You can't really force yourself to become inspired,

It just has to strike you like a cranky bitch that's tired.

Don't like to waste my time, arguing over Pro Keds.

Cuz I seen them Occupyin', I been there with the Broke Heads.

And in the streets they're crying, the fucked up lives of Coke Heads.

Which industries are hiring? Who's rising? Who Rose from the Red?

Leaving No Shreds of Old Ev, Some get their Nose bled

For a Loaf of Bread. It ain't funny, the Joke's Dead.

We can't stay stagnant, gotta get around like Mopeds.

To keep it moving. And keep improving.

Winning or losing, the life you design is your choosing.

So what are YOU doing? With your life, are you boozing?

Vice pursuing and screwing, or schoolin' like a student?

It's neither nor; but both if you know how to read the score.

Explains why some people poor, and eagles soar. 

Opportunity knocks, so step outside your Ego's door.

Look beyond the surface, with a purpose, see the core.

See the SEA, or see the shore.

Me or yours, who needs it more? 

Probably the hero who needs to be more secure.

With a wife and two kids, you'd have to feed all four.

I'll battle with myself just to defeat the floor.

Wouldn't wanna get with a schemy whore, 

West coast, do it for the beaches, and bikini tour!

Find me at the frontier, I'll be in the front here.

Vindication of Mainstream hip hop

I just gotta write this. I grew up with the dichotomy that mainstream hip hop is pretty much wack, and underground is where it's at. That's a great general philosophy, but it's NOT CONSISTENT.

Why? Because there's a ton of sloppy-ass depressing underground music, and because good-quality hip hop music was popular music in the early 90s! even the late 90s, the early 2000s, and especially now in the 2010s. Some great music has come out lately, so I don't buy that "mainstream is wack" shit anymore. Some of it, like Souljah Boi and Mims is pretty weak, but quality can't be denied, and an open mind requires an open ear.

Personally, I've listened to a lot of underground/independent/old school hip hop, cuz shit be BANGIN. Immortal Technique, One Be Lo, MF DOOM, Nas, Wu-Tang, Black Star, Gang Starr, Pete Rock and CL, that's my favorite shit! I'm a hardcore fan....

BUT NOW, over time, and with some more understanding, I'm beginning to see the validity of Jay-Z. Of Lil Wayne. Of Puff Daddy and Biggie Smalls. of Kanye West. even Ludacris and Justin Bieber! It's not just catchy hooks and melodies. They make pretty good music... AND it's popular enough to sell records. That's not easy, that's hard! Admittedly, some songs and artists are just TERRIBLE... like The Newb Boyz. But Eminem and Nas have dropped the craziest verses that hip hop, whether mainstream or underground, has ever seen. Even with Souljah Boi, I can appreciate how he came up in the South. These guys are businessmen, hustlers, artists, entrepreneurs, whatever you wanna call them... they all had humble beginnings, they all worked hard at their craft, AND they get their business right. Why ya hatin'?

This type of business spurs economic growth. In fact, hip hop has created a huge commercial economy that was previously NON-EXISTENT. It wasn't there before, now it is, and people got money and fly gear. Not only that, but hip hop is a self-sustainable economy. More on that in the later post.

I post this because the popular artists seem to generate a lot of hate, especially within the "I like real hip hop" crowd. I guess the world works like that; greatness is met with haters (See: Anyone who's great). It's also for the people who think everything on the radio or TV is wack. I used to be like that... it wasn't very fun. The point is, there's no reason for popular music and quality music to be mutually exclusive; popular music can be good too.

And when "Big Pimpin'" comes on, you're not gonna move? at all? Moving with music is the best way to feel it. I don't know about this party rock shit though.......

By the way, fly girls, fly clothes, and making bank is definitely a part of hip hop!

See: J. Cole, Jay-Z, Nas, Eminem, Biggie Smalls, Tupac, Puff Daddy's "No Way Out" album, Ma$e, DMX, etc. for good mainstream music.

With that said, underground hip hop artists deserve their own vindication. That's happening soon. Next topic: Afrika Bambaataa.

Chris Brown's "Look At Me Now" w/ Busta Rhymes+Lil Wayne

First of all, I'll battle Chris Brown any day...and I'll smoke him! As far as dancing goes, I haven't seen 1 original dance move from him, but I'll admit he's good at choreography. Chris Brown, if you're reading this, I've seen some dancing from you (breaking, popping, house, etc.), it's not all bad, so let's battle! FUCKA.

2ndly, he gets minus points for his relationship with Rihanna. He fucking sucks as a person. He also fucking socks. Women. with his fist. 

3rd, his rap verse is a joke, but I do like the line "Ladies love me, I'm on my Cool J," that's clever, shout to LL Cool J. 


