What can I say!?!?!?! Writers block is a motha. I always wrote from personal inspiration and I just haven't been inspired to write like I did before. Call it burn out, writers block, whatever you want, but the reality is its been too long since I wrote something and shared my views with you all. So many things have been happening from Love & Hip Hop Atlanta to Basketball Wives, Kendrick Lamar and his all-coastal beef with his Hip Hop counterparts to Jay-z's Magna Carta to Kanye's new album *confused look*.
One of the major things that I noticed during my hiatus were some of my predictions on old posts that became reality in recent months. For instance, I recall making a post about the possibility of West Coast Hip Hop music making a comeback back in 2011, and more specifically, the mention of a certain artist by the name of Problem that was next to blow. Well, here we are in 2013 and Problem is on every song with your favorite rapper AND West Coast music is now back at the forefront of Hip Hop music: Can West Coast Hip Hop Make A Comeback?
Speaking of West Coast Hip Hop, a good friend of mine, Shannon Page, helped me with a music review on Kendrick Lamar's, "Good Kid, m.A.A.d City", which at the time was not as revered as it is today. Lamar's album was met with plenty of naysayers and skepticism, but dare I say it, the album has been catapulted to "classic status" by the Hip Hop world's elite taste makers. What a difference a couple years makes: Music Review: Kendrick Lamar's "good kid, m.A.A.d city".
I'm still waiting for the world to catch up with new artists I've featured on the blog such as Luke James and Daley: Who Is Luke James?, Music Monday: Daley: Alone Together Feat. Marsha Ambrosius. While BornTooBlog featured artists like J. Cole and Frank Ocean have seen mainstream success since they graced the electronic pages of my blog back in 2011: J. Cole: Next To Blow?, Who Is Frank Ocean?
Relationships have always been a pivotal part of BornTooBlog and believe me, there will be many posts to come touching on this HOT topic. There have been too many breakups, makeups, divorces, reconciliations, failed rehab attempts and newborn babies for me not to. As always, I welcome any constructive feedback and I look forward to reconnecting with my BornTooBlog readers in a profound way before the close of 2013.
Questions for my BornTooBlog readers:
Which topics did you enjoy most on the blog?
What do you miss most about BornTooBlog?
What topics would you most like to see in the near future?
What posts do you enjoy the least?
After dropping 3 critically acclaimed albums, "Kendrick Lamar EP", "O(verly)D(edicated)" and "Section.80" on the Top Dawg Entertainment indie imprint, the artist formerly known as K.Dot delivers his major label debut, a short film called, "Good Kid, m.A.A.d City". With so many artists conforming to the major label corporate agenda, dropping the typical radio single that sounds cookie cutter and manufactured in hopes of selling a lot of records only to recoup that advance back to the label; The great Dr. Dre gave Kendrick complete artistic control of this album that has no out of place songs or forced colabs. This album unfolds just like a movie. There are characters, good times, drama, thrillers, violence, a sex scene, redemption and some deep thought.
The film starts in the end. Pulp Fiction-esque. The album opens with a prayer in which he is asking Jesus to be his Lord and Savior. What is remarkable about Kendrick is his story telling ability. At the very beginning of the album he’s telling a story about how he met Sherane over the summer and then began to lust over her even though her family is tied into gangs. He then takes his mother's car to pay her a visit and is greeted by two guys in black hoodies. The song is interrupted by one of several skits that helps creates this album's cohesiveness. His mother calls asking him, “when are you bringing the car back?”, and his Dad is in the background irritated that Kendrick took his dominoes. In the skit he states that Kendrick's mother is killing his vibe. Then the story really starts to take off with “Backseat Freestyle”. His homies come and pick him up and everybody is feeling good and carefree. Kendrick's friend pops in a beat CD and Kendrick lets off a barrage of aggressive rhymes with tales of being young and reckless over another banger produced by Hit Boy ("N’s in Paris", "Clique", "Theraflu").
“The Art of Peer Pressure” enters with K.dot stating that he is actually a sober soul, but he’s with the homies so he’ll indulge in their mischief of weed smoking, liquor drinking and hollering at girls. His crew also gets involved with jumping guys from the wrong neighborhood and doing home invasions. The album takes a turn after he gets jumped by the guys in the black hoodies after he pulls up to Sherane's house. He finds himself in the role of Trey from "Boyz in the Hood", upset with the violence and police corruption that he is surrounded by with the Pharrell produced track, “Good Kid”. The MC Eiht assisted “m.A.A.d City” finds K.dot and his friends retaliating for the fight and ends up with K.dots friend Dave killed in the battle.
In “Sing About Me /I'm Dying of Thirst”, Kendrick finds hope in Jesus and holy water as he feels as though he’s dying of thirst and truly needs some type of guidance. The album ends with “Real” and “Compton”. His father explains to him that “real is in responsibility/real is in taking care of your family/real is God nigga” and “Compton” is the victory lap in which he is giving homage to the city that made him.
The lyrics, the beats, the cohesiveness, the introspective view and the concept of this album are all what’s missing in mainstream/radio Hip Hop today. Instead of throwing random songs together with the typical "flavor of the month" features, Kendrick took matters into his own hands. This debut album is a body of work and a rare commodity in gaudy mainstream Hip Hop. He’s definitely the “Good Kid in a m.A.A.d. city”. Certified classic debut.
By Shannon Page
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Are you a fan of Kendrick Lamar?
Have you heard his mixtapes?
What do you think about his debut album?
What is your favorite track on the album?
