Media Watch

the so-called jay-z effect.

While Hip-Hop is loved across the globe it still continues, at times, to get treated like a step-child. A recent New York Times article explored an odd phenomenon in crime across the five boroughs of New York City; a noticeable number of criminals are sporting the famous Yankee baseball cap while engaged in criminal activity. One shouldn't be surprised by the odd coincidence. The Yankee fitted is a popular item, worn by a cross-section of individuals from different backgrounds. While reading the Times article, I was shocked to read the thoughts of one criminologist. Frankie Y. Bailey, an associate professor at the University at Albany, described the trend as "the Jay-Z effect."


"The rapper Jay-Z has worn a Yankees cap for years — on his album covers and in his videos — and has helped turn the cap into a ubiquitous fashion accessory for urban youths (“I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can,” he boasts in one song).


Criminals might be wearing Yankees merchandise not because they are fans of the team, but because they are fans of the cocked-hat look popularized by Jay-Z and other rappers..."


Bailey's "theory" is ludicrous to say the least. The fitted cap trend did not start with Jay-Z and criminals wore Yankee caps long before Jay-Z's rap career took off. There is no need to create theories at the expense of a musical genre and cultural phenomenon. It's simply a matter of numbers, the Yankees sell more merchandise than any other baseball team. Go figure.

Politics As Usual

wings & limo rides = black vote.

I'm sure a person of color isn't one of Shreveport, Louisiana mayoral hopeful Bryan Wooley's trusted advisors. Had he attempted to hire a person of color he would have avoided embarrassment to himself and his campaign. In an ill-conceived effort to reach Black voters, the Republican candidate thought it would be a great idea to offer Black residents of Shreveport free wings and a limo ride. While I don't find his strategy offensive I think it's safe to say it was a bit racially insensitive. The way to reach out to Blacks isn't through our stomachs and stereotypes. Why should a man who is out of touch with Shreveport's black community be mayor of a city with a Black population that exceeds 50% ? It's obvious Bryan Wooley isn't the man for the job.

Say What?

the poet.

"In the name of peace they waged the wars. Ain't they got no shame?" -Nikki Giovanni

Media Watch

hard knock life.
Brooklyn bred rapper/entrepreneur/record label exec Jay-Z is gracing the latest issue of Forbes magazine alongside well-known frugal billionaire Warren Buffett. The duo met up in Omaha, Nebraska to discuss their success, business, tips on making money and giving back. Click here to read the interview. Check out the clip below.

Soul Fixin'

ain't nothing like tammi.

In case you missed it, you can watch the entire episode of Tammi Terrell's Unsung. Not familiar with Ms. Terrell? Tammi and Marvin Gaye made history as duet partners, singing classic tunes such as 'Your Precious Love,' 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough,' & 'You're All I Need TO Get By.' Hit play, sit back, relax and enjoy!

Random Sh*t

black music is spook music.
It's no secret that many, if not all, British rockers were heavily influenced by the gospel, blues and soul of Black America. Recently, Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant made an appearance on the Today Show where he performed and spoke of his musical influences. Not surprisingly, Mr. Plant spoke of his love and admiration for Black music. But surprisingly, he referred to Black music as "spook music."

"[British people] didn't really have the musical knowledge as you guys have [in America],....so we tapped as much American 'spook music' as we could -- as much blues -- mixed it up and nobody liked it. But the feeling of freedom was fantastic."

WTH was he thinking? The word spook conjures up scary images of ghosts, witches and a gloomy dark underworld. What exactly is the correlation between 'spook' & Black music. Soulful and inspirational are far more synonymous with Black music than the word 'spook.' I would have to think that this man and many others having been referring to one of the world's greatest gifts as 'spook music' for over forty years. Am I a bit too sensitive and overreacting? Or do I have just cause to be outraged and offended? Leave your thoughts and opinions in the comment box.

