Ok, so the Super Bowl tried to take some of the shine away from Black people, but this is out month, damnit, so I'm pressing on! Today I shine the BHM spotlight on Bob Marley. Today is his birthday, so I thought it'd be a good idea to celebrate a man who did so much and just seemed like he'd be fun to chill with.
Bob Marley somehow crossed over to America and won over the hearts and minds of people. It just goes to show that music really is the international language. He introduced the US to not only the rasta culture, but also reggage music. He simultaneously gave people a new sound and a reason to smoke weed. Pretty impressive. Sadly suburban kids all over the country now see Bob as someone who is on their blacklight poster or just as some huge pot icon. He was so much more.
Oh, while I'm on the subject of pot and Jamaicans... (White) people, please stop asking me if my parents smoke weed. I don't ask if your mom is on meth or oxy. You are really ignorant and should slap yourself in the face.
OK, I got off topic, but I'm back! Bob was a great man who left the world great music with a great message. Happy Birthday to a true legend! Get into some island music right now:
Monday, February 6, 2012
Super Bowl Zest 2012
So yesterday was the Super Bowl. I would by lying if I said I was excited about anything other than hanging out with my friends, eating and having some drinks. I wasn't a fan of either team, nor did I really want any one of them to win because of a vendetta for beating my team. I just wanted to see a good game that kept me interested and this year didn't disappoint. I got what I needed.
Somewhere in the middle of the game, Madonna came out. She didn't just come out, but she came out in a super homoerotic, dramatic fashion, which I liked. The Roman setup was pretty damned genius. I am glad she came out to "Vogue" The dancers, costumes and song choice made her entrance the gayest of all time. Physically, she looked amazing. I thought the projection of the Vogue covers was HUGE. HUGE!
She launched into "Music" and brought out some parcour guys. Those dudes are badass. Then she walked up to some dude that looked like Cupid with a Jew fro. I was about to hate and then he started bopping around on a rope and I had to promptly shut the fuck up. Then Madonna got on a platform and started jumping around looking like she was on a rope too. That was smart. Rope walking and bouncing isn't' something you learn overnight. So I'd fake it too. LMFAO (The current reppers of the Jew Fro) came out and was the first hint of Madonna trying to bridge the gap between her era and what the kids are loving today. Hell she even had a mashup with them. I blame Glee for this. SHe did the shufflin' dance which made me smile. Then LMFAO helped take off part of her skirt without any coochie coming out (I'm staring DEAD at you Justin Timberlake and Janet)
Then she launched into her new song, which no one seems to like. Nicki looked deranged, MIA flipped the bird and that's all I'm gonna say.
A marching band came out and Cee Lo came out with them. Madonna "sang" some of "Open your Heart" "Express Yourself" and then she launched into "Like a Prayer" It was a pretty dramatic way to end the performance. Ooop! I spoke too soon. Her dropping into the stage in a plume of smoke was even more dramatic.
Ok, so here are my thoughts in no particular order:
Why did Cee Lo have on more sequins than Madonna?
Was Cee Lo the only one to sing live?
Why were people so upset that she was lip syncing? 1.) It's the Halftime Show and it's pretty standard to do so. 2.) She's Madonna and not exactly the best vocalist to begin with. For her, it's about the performance more than raw vocals.
Why did MIA do that? Like seriously? I mean I know she needs attention and love, but that's not the way to do it. I thought it was interesting that Madonna chose to play it safe with regards to sex in this show. I saw her on Leno and she made a joke about not repeating Janet because she doesn't like to do what has been done before (that's a lie, but whatever) I like that people were expecting something raunchy and she gave us something appropriate for families in the flat states. MIA had to come along and fuck it up.
When did her all black choir get some white? I do like Cee Lo singing the solo. He did the original sassy black woman justice.
Why are people tripping over her being "stiff" 1.) she's 53. 2.) She allegedly pulled her hamstring 3.) WE give everyone else a pass, but hold her to these crazy expectations. I mean I have seen Britney lok positively comatose and people are talking about how she "slayed it" Girl bye.
Was anyone else hoping that after she dropping into the stage she would reappear in some nosebleed seats like MJ did back in the day? No? Just me? Whatever, skip you then.
So pretty much Madonna not only delivered but did the damned thing. You don't have to love her or even be gay as hell to realise that she took on a pretty big task and was about to rise to the occasion. Oh, and did I mention that she's 53? Just marinate on that for a bit...
