Higher Learning

Higher Learning explores the "Freshmen" experinece through the eyes of a multitude of highly dynamic characters. Touching on topics such as acceptance, racism, sterotypes, and sexuality, the film spares no emotion when it comes to illustrating the reality that many encounter as college freshmen. Since college is a microcosm of society, Higher Learning expresses what many face in the world.

This film goes to show the timelessness of the issues we face. The same concerns that have plagued college campuses in 1995, are still relavant in 2009. Take a look at this clip. If you have never seen the movie, college grad or not, I strongly encourage it.

Pete Rock & CL Smooth: T.R.O.Y.

Classic video. Song even better.

Meet: Byron Hurt

When it comes to challenging cultural norms, and questioning gender related issues in the African-American community, no one does it better than Byron Hurt.

Hurt is a critically acclaimed filmmaker/writer, who has produced several documentaries. The most notable being Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes, which premiered in Utah, at the Sundance Film Festival in 2006. Beyond Beats and Rhymes was aired on the PBS series Independent Lens, and garnered major attention capturing more than 1.3 million viewers.

Hurt also includes activist to his many titles. Through his voice, as well as his actions, Hurt has attempted to tap into the way people perceive race and gender.

He has also served as a gender violence prevention educator. Hurt has been down for the cause since his college days as quarterback for the Northeastern University football team. While there, Hurt along with others found the Mentors in Violence Prevention(MVP) program, which is a college-based rape and domestic violence prevention initiative for college and professional athletics.

As a result of his extraordinary perspective, Hurt has been embraced by numerous media outlets such as The New York Times, The Source Magazine, and Entertainment Weekly to name a few.


In my opinion we need more people like Hurt, to not be afraid to confront cultural norms that in many ways plague our community Check out the clip.

Nutty Professor: Club Scream Scene

Honestly,this is one of the funniest/ saddest scenes that I have ever watched. The way Reggie tore Sherman up did not make no damn sense! After this movie came out, every kid on the playground was using these jokes. This just goes to show how funny Dave Chappelle really is.

Immature-- Baby Please Don't Go

Im grown so I can admit this. When I was 9 and 10 years old. I wanted to be in Immature. I wanted the braids, the shades, the cool dance moves. Everything. At any rate this is a throw back from the past. One of the saddest videos I have ever seen. LoL. Check it out.

Culture Shock: LeDroit Park

Conveniently tucked away in the northwest quadrant of Washington D.C., this once gated community flaunts a history dating back to the 1870’s.

The area was originally developed by Amzi Barber, one of Howard University’s original trustees. Upon Barber’s resignation from the board, he purchased what was then farm land and began to develop the space. Barber hired architect James H. McGill to begin building the homes. Between 1873 and 1877 there were 50 homes constructed. McGill named the neighborhood after successsful real esate broker LeDroit Langdon.

McGill crafted the homes using Victorian architecture, which was heavily used throughout the construction of many big cities in the U.S. and abroad. Cities like: London (UK), Chicago, Toronto, Richmond (VA), Boston, San Francisco, Grand Rapids, Glasgow (UK), Manchester (UK), all boast this elegant architecture.

With tree lined streets, and distinct shrubbery, LeDroit Park was designed to be an exclusive White’s only suburb of Washington D.C. Fully equipped with security guards, and a gate to fence in the community. This intentional segregation was rather ironic due to its location. The neighborhood borders Howard University which is a historically black university, additionally; LeDroit Park was surrounded by blacks who resided in bordering neighborhoods. After many failed efforts to try to integrate the community the tension became too thick. In 1888, Howard University students broke down the fences to LeDroit Park, which proved to be quite symbolic.

Upon tearing down the gates, in 1893 LeDroit Park welcomed its first black resident, Mr. Octavius Williams, who was a barber at The Capitol. Soon after Williams moved in, others followed. So much so, that by the 1940’s the once exclusive all white suburb was now an affluent all black neighborhood, where prominent blacks of that time resided. Notable LeDroit Park residents include: Dr. Ralph Bunche, General William Birney, senator Edward Brooke, Poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, Jazz Legend Duke Ellington, and Civil Rights Activist Rev. Jesse Jackson.

