also available on Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace. By the way these excellent photos were taken by Quenest Harrington of Quture Imagery see more of her work at quturemedia.com.

"Mr. Sex Better aka Juss Russ" Part 3

Russ told me his musical ambitions began when he about nine years old and he was rapping with his cousin Kendall as you can see  from the picture they are very close to this today almost like brothers. We finished our interview his thoughts on the music industry, what people should expect from him, his dating status, and a shoutout to his producer.

Q:What Do You Think About The Music Industry Now?
A:I think there’s alot of hidden messages in today’s music: Some good and some bad: I know a few of my songs are dedicated to the Grown and Sexy: But these songs represent thoughts, feelings, and emotions: not necessarily do I act out these thoughts, feelings, or emotions wink wink!!!!

Q:What People Expect From Me?
A:I want to build a name for myself: Music that is pretty much in touch with the listeners emotions: I want to be known for making music people can relate to: and I want people to expect the Drake effect: Hit after Hit  Oh yes BTW (By the Way) his production team is Crack Dosja Productions for all his quality production, mixing, and mastering needs as well as graphic design and promo creations

Q:For The Ladies?
A:Yes Ladies I am currently single and looking... As far as what I look for in a potential date: umm I would have to say I can't comment on that: Because if I do: Girls would try to be just what I want... instead of themselves. Hear that ladies... Russ says Juss be yourself!!!!
Also be on the look out for The Juss Russ You Tube page, feel free to add him on Face Book search for Juss Russ, lookout for his artist page at http://www.reverbnation.com/#/jussruss. Introducing his new R&B smash  hit singles "Harder" and "She's Happenin."

"Mr. Sex Better aka Juss Russ" Part 2

Russ is such a sweetheart and responded to all my questions with great answers he is very attractive and talented but doesn't let it go to his ahead. Although it seems as though he is currently in a strong relationship with his ambitions.
Q:How Long Have You Been Doing Music?

A: Haha I've been doing music ever since my Aunt got cable and I saw MTV for the first time: It was around the same time Usher was having a breakout year with his smash single: Nice & Slow... So you can imagine the influence on my music ;) Well I didn't quite start out as great as Usher lol: My first song was wrote when I was about 9 and it was called "We Be Poppin..." Me and my cousin were excited about our new little song and even performed it in front of our smiling single parent mothers. This was my inspiration: My family: They fuel me: Been doing music ever since.
Q:Who Influenced You?

A:Ummmm... It would definitely have to be Usher: it was the first time I heard a singer incorporate rapping in one of his songs: henceforth came my unique style of music: incorporating vocals as well as rap.

"Mr. Sex Better aka Juss Russ" Part 1

Two years ago I met my boy Russell "Juss Russ" Wilson at a modeling audition he and I both got the job but later declined. As we waited to find out if we be able to sign small contracts he told me what his goals and aspirations were. He said that he wanted to be rapper and producer okay I admit I thought it was typical and might not go anywhere but he had a plan. I admit as I was listening I couldn't get over how handsome he was yet he was so down to earth honestly I could see him on the cover of GQ magazine or a Ralph Lauren ad. I bumped into Juss Russ once again while I was shopping with my mom right before I went off to college and he told me he was now in a group called N-Touch. They are pretty hot as well their song "Ms. Kentucky" makes all girls in the Bluegrass State feel real special the song has a relaxed flow to it. Honestly Russ puts me in the mind of Devante' Swing from Jodeci but when it comes to his rap skills Plies and Drake need to watch their back. I have the chance to talk to him from time to time on Facebook and he answered these questions for me.

"The Enemy"

I been on a little break people but I hope all is well. Anyway I have been reading a book that I believe is a must read. Before I tell you more about  this book I have a couple of questions. What do you know about slavery? Have you ever heard of Willie Lynch? William "Willie"Lynch was a British slave owner in the West Indies, and came to United States to advise American slave owners how to keep their slaves restrained. Not only did he find a way to keep the slaves in bondage but he found a way to keep them divided through color light skinned v dark skinned he was indeed a master at mental slavery. Many people became enlightened about this man in the 1990's because his letter and words somehow surfaced on the Internet. Okay back to the book the title is Breaking the Curse of Willie Lynch: The Science of Slave Psychology by Alvin Murrow. This book recieved a 4 star rating find time to read it and see why. Any additional information on Willie Lynch can be found in books or the Internet. Suzanne Harvey has a website that fill you in http://EzineArticles.com/?expert= Suzanne Harvey.