Onto the music... I like the song! Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne, and that phat beat really make this song for me. I'm happy to see it get popular. Why? BUSTA RHYMES! I'm not surprised that Busta Rhymes is still doing his thing, he's been beasting since early 90s, Leaders of the New School... but now even the new gen of kids know him. And he's beastlier than ever (see below). Lil Wayne also had a really ill verse. "What's poppin' slime?!" The beat was produced by Diplo and Afrojack, no wonder! Solid production. The music video's cool too.


Chris Brown, he's got a smooth voice when he sings, but I'm not feeling his rap, and he doesn't deserve all the credit for this song, cuz he got some major help. 


At the end of it all, I don't wanna be hating behind a blog. Credit is due to the artists involved, and as I said, I like the song. But I can dance and write better than Chris Brown! Hip hop's come a long way. Busta Rhymes is still slayin' em. Enjoy this:

Peace, understanding, and hip hop.

Message to the Masses/Methods to the Madness (original piece)

Sup Internet friendsters,

Been writing a lot lately, and realized I would never stop writing, just like dancing, because there's no limit.

To create is better than to vegetate.

I'll be doing this til I'm 88.

Another way to educate,

I let my rhymes perpetuate.

til infinity.

I'm gonna write some fly rhymes in my time.
In fact,
I already have,
but most don't know the half, that's why (eye)I'm tryin....
to spark the deaf, and dumb in the mind, blind.
ZomBeing around thinking they're Einsteins. I love fine wine, but I hate seeing girls who look fine WHINE. Word to Feinstein. She needs to represent me. California think tanks be on empty. Some have no idea, I have new ideas. The truth is clear. I'm advocating for the youth this year. It's time to win, no time for the losers here. Fly like fireworks through the air. There's a lot of shit that you should hear... so use your ears... or get bruised severe.

Skill is handcrafted, and mastered. Don't get distracted, and if you do don't let it be a habit. Keep ya cool, keep ya jacket. You can minimize wackness when you optimize practice. Peace to those who fasted. Supreme Science and Mathematic. Don't be basic, don't be an ass'ed. Your shit will get drastic. That's not too fantastic. Take the heat and get the point, fuckin cactus! Rhymes are smokin' like a blunt, dawg, pass this...

My Message to the Masses,
It's madness.
New rap shit. Get blasted. Words in preservation become classic.
No fake, Realer than plastic,
my own fate, I feel like I master. Fast lane, release the breaks and gas it, never tire, I'm on fire, so match this. If you try, that's a fat risk, cuz I'm way above the average. Dont' ass-kiss, I ass-kick, got mad ish, hat tricks, even backflips, never had a bad trip, smack a wack kid just to get him on the right track shiiit.

That way it won't be tragic.
(Peace) I'm out... remember to pass this.
Message to the masses.

note: audio's not sped up, just a higher pitch.

NBC omits "Under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance

Examiner: NBC omits 'under God': Christians angry - freethinkers celebrate

What's funny is... Most schoolchildren don't even know why they say the pledge of allegiance! It's just a formality to begin their day.
I didn't understand its significance until I was older, had more pride in my country, and started working in a school. That's when I started saying the pledge again.

YO.... The pledge of Allegiance is a beautiful piece of writing, peep this:

I pledge Allegiance 
to the flag
of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA,
and to the REPUBLIC for which it stands.

ONE NATION,
UNDER GOD,
With LIBERTY and JUSTICE for all!

First of all, just the name the UNITED STATES of AMERICA... is a beautiful thing. Divided we fall, United we're tall.

Secondly, most people don't know what a republic is. It's our form of government, it's not supposed to be an authoritarian rule, it means the people have power in the workings of the state. None of that 16th-century European monarch bullshit. And no, it's not exactly a democracy.

"ONE NATION," no more, no less.
"UNDER GOD," cuz he's the best! No matter what God you believe in, even if you don't believe in a god, go make one up! For real. Name him/her after yourself. I think this is the best part of the pledge, cuz when you say "under god," you include all people. I'll admit, my conception of God is as complicated as Mary's conception of Jesus. It wouldn't make sense until you understand it. I'll explain in the future.

I used to backlash against God, even just the idea of God. Why? Cuz I was a kid, I was rebelling, I was pissed that God took my father away, and I was like fuck that, I'm not gonna say "under god."
Then, somewhere down the line, I realized that whether God exists or not, how you live your life is up to you. So don't fuck it up! And don't be an ignorant lil bitch! Lots of people find more meaning in their lives after establishing a relationship with God. Why hate on that?

Plus, aliens exist anyway, so what makes you think earth-religions are the only religions?

Let's say "god" DOESN'T exist. Can't you still live your life as if he did? Yes! Just don't be convinced that your way is the only right way, don't push your beliefs on others, and keep an open mind to those who think differently. And don't be a total fucking idiot.

