Monday, July 11, 2011

Boulevard Of Dreams

 The world is constantly revolving 24/7, and in all that time what are we able to do. The economy is low, and the homeless are still living on the street. Yet we spend money on all these campaigns talking about " A Change Is About To Come ", and be ready for it (give it a rest). People in the world don't want promises, they want a surefire support system in which their communities and cities can thrive. Where are we with our voices in this world. Anybody can become a rapper, singer, and actor, but it's what we do with those talents that make us spectacular. For example, let's take Mos Def who's songs are often about black empowerment and self worth. This is what we need for the world, for someone to let us know that we can be somebody, and that our words have deep meaning. True, we all have a lot to work on, but isn't it worth it. Being famous isn't about the millions of dollars made in the process, but it's about your strength, our strength. Look for inspiration.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Mother Gets Off Scott Free By Jury

It was a cold day on July 5, 2011, when the verdict was handed down that Casey Anthony was found not guilty of killing her 2 yr old daughter Caylee Anthony. Many people outside the courtroom rejoiced, why other still in protest mourned over the death of this little girl. It's very hard to believe that the jury could make a decision like this. Who in their right mind could actually believe that this woman is not capable of murder ? There are many instances, that place Casey Anthony at the scene of the crime. Caylee went missing June 2008, and in all that time the mother didn't bother to call the police. Casey's mother cindy, kept on asking her daughter to visit, and bring Caylee, but she always told her that she had a big assignment to do in Tampa, Florida. Then she goes out partying with her friends, and having fun. Strange isn't it. Finally, on December 11, 2008 Caylee's remains were found in the woods. All this time, Anthony had not made a complaint until after the 31 days. When asked by the 911 dispatcher why she didn't call immediately, she said : " We had been trying methods to locate her, but have yet to". For someone to say that they care so much about the well-being of their child, Casey didn't do it a good job of protecting hers. This is a woman who said that she was a part of the staff at Universal Studios, and led the police around for hours until she told them that she lied and was fired years earlier. A lot of other things don't add up to this story. Anthony claims that the nanny was with her child( Zenaida Gonzales), was watching her, but on the day in court the woman says that she never met Caylee or Casey. Here's one more thing that will shock you. Anthony wrote in her diary on June 21, something very personal, that should have just been to herself, but as in any case evidence must always be presented. She says: "I have no regrets, just a bit worried. I just want for everything to work out OK. I completely trust my own judgment and know that I made the right decision. I just hope that the end justifies the means. I just want to know what the future will hold for me. I guess I will soon see – This is the happiest that I have been in a very long time. I hope that my happiness will continue to grow– I've made new friends that I really like. I've surrounded myself with good people – I am finally happy. Let's just hope that it doesn't change. " Bone chilling wouldn't you say, No people who got a chance to look at this piece of evidence probably thought " oh, that's just by coincidence, but " nice try, no cigar". There is more to this writing. After analyze it, we can come to the conclusion that Anthony was tired of mother, and in return for her happiness had to kill her daughter. As shocking as it may be, that's the only reasonable explanation for a cause of murder. One of the Juror's(Jennifer Ford, Medical Student, 32), that there wasn't enough evidence to support that Casey had killed her own daughter. She also said " Just because the verdict was "NOT GUILTY" doesn't mean that she's innocent. We can't just put somebody in jail because of speculation, we don't even know how Caylee died ". Stomachs churned as jurors deliberated in the room, the " NOT GUILTY" verdict, but here's the real question. Was the evidence to much to handle, or did they just pick and choose what to cypher out. In my opinion the case is still  not solved. No one even focused on that little girl. Think about it, she was 2 yrs old. Barely walking yet. Now she's robbed of living a full life. No running to mommy or daddy to give them a hug. No visiting grandma and grandpa. No future of going to college. Justice has not been served.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

A Tribe Called Quest: Exclusive

Is it happening ?,can it be true. Why not ?, let's just cut to the chase. For a long time, people have wanted to know what happened to Queens bred group, A Tribe Called Quest. Well now, it is has come true. Actor and Dir. Michael Rapaport, filmed a documentary on the group entitled " Beats, Rhymes & Life : The Travels Of A Tribe Called Quest ". Here, all answers and questions are uncovered, but before we move on further about the upcoming movie, let's back track to a little history. A Tribe Called Quest is highly anticipated rap group that emerged from the city of St Albans, Queens NY. The group consisted of Q-Tip(John Davis), Phife Dawg( Malik Taylor), Ali Shaeed, and sometimes member Jarobi White( who left the group to attend culinary school, returning back in 2006). Their first album "People Instinctive Travels & the Paths of Rhythm" released in 1990, brought a level of consciousness & humor that changed the world of hip-hop forever. In 1996, it was certified gold by the RIAA. The blend between Phife Dawg's ranchy style, and Q-Tip's smooth melodic harmonies.................made for good chemistry between the two. He also produced the debut album himself. This lead to more success with albums like "The Low End Theory", "Midnight Marauders" & "Beats, Rhymes & Life(Prod. Credit, Ali Shaeed; Jay Dee)". In 1995, Ali & Tip founded the super-group "The Ummah" with the late J-Dilla(known as Jay Dee at the time). Between the " Beats, Rhymes, & Life" album, and the recordings for "The Love Movement", Phife Dawg stated that he and Q-Tip began to have problems, among other things.

Phife Dawg: Q-Tip and Ali had converted to Islam and I didn't. Music felt like a job; like I was just doin' it to pay bills. I never want my music to feel like just a job. They would schedule studio time at the last minute. I'd catch a plane from Atlanta to be in New York and when I got to the studio, no one would be there. They would have canceled the session without telling me. Seemed like the management was concerned with other folks not me. But I never lost my confidence. (source Wikipedia).

During the recording of " Beats, Rhymes & Life ", the relationship that once was between Taylor & Davis had disintegrated into nothing. It seemed like all the years of  number one hits, phat jazz samples, and creativity had never been. This could explain the reason for Phife Dawg only appearing on 8 of the 15 tracks for that album. Finally after two years on hiatus, Tribe released their final album in 1998 called " The Love Movement Album". This was critically their most "unimaginative" and "uninspired " piece of work to hit record stores, with the exception of "Find My Way" for which a video had been produced. The album was a failed effort, as well as a good bye to fans, and close associates who had no idea the group would break up shortly after. It seemed that everyone was destined to go on their own way, and became semi-successful. Q-Tip launched a solo career on the violator label, with his first album titled "Amplified"( a commercial effort which was a first for tip), with two popular singles "Breathe & Stop" & "Vibrant Thing". Ali Shaeed, teamed up with " Rapheel Sadiq ( formerly known as Charles Wiggins from Tony, Toni, Tone), and Dawn Robinson from En Vogue and performed under the name "Lucy Pearl". Their song " I Wanna Dance Tonight" was major hit being played in bars and dance clubs around America. After replacing Dawn with Joi, the group failed 2 years later. As for Phife Dawg...................well, he did a little better. Da Ventilation: EP was a major success, and spawned the single " Flawless", which took a shot at Q-Tip. It has been years since these guys have seen each other, what does the future hold for them. Is there still animosity towards one other?. Is there any magic left. Will Tribe record a new album ?. You'll just have to wait and see what happens. " Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels Of A Tribe Called Quest", is coming out this Friday in theaters on July 8th. If you're a true hip-hop fan, support Tribe, and go out to see this movie. History in the making.