My BornTooBlog readers know I've spoken on this occurrence of the confusion between a man wanting a "bad bitch", but also wanting her to possess the qualities of a "good girl". In my previous post, Men Say They Want A Good Woman, But Chase Bad Girls, I explained my confusion with men who think they can have both and laid out some general definitions of what these perceptions really mean. Now lyricist/activist Lupe Fiasco has put it in a song called, "Bitch Bad".
Lupe speaks on this reoccurring contradiction in Hip Hop music as he raps:
Now imagine there's a shawty, maybe five maybe four Ridin' 'round with his mama listening to the radio And a song comes on and not far off from being born Doesn't know the difference between right and wrong Now I ain't trying to make it too complex But let's just say shawty has an undeveloped context About the perception of women these days His mama sings along and this what she says "nigga I'm a bad bitch, and I'm bad bitch Far above average"
First he's relatin' the word "bitch" with his mama, comma And because she's relatin' to herself
his most important source of help
and mental health, he may skew respect for dishonor
Sure enough, in this little world The little boy meets one of those little girls And he thinks she a bad bitch and she thinks she a bad bitch He thinks disrespectfully, she thinks of that sexually She got the wrong idea, he don't wanna fuck her He thinks she's bad at being a bitch like his mother
Just like that, you see the fruit of the confusion He caught in a reality, she caught in an illusion Bad mean good to her, she really nice and smart But bad mean bad to him, bitch don't play your part But bitch still bad to her if you say it the wrong way But she think she a bitch, what a double entendre
Check out the video:
I'm glad Lupe has spoken up on this underlying contradiction that has become so popular in rap music these days. He's received a lot of flack for the song, as well as, his anti-Obama views, but I am still a big fan of this young and talented artist and I'm glad he's sharing his perspective on the subject and various other subjects.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
What did you think about the video?
Do you agree with what Lupe Fiasco is saying?
Do you feel its a contradiction for a man to want a "bad bitch" but also want a "good woman"?
What are your thoughts on the song and lyrics?
Drake and Kendrick Lamar are two rappers that I was listening to before they got BIG, so to speak. Its been bugging me for sometime now that I'm noticing the changes in their content and persona, now that they've signed on to major record labels with Drake at Cash Money and Lamar at Aftermath. When Drake first came out he was much more earthy and sensitive and his content was much more "girl friendly", which is what initially attracted me to him. Kendrick also seemed to be more of a conscious rapper before he teamed up with Dr. Dre to produce his recent musical efforts.
In my humble opinion, Drake signing with Cash Money may have skyrocketed him to super stardom and gained him millions of fans throughout the world, but as far as his musical content, I think it might be the worse decision he ever made. When Drake was set to go pro (sign on to a major label) there was a bidding war between all of the top labels so he pretty much had the ability to pick and choose who he would officially start his professional career with. Many artists are not as privileged to be at the center of a bidding war and able to decisively choose the right fit for what they are seeking to accomplish in their musical career. When I initially heard that Drake had chosen to sign with Cash Money I was weary of what it might mean for his image and sound. Well, so far, Drake has gone from the sensitive, introspective and seemingly "harmless" Jewish boy from Canada to a bottle slinging, gun toting, entourage accompanying, tough guy that threatens other rappers and dares them to throw rocks at the Cash Money throne. *sigh*
Kendrick Lamar was also a unique and artistic rapper that seemed to shun record industry standards with musical content and artistry that dared to be different and dare I say it, conscious. If you know the West Coast music industry well, you are well aware that it is very rare to see an artist come from the West Coast that is not a gangsta from Compton or Watts and/or a blood or crip. Its almost as if Snoop Dogg branded our side to damnation, as record labels refuse to produce any artists that do not fit this stagnant gangsta/thug prototype. At first, Kendrick was a breath of fresh air, and he still is, but I am wondering just how much Dr. Dre's influence will deter him from his roots of uniqueness. At first Lamar was beckoning ladies to tear down their masks in "No Makeup" off his "Section 80" mixtape, where he proclaimed:
Damn girl, why so much? You bout to blow your cover when you cover up Don’t you know your imperfections Is a wonderful blessing From heaven, is where you got it from I love your smile You can do it without style From your lips, all the way to your eyebrows It’s the beauty in her But when the makeup occur I don’t see it, all I see is a blur
Now, I hear Lamar taking on the bad boy/playa role with lyrics like:
My nigga said he wanna fly out to get him some 3ws only for a three day run Bitch, take the muthaf--king panties off you ain't no nun, shit I be living in the sky every time i ride by them hoes
The lyrics above are from his debut single, "The Recipe" featuring Dr. Dre where he explains the top 3 reasons why people come to Los Angeles/Cali, which are "women, weed and weather". This tone of lyrics is a far cry from the newcomer that once talked about the trials and tribulations of growing up in the hood, political activism, the importance of being yourself, etc. etc. I am in no way saying that Lamar has done a complete 180 on his former views and lyrical content, but one can only wonder if his inner voice will be watered down to package him for the Hip Hop community the way that only Dr. Dre can.
Please don't get me wrong because I still love these two dudes' music and I salute their artistic capabilities. I just hope that in selling their music through a major label distributor that they don't sell their souls.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Have you noticed that once independent artists sign onto major record labels that their creative control has diminished?
Have you heard the differences in lyrical content from before Drake and Kendrick Lamar were signed to majors?
Are you no longer a fan of Drake's after he signed with Cash Money Records?
Do you see a change in Kendrick Lamar's lyrical content?
