Who's Rich Hil???

I couldn't wait till 'Music Monday'!! loll

Rich Hil is a pretty talented MC. I came across a song he has with Kid Cudi, Won't You Tell Me, and liked it. After further research I found out he was the son of Tommy Hilfiger, yes, the fashion designer.  This made me dubious of his talent as a rap artist but also heightened my intrigue. I started youtubing some more of his music and fell upon, Leaning on my Re-up, also ILL. I read up on him and he's got a lot of cosigns from pretty decent artists so I decided to download his mix-tape and I luhhh it!! 'I Can't Stay Longer'  and ' Love Like Mine' are my favorite tracks thus far, but i'm only on my first listen and doin it while i'm writing this.

Download Limosa Nostra Act 1 here!!. It's also rumored that he will be releasing a mixtape with Kid Cudi. 

Check Day Dream and Love my Love.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Rock the Bells 2010

So the 7th Annual hip-hop Rock the Bells tour line-up was announced a couple days ago and i've been anticipating this because I heard Lauryn Hill and A Tribe Called Quest were headlining it. BULLSHIT!! I'm not surprised but i'm still pissed! I will remain faithful though because there's still time for them to get on. The tour kicks off on August 21 at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, CA then continue on to Shoreline Amphitheater in San Francisco on August 22, Governer’s Island in New York on August 28, and will wrap up at Merriweather Pavilion in Washington D.C. on August 29. (Friends take note- Yall know August is my birthday month and making this tour is all I really want so who's down!! Sice me!)

Artists confirmed for the ROCK THE BELLS 2010 FESTIVAL SERIES are:

Wu-Tang Clan
Rakim
KRS-One
Slick Rick
Street Sweeper Social Club
Murs and 9th Wonder
Wiz Khalifa
Clipse
Immortal Technique
Jedi Mind Tricks
Brother Ali
DJ Muggs and Ill Bill
Big Sean
Yelawolf

Hosted by
Supernatural
DJ Rocky Rock

It's said that the focus on the tour is "Classic Rap Albums" so.....
* Slick Rick (performing The Great Adventures of Slick Rick)
* KRS-One (performing Criminal Minded)
* Rakim (performing Paid In Full)
* Wu-Tang Clan (performing Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers)

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Rest In Peace Sleeping Beauty, Aiyana Jones

I just had to take the time to post this entry for a few reasons....One, because I just posted a piece on the direction of our youth & violence. Two, because I feel that it has been overlooked since the hype has died down. And Three, for those of yall who don't know, should know about Aiyana Jones.

 On May 16, 2010 7-year old Aiyana Jones was sleeping as Detroit Police proceeded with a no-knock raid. The end result, Aiyana Jones died. Now here are the details, simple format:

1. The police were looking for the suspect in the homicide of Jerean Baker.

2. The police threw a flash grenade into the apartment.

3. Aiyana Jones father, Charles Jones, rushed to the front of the apartment, attempting to help his daughter. Instead, the police wrestled him to the floor....his face was forced to lay in his daughter's blood.

4. Aiyanna Jones was burned by the grenade & shot twice by the bullet.

5. Police are asserting that there was a "scuffle" which caused the shots. (In my opinion, false)

6. 7-year old Aiyana Jones died (Shot twice & burned).

Now, some may wonder two things, why did this all start & why would they throw the grenade? As for how it all started....the death of 17-year old Jerean Baker caused the police to search in those apartments for the suspect. People are saying it the dispute between Jerean & the suspect started over  a push or shove. As for why the grenade was thrown? Well that can be attributed to the excitement of having a camera crew around the police. The popular 48 Hour show was being taped. 

Honestly, I am just saddened by the event. How can people be so cruel? Does a father's face really have to be shoved into his dying daughter's blood? Does a simple dispute  have to escalate in the death of two children? I often look around & consider those third world countries & the pics of the ailing kids....and then I think of the Great America.....a place where everything and anythings is possible, yet catasrophe's like this occur far to often. 

