New Video: Common- I Want You

Common turned up the heat for his new video “I Want You”. The video features cameos by Kanye West, Serena Williams, Alicia Keys, and Kerry Washington. Alicia and Common had fantastic chemistry in the video…I just wish they didn’t cop out by maxing out with a hug and standing close. Whatever happened to some good ol’ fashioned making out? lol. Well Common did plenty of that with Kerry Washington so I guess I can’t complain. The video had a lot of tension, was visually interesting, and a perfect match for the song. It has a very grown up feel which won’t bode well with the 106 & Park crowd, but will definitely score cool points with the grown & sexy folks out there.

What do you think about Common’s new video? Are you feeling the more adult vibe compared to other videos out there? Would you have rather seen Common and Alicia steam it up more?

Posted by Reecie

The Fiber of a President- Analyzing Rudolph Giuliani

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Ruduloph Giuliani!!!

For too many people, that name rings a myriad of tunes.  For some who have never been natives of New York City and just got hip to “Rudy,” he’s the guy you may call “America’s Mayor.” For those who’ve listened to East Coast rap for the last 15 years, you may have heard his name being thrown under the bus quite a few times by just about every NY rapper in the scene.  He’s been called everything from a racist and bigot to a hero and as some would say, “America’s Next President!” 

The title of this post is called “The Fiber of a President.”  For those who are not aware, Giuliani and his current wife have each been married three times (if you do the math, thats six different spouses.)  If you read the hyperlinked article, a supporter in Clinton’s corner, stated that Giuliani’s personal decisions and experiences in his home make him an unfavorable candidate for Presidency.  In regards to Giuliani, he states, “I think America has to look at all these things, and there are enough moles on this man that embarrasses those of us who have sought public life“That individual goes on to further say that it speaks volumes for someone like Hillary to have publically gone through a marital storm and still stay in the marriage and support her husband.  Those actions, he believes, show a certain level of dedication and credibility that makes Hillary a better choice.

I have watched interviews where Giuliani expresses that his personal life is very different from his political/business life and that both entities should not be put in the same fish bowl for public scrutiny.  Giuliani believes that his actions and role during 9/11 speaks to his dedication, resolve, and ability to lead America as its next President. 

So what do you think folks? Do you think the above case is proof that Giuliani can’t be an effective leader and President? Isn’t there something to be said about a President whose home is in tact? Were the comments made by Clinton’s supporter just political propaganda?

Let’s dialogue!!!

~Thesis

Reecie Recommends: Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married?”

So I know I’m a week late with this since I was too busy the opening weekend with my bday stuff to check out the movie…but better late than never. With all the rave reviews I heard about the movie I made it a priority to check it out this weekend.

So…what’s the verdict? I absolutely LOVED it! This is a movie where Tyler did every single thing right. The movie has a great message, great cast, excellent plot development, and watching it is truly a good time.

I know people assume that the title “Why Did I Get Married?” means that the movie is going to be a cliche anti-marriage movie, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, this movie is actually very pro-marriage but more importantly pro-WORKING at marriage. With the incredibly high divorce rates in this country there is no denying that people give up much quicker on marriages than they used to…and this movie really drives home the point that a marriage can work if both people are willing to work it out. Of course it doesn’t over-simplify the very complex reasons why so many marriages fail…but it does provide a sense hope and optimism. 

Since I hate movie reviews that tell the whole movie…I won’t go into depth about the movie at all…I will just say GO OUT AND SEE IT! If you don’t like this movie, then someone needs to check that you have a pulse.

Did you check out the movie? What did you think about it? How does this stack up to Tyler’s other flicks? Who was your favorite couple? Who did the best job acting? What do you think about the message of the movie? Isn’t it refreshing to see a movie like this for those of us that still believe in the virtue/value of marriage?

Posted by Reecie

Feel Good Music:Ghostface ft. Kid Capri- “Celebrate”; Joe Budden- “Star Inside of Me”

Ghostface ft. Kid Capri- “Celebrate” (dload)(stream)

New single off his upcoming “Big Dough Comeback” album on Dec. 4….Three albums in less than a year and a half.   I see you Ghost!  “Celebrate” with that Rare Earth sample is crazy…Ghost always sounds energetic and smooth over those old laced samples…..I’m a Ghost fan and he’ll never do wrong in my book…..Now, where’s that Ghost/Doom album?