It seems that every other R&B or Hip Hop song on the radio is about a woman who can't let the man that treats her wrong go. If its not Mary J. Blige's song "Mr. Wrong" or Jeezy's hit song "Leave You Alone", its another declaration that somehow, women are not strong enough to let go of a BAD THING because the love is so GOOD. Where did us women get things so misconstrued along the way that we become gluttons for punishment and began to believe that because he makes us feel good in the bedroom, or can possibly deliver emotional feelings for the moment, that he deserves our time or effort? Why do we as women overlook good men that don't necessarily fit the persona of the man that we think we want and need, that can actually treat us right and do good by us? Instead, we stick around with the players, pimps, or simply, the "emotionally unavailable" men. WHY?
Its not like these types of men show up out of nowhere and don't reveal their true selves from the beginning. Their aura and persona shines just as brightly as their pearly whites and bulging muscles, and quite often, bulging pockets. Us as women know what these men are about via our initial attraction to them. The attraction is electric and cosmic. The cocky glance and stare get us every time and all of a sudden, splash, our panties are wet with excitement. Sadly, too often we get the short end of the stick and I'm not talking about their penis size, because usually, that's all they have to offer in the love department. There is never a real chance at commitment or vulnerability, just a bravado that dares us to leave them, and if we do, they're on to the next leaving us torn and tattered in the aftermath.
Lyrics from Mary J. Blige's "Mr. Wrong":
Bad boys aint no good
Good boys aint no fun
Lord knows that I should
Run off with the right one
[Chorus]
Me and Mr Wrong get along so good (so good)
Even though he breaks my heart so bad (so bad)
We got a special thing going on
Me and Mr Mister Wrong
Even if I try, no, I never could
Give him up cause his loves like that
Aint no way that I'm moving on
I love my Mr Wrong
How many times must we go through the same thing before we truly realize what is important in love and relationships? When will we consider loving Mr. Right instead of Mr. Wrong? When will we love ourselves enough to stop the pattern of self sabotage and self defeat regarding matters of the heart and start fresh with a focused and clear head? All I know is I can't stand to listen to another woman sing about setting herself up for pain and regret, because she can't see past his huge and tantalizing package, as illusive as it may be.
I'm waiting for the day when the way a man makes us feel physically will always match up with our emotional wants and needs and until that day, we will never truly find true fulfillment in love. I have been guilty of the aforementioned myself at times, which is why I say "we" and "us". Its now time for the curse to be broken and for us to break the shackles of the love spell, which we will soon begin to realize, was never really love at all.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Do you know a woman that always falls in love with Mr. Wrong? Are you one of them?
What about Mr. Wrong attracts you and keeps you coming back for more?
Do you wish you could leave him, but simply don't feel strong enough? Do you believe you deserve a good man aka Mr. Right?
I would love for the men to chime in as well:
Are you Mr. Right and you constantly get overlooked by women for Mr. Wrong?
Do you find that women say they want a good man, but really chase the bad boys?
As Mr. Right, have you ever contemplated playing the bad guy role to make a chick interested in you?
Do you think good guys ultimately finish last when it comes to love and relationships?
I first wrote about Frank Ocean around this time last year after hearing his mixtape Nostalgia, Ultra that introduced us to an introspective, yet forthcoming new artist that was gifted with the skill of writing and evoking romantic emotion that is often unheard of from artists his age; He's only 25. The subject matter that he displays through his songs are not only thought provoking, but wildly uncommon in this day and age of music that seems to focus solely on party and bullshit.
Ocean recently came out of the closet (acknowledging his love for men) by featuring songs on his debut album Channel Orange (released online on July 10th and available in stores next week) that focus on love and loss between two men. This album comes highly anticipated based off his previous work with Jay-Z, Kanye, and Beyonce, as well as, his own mixtape releases, but has left his current and new fans confused on what to expect next out of the newcomer.
I caught his performance on Jimmy Fallon that aired this past Monday and he sang a love song that he wrote about a man called "Bad Religion". I wasn't too blown away by the performance, but I thought to myself, is R&B/Hip Hop ready for a gay or possibly, bisexual artist? I've posed this question before in a previous blog titled, "Is Hip Hop Ready For Homosexuality?!?!?!." Personally, I'm not sure if I'm ready to hear love songs about love shared between two men. I am by no means homophobic and I respect everyone's right to live free of persecution or judgement based off of their sexual preference, however, I'm just not sure if I'm ready to cross that bridge.
Below is video footage of Frank Ocean's performance on Jimmy Fallon:
I'd love to hear from my BornTooBlog readers on this one!!!!
What do you think about the performance? Are you a fan?
Did you know he was gay/bisexual? Does it matter?
Do you plan on copping the album?
Do you think his coming out will help or hurt his career?
Ya'll aint ready! When I found out that there was an all female Hip Hop collective performing throughout Los Angeles a couple years ago I immediately got excited. I mean its not as if I don't constantly hear people complaining about the lack of REAL female MCs in the game. Whether you've heard of them or not, the fact is they are REAL female MCs and they go hard. The (SIS)TEM is a collective of female emcees, producers, vocalist, and Djs, co-founded by Aceyalone, Badru, and DVS-1, from the legendary Project Blowed in Los Angeles.
Comprised of some of L.A.'s most official female lyricists that have been performing, touring and spitting for years, even long before they joined forces (a la the Justice League), The (SIS)TEM is full of hard-hitting, grab your nuts and AK flavor music that is reminiscent of the West Coast rap groups of the past. DVS-1 had a vision for the group that did not include Nicki Minaj Barbie flows, nor did it require any help from the fellas. All that was mandatory of the collective were hardcore, take no prisoner flows, surely to make their toughest male counterparts take notice.