Rest in Peace Aiyana Jones & Jerean Baker

-Peace & Ble$$ing$ (KA)

The Kid Frankie!!

Wiz Khalifa- The Kid Frankie Video. I always wondered how he kept his lips from getting dark. Loll

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

"No Bullshit" Breezyyy

Soo Chris Brown put out another video from the Fan of a Fan mixtape for "No Bullshit" and uhhhhh......just watch.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Rock$tar 101 Video!

Back to the dark side-I don't know how I feel about this...back to the leotards, spikes, and black lipstick. It's becoming routine, which is why I loved the Rude boy video. Interestingly enough, Melina Matsoukas, the director of this video also directed her Hard and Rude boy videos.  She's also responsible for: Beyonces- Why don't you love me & Diva, Snoops- Sensual Seduction, Lily Allens- Not fair and more. Now SHE seems extraordinary ( I think I luh her lol). Anyway here's her vision-Enjoy!

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

M.I.A is baaaack

The dopest mc/singer/producer is back with her 3rd album /\/\/\Y/\ (a.k.a. MAYA) said to be released next month and gracing the June/Jule 2010 issue of Complex magazine!! Here's some photos from her photoshoot via complex.com.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Rihanna so soft!?!

I don't remember the last time I didn't see her in some shoulder padded leotard or some tights with some spikes somewhere. She still "So hard" but she let her femininity shine in this photo shoot for YOU magazine.

*Photos via  Rihannadaily.com

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Chuckin up the Deuces!!

Fav song on the 'Fan of a Fan' mixtape and here's the video for Deuces! Chris Browns acrobatic skills are impressive!

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Nas & Damian Marley-......Killa Combo

Distant Relatives dropped on May 18th and although I'm a huge fan of both artists, I was a bit apprehensive about the combo.  Not that I doubted their musical genius, I simply feared it would be exactly what I expected- a repetitive theme of unity, the ghetto, and reaching babylon. Now I feel foolish because although it does speak of all that, its done so beautifully. The album is deep, a stretch from the ego centric shit everyone is on. Don't even think they mentioned "swagga" once! loll Beyond the social and political commentary it is an album capable of lifting your spirits. UPlifting and lyrically genius! Worth the $$$ fahreall.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Christina Aguilera named World Food Programme Ambassador Against Hunger

I know I've been slacking with the posts lately, but its been kinda hectic lately! Anywho, this is a piece that I found really great....Christina Aguilera was recently named a World Food Programme Ambassador Against Hunger! Amidst all the comparison of her to Lady Gaga, this lady is actually making it clear that she is strikingly different. She lets her actions speak louder than her words, which in this case is pretty hard considering homegirl can hit a tune! Few weeks ago (May 13thish) she visited two schools in Haiti that utilize WFP programs & even helped serve food. Big Ups to Xtina, check out more pics below! 

(Peep the footage of her singing Happy Birthday to Haiti)

-Peace & Ble$$ing$ (KA)

Happy Birthday Malcolm X

May 19, 1925 – February 21, 1965

Warrior. He left a legacy that few will match. His piercing intellect, revolutionary thought and fearless approach set a high standard that evoked action and passion from a countless number of people. No holiday or ceremony can really repay our debt to you-but I am forever grateful.

"We declare our right on this earth...to be a human being, to be respected as a human being, to be given the rights of a human being in this society, on this earth, in this day, which we intend to bring into existence by any means necessary."

"I'm for truth, no matter who tells it. I'm for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I'm a human being, first and foremost, and as such I'm for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole."

"Without education, you're not going anywhere in this world."

"Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today."

"Power in defense of freedom is greater than power in behalf of tyranny and oppression."

"Truth is on the side of the oppressed."  

"You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom."

"You don't have to be a man to fight for freedom. All you have to do is to be an intelligent human being."

"The price of freedom is death."

