Truth

Knowing what I knew used to stop me. My actions played tricks on my mind. Thought about it, then thought against it.
Denial.

The obvious uncovered, apprehension ensues. Slurred words. Uncomfortably transparent. Written on my heart, but everyone can see.
Pain.

So close, but yet so far. Disillusioned by strength. Fuck.
Confused.

Admittedly defeated, convalescence begins. Senses heighten to the once unknown. Everybody knows but me.
Humbled.

So fearlessly, I await.
Truth.

Arrested Development- Tennessee

With hardcore rap dominating the Hip-Hop charts in the early 90's The eclectic yet informative sounds of Arrested Development introduced a refreshing new sound that embraced individuality and self acceptance. Here is a classic video to match a classic song.

BP3 Commercial

Arguably one of the greatest hip hop commercials of all-time. Walk with Jay as he recreates his album covers. Directed by Anthony Mandler.

A.T.C.Q.-- We Got The Jazz/ Buggin Out

F.Y.I. Midway Islands

My infacuation with traveling, has drawn my attention to the flags of the perspective countries that I plan on exploring. This flag is a representation of the Midway Islands, which is located between Tokyo and Hawaii. The bird located in the flag symbolizes the unique and rich seabird population. The country consists of two major islands, which import all their goods. Midway is best known for the historic World War II battle between the United States, and Japanese Navies. Dig it.

Fiddler Cap

Stylish hat by Brixton.

James Baldwin Debate

Author, Playwright, and Civil Rights Activist; James Baldwin made no apologies for his feelings or his views. Baldwin shaped his scope based on thought and experience. As a young man growing up in Harlem, he was faced with obstacles that made him consider his place in the world. What made Baldwin so singular was his viewpoint. He was a small, unassuming, unattractive black man—and to top it all off, he was openly gay. Baldwin bravely defied the times by reverently expressing himself, boldly unmasking and exposing the issues surrounding race, sex, and identity. Some of Baldwin’s most notable works include: Go Tell It on the Mountain, Notes of a Native Son, and Blues for Minister Charlie.

Caribana

Caribana is home to one of my most beloved cities--Toronto, Canada. My first experience with Toronto was as a 13-year-old. Being from West Indian descent (Jamaican, and Bermudian) my family wanted to expose me to my culture. At that time, the only thing I knew of the northern city was Vince Carter.

After hopping of the QEW, I immediately fell in love with the multi-cultural city.
As we approached the Caribana parade, I remember seeing the most beautiful women I had ever seen in my 13 years of life- which naturally intensified my love for the city. Needless to say, that trip gave me new found respect for Canada.

Fast forwarding 10 years, I have been back to the city several times, discovering the nuances, soaking up the culture, all while repeatedly recapturing that initial feeling.

The fesitval known as Caribana is an annual celebration of Caribbean culture which is held every year in the T.O. Commenced by immigrants from Trinidad & Tobago and other Carribbean countries, the event has been a staple for Toronto since 1967. Far from a domestic event, the world has embraced the festival attracting more than 1 million visitors. A joyous street parade equipped with floats, flags, and fine women caps the festival. Big up to the T.O.

SingingFool.com - Total - Sitting Home - Music Video

SingingFool.com - Total - Sitting Home - Music Video

Shared via AddThis

Kardi

Jean- Michel Basquiat

Chivalry

As a young man in transition, chivalry has always been a spotty topic. I often thought that since I was raised by a woman, then I would automatically know how to treat one-- I was WRONG. Being raised by a strong black woman, I never really defined chivalry for myself. I often went off what others (generally females) told me, as to what it meant to display chivalry.

Females and males alike told me things such as: opening car doors, walking on the outside of the sidewalk, pulling up the car, introducing her to people, and calling to see if she got in safely . Indeed, I believe all of those before mentioned things exemplify the act; however, as I continue to explore the facts, as well as myself, I am learning some fundamental things about the topic. Things that have both, reaffirmed and redefined what chivalry really means to me.

Chivalry originated from the medieval time period. Back then, the word was associated with knighthood, and the merits of honor and courtly love. Today the word is mainly linked to considerate acts towards women. In fact, due to often misuse of the word, throughout time, the real definition seems vague.

So I looked to others to help me gain perspective. I was told by one female, that a man should open up doors for ladies out of respect. Point well taken, I consider myself respectable, so I did so. In the very next breathe, I heard that same young lady call another female a b*tch. So I am thinking, you want me to respect you and other ladies, yet you disrespect other women?

Another example, I attempted to pattern myself after an older fellow, whom I admired from afar for the way he treated women. I mean my man was SMOOTH. Did, and said all the right things. All up until I figured out he had like 20 girlfriends and was lying to all of them.

Perplexed by what I’ve seen and heard, I choose to define chivalry for myself. The definition started not with a girlfriend, an opened car door, or a formal introduction. No indeed, I looked no further than my own household to try and find what chivalry meant to me.

I found that the way I wanted my sister, as well as my mother treated, is the way that I am going to choose to treat all women. As simple as that.

In all my imperfection, the women that I love will serve as my illustration and lay the blueprint for how I will treat all women. I would suggest that philosophy to the rest of my fellas--because you can’t lose.

It’s ironic that we will fight over somebody disrespecting our mother’s and sisters, but yet, will quickly disrespect somebody else’s mother or sister.