What the L.A. Hip Hop scene needs now more than anything is unity and The (Sis)Tem proves that point by enlisting the Hip Hop powers of DVS-1, Oracle, Miss Bliss, Brandi Kane, JiJi Sweet, Kandi Cole and Dawn Gun on The Treatment Mixtape. Each member has her own style and brand of flows sure to identify with every listener's musical wants and needs. These women have paved their own path, silenced the critics and have gained the respect of legendary MCs like KRS-1 and Chubb Rock just to name a few, as well as garnering several awards and accolades from their esteemed peers in the industry. Two of my personal favorites are Brandi Kane aka The Dopeman's Daughter and Queen Kandi Cole. Not only because they are personal friends of mine, but also because I've been seeing them do this rap stuff for years and their rhymes personally speak to me.
In April of this year they released The Treatment Mixtape that boasts beats and lyrics that are for the most part, clearly West Coast bred, yet evolve to tell a story that will resonate across the country. With tracks like "Gimme That","Don't Judge Me" and "Mic Check", the sistas of The (SIS)TEM are sure to please even the most harsh critics that believe there is no female Hip Hop presence on the west side of the globe.
Here are a few pics of the ladies in action via their performances and tours across the country:
Happy Listening!!!!
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Have you heard of The (SIS)TEM before?
What do you think about The Treatment Mixtape?
Would you like to see these ladies perform live?
Who is your favorite MC of the group?
All of my avid BornTooBlog readers know that I am totally a J. Cole fan. I've done a few features on him in the past and now I am back with the video for his 4th single off his debut album "Sideline Story". J. Cole's song "Nobody's Perfect" featuring Missy Elliot takes me back to the days when Missy was doing her thing almost about a decade ago. Elliot has for the most part remained behind the scenes working on various projects, until now, with her new feature on J. Cole's debut album. Its classic Missy and Cole truly compliments her on this track. The video is artistic and definitely not your cookie-cutter representation of popular music today.
Check out the video below:
Here are a few cool lyrics from the song:
Smokin' weed on the beach as my mind workin' like Plato
Analyzin' the world, fantasizin' bout girls
I'm handin' diamonds and pearls and vandalizin' her curls
Sweating her weave out, moans as she breathes out
Fuck I'm doin' in parties with Hov and Steve Stoute
I step over piranha, death over dishonor
They killin niggas for J's, that's death over designer
Hey Cole heatin' up like that left-over lasagna
Remember when I used to be stressed over Dawana
Now a nigga only text and get stressed over Rihannas
I'm talkin' tens and better, hood bitches in Timbs and sweaters
And we always argue about the same thing
Tell me why we gotta argue about the same thing
I've already introduced you to R&B newcomer CJ Hilton in a previous post Video Spotlight - CJ Hilton - So Fresh and now he's back with another song that I absolutely love entitled "Cold Summer". I listed several of CJ's musical influences in the previous post and you can hear them come out on this song even more.
Check out the video for Cold Summer:
Just a little something to get you over that hump ;-)
WEIGH IN
Do you like the song?
Can you point out his musical influences in the song?
My family and I went to see the Broadway Play, Fela! which is based off the life and music of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, "a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist musician and composer, pioneer of Afrobeat music, political rights activist and political maverick." (from Wikipedia - Fela Kuti Biography) He ingeniously fused Jazz, Cuban rhythm, Funk and African drums to create the sound known today as "Afrobeat". Fela focused on the happenings in the then extremely corrupt part of Nigeria known as Lagos and used his music as a political platform to evoke social change.
The play was set in Fela's compound known as The Shrine, where he performed all of his work for the locals of Nigeria during the 70s. Fela was arrested on several occasions in Nigeria for his political views that he shared through his music and soon became an international star with Reggae star Bob Marley, among others, wanting to work with him. Fela died in 1997 of AIDS, but his music and legacy lives on as Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, Jay-z and Questlove signed on to produce the play on Broadway in 2009 as it finally made its way to Los Angeles in 2012.
Fela! the play was vibrant and exuberant from the moment the curtains were drawn. The music was melodic and rhythmic as the band played live and his dancers gyrated across and up and down the stage. Fela was played by Sahr Ngaujah, who embodied the legend's cocky bravado and larger than life persona as he belted out Fela classics like "Stalemate", "Zombie" and "Black President".
There was even a moment when Sahr made the entire theatre stand to their feet to dance to his rhythms as he directed them verbally from the stage. The show was very interactive and maintained a high level of energy just like many of Fela's songs. The play took me back to that time of political issues and uncertainty in the United States and across the sea to Lagos, Nigeria, which was strictly controlled by a corrupt political system and police and military force. The play touched on many of these occurrences and coupled them with the inspiration Fela experienced in order to write and create music about the dreadful occurrences at that time.
Fela Kuti is an inspirational artist that not only garnered influence from the states and James Brown with his civil rights music and The Black Panther Party, but his legacy lives on through this very inspirational play that shows a day in the life of Fela (meaning He Who Emanates Greatness). The artist, activist, musician, composer and legend. I wish there were more dates in Los Angeles as it tours throughout the country so that I could urge my readers in LA to attend. However, check the website http://www.felaonbroadway.com/ for upcoming dates of the tour and more information on the production. I enjoyed every minute of it an was so thankful to get the chance to attend.
WEIGH IN
Have you ever heard of Fela Kuti?