"Respect me, or put me to death."

"I don't mean go out and get violent; but at the same time you should never be nonviolent unless you run into some nonviolence. I'm nonviolent with those who are nonviolent with me. But when you drop that violence on me, then you've made me go insane, and I'm not responsible for what I do."

"It doesn't mean that I advocate violence, but at the same time, I am not against using violence in self-defense. I don't call it violence when it's self-defense, I call it intelligence."  

"I don't favor violence. If we could bring about recognition and respect of our people by peaceful means, well and good. Everybody would like to reach his objectives peacefully. But I'm also a realist. The only people in this country who are asked to be nonviolent are black people."

Peace &  Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Save the Children..

Support The D.C Healthy Schools Act!!

As we all already know, obesity is a serious problem in the United States.  Sadly enough, our society enables and basically promotes obesity with our fast-food, microwavable, high calorie yet convenient foods. We can get deep and speak on the conspiracy of how expensive "organic" and fresh foods are in comparison to the generic/basic more affordable foods at the grocery stores but that's not the focus of this post.

 This generation of children are the first that are expected to die before their parents due to obesity and the complications caused by it. 43% of D.C. public school students are overweight or obese.   In an attempt to save the children, "Earth Day Network" has created The D.C Healthy Schools Act.  It is " a landmark bill that will substantially raise the nutritional standards of school meals, bring fresh, local fruits and vegetables to schools, triple the amount of physical and health education, and create a school gardens program. A penny-per-ounce tax on soda and sugar-sweetened beverages is proposed to fund the D.C. Healthy Schools Act — and provide additional money for local health programs, such as eliminating the District’s “grocery gap.”

So PLEASE Sign the petition to fund healthy and nutritious school meals, more physical activity for students, and expanded health and wellness programs for children.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

 

Petitions by Change.org|Start a Petition »

Your ears can thank me later...

Take a listen. If you can't appreciate the story in the songs, then you'll enjoy the eclectic collection of beats, sounds and vocals that create the sound. If you don't enjoy either.....your ears are just stubborn. 

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

(there are a total of 4 songs-cldn't post all the videos bec i'm just not that tech savy but just click on the link)





The XX - "Night Time" from Kniphe Party on Vimeo.
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Hot Chip We Re Looking For A Lot Of Love - VidoEmo - Emotional Video Unity">


The Xx Teardrops - VidoEmo - Emotional Video Unity">

Alicia Keys- Unthinkable (I'm ready)

So, Alicia Keys finally released a video for my favorite song on her album, Unthinkable. It touches on the issue of interracial dating, which unfortunately, is still a head turner in most of the world. You'd think in 2010 we'd be above and beyond all the labels and restrictions but in actuality we're still so far behind.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Statement of Gratitude

Gratitude- Letting others know you see how they've helped you 

 
I once had an assignment which required me to write a "statement of gratitude".  It's basically a statement of acknowledgment expressing your appreciation.  We were suppose to go beyond the obvious and dig deep and find what intrinsic values it were that we appreciated so much. I enjoyed the assignment because it did bring to surface those things I appreciated most about those that I love and it's not everyday we truly recognize and give thanks for them. Here's mine so maybe today you can also think about what it is you genuinely appreciate about the ones in your life-even if your not feelin 'em right now loll

From my mother, the strength of an unyielding faith, and the power of love unconditional.

From my father, the resilience in times of adversity, the beauty of laughter and joy and the knowledge of wellness that pure happiness creates.

From my brother, the benevolence towards all God’s creatures, the necessity and display of trust he shares with me and in mankind.

From my sisters, companionship like no other.

From my lover, a fire lit from a burning desire, passion in its most intense form and the ability to love with reckless abandon and confide with no reservations.

From my friends, support, and proof that I am not alone. A connection that proves to me that we, the citizens of this earth, are all one.

From my God, a beautiful view.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

GUCCI is FREE!!