FYI-- MY BUDDIES

MY BUDDIES
Snaps & Rank- Sessions

Back in the 6th and 7th grade I just knew that I was going to be a comedian. Martin was, and still is one of my idols, and back then I wanted to be just like him. I used to study and memorize all his jokes. From Hakeem Olajadome- to Wevie Wonder, I know them all. However, I believe my interest in Martin derived from the 3rd grade when I had an altercation with Mr. Marquel Patton. Here is the story:

As many of you may know growing up your joke game had to be on point. If your mom bought you a jersey with somebody who did not play for that team anymore, it was NOT considered a throwback! Back then it was considered generic! and you were going to get it.

I distinctly remember getting some buddies (AKA, no- name- brand shoes). As soon as my mom bought me the shoes I already knew what it was. The next day she tried to send me to school with the buddies and I strongly protested, but she was not trying to hear that. So she demanded that I wear the shoes and sent me off to school. It was a VERY slow walk to school that day. With every step I took, I looked down at the no- name- brand buddies. If I could have went to school bare foot that day, I would have!

My nervousness grew as I approached the school. I was intentionally late that day to avoid the basketball game that I played with my friends before school. There was no way that I was about to hoop in Air-Buddies! I eagerly entered the school, not saying a word to anyone and quickly sat down at my desk to hide the buddies. I breathed a collective sigh of relief. I was safe.

The buddies were hidden under the desk, everything was OK. As the day progressed I forgot I had the buddies on. I was laughing and joking and carry-on and everything seemed cool right? WRONG! As 12:00 hit I forgot about the most social part of the day, lunch! As my friend commenced me for lunch I began to sweat bullets. My heart was beating a mile a minute as we walked to the lunch room to stand in line. My friend asked me "Man you look sick, are you alright?" Truth be told I was shook knowing in the back of my head that somebody was going to call out my buddies.

However, It had been 4 hours without a word from anybody, my confidence gained as I thought about my status in the school. I was a star at Riveredge Elementary. I was a star in the talent show, and won the pattle-tennis,and hot-shot competitions at field day. I did not even know why I was trippin, I was good.

As soon as I began to breathe easy, I began to hear chuckles, then I heard a voice scream out "AWWW HELL NAW". As I turned around I saw my rival, Marquel Patton. I knew that I was about to get it. Man, he went so hard on my buddies the whole line was dying with laughter. He attacked my buddies from all angles, and sent me back to class with a salty face! In fact, I was salty for the rest of the year, hell I still fell a way about that day.

I tell you that story to say that from that point forward I knew I had to have some jokes. So I studied Martin, and watched show likes Def Comedy Jam, Comicview, Wayans Brothers, and Jamie Foxx.

While alot of my material was original, I also read books. One of the books I studied was called SNAPS. For those who don't know, SNAPS was a joke book that had some of the best jokes from all the famous comedians. I remember being so excited when I got Snaps 3 for Christmas ! (LOL). After I got my joke game up it just was not fair, The kids at Riveredge Elementary, and Roehm Middle School were not safe. I used to be able to go toe-to-toe with anybody.

Anybody who tried to pull my card was getting ranked on, and I had material for days. Momma Jokes, House Jokes, Clothes Jokes, Shoes Jokes, you name it, I had it. However, my specialty was HEAD JOKES, and LOOK-ALIKES! man I could go on for days on somebodies head (No Homo). While I still can go toe-to-toe, admittedly I have lost some of my luster. At 23, I might get into a rank session and get embarrassed, and for the record I am ashamed to admit that.

At any rate, I want to take this time to commemorate rank-sessions, as well as snaps, for making me the man I am today. Ya Dig.

Erykah Badu-- Otherside Of The Game

Back when Dre 3000 and Erykah was kicking it. Video was dope. I never could figure out if Andre was a drug dealer or not in this video. There apartment was dope though.

Feature: Replay-tionships

REPLAY-TIONSHIPS
Serious Relationship Vs. Marriage


Committed Relationship- No Definition Found

Marriage- Is a social, spiritual, and/or legal union of individuals. This union may also be called matrimony, while the ceremony that marks its beginning is usually called a wedding and the married status created is sometimes called wedlock.

Boyfriend- Is a person's regular male companion in a romantic or sexual relationship, which falls short of a long-term committed (eg. marital) relationship.