Have you heard his music?
Are you a fan?
Have you seen the play or do you plan on seeing it?
What are your thoughts on his music and legacy?
Jay-Z and Beyoncé released the following statement to the world today regarding the birth of their daughter, Blue Ivy Carter:
"Hello Hello Baby Blue!
We are happy to announce the arrival of our beautiful daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, born on Saturday, January 7, 2012.
Her birth was emotional and extremely peaceful, we are in heaven. ...
She was delivered naturally at a healthy 7 lbs and it was the best experience of both of our lives.
We are thankful to everyone for all your prayers, well wishes, love and support.
- Beyoncé & JAY Z"
BornTooBlog would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the Carters on their new edition to Hip Hop/Pop royalty and the Carter family. There has been so many speculations on whether the baby was actually going to be delivered by Bey, whether she was in fact pregnant, and when the actual birth would take place. Even further, drama ensued while Jay & Bey rented out the entire floor of a New York hospital and left many parents angry while they restricted access to their children in the ICU unit of the hospital, trying to keep them secluded. Amongst rumors that Bey had the baby almost a month ago, the baby is officially here and I cannot wait to see pics of her, which I'm sure won't be released for awhile since the Carters are very private.
Jay-z also released a track today called "Glory" with a top celebrity feature, none other than Baby Blue Ivy. Check out the track of Jay and his first daughter, Blue Ivy Carter below:
What do you think of the track? Are you happy for the Carters on their new edition to the family? What advice would you parents give the Carters in raising their new baby Blue Ivy?
While watching Jay-Z and Kanye West perform at Staples Center in Los Angeles in December at the Watch The Throne concert, I was recently met with an experience that made me wonder is this type of occurrence something black folks should focus on or let go in this day and age. On Kanye's song "All Of The Lights" off his 5th studio album "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy", he speaks of a world without pop superstar Michael Jackson, following his untimely death in 2010, with the line, "Something wrong. I hold my head. MJ gone. Our n*&^% dead." Of course this is one of my favorite lines on the song, but when all of Staples Center chimed in on this part, I can't lie and say that it didn't bother me and make me a bit uncomfortable. Especially since the crowd was primarily comprised of "others".
While performing, Kanye even stopped the music and talked directly to the crowd about using the "n" word in that instance and that he was giving everyone a pass that tonight. The entire stadium laughed and as the music began again, Kanye repeated the line. This time, it seemed as though the stadium said it even louder and with more enthusiasm. Kanye said they could get a pass that night, but it really made me think. Hip Hop/Rap music has exposed other races to black culture, specifically, our slang, swag, etc. Is it wrong for Hip Hop artists or black people in general to expect "others" to bleep out the "n" word every time it is used in a song they are listening to? Do "others" sing songs like this in the privacy of their homes and use the "n" word behind closed doors?
I recall several years back Latino artists like J.Lo and Fat Joe also being called on the carpet for using the "n" word in songs that they recorded. Are Latinos who don't consider themselves to be "black" allowed to use the word because they maybe grew up in the same struggle or near and around African Americans? Or should they be restricted from using the word as well?
I've been pondering this issue for awhile now and I wanted to speak to my readers and get feedback. I really want to know have you ever experienced peers or strangers reciting song lyrics, thinking it is okay to use the "n" word, just because the artist does? Do you let your friends who are "others" call you the "n" word or other black people that word in front of you? Have you ever had to stop a friend, colleague or acquaintance in their tracks because they thought it was permissible to use it in a song or in a joking manner?
I know that black people have a tendency to be identified as "sensitive" when it comes to racial/social issues like these. A lot of "others" use the fact that black people call each other the word and use it so much that in return, they cannot call others on the carpet for using the word as it would be a double standard. I myself have limited my use of the word tremendously, and am still working to erase it from my vocabulary for good.
Am I being too sensitive by saying "others" shouldn't be permitted to use the word whether as a joke, a line in a song, or term of endearment for any race or people? Do you think these people should be called on the carpet for their use of the word no matter how much black people may still use the word? Have you ever been in this predicament? How did it make you feel? How did you respond?
First off, Happy New Year to all my BornTooBlog readers, new and old!!!! BornTooBlog has been running since February of 2011. In such a brief time we've touched on so many topics ranging from what's practical and hot in fashion, for ladies and gents alike to coverage on fabulous award shows, from performances to fashion and red carpets to the flashing lights. Even further, we've addressed matters of love and the heart, while highlighting the importance of family, photography and music. We've even showed love to local entreprenuers and upcoming musical artists, and more, but there is still so much more to do.
In 2012, I, Maya Nichelle "BornTooBlog" Douglas, am personally vowing to duelve deeper into the abyss of music, fashion, and relationships. I also vow to post more often and consistently with topics you want to read about and discuss, to ensure BornTooBlog is a forum for varying and respected ideas on the topics that matter most to you.
As 2012 was approaching, I was met face-to-face with my readers as the holidays progressed, and was given surprisingly invaluable encouragement and feedback. I welcome you all to contact me via e-mail at BornTooBlog and via my posts to provide feedback on what you love...and hate about the site (be nice). All feedback and input is welcomed as we journey through this new year and territory better known as 2012. So here's a toast to you, my @BornTooBlog readers and followers:
A solo of @BornTooBlog from NYE 2011 in Hollywood Hills
Custom Headpiece by Kenya Kirkland aka @SugarScoutCouture
First off, let me begin by saying that I have seen Jay-z in concert on many occasions, however, this was my first time seeing Kanye perform live and in person. Besides his stellar award and televised concert performances, I could only anticipate the performance that Kanye would deliver at the Watch The Throne concert. Unlike Kanye, Jay-z has had so many world tours its too many to name (Hard Knock Life, Roc The Mic, Jay-Z and Friends, etc.). Contrary to Jay-z's previous performances, he and Kanye had no guest appearances, no dancers, and surprisingly, not even a visible band at the Watch The Throne concert at Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.
