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| Home for the past 3+ Weeks.....Memories |
“By the time they’re 5 or 6, they’re not interested in being princesses,” said Dafna Lemish, chairman of the Radio and TV Dept. at Southern Illinois University and a self-proclaimed expert in the role of media in children’s lives. “They’re interested in being hot, in being cool. Clearly, they see this is what society values.”
Malice's Book Excerpt #1 from Malice of the Clipse on Vimeo.
The things I did.The things I saw.The things a felt.
Above is a pic during my junior year at Iona College. I have no idea what I was looking at or thinking about, but seeing this image instantly takes me back. Spring 2002, a world still in flux some 5-6 months after 9/11 I was in a relationship, I thought my degree would ensure me a "great paying job". So many thoughts that would get left behind or at least reworked between then and now. But I wouldn't change a thing I really wouldn't.
......smh @ that shirt.
Remember Sara Stokes from Making the Band? Singing ain't paying the bills so she's selling Weave @ the The Weave Shop. Recession......damn.
What happened to the innocent Sara we first were introduced to? 
All summer I had been mentioning my desire to utilize cameras and video into a "Hump Worthy" situation. Yesterday I got a new camera, a lil Fuji joint that technically could be used in that type of situation but as the Summer months passed and excitement for the possible of doing this grew and then fell. It made me wonder was my desire for this fantasy a bit much? Is it time to check that idea for something more realistic? Or is it just a matter of timing before such a thing plays it self out. I don't know I just feel a lot more mellow and laid back about things sexually speaking. Ever have a desire that you really, really wanted but then it just kind of subsided?
As far as I'm concerned the Summer is over and that's a very welcomed change. While the odd weather and late heat reduced the season to maybe 1 month of actual Summer, I had I very interesting time.
This was a Summer of enlightenment in terms of those people I care for, interact with and most importantly I saw exactly who cares about me and what I can expect from them. Some of that discovery was good and some was disappointing. Some people came with words but no actions, some came with words but them acted in a manner that contradicted their previous words. But there were those people, both new and old, that solidified my trust, faith and respect in them by acting in a manner that backed up the things they expressed to me.
I say that to say that life for me needs a degree of realignment. While the refreshing playfulness of youth hasn't escaped me, it's time fully grasp that we are not kids and to that end I hold everyone in my circle 110% accountable for their words and actions. No longer will things just be dismissed, overlooked and excused by me. Not because I don't want to but because I can't afford it. As it is with anything, giving must be balanced with receiving or you eventually will run out of fuel. Years of ALWAYS looking the other way and blind acceptance has me a little tapped out. No let me rephrase that cuz my tank is no where near empty. I just need folk to hold up their side of relationships. That's for a few of my boys and many of my ladies.....
If you've earned my love then you'll always have it. But the energy I use to interact and deal with you can and will be tempered in relationship to how you conduct yourself. And truthfully speaking yrs of faithful service give me the ability and right to do this. View this as a statement, not a request. People will deal with this however works best for them.
I've never asked much from folk and yet many have continued to miss the boat....so as I look to make this final 1/4 of the year a grand one, don't be surprised how it goes down. The same technologies that fuel the foolishness and constant chatter about nothing could have been much better utilized to firm up our communications but if that's what ya'll wanted you would have done it naturally.Life many times gives you what you want. Just be ready to deal with it once you get it.
I'm feeling refreshed and ready to make an impact in life.....my life.
Last night at Club Providence in NYC, I had a musical discussion with Connecticut's Dj Genius about the state of the business and the quality of currently hyped artists. It was basically a solid follow up the points made in a similar convo I had last month.
In late July I was invited to a BBQ thrown by Digiwaxx Media in Mt. Vernon, NY. I met my friend K there who’s a talent manager(among many things) out of CT and the person who invited me in the first place. She introduced me to her connects in the spot and all was lovely. Good food and drink along with observation of the crowd inspired much conversation.
Among a group of that included promotional people, dj’s, artists and producers, we went in on fashion trends like the skinny jeans (the ladies don’t approve guys), autotune, proper stage presence and more. The main topic that really brought out everyone’s passion for this music and culture was the overall difference between today’s artist and the artists of our generation, the 90’s. There were those in 100% support of today’s music scene, those in stark opposition and thus within the gray area. While giving full respect for his accomplishments both as a writer and actor, Drake, or at least the current manifestation of Drake was genuinely raked over the coals for having a severe lack of personality. While he does well at mimicking the styles of a Kanye, Wayne or Andre 3000, he doesn’t have the charisma, charm or presence of any of them. Adding the “Fail” that was his lead video for “Best I ever had” and it was agreed upon that his buzz is fading fast.
But at least Drake is getting face time and capitalizing off of his Young Money affiliation. We all found ourselves at a loss trying to find out what a Kid Cudi is. Outside of a few songs, his digitally created career has left many fans and industry insiders alike searching for his story. What is it that makes us want to listen to you? As I said to the collective, “We respect the talents of all these artists, but understand the time frame we came from. The bar is set very high and a lot of y’all have yet to even approach it.”
Let me describe the bar for you. The almost manic passion of DMX, the poetic force of Nasty Nas, the Inhuman Lyricism of Big Punisher, the refreshing originality of Wu Tang, EPMD, Brand Nubian, Ice Cube, Dungeon Family, etc….. The list goes on and on for a era of solid music. Not only due to there talents but the humble paths they took to get there. Maybe it’s just too early to judge and the truth is that a new lane is being created not to be compared to those before? Or maybe I’m trying to be less pessimistic……
Well, for clarification purposes let me say that this isn't about a "significant other" but rather a very close friend that repeats the same poor actions and I'm at a point of cutting her off to save myself the worry. When she's around we're great. We've made money together I'm cool with her child too. But she pulls these disappearing acts that I don't like and I'm too old to be chasing after my peoples. The love is there but the energy isn't.
Last yr in mid Sept. I gave a very real warning to her after she sent through a similar period of radio silence and then popped up like shit was all peaches and cream. I told her "I've always been there for you and will continue to do so. But if over a 2-3 month period you can't find a 10 sec window to call, text or email me to at least let me know your breathing then I gotta step away."
I have a BB she has a Palm, so there no excuses. And see this isn't a romantic thing either. In a different reality I could see it but that's not what it is and we're both great with that, but more importantly if I have love for you I need to know your ok, period. Some of my friends who know me personally can attest to this. I don't react well to that brand of silence. Because I don't know if your ill, hurt, in financial problem, suicidal, etc,etc....
This may seem extreme to some but again those that know me know what it is. I usually have an infinity amount of patience for this. But I can't maintain that any longer......I've made 1 final attempt to see what's good. If this doesn't turn up anything then it is what it is.
Sometimes stepping back and embracing extended periods of silence allows you to better hear whats going on around you. This has been a major weekend for me and in all honesty I really haven't done much.
Then you better remember this!!!!You know I was pullin' for the Scooby Doobies right?Yogi was a simp in his tight ass shirt!!
Announcer uses my slang "Skull Duggery" @ the 4:26 mark. LOL