Here's his press conference. Sooo glad to have him back! Maybe they can re-do the pretty girls and sponsor videos with him in it??! Just a thought, not likely-I know. It's all good, i'm sure he'll be everywhere playin catch-up.

Everything's Gucci!
 Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

When Digital's Fail, Use Your Berry!

The other day, I was mentioning to NG that I'd be going to the Travie McCoy, The Lazarus Project concert @ the Brooklyn Bowl .... She simply said: Blog! Lol. So here's some images & recap of the night! From the grandness of the Brooklyn Bowl, to the trains making their own random stops @ Spring Street on the F line (smh), i must say it was a Good Time! Enjoy!

Crowd Surfin to Bad Rabbit (dope band!)

The wonderful Mr.McCoy

Travie McCoy & Bruno Mars performing "Billionaire"

My homegirl & Me @ the Fela Cast Party@ The Knitting Factory...yall know I had to get the African face paint done! (this pic is courtesy of Ms.Erica :) )

What a night! "I wanna be a billionaire....sooooo fuckinnnnn baddddddd"

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (KA)

A Prayer for our Youth

Just the other day I was in deep thought about the direction of our youth. I spend a significant amount of time on the train in New York and just observe the way they dress, act, and speak. It seems as if they are in a hurry to grow up. I remember at one point and time, I was too, however, I couldn't help but to feel that there was certain difference...between our youth today and the youth of just 5 years ago. Its as if they care less and less about their academics & well being, and more about what is the latest gossip & who is wearing the hottest label. Like, what happened to being able to do your homework, going to the ball game to kick it with friends, and making it home for curfew & having a few words with our mothers after their long days at work. Its like they zoom right past it all, until its too late.

This morning, I ran across this article @ Global Grind entitled " He Has a Name..." and the details of this tragedy just broke my heart. What made it all the more heart-wrenching were the circumstances behind it...they were at a birthday party for a one year old....they were standing up to a gunman....and it was Mother's Day.

It was just last week I had the opportunity of hearing Harry Belafonte speak at Voices 6. I was in complete awe. I mean, there I was listening to Harry Belafonte speak on the need for strong communities to help shape our world, and most importantly, our youth. He was a Harlem man who had overcame extreme adversity, and still found it a priority, at 83 years old, to still go back and speak to the Communities. He continued to say that it is too often that we forget to reach back and help those who have helped us.

There's the irony, a few days after this phenomenal event, a tragedy as this hit "OUR" community. It is far too often, and still nobody does anything to change it. It seems his words fell short of the ears that needed to hear it most. I wonder & pray for the direction our youth is headed in.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (KA)

Trap or Die 2!!! Finallyyyyyy

Jeezy came correct!! But he never really fails to impress me! I still bump his Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 track 3! loll that whole album brings back Summer '05 memories! I may be a lil bias bec I've had a thing for him since his first "yeaaaaa" and "daaaamnn" ad-libs. His swaggs just soo vicious! Anyway here's the intro and the link to download the mixtape. He's set June 22, as the release date for Thug Motivation 103! That is also the release dates for Eminem with Recovery,  Diddy with Last Train to Paris, and The-Dream's Love King. Click here to download Trap or Die 2 if you're really this late!! Enjoy!

Peace & Blessings (Ng)

Trap Or Die 2: The Introduction from Decatur Dan on Vimeo.

Rest In Paradise Lena Horne

Lena Horne was born on June 30, 1917 and was considered one of the most beautiful women in the world. In 1942 she was the first black woman to sign a meaningful long-term contract with a major studio. The contract stated that she would NEVER have to play a maid. She's assisted greatly in breaking down barriers for woman of color in Hollywood. An extraordinary actress, musician, and activist- Horne died at the age of 92 on May 9 at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City as an icon.

Rest In Paradise Miss Horne.

Peace & Blessings (Ng)

(Check out this classic below...)