It seems as though the bulk of the budget went into pyrotechnics, smoke, high tech lasers and two digital cubed HD screens that elevated about 60 feet in the air showing video footage that was selected to accompany each song, with Jay-z and Kanye standing on top of the screens, no less. Jay and 'Ye won the crowd over with hits from the album like No Church In The Wild, Lift Off, Otis, Who Gone Stop Me and Welcome To The Jungle to name a few, and also took us back with classic hits like Big Pimpin', Is That Your Chick and Hard Knock Life as well as Flashing Lights, Diamonds Are Forever and Gold Digger that kept the fans' diamond/roc signs up all night.
The Roc Nation affiliates mellowed the mood and turned down the flashing lights to focus on one of my favorite songs off the album, New Day. As they both reflected on the future life of their unborn children and how they would make things better for them once they were born, Jay thanked the crowd for sharing the moment with them, as it was an emotional performance that the concertgoers could actually connect with.
No performance of Watch The Throne would be complete without Sweet Baby Jesus, a nostalgic track that boasts the melodic voice of Frank Ocean, as he proclaims, "we made it in America". The American flag was a common theme throughout the concert, as Kanye and Jay-z exemplified what it means to live the American Dream. Besides, isn't that what the album was all about? The concert was not without its other deep moments, like when they performed Murder To Excellence, with Kanye declaring, "I feel the pain in my city wherever I go. 314 soldiers died in Iraq. 509 died in Chicago." As the 60 foot screens rose to the ceiling, Kanye and Jay-z depicted historic and graphic footage of police brutality, political marches and speeches and this is where the crowd got a bit quiet and reflective.
I was also surprised to see that the majority of Kanye's and Jay-z's fans were not African American, and even further, that the crowd was overwhelmingly full with fans of Kanye. Nevertheless, I held Hov down like the true fan that I am and recited every word to every song, just because I'm cool like that. All in all, the concert was very enjoyable and I'm glad I sprung for the c-note (and them $ome) to attend such a monumental and epic tour. Kanye and Jay-z gave us a performance we could be proud of and made a clear statement to the world that everyone should heed...."Watch The Throne".
WEIGH IN
Have you ever seen Jay-z or Kanye West perform live?
Did you attend the Watch The Throne concert in your city?
What did you like about the performances?
What did you think was missing, if anything, from the tour?
Would you pay to see Kanye and Jay-z on tour in the future?
I recently heard this song on the radio and was taken aback by the honesty and realness of the lyrics. This song is my first introduction to Don Trip, a street poet from Memphis, Tennessee, who's mission is to be the voice of the people in these difficult social and economic times. Don Trip enlisted the voice of one of my favs, soulful Cee-Lo Green. Cee-Lo is known for bringing deep emotions out of songs and elevating them to a platform that speaks of the struggle in a way that is not only socially conscious, but also pleasing to one's ears.
The song entitled A Letter To My Son displays a father speaking to his only son, expressing the difficulties of raising the son, when all his mother wants to do is use him as a bargaining tool due to their failed relationship. I spoke about this occurrence when I initially started my blog in the post Where's Daddy? Too often, young fathers find themselves struggling to build relationships with their children due to the mother being difficult, caddy, messy and down right selfish. I never understood why a mother would want to keep her children from their father. Most children in urban neighborhoods barely get a chance to see their fathers, let alone see them at all. Naturally, when I see mothers keeping their children away from their fathers who want to be in their lives, it makes me angry and confused.
There are so many fathers out there that are going through this, which is why I wanted to highlight this song to give a voice to the proud fathers who will have to wait until their children get older in to explain their misunderstood absence. Mothers might think they have all the power, but ultimately, once the children realize what's going on, they will now be subject to the inquiries and judgement of their children. Who really is winning in this situation anyway?
I appreciate Don Trip for bringing this occurrence to the forefront, in the hopes that some mothers will recognize the error in their ways and finally put the child first. As I said in my previous post on this subject, if the father is violent or a detriment to the child, by all means, restrict his access to his children. However, I will never justify keeping a man from his children due to their lack of funds or even further, a failed relationship between the child's parents. It is no excuse and these women need to stop it immediately before they ruin their relationship with their children altogether.
Take a listen to the song and check out the video:
WEIGH IN
What do you think about the song and video?
Did Cee-Lo make a nice addition to the song?
Do you relate to the issue Don Trip is addressing in this video?
Have you experienced a jealous/hurtful/selfish baby mother who won't let you see your children?
How does this song make you feel as a father in this situation?
We all recall that beautiful chocolate specimen singing on the bus on the Coca-Cola commercial many years ago. That beautiful black skin and those pearly whites exposing a raspy, yet strong vocal ability that no one had expected. Although Tyrese first came on the scene singing, he is now more well known for his acting gigs on Hollywood blockbuster sequels like Fast & Furious and Transformers. Fortunately, Tyrese is now getting back to his roots...R&B!