Girlfriend- Is a term that can refer to either a female partner in a non-marital romantic relationship.

Husband- A man who is married.

Wife- A married woman.

When it comes to relationships, I think my man from the Stylistics with the high voice said it best when he led in the song with “ Tell me what’s wrong with you now, tell me why I never seem to make you happy, though heaven knows I try, what does it take to please you”. While in this particular song it is a man talking to a woman, we all know that in relationships either person can find themselves echoing this sentiment.

For anybody who has ever been in a relationship, I challenge you to answer this question:
What is the difference between a committed/serious relationship and marriage? And don’t try to cop out and say a ring, because we all know, that the ring alone is not good enough (LOL). I am looking for somebody to tell me what the different dynamics of a serious relationship opposed to marriage are.

For example, things like honesty, loyalty, responsibility, commitment, and trust are all things that are supposed to constitute a relationship. I understand, and agree to that. However the question I raise is; are there different levels to these principals? And if so what are they? In today’s society I am confused on the difference between the two, and when I ask people what those differences are; they look at me with this “Ohh Damn” face.

Granted, there are a lot of things that the two share, but I guess what I am searching for, are the differences. Work with me on this one.

Sometimes in life you develop your solutions by knowing what NOT to do. You remember when you were in school and you took a multiple choice test and there were two answers that looked right and one that made you say “I know that shit ain't right”, and you then guessed between the other two (I used to do that all the time by the way). This is the prudence that I speak of. Without this judgement you could find yourself replaying the same mistakes over and over, because you do not know what is right or wrong.

So I attempted to answer my own question. While racking my brain I understood why people were giving me that “Ohh Damn” face. Upon my long deliberation I only managed to come up with one counter, and that was EXPECTATION.

Expectations can get you in a lot of trouble. Man, I can give you a dissertation on how man times I have disappointed myself with “high expectations”. At any rate, as it applies to a relationship I think that expectations must be layed out to one another open and honestly. So each one of you know where each other stands.

Therefore, you can cover yo ass when it comes to your partner trying to check you, or on the flipside your partner can constitute checkin yo ass, if you don’t carry your weight. I must admit, that us fellas seem to fall short of doing this, and often get checked, (and for the record it has happened to me many many times lol) I have since adopted this theory of expectations in my personal relationship repertoire, and would suggest you do the same.

I think that due to expectations, pressure may be cast on that person to meet those expectations, and quite frankly some people are better suited to be girlfriends and boyfriends, then husbands and wives.

So let me know what you think the difference between a serious relationship and marriage is. Who knows, you may learn something in the process. Ya Dig.

Mos Def: Ms. Fat Booty

Black on Both Sides. Classic Hip Hop Album. Video and the beat is crazy!. 1999

Culture Shock: Music Videos

My infactuation with hip- hop videos runs deep. My first real recollection of hip-hop videos came when I was about 6 years old. I can recall spending the night at my older cousin's house. We spent countless hours watching videos! She used to have videos on while she did her homework, as well as when she talked to her boyfriend on the phone. When her favorite song came on she would tell me to go turn the t.v. up. As i got off the couch, and followed my order she would belt out the national black phrase when it comes to liking a song " ohh... that's my shit!" ( Don't act like you dont use it). As I watched Positive K say " What ya man got to do wit me" and saw Kriss Kross wear backward jerseys and "Jump Jump" my intrigue with hip hop videos began. I may not have fully understood what was going on, but the music, and the images left a lasting impression on me.

The older I grew, so did my infacuation. By this time I was fully submerged in the world of Hype Williams, Paul Hunter, and Little X, as they visually captured some of my favorite songs. As the only child, I remember waking up in the summertime, with my parents already at work, and watching about 2 hours of MTV Beach House with Bill Bellamy. Back then MTV and BET did not play all the same videos. MTV played all the mainstream hip hop artists like Puff Daddy, LL Cool J, and Missy Elliot, so I would switch over to BET to watch the grimier low budget- but- equally as hot videos from artists like Wu Tang, Black Moon, Common, and The Lost Boyz. At night I even learned a thing or two about slow jams watching Video Soul, and Midnight Love. When my Jamaican side came out, I would watch the fine-as-wine host Rachel, walk up and down the beach introducing videos on Carribean Rythms.