Prisoner of Love 

Alone from night to night you'll find me

Too weak to break the chains that bind me

I need no shackles to remind me

I'm just a prisoner of love

For one command I stand and wait now

From one who's master of my fate now

I can't escape it's much too late now

I'm just a prisoner of love

What's the good of my caring if someone is sharing those arms with me

Although he has another, I can't have another for I'm not free

He's in my dreams awake or sleeping

Upon my knees to him I'm creeping

My very soul is in his keeping

I'm just a prisoner of love

2010 Met Costume Institute Gala Benefit

So, the Met Costume Institute Gala Benefit  brought out all the celebrities & glam on May 3, 2010 in New York City. This year, the theme was titled: American Women: Fashioning a National Identity, which explores the American women from 1890-1940 and how these women have influenced our perceptions of the modern woman.  I definitely will be heading over to check out the exhibits as it is to hold pieces the public has never seen! 

The star studded event was hosted by Oprah Winfrey, Patrick Robinson of the Gap, and Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue. Here's a fun fact: Anna Wintour is the same lady that Meryl Streep protrayed in the Devil Wears Prada. If you love fashion, celebrities, or both, then you must check out the pics below! 

                                                                   

Confessions of a True Food Junkie, Part 2

It's me again. So, as you can tell by now, I have a profound love for food. I love to eat. There is nothing quite like devouring the most delicious meal ever. But.....it is absolutely the worst thing ever when you are excited about your desert, or salad, and it fails to hit the spot!

Yesterday, on the way to work I stopped by Cafe Metro. For those of you familiar with New York, they're everywhere! So I grabbed soup & tea for my cold but decided to treat myself to a red velvet cupcake! I know, total contradiction, but I was sick & in need of a smile! 

I finally get to work in Brooklyn, and headed straight for the office. I sat down quickly and whipped out that cupcake like there was no tomorrow! Then, I carefully carved out my first bite, and it was...AWFUL! I'm talking about 4 bucks down the drain! Yea, I spent 4 bucks on a cupcake, its New York! 

I guess it just brought me to the realization that this happens far to often....and to correct this dillemma, I have decided to try cooking. Lol. Let's see how that works out. 

-Peace & Ble$$ing$ (KA)

Beyonce - Why Don't You Love Me

"Why don't you love me!!??!! Maybe your just not the one....or maybe your just LAME!!"

(She's too ill!)

"Why Don't You Love Me" - Beyoncé from Beyoncé on Vimeo.

Peace & Ble$$ing$  (Ng)

Yeah that's how I feel! DEAL!

I use to second guess if I was feeling what I was suppose to be when people (usually guys) would put a guilt trip on me for feeling a certain way. I finally figured out that it wasn't what I felt they had a problem with, but the way I was expressing these feelings.  I am a bit temperamental but now I just remind myself that......

You can not help your feelings, but you can help your thoughts.

Therefore, do NOT ever feel bad about how you feel. 

Our individual degree of emotions are an innate part of our composition (the excuse for my b*** fits ).

DO be cautious with the transfer of these emotions to thoughts, as they will inevitably be reflected through your words and actions. Consciously and/or subconsciously.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Boondocks Season 3 Episode 1

So for those who did not catch it Sunday night, here you go. I didn't get to watch it till last night myself and I was definitely not expecting what I saw or heard (but when has the Boondocks ever been predictable).  I must admit I did make a couple whaaat faces at Huey, especially after comments such as "Hope is irrational." Hueys indifference to Obama getting elected did put me in a somber mood and rubbed me the wrong way BUT, I know it isn't derived from ignorance sooo I can respect it.