Somewhere in the middle of the game, Madonna came out. She didn't just come out, but she came out in a super homoerotic, dramatic fashion, which I liked. The Roman setup was pretty damned genius. I am glad she came out to "Vogue" The dancers, costumes and song choice made her entrance the gayest of all time. Physically, she looked amazing. I thought the projection of the Vogue covers was HUGE. HUGE!
She launched into "Music" and brought out some parcour guys. Those dudes are badass. Then she walked up to some dude that looked like Cupid with a Jew fro. I was about to hate and then he started bopping around on a rope and I had to promptly shut the fuck up. Then Madonna got on a platform and started jumping around looking like she was on a rope too. That was smart. Rope walking and bouncing isn't' something you learn overnight. So I'd fake it too. LMFAO (The current reppers of the Jew Fro) came out and was the first hint of Madonna trying to bridge the gap between her era and what the kids are loving today. Hell she even had a mashup with them. I blame Glee for this. SHe did the shufflin' dance which made me smile. Then LMFAO helped take off part of her skirt without any coochie coming out (I'm staring DEAD at you Justin Timberlake and Janet)
Then she launched into her new song, which no one seems to like. Nicki looked deranged, MIA flipped the bird and that's all I'm gonna say.
A marching band came out and Cee Lo came out with them. Madonna "sang" some of "Open your Heart" "Express Yourself" and then she launched into "Like a Prayer" It was a pretty dramatic way to end the performance. Ooop! I spoke too soon. Her dropping into the stage in a plume of smoke was even more dramatic.
Ok, so here are my thoughts in no particular order:
Why did Cee Lo have on more sequins than Madonna?
Was Cee Lo the only one to sing live?
Why were people so upset that she was lip syncing? 1.) It's the Halftime Show and it's pretty standard to do so. 2.) She's Madonna and not exactly the best vocalist to begin with. For her, it's about the performance more than raw vocals.
Why did MIA do that? Like seriously? I mean I know she needs attention and love, but that's not the way to do it. I thought it was interesting that Madonna chose to play it safe with regards to sex in this show. I saw her on Leno and she made a joke about not repeating Janet because she doesn't like to do what has been done before (that's a lie, but whatever) I like that people were expecting something raunchy and she gave us something appropriate for families in the flat states. MIA had to come along and fuck it up.
When did her all black choir get some white? I do like Cee Lo singing the solo. He did the original sassy black woman justice.
Why are people tripping over her being "stiff" 1.) she's 53. 2.) She allegedly pulled her hamstring 3.) WE give everyone else a pass, but hold her to these crazy expectations. I mean I have seen Britney lok positively comatose and people are talking about how she "slayed it" Girl bye.
Was anyone else hoping that after she dropping into the stage she would reappear in some nosebleed seats like MJ did back in the day? No? Just me? Whatever, skip you then.
So pretty much Madonna not only delivered but did the damned thing. You don't have to love her or even be gay as hell to realise that she took on a pretty big task and was about to rise to the occasion. Oh, and did I mention that she's 53? Just marinate on that for a bit...
Sunday, February 5, 2012
BHM Day 5: Football Players
As we all prepare for the kickoff to this year's SuperBowl, I would like to take a minute to shine today's BHM spotlight on black football players. I want you to take a minute, close you eyes and imagine the NFL without Black people. Pretty bleak, right? Truth of the matter is, Black men are what make the NFL so entertaining. They are the biggest personalities (Chad Ochocinco anyone?) and know how to talk the best trash. I mean, how many White dudes can you think of pulling off a touchdown dance with the finesse of his Black counterpart?
These footballers prove that people CAN come from nothing and end up living the American dream. They can get those houses, gator shoes AND a white girl! (Kanye reference, calm down) I mean, that is what I call living! They also serve as why sound investing is a good idea.They have come from being segregated to not only integrating, but also becoming quite a driving force. IN the 2010 draft a player cited his being White as the reason why four players got drafted before him. Never would I ever thought I'd see the day where someone would say that NOT being black was a reason for being looked over. We've come a long way, baby.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
BHM Day 4: Tyler Perry
Everyone who knows anything about me knows that I am not a huge Tyler Perry fan. I am not into Madea and I'm pretty much sick of people telling me "good mornting" Let it go. I, however, cannot hate on another Black man getting paid. I mean TyTy Baby made the whole world stop and say "hey, Black people go to the movies and want to see other Black people on the big screen" and ran with it. His hustle is NOT to be fucked with and this is why I am shining the BHM spotlight on his ass.