Tyrese has a few albums under his belt and some of his most noteworthy tracks like Sweet Lady and One have always been geared toward the ladies, whether it be apologizing for what he's done or saying he will do better. I wanted to feature Tyrese's Signs Of Love Making for the Throwback Tuesday video for because it is definitely one of my favs from his body of work...check it out:
He gives a special shoutout to Scorpio females at the 1:34 mark:
"I met a Scorpio. *PAUSE* Damn!
She had no limit to where she'd go.
And she was so damn sexual.
She said, "Tyrese, are you ready for me?"
I'll do anything to fulfill your needs.
Tell me what you want, and I got you baby.
Whisper in my ear, while I'm driving you crazy".
I'll smack it from the side.
While I'm grabbin' them thighs.
Now I know, what zodiac signs are all about"
Sorry...Its November, so you KNOW I had to do it!
Tyrese's new album Open Invitation hit stores and iTunes today and boasts some of his best work to date, according to the man himself. I already love his new track Stay, which automatically takes me back to the ol' school vibe of R&B when a man would beg his woman to stay with him after he had done her wrong. Tyrese has captured that ol' school feel and combined it with a new and fresh perspective, which I love. He and his favorite co-star, Taraji Henson, are featured in the video for Stay. Check it out below:
Here is the album cover and track listing for his new album Open Invitation:
1. I’m Home (feat. Jay Rock)
2. I Gotta Chick (feat. Rick Ross)
3. Stay
4. Best of Me
5. Nothing On You
6. One Night
7. It’s All On Me
8. Too Easy (feat. Ludacris)
9. Takeover
10. I Miss That Girl
11. Interlude
12. Make Love
13. Angel (feat. Candice)
14. Walk
15. What Took You So Long
16. Do It
TIME TO WEIGH IN
Are you a fan of Tyrese's?
Do you plan on purchasing the album?
How do you like the video for the first single Stay?
Do you think Tyrese can make a comeback?
I hope most of you caught The Cypher on BET's 2011 Hip Hop Awards that featured newcomers like Machine Gun Kelly and Lecrae, but what stood out most for me were the Hip Hop artists from the West Coast getting major shine. Specifically, Kendrick Lamar, Dom Kennedy and Crooked I. For those that don't know, Crooked I is a well known underground artist that is a vet on the West Coast Hip Hop scene, and quite possibly one of the most underrated MCs west of the Mississippi. Kendrick Lamar has been deemed the Leader of The New School by West Coast greats Dr. Dre and Ice Cube, while collaborating with a plethora of artists from J. Cole to to Jay Rock all while toting Compton on his back.
There are even more MCs that are making a name for themselves in the Hip Hop world that were not featured in the Cypher, but have been steadily building momentum, including Jay Rock from Watts, CA and Problem from Compton. I could mention new artists like Tyler the Creator, who hails from Los Angeles, Lil B and Kreayshawn from Oakland, but I'd rather focus on artists like Jay Rock, Problem, and Dom Kennedy as these artists deserve more shine and attention.
Lets be honest, the West Coast Hip Hop scene hasn't been the same since Death Row was extinguished years ago. Nowadays it seems the vets like Snoop Dogg, E-40 and Ice Cube run the game and local DJs don't give much play to West Coast artists, unless you're YG (ie. Toot It and Boot It). With that being said, I want to highlight a few solo acts that are making a name for themselves straight from the underground to your speakers.
An Introduction To West Coast Hip Hop's Up And Comers:
Dom Kennedy
From: Leimert Park, Los Angeles, CA
Dom Kennedy was featured on BET's 2011 Cypher alongside Lady of Rage and Blind Fury. While some critics say his "so-called" freestyle didn't cut the mustard, his name is steadily coming out of the mouths of Hip Hop enthusiasts and critics alike. He is associated with Pacific Division AKA PacDiv, whom have been featured on MTV2 and tour the country performing and making appearances. Kennedy has a strong mixtape following and is making waves, all with no major deal. Kudos to him! Here is a formal introduction, Kennedy's video Grind'n from the From The Westside With Love II mixtape:
Problem
From: Compton, CA
Problem is probably one of the most underrated rappers in the West, mainly because you've probably heard his music before, and danced to it in the club, but didn't know who he was. He is known for club bangers like I'm Toe Up, Potion, Double Dip and I'm Burnt (a collaboration with Snoop Dogg and Kurupt). And it doesn't stop there. Problem is none for writing for various other artists and has worked with the likes of E-40, Too Short and DJ Quik. His most recent body of work is featured on his mixtape Hotels that was released earlier this year. Check out his video for Know What It Is"
Jay Rock
From: Watts, CA
Possibly best known for his recent collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on Hood Gone Love It, Jay Rock was named one of the top 13 most street artists by XXL and has worked with industry heavyweights Lil' Wayne and Will.I.Am. His debut album Follow Me Home was released in the Summer of 2011 under Strange Music. Check out his video for Hood Gone Love It:
I'm very excited about what these artists can possibly contribute to the West Coast Hip Hop legacy now and in the future. Keep your eye out for artists like these and the West Coast will be back in no time. WEST UP! lol
TIME TO WEIGH IN:
Have you heard of these artists from the West Coast?
Who stands out the most?
Do you think the West Coast can revive its Hip Hop scene on a major scale?
Some of you may have heard of him. Some may be reading his name for the first time, but very shortly, I'm predicting he will be a household name. Frank Ocean is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, but later moved to LA once Katrina hit in 2005. While in LA, Frank pursued music and joined the Los Angeles based hip hop collective OFWGKTA. He is a writer and R&B artist that has worked with big names like Pharrell, Jay-Z, Kanye and Beyoncé, just to name a few and is also signed to Def Jam. He has collaborated with Odd Future's Tyler the Creator, who recently won the 2011 MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist and is also a member of OFWGKTA.