On the weekends, while waiting to get my haircut in the barbershop I would get a double dose of Teen Summit, and the Rap City Countdown. I distinctly remember the episode when Bone Thugs- N- Harmony performed live for the first time and how juiced I was ( I am from Cleveland). Then I would watch the Rap City Countdown with my man Joe Clair, as he profiled some of the hottest artists and featured the top videos. I can remember how I use to try to guess which video would be # 1.

Shows like Direct Effect, MTV Beach House, MuchMusic (Canadian Station) MTV JAMZ, Rap City the Bassment, The Center, Cita's World, 106 & Park, and the infamous "UnCut" were the platforms that showcased all of my videos during my youth.

As an adult, videos have taken a new shape. With new technoly, and futuristic production, videos have been upgraded to full scale productions.
However. I love to watch MTVJams,and VH1 Soul, theses stations give you non stop videos, which feature the hottest videos of today, and also reconnect you to videos past.

In closing, videos are much more than a 4 minute clip. Videos tell stories, introduce fashions, and take you places in the world that you have never seen. Videos capture the essense of an era, taking you away from your existence and inserting you in that world. Long, Live, Hip- Hop Videos. Ya Dig.

Martin: Almondy

The best sitcom ever! Martin is the G.O.A.T. of black sitcoms, hands down! Ya Dig. Please Enjoy! "Call me Almond!" LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!

House Party: Battle Scene and Dance Scene

Easily my favorite movie of all time! I know every line to this scene. Kid N Play, Martin Lawrence, Robin Harris, Tisha Campbell, Pops from Wayans Brothers, Full Force, they don't make movies like this anymore, this movie is simply a classic! I don't care what anybody says, watching this movie makes me want to be at the party doing the cabbage patch right along with them. You can watch this joint with your girl, your boys, or just by yourself and it will still be funny. House Party 2: The Pajama Jammy Jamm, and Class Act are also some of my favorites, However, I must say that House Party 3 was not as good, and we are not even going to speak on House Party 4 with Marcus Houston, that was a disgrace to the House Party legacy! At any rate anybody who has ever been to one can truly appreciate a good ole house party. "You did'nt Play, You Just Got PLAYED OUT" LOL... Ya Dig. Enjoy

FYI--Attention Club- Goers

Where do I begin... Let me first start off by saying that I do not go to the club very often. I am 23, and I like to have a good time, but I am begining to find out more and more that the club may not be an ideal place to achieve this. Case in point, I am in D.C. for Howard's Homecoming. I am at what is supposed to be one of the more poppin clubs in D.C.,( club will remain nameless). A rack of fine women, celebrity appearances, and good music, a recipe for fun right? WRONG... Call me crazy, but I for one come to the club to dance and have a good time with my people. I quickly found that this is not what others come to do. So I was in the club trying to do my thing, when I was constantly disrupted by people trying to walk around and be seen and shit! Now granted I took into consideration that I was at one of the biggest clubs in D.C., but everytime I attempted to get into a song I was being scooped or brushed to the side by either a single dude lookin for somebody to dance with, or a chain of girls holding hands, going God knows where. (Yeah you know that chain of 3 or 4 girls holding hands dancing to the music but not dancing with anybody in particular!) That chain really irks me. Oh and those thirsty dudes walking around trying to sneak up on innocent girls dancing, yeah that blows mine too! Lol.. I know we are in the club and those attention hungry people feel the need to be seen, but with all do respect, people like me who can give a damn about what, and who is looking my way are just trying to kick it. Maybe I am wrong, but If I am dancing, and I see that same chain of girls, and that same lame dude walking around, interupting me from doing me, I am going to get irratated. So let this serve as a public service announcement. LADIES: No holding hands in the club!!! AND FELLAS: please refrain from walking around the club aimlessly (that is not a good look, LOL... lololololol that shit is pathetic) at least dance in place and act like you doing something.
Ya Dig.

Method Man: Breakups 2 Makeups

One of Hype William's Finest. " You did'nt want me when you had me, now you on yo third baby daddy". Meth is a fool for this one. Peep 50 in this video as well.

Above The Rim

One of my favorite movies of all time. Not to mention, one of the best soundtracks of all time!