The fact of the matter is good guys may not open doors, and bad guys may, but the truth lies within that man’s intent. Fellas, don’t feel pressured to do anything that you are not ready to do. Be genuine in your intentions, there are no set rules! Do yourself a favor though and don’t listen to what other people tell you to do, take the time to get to know how you want to treat a lady, and apply your own rules. Actions without meaning can be dangerous. They lack significance and if that be the case, then what’s the point? Peace.

Bebe's Kids

For your viewing pleasure, I bring to you, hands-down the funniest cartoon movie of all-time!-- Bebe's Kids!. With an all-star cast that included classic funny people such as: Robin Harris, Faizon Love, and John Witherspoon (Pops) cartoon or not, this was one of my favorite movies of any genre. I commend Robin for puttin up with those little heathens, because if it had be me-- Jamika would have gotten the D-E-U-C-E-S!. They don't make movies like this anymore. Ohh I bet you didn't know they had a Bebe's Kids video game for Super Nintendo. I rented that joint! Classic. Straight Jackin!

Around The Way Girl

Around the way filet, not stuck up tuna.

Black Public Media: Remix: Slaying Goliath

Black Public Media: Remix: Slaying Goliath

Another piece from the masculinity project series, here is a remix of Slaying Goliath, a documentary tracking a young coach and his 11-year-old boys basketball team. The coach attempts to be more than a teacher of the game; but wants to instill virtues in these young boys, attempting to give the kids something he never had. His passion outweighed his approach. Very powerful, check it out.

RESPECT

Respect, Respect, Respect. In this material world that we live in, very few people realize that respect, not money, makes this world go round. You see, respect fuels all of the decisions that we make. Generally, things that we don't respect, we don't do, and things that we do-- good or bad, we proudly proceed in doing. Throughout time, respect has been longed for; resulting in many people crying, lying, and dying in search of it.

Juice, follows four street savvy friends from Harlem, appropriately named "The Wrecking Crew". Using the world as their playground, the crew lives life care-free, and has fun doing it. Until one day the antagonist Bishop (played by Tupac Shakur)botches a petty robbery attempt at a convenient store and kills the cashier. Following the robbery, Raheem, who is the leader of the group attempts to take the gun from Bishop, who still in his rage, kills his fellow crew member and friend Raheem.

With the remaining crew members in shock, Bishop quickly goes from friend to enemy as he threatens to kill the other two crew members (Q and Steele) played by Omar Epps and Jermaine "huggy" Hopkins. The plot thickens as tensions rise between Bishop and the other 2 crew members.

In many cases, respect can be substituted with the words: acceptance, cool, or approval. I learned that all of those things start from within. You don't have to prove anything to anybody. This film illustrates the lengths that some go to, to validate themselves and gain respect. Often times yearing for that feeling forces people to act out of character and attempt to be something there not. But in this case, and many others similiar, it comes with a heavy price.

James Van Der Zee

Vanderzee's decadent style helped capture the essence of the Harlem Renaissance. He was revolutionary in both style and technique, introducing a new way to display African Americans.

Real

Lupe Fiasco- Real - The best bloopers are here

When hip hop meets message you have some of the best, most authentic, and genuine music in the world. Easily one of my favorite Lupe joints of all- time. Please listen. "Struggle, is another sign that God love you, cause on the low being po, makes you humble... Couple my homies, so that got no reason to cuff you.." This song is appropriately titled.

Soul Train Line

object width="425" height="344">

This is my idea of kicking it. Good music, good dancing. They need to bring this show back somehow.

The Best Song I Have Ever Heard-- Ex Factor

In so many ways, this song defines what music means to me. What makes this song so special is; she is able to say in song, what she could not justify in her mind, and could not mend with her heart. Emotionally composed, her words are straightforward, and thought-provoking. Whether or not you have ever been in this situation, the words take you to a place where your forced to undergo her experience.

I guess that is why I now listen to music critically, because I know what "good music" sounds like. I can't just listen to anything; because I just don't wear anything, and I just don't eat anything-- the day you lose your integrity, is the day you lose yourself. People often get upset that Lauryn is no longer making music, but I feel like good music is timeless, and the brilliance of this album is enough to satisfy me forever. This was more than an album, this was her everything, and I understand that.

It could all be so simple
But you'd rather make it hard
Loving you is like a battle
And we both end up with scars
Tell me, who I have to be
To get some reciprocity
No one loves you more than me
And no one ever will

Is this just a silly game
That forces you to act this way
Forces you to scream my name
Then pretend that you can't stay
Tell me, who I have to be
To get some reciprocity
No one loves you more than me
And no one ever will

Hook:
No matter how I think we grow
You always seem to let me know
It ain't workin'
It ain't workin'
And when I try to walk away
You'd hurt yourself to make me stay
This is crazy
This is crazy

I keep letting you back in
How can I explain myself
As painful as this thing has been
I just can't be with no one else
See I know what we got to do
You let go and I'll let go too
'Cause no one's hurt me more than you
And no one ever will

Repeat Hook

Care for me, care for me
I know you care for me

There for me, there for me
Said you'd be there for me

Cry for me, cry for me
You said you'd die for me

Give to me, give to me
Why won't you live for me
(Repeat)