You might have also heard of the drama that ensued when Chris Brown mentioned Ocean on Twitter saying "I fucks with @Frank_Ocean. He reminds me of a young James Fauntleroy." While I'm not really sure if Breezy meant it as a diss, Ocean replied by saying "I fucks with @chrisbrown. He reminds me of a young Ike Turner. *side eye* I watched online as the drama ensued, and even spilled into the real world as both artists' camps began to engage in street beef. All has since calmed down and both men met and agreed to squash it, but I'm sure it helped Ocean's twitter following *wink*
Beef aside, Frank Ocean dropped his first single on iTunes, Novacane, on Def Jam Records on May 31, 2011, which was greeted with critical acclaim. On the surface, the song chronicles his journey after meeting a smart chick at Coachella, who is starring in porn movies to pay for school and has also turned him onto a new drug. Once the drug is in his system, his face becomes numb and he likes the feeling it gives him. I would venture to say that on the flip side, Ocean is speaking of the affects of drugs on music, entertainment and relationships. The facade of Hollywood and the inability to make real connections due to drugs, partying and bullshit. But don't take my word for it, check the lyrics yourself and watch the video below:
I think I started something
I got what I wanted
Did-didn't I
Can't feel nothing
Superhuman
Even when I'm fucking
Viagra popping
Every single record
Auto tuning
Zero emotion
Muted emotion
Pitch corrected
Computed emotion
I blame it on the
Model broad with the Hollywood smile
Stripper booty and a rack like wow
Brain like Berkeley
Met her at Coachella
I went to see Jigga
She went to see Z-trip
Perfect
I took a seat on the ice cold lawn
She handed me a ice blue bong
Whatever
She said she wanna be a dentist really badly
She's in school paying
For tuition doing porn in the valley
At least you working
But girl I can't feel my face
What are we smoking anyway
She said don't let the high go to waste
But can you taste a little taste of
Novacane
Baby baby
Novacane baby I want you
Fuck me good
Fuck me long
Fuck me numb
Love me now when I'm gone love me none
Love me none love me none
Numb numb numb numb
Sink full of dishes
Pacing in the kitchen
Cocaine for breakfast
Yikes
Bed full of women
Flip on a tripod
Little red light on shooting
I'm feeling like
Stanley kubrick
This is some visionary shit
Been tryna film pleasure with my eyes wide shut
But it keeps on moving
I blame it on the
Model broad with the Hollywood smile
Stripper booty with the rack like wow
I'll never forget ya
You put me on a feeling I never had
Never had never had
And ever since
I've been tryna get it back and pick it up and put it back
Now I'm something like the chemist on campus
But there's no drug around
I like what I found in you
I still can't feel my face
What am I smoking anyway
She said don't let the high go to waste
But can you taste a little taste of
Novacane
Baby baby
Novacane baby I want you
Fuck me good
Fuck me long
Fuck me numb
Love me now when I'm gone love me none
Love me none love me none
Numb numb numb numb
Novacane novacane novacane novacane novacane
For the pain for the pain for the pain for the pain for the pain
Novacane novacane novacane novacane novacane
For the pain for the pain
Novacane novacane
Pretty girls involved with me
Making pretty love to me pretty
Pity pity
All the pretty girls involved with me
Making pretty love to me pretty
Pity pity
I can't feel a thing
I can't feel
Can't feel a thing
I can't feel a thing
Can't feel feel feel feel her
I can't feel feel her
Novacane novacane novacane
I can't feel feel her
For the pain
For the pain
For the pain
I can't feel feel her
Feel her feel her oh
Novacane novacane-cane
Now, on to the new single entitled Swim Good. My sister put me on to this song and like Novacane, I fell in love instantly with the lyrics and the sound, which is different from anything I've ever heard. I appreciate Ocean's unique style and his ability to mash up genres and influences to make a sound all his own. Swim Good is another deep, multi-dimensional song that will probably elicit many interpretations from the listener. What I think all can agree on is the song is fresh and new and DOPE!
Here are some of my favorite lyrics from the song:
That's a pretty big trunk on my Lincoln Town Car Aint It?
Big enough to take these broken hearts and put 'em in it
Now I'm driving round on the boulevard trunk bleeding
And every time the cops pull me over
The don't ever see them
They never see them
I'm about to drive in the ocean
Imma try to swim from something bigger than me
Kick off my shoes
And swim good
And swim good
Take off this suit
And swim good
And swim good
Got some pretty good beats on this 808CC beatin'
Memory seats I'm sitting on stay heated
I would've put tints on my windows
But what's the difference
When I feel like a ghost, no Swayze
Ever since I lost my baby
Frank Ocean is speaking of broken hearts and swimming away from something bigger than he. Again, MY interpretation of the lyrics is he is speaking of swimming away from a broken heart and a love lost. He is wearing all black like he's going to a funeral because he is depressed, or the love is dead. Needless to say, you might want to think critically when trying to figure out what he is speaking of exactly, but that's the fun part, right? HipHopDX just posted the video to their site and I would love for you all to watch it and let me know what you think. Both of his videos are very artistic and leave much to the imagination, so take a look with your critical/artistic eye and enjoy!
I am excited to see what his new project will bring and how it will change the face of Hip Hop. His contribution to Jay-Z and Kanye's Watch The Throne album is ever present on Made In America and No Church In The Wild (I love both), as well as Beyoncé's track on 4 called I Miss You.