Higher Ground

the bishop & the boys.
"I joked and said If I was a porn star my name would be Bishop Eddie Long. Then I woke up this morning and saw a bishop with the same name." -Rapper 50 Cent via Twitter

Just like 50, many of us awoke to the news surrounding mega-church leader Eddie Long. Basically, the pastor of Atlanta's 33,000-member New Birth Missionary Baptist Church has been accused in two lawsuits of sexual abuse. The allegations of abuse come from two young men who claim the abuse took place in hotel rooms across the country. Personally, I don't know what to believe but I've have found it ironic that a lot of homophobic religious leaders, Long has been labeled by the Southern Poverty Law Center as "one of the most virulently homophobic black leaders in the religiously based anti-gay movement," have been accused and caught having homosexual affairs. Needless to say, I sincerely hope the allegations are false. I think we can all agree that if these young men are lying they will get their just rewards and if what their accusations are true Bishop Long will get his; all in God's good time.

Say What?

the media titan.
"My soul does not have to look back and wonder how it got over, it knows how it got over!" -Oprah Winfrey

Soul Fixin'

a spike lee joint.

John Legend & The Roots are teaming up with famed director Spike Lee to record a live concert for Unstaged, an original series from American Express in partnership with VEVO and YouTube. The concert is set to air live on YouTube tomorrow at 9pm. Special guest artists include Jennifer Hudson, Common, Melanie Fiona, Estelle, and C.L. Smooth

Politics As Usual

tough times, tough questions.

In case you missed it. Recently, President Obama held a town hall gathering, 'Investing In America: A CNBC Town Hall Event With President Obama.' One audience member, a middle aged, middle class Black woman, expressed the sentiments of many working Americans. "My husband and I joked that we thought we were well beyond the hot dogs and beans era of our lives. And quite frankly, it's starting to knock on our door...and quite frankly, Mr. President, I need you to answer honestly, is this my new reality?" President Obama failed to adequately address her concerns and answer her question. Politics as usual? View the video and drop a comment.

Say What?

the educator.
"You can't lead the people if you don't love the people. You can't save the people if you don't serve the people." — Cornel West

Politics As Usual

truth be told.
Ha! MSNBC host Rachel Maddow recently dissected Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour's comments regarding the Old South, race relations, and the Civil Rights Movements. Gov. Barbour spun quite the fairy tale about growing up in Mississippi, from attending integrated schools to leading the change in Southern race relations. Outright lies and politicians seem to go hand in hand. This man could be a serious contender for president in 2012. Yikes!

A Conscious Mind

slavery by another name.
I came across the tragic story of 'The Scott Sisters' last week, it stirred up a bevy of emotions, from utter sadness to pure anger and rage. Jamie and Gladys Scott, Mississippi natives, have spent the last 15 years inside a Mississippi prison for an armed robbery that netted $11. The sisters have consistently denied any involvement in the crime. A deep South courtroom sentenced the sisters to a double life sentence. If they were involved, a life sentence is beyond harsh. One would expect such an injustice to occur in a third world country. Truth be told, the story of the Scott Sisters is far from unique, countless people of color have and are facing similar injustices.

Please research the story of the Scott Sisters and spread the word. Sign the petition, the link is below.
Free The Scott Sisters Blog
Facebook Group
NAACP Petition

Media Watch

not feeling the vibe.
I was a faithful VIBE magazine subscriber for a number of years. I was quite sad to see VIBE shutdown, it was the end of a era. No magazine was able to depict urban lifestyle quite like VIBE. I was thrilled to hear that VIBE was making a comeback under new ownership. VIBE was kind enough to send an old subscriber a free issue. Needless to say, I was very disappointed. VIBE isn't what it used to be. What the hell happened?

Artful Thinking

50 years and counting.
After checking out Smokey Robinson's twitter page, I came across these amazing prints. Yes, Smokey Robinson is on Twitter but back to the subject at hand. The legendary singer/songwriter/producer/music executive contacted Shepard Fairey to create a portrait to celebrate 50 years in the music biz. (Fairey is the artist, graphic designer, and illustrator behind the well-known Barack Obama 'HOPE' posters.) Fairey created two illustrations for 'America's Greatest Living Poet', one reflects a 1970's Smokey with a Black Power centered fashion sense and the other one showcases an early 90's Smokey. Prints can be purchased on eBay.

Soul Fixin'

subway soul.

