Words Speak Volumes

Burn
Performed by Killer Mike
Download the song, buy the album, or listen on YouTube
Toni's Thoughts: This is incredible I fell in love with it from the moment I saw it on MTV Jams. Social, political, and historical commentary. It is nice to know there is an artist speaking volumes and stepping on your toes just like Public Enemy did in the 1980s and 1990s. Sorry I'm having trouble posting the video something is going on with my Java script. The only thing I did not like was the use of the N-word because as an African-American I dislike that word and I do not say it. I become embarrassed when my peers say it because then that makes it okay for people outside my race to use the term.


Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Your folks, my folks
my folks, your folks
whoever was poor

It seems a nigga can't get a job, but I can get arrested
Though shit was changing with this Black president shit
My bitch got me fucked up, goin' to get tested
Cause while I was locked up, she was livin' reckless
Just another ordeal a real nigga got a deal with
If you on the bottom right you gotta feel this
I know that you're frustrated and you want to kill shit
Stock pile your weapons cause that day just might come real quick

Burn, yeah, yeah, yeah, this motherfucker down
Yeah, yeah, yeah I will bomb this motherfucker down
Your folks, my folks
my folks, your folks
whoever was poor

They say the cop wrote a letter apologizing to Oscar
Guess they say I'm wrong because I still say drop him
Police in the ghetto, they is killin' niggas daily
But when we get to bustin' back, they say that we crazy
Prisons overcrowded and schools is too
Cause they under educate ya and got a place for you
Yeaaaah!
Niggas go to prison, the new age slavery
Now you know why they under educate your baby

Bomb, yeah, yeah, yeah, this motherfucker down
Yeah, yeah, yeah I will bomb this motherfucker down
Your folks, my folks
my folks, your folks
whoever was poor

They say get a job, you can 'Think & Grow Rich'
But what are you to do when a dollar ain't worth shit
And the jobs ain't hirin' and unemployment is gone
They gonna repo your car and foreclose your home
me, I suggest you get yourself a shotgun
so when they come to evict you can make'em run
the banks got bailed out but we still suffering
so I got a gun cuz I done had enough of'em

Bomb, yeah, yeah, yeah, this motherfucker down
Yeah, yeah, yeah I will bomb this motherfucker down

They say love Jesus and listen to your pastor
But Jesus told the truth and the pastor's a lying bastard
All he talk about is economic elevation
And all Jesus talked about was soul salvation
Jesus sat with the sick and He walked with the poor
If He gave blood for i see why we give him more?
I got some gangster disciples at church with me tonight
With that $5 worth of gas and a match book of lights

Bomb, yeah, yeah, yeah, this motherfucker down
Yeah, yeah, yeah I will bomb this motherfucker down

I'm A Little Late.....Blow Out the Candles

"They tried to put me in a box it's in possible."
"R-Les just rock with it."

These are quotes often recited by singer,songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur Ryan Leslie in 2009 he released two studio albums and has post-poned his upcoming album "Les Is More." Yesterday was his birthday Anthony Ryan Leslie is 33 years old. He is one of my favorite artists and I feel as though he doesn't get much love here in the United States but has a huge audience overseas. I love you Ryan and your music. Have belated birthday :)

Justice For All......I Think Not



Troy Davis

Has the South really changed? Has racism really left the planet? I think not and according to the Troy Davis case I feel as though I already have the answers to my question.

Who is Troy Davis?
Troy Davis, the 42-year-old death row inmate who was convicted of the 1989 murder of off duty police officer Mark MacPhail, will be executed today at 7pm by lethal injection. It has been 20 years since Davis was convicted of the killing and yesterday, the 42-year-old death row inmate was DENIED clemency by the Georgia Board of Pardons and Parole.

Attorneys for Troy Davis are filing a last-minute appeals trying to halt his execution.
In the last hours, Davis has refused his last meal because the thought he will be killed is unacceptable to him. The support has been pouring in from Twitter, Facebook and every other social media imaginable.



Over the past 20 years, Davis has garnered waves of support from celebrities and politicians after his murder conviction was clouded with witness tampering and coercion by police testifying or signing statements against Davis.

Why Is This Such a Big Deal? After 20 years..of investigating this case it hasn't been proven "beyond a reasonable".. no "DNA" nor physical evidence has placed him at the scene of the crime, a polygraph has been requested...yet still not approved!!! There's no "fundamental fairness"but the U.S. Supreme Court chooses to deny clemency Troy Davis when this case is has no conclusive evidence.. just "hear say"... (Taken from a Facebook user comment) Although this statement is accurate.