I saw "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" numerous times as my friends would go out and get drunk and want to watch it. IT wasn't horrible. I saw "Why Did I Get Married" and that was decent. I guess I just don't see the big deal about his films; everyone from Black to members of team zest seem to be obsessed with his stuff. You don't know how many times zestlemen come up to me quoting Madea and then they are all shocked when I'm clueless/not trying to hear that noise. I guess it speaks volumes that he is able to cross over without having to whitewash his characters. I'm going to leave it at that. Enjoy your day Mr Perry!
Friday, February 3, 2012
BHM Day 3: Michelle Williams
OK, I know it's BHM, and I do realise that the chick in the above photograph isn't "B" by any means. She is as white as they come. I am not talking about her pale ass! I am talking about Michelle Williams, international singing sensation (girl, I guess?) I am shining the BHM spotlight on her because she exemplifies a woman who is on her grind. She came in to Destiny's Child to replace Letoya and Latavia and knew her place immediately: RIGHT THE FUCK BEHIND BEYONCE. She didn't make too many moves or talk too greasy, as she knew who was cutting them checks. I'm sure she knew that if anything were to happen to Bey, Kelly would be next in line to inherit all the fame and wigs.
Destiny's Child disbanded and she went on to record a Christian album. I am guessing that was Beyonce's daddy ensuring that Michelle fall off the pop radar. It worked. Then DC got back together and Michelle was ever so happy that her Metro PCS would be reactivated. Then they broke up for real for real. Beyonce launched into megafame. Kelly um... well she's big in Europe and Michelle was on RuPaul's Drag Race AND Broadway. Now you out there tell me who is on top!(Hint: not Michelle)
Alright, in all seriousness, Michelle has always been "the other girl" IT's always like "you know that girl in DC that's not Beyonce or Kelly?" Hell, Google Michelle Williams today (as I just did) and all the images relate to the White Michelle Williams. That alone would fuck with my head, but she holds her head up high and continues to work and push to do what she loves. Will she ever reach Beyonce fame? Hell to the naw! Slap yourself if you even thought about that question! BUT, she is a survivor. Hell, look at her bounce back after this tumble:
Thursday, February 2, 2012
BHM Day 2: Princess Tiana
Another day in BHM means it's time to shine our BHM light on another person who has contributed to the cause. Today we are lifting up Sister Tiana. She is the star of Disney's 2009 animated film "The Princess and the Frog" As far as I know she is the first Black Disney princess. Yay for you girl!
In other news: Disney, what took you so damned long? I mean, you are an American company and there are a lot of black people living here. Cartoons and all of the crappy toys/marketing that goes along with them are important for kids. They give them something to aspire to or someone they can relate to. I mean, you guys made movies with Ginger, Asian and Persian leads. I am GLAD the gingers have someone to look u to them. I guess they are a minority that you don't want to piss off...
Anyway, let me stop being bitter for a moment. It's BHM and no one likes a bitter black man (unless you are casting for a MTV reality show) I guess I'm gonna go with "better late than never" And instead of focusing on the fact that Tiana couldn't even have a Prince Lamar to fall in love with, I am going to focus on the interracial love instead. See this is me being positive in 2012. I'm on my Orpah ish this month!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
BHM Day 1: Don Cornelius
So today I got news of the death of Don Cornelius. Apparently he took his own life at the age of 75. Kind of crazy right? Well it also so happens to be the first day of BHM (Black History Month) so I thought it would be fitting for me to lift up Brother Cornelius for his contributions. I remember growing up and watching Soul Train and thinking how cool it would be to be on that show. I dreamed of the day that I could go on there and make my way down that Soul Train line. I even had a few dances ready to go just in case I ever got that call and they needed a chubby elementary school kid to jump in and help out.
Years later, I am still ready for a soul train line. Granted my dances now are a bit more extreme and involving me p'ing my C, but I just call that evolution. Or something. I guess my point is that years later, the impression left by Don and his Soul Train is still there. I just am comforted by the fact that in Heaven people are lining up and showing out in their own soul train line.
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