Believe it or not, some of NYC's best undiscovered, raw & uncut talent can be found hidden underground. I've had the pleasure of witnessing the man known as the 'Singing Dragon' do what he does best, sing in NYC's subway. Born Mitchell Hughes in South Carolina, the 'Singing Dragon' has been singing for NYC strap-hangers for years. With a voice reminiscent of soul legends such as Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett and Johnny Taylor, Mitchell Hughes possesses one of the subway's best voices. I've run into Mitchell on two separate Sunday nights at the 42nd Street/Port Authority station. He can also been seen & heard at the 59th Street/Columbus Circle station.

Say What?

the actor & activist.
"It's not the man, it's the plan..." -Ossie Davis

Soul Fixin'

last call for alcohol.

Here's another cool mixtape to start off the workweek. Who said you can't be in a party mood on a Monday? Last Call For Alcohol comes to us courtesy of Flwrpt. Click here to give it a listen and/or download.

Tracks / Twista & Pharrell – Lavish / Missy Elliott & 702 – Beep Me 911 / Amerie – Red Eye / Pleasure P – Gotta Have You / Justin Timberlake – My Love / Lil’ Wayne – Maneater / Ludacris – Move Bitch / Timbaland – Carry Out / PPP & Tiombe Lockhart – Stay with Me / Busta Rhymes & Marshia Ambrosious – Get You Some / Mary J. Blige & Will.I.Am – About You / Jay-Z & Pharrell – Excuse Me Miss / LL Cool J – Love You Better / Jay-Z – 30 Something / Lloyd – Girls Around the World / Amerie – That’s What You Are / Do or Die & Kanye West – Higher / Jay-Z – Nigga What Nigga Who? / 8Ball & MJG – You Don’t Want Drama / Three 6 Mafia – Stay High / Snoop Dogg & The-Dream – Luv Drunk / T-Pain – Can’t Believe It / Kelis & Andre 3000 – Millionaire / Beyonce – Get Me Bodied / The Neptunes – Frontin’ / Diddy Dirty Money – Hello Good Morning / Timbaland & Missy Elliott – Cop That Shit / The-Dream – All Black Everything / Mario – Music for Love / Snoop Dogg, Brandy & Pharrell – Special

Say What?

the author.
“People pay for what they do, and still more for what they have allowed themselves to become. And they pay for it very simply; by the lives they lead.” -James Baldwin

Eye Worthy

waiting for superman.
America's education system is crumbling. While it seems to be a top priority for the political leaders of this nation, very little progress has been achieved. Among thirty developed countries, American students rank 25th in math and 21st in science and we fall behind in almost every other category. Many would argue that one of the greatest countries in the world has one of the worst education systems. Filmmaker Davis Guggenheim takes a look our education system in the documentary, Waiting For Superman, following a handful of promising kids, dissecting our public education system and its many flaws. The film hits select theaters on 9.24. Check on the trailer below. On Monday September 20th, the film will be featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, be sure to tune in.

Soul Fixin'

get in the groove.

Classic songs, a tight mix and a deep groove are the makings of a great mixtape. DJ Diva has managed to create the perfect blend of smooth cool 80's jams for Soul Bounce. It's definitely worth a listen or two. Don't hesitate to purchase the mixtape for a mere 99 cents.

TRACKS Shalamar - Second Time Around // Carl Carlton - She's A Bad Mama Jama// Fonda Rae - Over Like A Fat Rat// Jocelyn Brown - I'm Caught Up (In A One Night Love Affair)// Cheryl Lynn - Encore// Indeep - Last Night A DJ Saved My Life// Cameo - Single Life// Meli'sa Morgan - Fools Paradise// Stephanie Mills - What Cha Gonna Do With My Lovin'// Chaka Khan - Ain't Nobody (Loves Me Better)// Gladys Knight & The Pips - Save The Overtime For Me// Sister Sledge - He's The Greatest Dancer// Phyllis Hyman - You Know How To Love Me// Cherelle - I Didn't Mean To Turn You On// Skyy - Call Me// Mary Jane Girls - Candyman// Rick James - Super Freak// Evelyn Champagne King - Shame// Klymaxx - Meeting In The Ladies Room// The Jones Girls - Dance Turned Into A Romance// Rebbie Jackson - Centipede// Lilo Thomas - You're A Good Girl// SOS Band - Just Be Good To Me// Gap Band - Outstanding

DJ DIVA

|Official|| Twitter|| Facebook|

Say What?

the songstress.