Culture Shock: Harlem Renaissance

In my thirst for cultural knowledge, there is no other time period in which I feel a greater connection than the Harlem Renaissance. From the intellectual awakening, the self-exploring cultural explosion, and the undeniable individuality, there is no doubt that if I had a time machine, I would set it to 1925, and transport myself straight to the infamous Burrough. The character in which this time period represents, just speaks to me.

The Renaissance's life span was roughly 25 years, as it was acknowledged around 1919, and lasted until the mid 1930's. The Renaissance helped break down cultural barriers, which for the 1st time allowed African-Americans to freely express themselves, and people were actually paying attention. Centralized in Harlem, The Renaissance paved way to black expression, and in many ways, celebrated and introduced black culture to the world. During this time, The movement took place figuratively and literally. The Great Migration, which saw blacks moving up north, seeking opportunity, post the abolition of slavery. They migrated to towns like Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Philadelphia, and New York, where Harlem emerged as the cultural epicenter.

Due to the amount of new blacks in these areas, the appetite for black culture began to roar. Jazz and Blues music surfaced where stars headlined and sold out popular Harlem night spots like The Cotton Club, The Savoy Ballroom, and The Apollo. Black artists such as Aaron Douglas, Jacob Lawrence, and Augusta Savage, who captured their feelings and emotions on canvasses. Most of all, there was an intellectual influx. Playwrights, poets, authors, scholars, and political activists, had a collective hand in helping redefine the way that blacks perceived the world. Figures such as, Langston Hughes, W.E.B. Dubois, Alain Locke, and Claude McKay, to name a few, all made their respected contributions to this new found perspective.

So as much as I am an "80's baby", I also have a special place in my soul for The Renaissance. My generation was molded by the ideals of this time, So as you reflect on all the different elements that have influenced you and your surroundings, take a moment to pay homage to The Renaissance. Ya Dig.

Classic Scene

Classic Scene from the H.N.I.C. himself, Joe Clark. This is one of my favorite scenes of all time!

Rell Ft. Jay-Z Love for Free

Classic ROC video. One of the best songs that never got airplay. 1998

Sports-- LBJ = MVP

Whether you are a professed "Witness" or merely a casual observer, you have to respect the work that "The King" has put in this season. In the poetic words of my 2nd favorite rapper of all- time " You Can't Knock The Hustle". James has catapulted the once abysmal Cavaliers from collective Zero's to Hero's. From his much anticipated arrival into the league in 2003, the then 18- year -old made his presence felt early and often. The season prior to James's arrival the Cavaliers flaunted a record of 17-65, making them the worst team in the NBA. James quickly erased any doubt of his ability, as he led the team to an impressive 18 game turnaround, as the Cavaliers narrowly missed the playoffs. Along the way, he graciously snatched up R.O.Y. honors (Rookie of the Year). Since his arrival, the Cavaliers have progressively won more games in every year but one. James has done nothing but build to his legend, making the All-Star game every season after his rookie season, and winning two All-Star M.V.P's, two conference final appearances, one NBA Finals appearance, and was a catalyst on the Redeem Team that took the gold in Beijing.

I say all that to say this. In my humble opinion ,the MVP trophy is not won in a single season. It takes a track record of excellence to even be mentioned. James has not only solidified his name, but has captured the attention of fans domestic and abroad.

Statistically. We are not even gonna go there. You already know the numbers. Oh and the defensive intensity that once had people second guessing his K.I. (Killer Instinct), James has looked like a volleyball player this year, as he has repeatedly spiked and pinned unsuspecting players shots to the glass. Simply put, James has the most complete body of work of any player in the league, but don't let me tell it, the proof is in the pudding.

FYI-- Ibn Jasper

For all of you Lupe Fiasco heads, this one's for you. On the smooth, melodic, "Paris, Tokyo" Lupe spits the words "The reason I get fly as Ibn Jasper", and I began to think who the hell is Ibn Jasper? Is he a pilot? a designer? who is he? Truth be told, Ibn Jasper is a fresh, young Chicago based Image Consultant who has worked with both Lupe and Kanye. Jasper's kick game is strong enough to make David Beckham jealous, check out the link as Jasper gives insight on all things "Fly". Ya Dig. Lol