Read more: http://globalgrind.com/news/411-death-row-inmate-troy-davis-photos#ixzz1YfQjG8Ob

Bumping Heads

As we all know President Obama has been facing challenges left and right and his approval ratings have been in the toilet. Some people feel as though that is why he will not receive a second term. When Bill Clinton was in office his ratings were not so good but he served at least two terms until his impeachment. When George Bush Jr. was in office he had terrible approval ratings but still served two terms. Anyway I care about politics, national news, and international news just as much as I care about entertainment news.

What is President Obama up to now? Well according to CNN Money's website President Obama has unveiled a plan to cut the national debt by roughly $3 trillion over the next decade.
Obama's plan reflects his vision for how best to put the country on a more fiscally sustainable course, so it is different in nature than the kind of legislative compromise he was trying to broker this summer during the debt-ceiling debate, a senior administration official said.

What is the gist of the plan?
Obama will even introduce the "Buffett Rule" for millionaires -- named after investor Warren Buffett, who has frequently argued that the very rich are not taxed enough.
The president's debt reduction proposal is likely to placate -- at least a little -- those in his Democratic base who have been adamant that they want the rich to pay more and they don't want Medicare or Social Security benefits hit.

The White House said last week the president's plan will not include any Social Security reform proposals. And another senior administration official noted Sunday that the plan will not call for raising the Medicare eligibility age, which fiscal experts have recommended.
But the Obama plan is unlikely to draw much support from Republicans, who have been adamant about not wanting to raise any one's taxes.

Who knows if President Obama will have another terms as our nation's Commander and Chief. Although I will say people are foolish if they honestly believe he could clean up this mess in just 4 years. The problem with people today they want instant gratification they want all the privileges and rewards without going through work and overcoming obstacles.


This article can be found on CNN Money written by Jeanne Sahadi the article is titled America's Debt Challenge.

All Good Things Come to An End

On September 23, 2003 the WB/CW television teen drama series One Tree Hill premiered and turned out to be a surprising yet entertaining fan favorite. The shows main themes are love, life, and basketball and the characters are teenage adolescents that mature into adults over the years. But they all always return home to Tree Hill, North Carolina. I admit when the show first came on I made jokes about it and disliked but one day when I stayed home from school because I was sick there was a marathon and TV and let's just say I have been hooked ever since. I know the show won't last forever but I'm sad to see it go I feel like it has been apart of my life it premiered when I was 12 years old and now I'm 20 so I have memories of the show. This season will be the 9th and final season. It was fun while it lasted.

Tupac Forever ......15 Years Later

“Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside while still alive. Never surrender.”
― Tupac Shakur

On this day in 1996 the music world lost a talented young man that seemed to be on path on new promise and peace. His life was at a turning point then again could it be he was tortured soul. I am talking about the late great Tupac Shakur. I still shed a tear when I here his music I feel as though he was taken too soon. Instead sitting in sorrow be happy that is what he would want for all his devoted fans to be.

It has been 15 years since his death and we still love him we felt his pain, joy, anger, etc. he poured his heart and soul into his passion for music.

Oh Hosea

Malik El DeBarge Wright was born to Tasha Mack and his nameless punk ass daddy in Richmond, California on October 23rd, 1981 at approximately six forty three p.m. Coincidentally, that was the same time his Uncle Pookie was auditioning for the part of James “Thunder” Early in the Broadway Musical, Dreamgirls. He was offered the understudy, but respectfully declined. And though this has absolutely no relevance to this biography at all, it’s an interesting fact none the less.

Can you say LOL? All of that delightful information is based on the ficitonal character Malik El DeBarge Wright star quarterback for the San Diego Sabers. Ha ha ha I pulled that from the Malik Wright blog site this character we all know and love from "The Game" is portrayed by actor Hosea Chanchez. I can't believe there is actually a Malik Wright website and blog site its too funny.

Today is his birthday he has just hit a milestone in his life the BIG 30! I know right didn't I just blog about Beyonce' turning 30 it seems like everybody is grown now.

Hosea Chanchez was born in Montgomery, Alabama but spent a portion of his life in Atlanta GA. He is also of African-American and Puerto Rican descent. He has a brother, a dog, he loves and sorry ladies he is married now. But a girl can always dream. When he is not acting you can find him in photo shoots he is the face of Akoo clothing; the clothing by rapper T.I.

Count Your Blessings

On this day ten years ago I was a 10 year old fifth grader at John F. Kennedy Montessori Elementary School me and my classmates were sitting in art class when our teacher on the television and said "Oh my God, Oh my God." We saw air planes crash into the World Trade Center in New York City at the moment me and my friends thought it was a movie and we couldn't understand why is it was replayed over and over again on television. Then she turned off the television and explained what had happened about 30 minutes later our principal came on the intercom and made an announcement stating that we would not have recess and possibly might have an early dismissal.