"They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. They also said the earth was flat. "THEY" say all type of sh*t!" -Erykah Badu

A Conscious Mind

the great debate.

There is a great deal of controversy surrounding what may become of an old building situated five blocks from Ground Zero that was once home to a nationally recognized coat store. The so-called 'mosque' that is set to occupy the building will actually be an Islamic cultural center. Regardless, I am in full support of it. Yes, I am a native New Yorker. 9/11 is a day I will never forget. No, I am not a Muslim, I consider myself to be a Christian. As a Christian, I'm amazed at the opinions and thoughts of the many who oppose the building of a 'mosque' near the WTC. Such thoughts seem to be deeply rooted in bigotry, hatred, racism and intolerance. Prior to 9/11 there was a prayer room located within the WTC for the many Muslims who worked and visited the iconic buildings. The 'Islamophia' that is sweeping the country reminds me of the 'AIDSphobia' that surfaced in the 1980's, American homosexuals were ostracized and condemned. Nearly, 30 years later, American Muslims are facing similar treatment. Has America failed to learn from past mistakes? How is it that so many people are ready to condemn an entire religious group based on the actions of a few wayward, confused, misguided and delusional individuals. So-called Christians have committed some of the most heinous crimes in the history of this country. Yet, no one has condemned Christianity or viciously opposed the construction of a Christian house of worship. Timothy McVeigh, the OKC bomber, was a man by his own admission who maintained the core beliefs of Catholicism. Clearly, he was just as confused about religion as the men responsible for 9/11. With that said, would there be as much opposition if a Catholic church were to be built by the site of the federal building in Oklahoma City?

As activist and filmmaker Michael Moore stated in his essay, If the 'Mosque' Isn't Built, This Is No Longer America, " there is a McDonald's two blocks from Ground Zero. Trust me, McDonald's has killed far more people than the terrorists."

Eye Worthy

the capital of aids.

An eye opening documentary is set to premiere in select NYC, Los Angeles and D.C theaters today. The Other City takes an in depth look at the AIDS crisis in the nation's capital. Washington D.C, the capital of one of the most powerful countries in the world, has an HIV/AIDS rate that is not only the nation’s highest, but rivals some African countries. The Other City tells the story of D.C natives, ordinary individuals, fighting to survive with HIV/AIDS and activists on the front line fighting to stop the spread of the deadly virus. Check out the trailer below.

A Conscious Mind

georgia on my mind.
This tends to happen seldom, I come across an article that touches my spirit, forcefully pulling at my soul as I read each and every word. A very recent New York Times article, Displaced Black Landowners Fight to Reclaim Georgia Home, is one such article as it chronicles the story of Harris Neck, Georgia. In the United States and throughout the world, the words 'black' and 'displaced' have become synonymous. The bitter story of Harris Neck, Georgia and it's natives are a clear example. Harris Neck, situated 50 miles south of Savannah and seated in McIntosh County, is one of nature's jewels, a bastion of pristine and untouched salt marshes and tidal waterways. Now, a federal wildlife refuge managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Harris Neck was once home to a vibrant self-sufficient African-American community of 75 families.Some local whites were in a rage over the relatively successful independence that grew in Harris Neck. As a result, white county politicians led federal officials in search of Air Force base site to Harris Neck, bypassing countless acres of uninhabited land. In 1942, the U.S government took possession of Harris Neck and ordered the families to leave. The U.S government provided no provisions regarding new land or future living arrangements. 63 years later, descendants of Harris Neck started a new movement to regain Harris Neck. The movement is ongoing. They need our support, go to the official website of The Harris Neck Land Trust and make a donation.

Say What?

the greatest.
"I am America. I am the part you won't recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky, my name, not yours, my religion, not yours, my goals, my own, get used to me.” --Muhammad Ali

Soul Fixin'

tammi terrell unsung.

Fans of TV One's wildly popular doc series, Unsung, are in for a special treat on 9.20. Famed Motown vocalist Tammi Terrell's life story becomes the series latest focal point. Adored and admired for her timeless duets with Marvin Gaye, Tammi's life ended at the tender age of 24 but she left behind a great body of music and a story that has yet to be told. Producers of Unsung came across a delightful acapella version of 'If This World Were Mine' featured in the video above. Check it out and tune in to TV One on September 20th.