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Wiz Khalifa...Flyy Reefah

So 1st me and this guy were discussing music, puttin each otha on to some shit (those convo's will really give you great insight about someone-and givin the proper musical match-they're just as stimulating as the latenight ones fahreall ;) ) but he suggested a song by some dude named Wiz Khalifa, whose name I was familiar with only because of the pretty popular Name on a cloud that basically anyone who burns has heard. He suggested  Shawty wanna roll , I liked it (5points for him lol), so I started youtubing otha shit and came across buss down and reallyyyy liked it. Next thing you know, he's on the cover of XXL's 2010 top 10 Freshmen (which included Nipsey Hussle-who yall should also check!). Then on April 14th, 2010 he dropped his highly anticipated and 8th independently produced mixtape, Orangejuice & Kush (much prefer apple juice w.mines) but it's essentially a classic album to fly high on. Taylor Gang did thier thing fahreallll!

"In da cut, in da cut, roll them doobies up! Choked out Loced out Blowin hella smoke out! Rollin all this weed that i'm holdin, Thinkin she high before she even get to smoke it Blowin O's she know my dreams potent."

The entire mixtape is online- youtube. 

Sound-he takes it everyhwere. Lyrics-His creativity is obviously tweeked by some kush. Message- Life is better when you're flyin HIGH. (agreed)

Songs to check: In da cut, Mezmorized, Never been, Still blazin!

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Wale....."Diary" Video

Presented last night on MTV, our D.C Representa told the story of  a black girls diary nicely. The pretty "around the way girls" were also appreciated, Wale a real dude for that rare almost defiant move. Fahreal fahreal though I was stuck on his $3,500 Tifanny Blue & Black Gator Louis Stewart Backpack! But here ya go!

Peace & Ble$$ing$ (Ng)

Confessions of a True Food Junkie

I apologize for the length ahead of time, but I just had to get this out. It was Wednesday April 28, 2010, and Baskin-Robins was having their 31 Cent Scoop Night to benefit America's firefighters and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Yes, sweet treats & a cause to help!

So after work, I hoped the F train straight to the nearest Baskin-Robins. To my surprise, not that many people picked up on the deal going on, oh well, more sweets for me! I proceeded to choose from the ice creams, and there it was, like a $100 dollar bill on the ground….Oreo Cookies & Cream Ice Cream! “How many scoops miss?” he asked. I quickly replied “3 please”. Then I thought, wait, these are only 31 cents a scoop and you’ve been wanting ice cream for how long? “Change that to 6 scoops please!”

I hurried on to the 2 train like I found the winning lotto ticket and just kept smiling. I cracked open my treasure and began to devour the ice cream. Suddenly the lady next to me asked “Are you going to eat ALL that?” I was puzzled, one because its New York City & people rarely try to hold a conversation, but more so because it was my ice cream that I bought to eat, so what’s it to her? I simply replied “Yea, I’m going to eat ALL OF IT”. She giggled with her neighbor. Then I realized that there were glares coming from people in every direction. All I could wonder is, what’s the big problem? Yea, so what, Im a small framed gal, but does that mean I shouldn’t indulge in the Oreo Cookies & Cream Ice Cream? Or cause I’m skinny, I should instead have salads & lattes?

I began to wonder about the larger issue……do we as a society deem certain things okay because of someone’s physical make? For instance, if it was a larger set woman eating the ice cream, do you think people would of asked her the question? Or if instead that same larger set woman was eating a salad, would you automatically assume she was trying to loose weight? Or what about the skinny girl who parades around in clothes to big, and those who snicker and say “she’s got a great body, I don’t know why she hides it under all that fabric!”

I guess the point I am trying to get at is that nosy people should mind their business. But more importantly, has society become so vain that we are predisposed to have certain conceptions based on the physical make of a human? What happened to enjoying the simple things & indulging in the things that bring you pure bliss. Im not advocating eating ice cream everyday, I’m just saying, people shouldn’t get so caught up in the materialism, consumerism, and what other’s deem as the right things that will make you happy and look good. Instead, treat yourself to the things that will make you smile more and stress less, whether its ice cream or just a book.

That’s just my opinion.

Just had to vent & share the thought.

-Peace & Ble$$ing$ (K.A)