Joe Budden- “Star Inside of Me”- (dload) (stream)

Jooooooooooooooooooey! From his upcoming mixtape “Mood Musik 3″ droppin in Dec. 07.  Joey sounds characteristly the same on this jawn like many of his old tracks but I cannot deny the positive lyrics and the catchy hook.  Yeah, “aim at the basics, aim you can make…….cause that fly shyt is inside of me”  Yeaaaaaah, Joe on that grown stuff and i’ll take that over superman’in a hoe any day!   Jerzey stand up…….Itzzzzzz itzzzzzzzz itzzzzzzzzz itz that on top muzaaaaaaak!

~Thesis

~Thesis

BET’s College Hill: Interns

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When I first read about this, I thought that this was a very positive and intriguing space that BET moved into.  From it’s popular College Hill programming comes Interns, which serves as a spin-off and jab to those who feel/felt that BET ain’t about anything progressive.  This new show, premiering Oct. 23rd, will follow 10 college students from disparate colleges and universities in their quest to dominate and come out successful during a summer internship in what Common calls the “city with the frozen sun” bka Chicago.

These students will all be residing under one roof for the duration of the internship and will also be mentored by New York Times best-selling author and medical expert, Dr. Ian Smith, who will be with them as they engage in trials that will test their academic wit, business acumen, marketing strategies, et. al  Further challenges will definitely arise as they will need to learn strong concepts in time management while working individually and in teams.  As these 10 interns will lead somewhat autonomous lives away from their families, they will also be exposed to the Chicago nightlife and get into some things that i’m sure will be entertaining to watch…..Real-World esque you may say? Naaaaah, College Hill: Interns….tune it and enjoy!

Here’s the roster:

Tationna, 19 (Bronx, New York)
This self-proclaimed “diva” attends City College of New York. Not one to be out done by the rest, this young woman takes prides in her appearance and always needs to look her best–even if that means wearing pearls and high heels to the construction site. Her approach to projects may sometimes be more flirtatious and less about actually doing the work. Tationna is not shy to tell you that the she is above certain assignments and you better not ask her to get you coffee or make copies.

Kathy, 20 (Homewood, IL)
Drive and passion are just two words that describe this Southside Chicago native. Kathy is a natural born leader and taskmaster. This self-possessed woman allows nothing to stand in the way of her goals. All work and no play would make Kathy a dull girl and she can’t have that. When her work is done, Kathy enjoys having cocktails, burning up the dance floor, and flirting. It has been said that an internship is good for self-discovery and Kathy’s true character will be examined during the season when a major secret is revealed.

LeTia, 21 (Chicago, IL)
Attends Chicago State University and aspires to attend medical school. A native of the area, Letia is often a good resource but her roommates question her desire to be a part of the team. Deeply connected to her family and head over heels in love with her boyfriend, work/life balance definitely becomes her challenge.

Marc, 22 (Atlanta, GA)
The former captain of his college basketball team at Southern Tech University, this good-looking young man walks in as a BMOC (Black Man In Charge). At 6′5″ he is a presence in any room and he instantly commands the attention of the ladies. This business mogul in the making aspires to be a sports agent with a multifaceted conglomerate. Will he lose focus along the way while surrounded by his female roommates?

Spencer, 19 (Jacksonville, North Carolina)
The son of a preacher, this young man has the expectation bar set for him. Seemingly, he is mature beyond his years–noted by his unique sense of style, but perceptions are not always true. Shiny suits and electric blue socks can’t hide Spencer’s immaturity. This wet behind the ears student shows his age with petty arguments and elementary school yard fighting. As this young brother stands up for what he believes in, others often try to squash his opinions. Spencer attends North Carolina University.

Ivy, 23 (Tampa, Florida)
This University of South Florida sorority girl is the true definition of the “quiet storm”. Usually flying under the radar, she is a powerhouse of organization and event planning. She may be meek on the outside, but she backs down to no one.

Jenna, 21 (St. Louis, MO)
A student at the University of St. Louis, this statuesque basketball playing video girl turned PR apprentice has the smile to win you over and attitude to put you in your place. As the “beautiful” girl that has been told that few compare to her, she will attempt to force others to conform to her way of thinking…at any cost.

Lonnie, 21 (Glendale, CA)
A recent graduate of Prairie View A&M University, Lonnie is like an older brother who constantly calls you out while getting you to laugh at yourself. Quick with a joke or to bust on someone, Lonnie thinks that he is the coolest thing to hit Chi-town since Michael Jordan. He brings some business savvy to the mix as well. He can sell snow to a polar bear…when he wants to. Sometimes, his need for “cool points” can be an impediment.