...with LIBERTY... and JUSTICE.... for ALL!!!!

Lupe Fiasco calls Obama a Terrorist (June 2011)

Just to clarify, he didn't mean radical Islamic Jihadist terrorist. He means the U.S. government, including Barack Obama, creates terror through its own policies, like foreign occupancy, corporate favoritism, and screwing up elsewhere (it's pretty easy to criticize and place blame). A little research will reveal a lot of inequity and unfairness in this country and in the world. To him, THAT's terrorism, he has a loose definition of what "terrorism" is.

Here's the video:



Also, especially as of late, U.S. and NATO foreign involvement is pissing off a LOT of people in Libya, Syria, Pakistan, Yemen, and Afghanistan. This is creating a new generation of terrorists. Meanwhile, they say we're making "progress" over there, it's such a paradox. 2-edged sword. The more we cut em up, the more than wanna cut us down.

I see his point, but I don't think he comes off well when he says he doesn't vote either. I can see where he's coming from though. He doesn't want to support all the actions, and sometimes atrocities, that public representatives are responsible for. He's so right-wing, he doesn't even want people to vote for a government.

At first I thought this was just a stunt to create buzz. And it IS that, but it's more than that too.
This guy has over 600,000 twitter followers, and over 2 million facebook likes. He's a popular artist, and doesn't really need to create a "buzz" to get attention.

I think he realizes he has a social power, and a social responsibility. And being in that position, with so many fans, he just wants to shed some light to the suffering and TERROR that's out there when you take a close look at America and the world as a whole.

Always Do the Write Thing

Hey, when it comes to writing, I'm no pro, that's fo sho. So... when it comes time to write, I'll admit that I'm-- alright, as a writer. Sometimes I can be clever, but other times I'm whatever. I can rhyme and be cheesy but that shit is easy, believe me!

Credit is due to the great writers in history, who change worlds, propel movements, teach, inspire, and affect people, from ancient through modern times. Some people be writing marvelous things, and it's all based on what they see and their experience of the Uni-verse, so I'd like to share are some illuminating writings by Talib Kweli and Langston Hughes.

The question was rhetorical, the answer is horrible
Our morals are out of place and got our lives full of sorrow
And so tomorrow comin later than usual
Waitin' on someone to pity us
While we findin beauty in the hideous
They say money's the root of all evil but I can't tell
Youknowhatimean, pesos, francs, yens, cowrie shells, dollar bills
Or is it the mindstate that's ill?
Creating crime rates to fill the new prisons they build
Over money and religion there's more blood to spill
The wounds of slaves in cotton fields that never heal
What's the deal?

More lyrics: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/b/black+star/theives+in+the+night_20019524.html

If you haven't heard the song, it's very good and I recommend it--the beat is crazy, and Def's verse is one of my favorites of all time. I think street literature is a worthy topic of study. Even if you've heard the song before, I think it's worth another listen because you'll still like it, and the way you hear it and understand it changes over time. I've been bumping the Black Star album on repeat (again) recently, and it's potent stuff.

Here's some other important stuff, a short poem that says so much with each line, by Langston Hughes:



What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?

These got me thinking about who's oppressed THESE days? Who's having their dreams deferred? Who's rights are being held back? Is it really necessary? This got me thinking of DREAMers, HOPErs, and people of different sexualities. I'm thinking of low-wage families and single graduates at the forefront of class struggle, and high-potential students left behind in classroom struggles. Does it all really come down to money?

Well, like in every crisis, there is opportunity. For every problem, there are a number of solutions. For every hole, there is a way out. Ways to emerge from darkness, like Chilean miners. It might take time, but I find that it's most advantageous to work positively with people, not negatively against them. Lots of collaboration and some compassion keeps lives smooth and harmonious.

Sooooo...........I just wrote a quick poem called
"Collaboration."
You can attack my name and
Stay mad, be hatin,
I know the game some bastards playing.
But I'm way past the game and
I will just keep collaborating,
no time to deal bad with Satan.
Be acting sane, don't act insane.
You catch what I'm sayin'!

If your actions are slave,
then master your brain!



Other real-event news:
Apple patents anti-sexting app for the iPhone, for parents to protect their kids.
But the kids'll just make up new words, that's how slang gets made. People trying to communicate discreetly under other (usually more authoritarian) people. A lot of black slang was coined that way, no surprise!



links used: 
-http://www.lyricsfreak.com/b/black+star/theives+in+the+night_20019524.html
-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LQiuQ1xIBM
-http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/10/13/chile.miners.voices/index.html 
-http://www.cswnet.com/~menamc/langston.htm
-http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/mobile/10/13/apple.sexting.patent/index.html
-http://eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/recordDetail?accno=ED051353