On this day ten years ago millions of people lost mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, extended family and friends due to act of violence and hatred. Please count your blessings and be grateful for each morning you wake-up and have breath in your body I say this because I feel as though we all take that for granted including myself.

Another One Leaves the Motown Family Behind

You're all I need to get by.
Like the sweet morning dew, I took one look at you,
And it was plain to see,
you were my destiny. With my arms open wide,
I threw away my pride
I'll sacrifice for you
Dedicate my life to you
Lyrics from "You're All I Need to Get By"
Written and Composed by: Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson
Performed by: Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell




Nick Ashford was born and raised in Fair field, South Carolina and began singing and writing songs as child in his Baptist church choir. He met his wife Valerie Simpson in Harlem at White Rock Baptist Church in 1963. They were unsuccessful as a duo but managed to write and produced hit songs for other artist such as Ray Charles, The Shirelles, Maxine Brown, and Chuck Jackson as their career began. By 1966 they joined the Motown hit making machine and they began work with Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell and eventually Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and other artists. He and his wife were inducted to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002.

His most celebrated and appreciated work are the Marvin and Tammi duets as well as Diana Ross's solo hits. Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson's most famous song they recorded together as a duo is "Solid." He leaves behind his wife, two daughters, and five brothers. He died after fighting a battle with throat cancer he was 70. Another member of the Motown family has left this old world behind. Rest in peace you will be missed thank you giving us timeless music.

The Newest Member of the Infamous 27 Club

Disclaimer: If you know anything about music and pop culture then certainly you are aware of the "27 Club" this post is not only dedicated to Amy Winehouse but to all the members of this club famous or not famous. Drugs and substance abuse is no laughing matter as someone who has family members and friends who have died from this illness I hope more awareness and these people can be helped before it is too late.

Amy Winehouse Sunrise September 14, 1983-Sunset July 23, 2011

Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, and now Amy Winehouse all members of the "27 Club" all them passed at the age of 27 due to the demands of their roller coaster lifestyles as well as drugs and substance abuse.

I can remember my sophomore year in high school when I first heard Amy Winehouse's music it was refreshing she had so much soul and passion in her voice. With songs like "Rehab" and "Tears Dry On Their Own" which was a great sample of the Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell classic "Ain't No Mountain High."



Why We Loved Her? Her sound was like a breath of fresh air and took us all back in time to the golden days of the genres of Jazz and R&B. Even though she only recorded and released two albums she will never be forgotten.Winehouse is credited as an influence in the rise in popularity of female musicians and soul music, and also for revitalising British music.



What You Didn't Know? Just like any other human beings Amy had what we like to call demons and had ways of coping with her pain and frustrations. She had admitted in some interviews that she has problems with harming herself, depression, and an eating disorder. Her family feels as though when her grandmother passed away in 2006 it set her off into depression. Amy's former husband Fielder-Civil admitted in a British tabloid that he introduced Amy to crack cocaine and heroin.



I understand that we have must die at some point and we must face judgement although it is truly unfortunate to watch someone leave before it is their time. Then again Allah, God, Buddha, whoever you believe in knows all and sees all. May she rest in peace Amy was able to see that Pink Sky. Recently Russell Brand and Bruno Mars payed  tribute to the late Amy Winehouse at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.

Final Thoughts: It bothers me how the press and some people judge public figures when they abuse drugs and alcohol it comes from a source of pain, shame, or guilt. While you are making jokes this person is truly suffering I could understand if they have no remorse but really why is that when someone dies we want to pay attention to them again.

Right on Time

I guess it's true as to what people say things always seem to happen in their time. On September 4th 3o years ago in Houston, Texas a young girl was born named Beyonce' Giselle Knowles. She had big dreams of becoming a huge star. She had a passion for music and dance and she practiced until things became perfect. She wanted to start a girl group so she held auditions at her house and made some friends at school that shared the same dream and motivation. In 1997 the world came to know them as Destiny's Child and they reigned supreme until 2005.

Last week she made a huge announcement.... and it was she is having a baby. She says she wants her fans to feel the love that is growing inside her. I must say I really have more respect because of how she did things. I know she is not perfect, she is not an angel but Beyonce' has always carried herself in a dignified manner.

Ladies Take Note: She lived her own life established her career, dated and kept her love life private, got married, and then got knocked up. It's interesting to me because she said by the time she was 30 she wanted to have a kid and she did just that. Much love congrats and Happy Birthday. If you dislike Beyonce' for whatever your reason maybe I don't give a damn. I respect someone who practices and perfects their craft, has true talent, remains passionate and loyal to themselves and to their fans. Oh did I mention someone who is not afraid of failure her words not mine.

Happy Birthday Beyonce' The Big 30!