Maurice, 21 (Las Vegas, NV)
The ladies’ man of the group, this Morehouse student excels in the bedroom and the boardroom. As the quiet smooth guy of the group, you never know what you will get from this intern. He’s one that may deliver you the unexpected.

Kasheef, 22 (Boston, MA)
This frat boy is always up in the mix. He likes to party, but he is one of the first guys to hold it down for his team. This man is a player in the club and all business in the boardroom. The ladies love Kasheef and any employer would like to have him on their payroll.

~Thesis

From Virginia Tech to SuccessTech- Schools, Kids, & Guns

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I could be seriously mistaken but this tragedy didn’t get the kind of press that the shooting @ Virginia Tech received.  Nevertheless, it just seemed to me that this situation kind of came and then it went.  But what went down is seriously another alarming cause of alarm that something’s terribly going wrong with our young kids in school. Without trying to go into my usual reminisces about proverbial “hay-days” in school, I just feel that shyt like this didn’t pop off when I was younger.  You didn’t hear a lot of cases of young kids goin for gusto on a campus….I’m sure it happened and maybe I wasn’t paying attention but I’m just seeing more and more of these cases taking place as of recent, especially ever since the notorious Columbine massacre.

 So, for those who don’t have a clue as to what I’m really talking about, here’s the net-net of the story.  Let’s go to Cleveland, OH and enter the halls of a highschool by the name of SuccessTech Academy, an alternative high school in the public school district that stresses technology and entrepreneurship for about 240 students, most of them black, with a small number of white and Hispanic students. The school shooting that took place there on Oct. 10th resulted in the death of the shooter, Asa Coon, who took his own life, and the injuring of several students and teachers.  While it’s a fortunate situation that none of the shooter’s victims died during the assault, what’s more disturbing is that school officials and security were previously aware that Asa (sorry, i just get a sharp ping in my neck using his last name) had some serious issues.  Even close friends to him knew he wasn’t all together.   One of his people’s stated, “He said if he did shoot up the school he’d let me and some other dude he knew go and all that, but I didn’t think he actually meant that…….I thought he was just kidding around“

In 2006, Asa was put under psychological testing after he slapped his mother and was thus put in a shelter where he was made several suicidal attempts. A few days before the shooting, Asa was beat up by some students because of his “gothic” lifestyle, his atheist beliefs, and worshipping of Marilyn Manson.  After what had to be years of mental & social anguish, Asa finally responded back….He was said to be wearing all black with a Marilyn Manson t-shirt on and black finger nails during the shooting.  A few days before the shooting, he gave warnings to students and said, “I got something for ya’ll” but no one seemed to take him very seriously.  One student did and made it a point not to attend school the day of the shooting.

New school, new city, same story….Why/How are kids getting to the point where they feel a need to do this? It doesn’t make sense for fingers to be pointed because what’s done is done but who do you feel is responsible? Could this have been prevented? Is the school system unable/incapable of detecting these signs before it’s too late? What’re your thoughts?

~Thesis

Common’s “I Want You” vid (trailer)

This is not one of my fav songs off “Finding Forever.” That repetitive “need your warm” line killed it for me along with the whole Jen & Vince Vaughn jawn…..ehh, but it’s good to see Mr. Synonym for Fresh droppin mad videos this year…….do I smell Grammy nod?

~The-$-Is

“Gotti’s Way” Premiere- Murdaaaaah?

Last Sunday,  Oct. 14th on Vh1, I peeped the new reality show of the Life & Times of Murder Inc’s boss, Irv Gotti (nee Irving Domingo Lorenzo, Jr.)  I’m not up on the reality show bit like many people but for the ones I pay attention to, i’ll take a crack and speak on it.  So the show opens up speaking about the rise of Gotti’s empire and unstoppable hits with acts such as Ja Rule, Ashanti, et. al.  His zenith saw a sharp decline when he was faced with multi-million dollar money laundering charges where his label was seized as well as tons and tons and tons of gwop…..Though he beat the charge (remember when he left that building all propped up on the shoulders of them dudes? lol) he faced something he never thought would happen- a loss of respect and credibility in the game. 

With his new reality show, we follow Irv as he gives us a glimpse in the life of his family, his kids, and his “wife” as well as his process in rebuilding acts like Ja Rule and reclaiming what once was his and most importantly, getting that respect from his peers.  So how was the first show? I liked it a lot actually.  I always saw Irv as a comedian and a jokester but I really noticed how focused he is in getting his business back in shape.  He and Ja were in the studio deciding what track to pick as a single and you could see that although Ja was more focused on just putting out “anything,” Irv was more concerned with putting out the “right thing.” I respected that about him and it takes a certain level of poise and business acumen to act like that.   Irv said something during the show that made me ponder…he said, “This music industry scares me!”or something to that extent…..I suppose, from what he went through, he clearly sees how easy it is to go from #1 to nothing at all….I hope he goes in with a new focus cause even though I wasn’t really a fan of Ja/Ashanti era/music, I can always appreciate the hustle……

Aside from the music, we also got a glimpse into his family life and the dynamics between he and his “wife,” “BM,” “FWB,”….. whatever you call it.  What’s interesting is that, and i’m not saying that she is, but his wife really is portrayed like a gold digga and really out for self…..I suppose in a way, being the wife of such a celebrity, you have to have a certain sense of “i’m get mines regardless.” During a lunch date between she and DMX’s wife you could see both women plottin’ to make sure that she’s taken care of and not left out in the cold as Irv re-pursues the building of his empire.

Anyway, who else peeped it? What were your thoughts? I think the Salt&Pepa and Irv Gotti shows are my top picks this season…..Don’t speak to me about I Love New York 2. lol

~Thesis

P.S: Recovering from the flu. Apologies for the hiatus…..hi haterz!

Throwback Joint of the Week (Only for the Grown & Sexy): D’Angelo- Untitled (How Does it Feel)

So…I was watching Vh1 Soul this week and lo and behold the sexiest video ever created, D’Angelo-”Untitled”, came on much to my surprise/delight. It made me think, THIS is what a real sex symbol is supposed to look like. Now we got these young cats like Trey Songz and Omarion thinking they are sex symbols in all their 5′6″ 140 pound glory…what a rip off! So…I just had to post this video to remind folks that in order to be a sex symbol you have to be 1) FINE as hell!, 2) A grown man and not JUST out of puberty, and 3) have a banging body. Now that we got that criteria established…ladies…enjoy!

Is this not the sexiest video ever created? Doesn’t this video point out how ridiculous the new age sex symbols look in comparison?

Posted by Reecie

P.S.- I do realize that D’Angelo needs to take a trip on Celebrity Fit Club now…but don’t hate…he was the business back in the day!

Nas is dat “Nigga?”

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Our favorite Godson pka (previously known as) Esco has caught some backlash as of recent due to his decision to name his upcoming album “Nigger” aka “The N Word.” His recent interview with MTV had Nas defending the title stating that it shouldn’t be taken so seriously.  He is trying to reach the streets and not reach the Civil rights generation that was affected by such an a caustic slur.  Nas seeks to take the negativity out of the word by placing it in such a light.  As comedian Jeff Foxworthy has clearly endeared the term “Redneck,” Nas is trying to take the sting out of it and put it back in the power of black people as he truly believes times have changed and audiences have clearly undergone transformation during that process.

Though Nas has clear intentions of flippin’ the script on the word, individuals like Jesse Jackson are throwing him under the bus saying that though he has a right to call his album “Nigger” he shouldn’t be glorifying it and that he should use his voice for uplifting and not degrading. In response to Jackson’s comments, Nas says, “And to my older people who don’t know who Nas is and who don’t know what a street disciple is, stay outta this (expletive) conversation. We’ll talk to you when we’re ready. Right now, we’re on a whole new movement. We’re taking power from that word“  Though Nas respects the old leaders, he feels that he is a new leader in this movement and wants to reach his audience in a way that they will listen to his message.

I think Nas’ approach and response to Jackson and other naysayers was right on! For individuals to automatically cast judgement on a title without confronting the artist or listening to the music first is not only unfair, but as Nas put it during his interview, “counter-revolutionary.” I think Nas did good by given respect to Jackson but tellin’ him the biz like a man.  Thas’ wassup.  I think Jackson & Co. really should take an L for this one.  I’m with Nasir!

What’re your thoughts on this situation? Is Nas taking the whole term of endearment thing a lil too far or is this whole “N word” story a lil trite?

~Thesis