Modern Day Racism--A Real Thing?

Kanye's line in the College Dropout says the following:

Racism still alive, they just be concealin' it

Imagine.  2010.  Racism still alive.  Huh.  Makes you wonder if that statement was said back in 2003 out of sheer ignorance or if there was actually some merit to what Ye spoke on that album. 
Racism is still alive all over the world.  How do I know?  Look around.  Watch the news.  Go to KMART and ask where the Obama Chia Pet is located.  Sadly we live in a world today that is just as racist and bigoted as it ever was in decades past. 
I hate it when someone who has no idea tells me that racism and the race card shouldn't be an issue in 2010.  Bullshit.  Racism is as alive as it's ever been.  Here's the problem, though, for people that contend it's over: they don't see that racism is actually a different game now.  Instead of the "white" and the "colored" segregation and slavery we have seen in years past, the current racist acts occur on a smaller scale but in a wider gamut of society. 

Sickening.  Britney Spears has one too but she isn't the President of the United States either..

J. Cole put it like this in his song "Problems:"
"Hey, Dear Mr. Policeman
Hey am I wrong, aint you suppose to keep the peace man?
I coulda swore I was driving pretty peaceful
So why the hell is you pullin over me fo’?
Is it this black Mercedes? (Oh now I get it, I get it, I get it)
Or cause I’m black? Hmmm, maybe
Hey, tell me why my hands start sweatin and I hold my breath everytime that you get behind me
I turn my music down, so you won’t hear a sound, man I’m nervous like I got a couple pounds on meYou pulled me over, you frown on meWith your flashlight, tell me what do you see
Thug niggas, drug dealers, its a trip, every nigga in this whip got a mothafuckin college degree"
Think about the power of those words?  We live in a different world yet the same situations are occurring on a daily basis.  Even people who don't consciously act racist can make race stand out as a subconscious factor in their actions.  It's amazing some of the words and the actions that so-called "Tea-Partyers" are letting the world into.  It's amazing that during an economic boom, ethnicity, diversity and inclusiveness efforts were at an all time high in the world's largest companies...now that times are more difficult, there are more and more "minorities" with college degrees (legit degrees) that can't get a job to save their life. 
Chris Rock put it best.  He said (about affirmative action in post-secondary education) that he didn't want anyone to do him a favor just because he is black.  He made it known that nobody should receive anything because of their race.  However, he said that in a neck-and-neck race to see who gets into college (meaning all things equal), that he should be chosen.  Why did he say that?  Because opportunities don't reach underprivileged folks every day.  In fact there are some serious drawbacks to being Latino, African-American, Native American or any other underprivileged group in society. 

Chris Rock: A Solid Affirmative Action Viewpoint (Even in 1994)

Is it racist if someone hires the white kid instead of the Latino?  No.  Is it racist when that same kid gets a faster, more expensive promotion than the Latino does even though they're at the same level of ability?  Yes. 
I bring this up because I was talking to a friend earlier who was in tears because he was up for promotion and didn't get it.  Stronger performance reviews, no administrative discipline and smile on his face all the time..and they gave the promotion to someone who is less educated, less informed, less "PC," and less liked.  The boss who chose the promoted employee has been known to make "Mexican" jokes and "Arab" jokes in front of employees who fit those ethinicities.  It sucks to hear this.  It sucks for him; however, not only for him but for our cultures and our hope in this crazy world.  I told him to be cool.  Don't quit.  Things will work themselves out.  Those weren't just words though.  I meant it.  Good people always prevail.  Even in the short run it might seem hopeless but the fact is goodness always prevails. 
The key to that prevalence is a good attitude.  Every day, no matter who it is, treat people with respect, with empathy and with love.  Regardless of race, religion, social and/or economic status...we all have to do our part to make this still biased world a better place.  Don't fool yourself.  Racism still alive. 
This is part one of my series on racism.  I hope you will come back and visit to read the next section of this post where I will focus on racism in schools. 

The Perfectionist Scores Perfection...A Great Debate

ABC News brought up an interesting discussion and debate concerning the new classic from Kanye West.  I would love to hear the thoughts of those who have heard the album.  What did you think?  Was it a classic?  I felt the album lack in some ways, which would take it out of contention for "perfect album" status.  Let's hear the thoughts...

Giving Thanks--Hip Hop Style

It's November 24, 2010.  A time for thanks.  I give thanks every day for many things--a job, my health (kind of) and my family and the few friends I have.  However, since the world is feeling very thankful at this time, I wanted to share with you the top ten things I'm thankful for in hip hop. 

#10 - No One Man Should Have All This Power

 10.  "Power", Kanye West:  Kanye's triumphant return from the Taylor Swift incident provides hip hop heads some of the most powerful wordplay of the decade.  The first time I heard the track, I was sitting in a McDonald's using the free Wi-Fi.  Right now I am writing this while sitting in a McDonald's using their Wi-Fi.  No one fast food chain should have all that power.....

#9 - This is the ONE pic where she had clothes on!

 9. Nicki Minaj: I remember hearing about this female game spitter at the close of 2009, but as with all things fresh, I didn't embrace her at first.  Oh how she changed my mind.  I first realized I was missing out when listening to Drake's album and hearing her spit the verse on the track right after the Kanye produced "Show Me a Good Time."   

#8 - BUY THE INSTRUMENTAL VERSION!!

 8. Thank Me Later Drake: I don't like Drake, but there is one thing I should give him credit for: having an album full of great production.  The production on this album was incredible.  Other than that it was a C- at best.

#7 -Rosewood, G.O.O.D Music and the best clique since the Golden Girls

 7. Pusha T & Mos Def Sign to G.O.O.D Music:  If you know hip hop at all and have any idea who the greats are through the years, you know that these two signings only strengthen the Kanye West segment of the hip hop world.  Mos is a great, Pusha made "Runaway" a hit!

#6 - I envy the kid, I really do

 6. Raekwon x Kanye x Justin Bieber:  What a trio.  People read this and laugh but the track wasn't half bad.  It's funny how Raekwon can make even the most pop sounding music hood status. 

#5 - The Ruler's Back

 5. Jay-Z Decoded: The book to end all books.  I call it the hustler's Bible and the rappers Q'uran.  If you don't know why Jay-Z has blown up into one of the world's greatest businessmen, please read.  Warren Buffet, Bill Gates..you have nothing on Shawn Carter.  It's truly the rags to riches story from the ghetto perspective.  At least check it out at your local library (if you have one). 

#4- You spoiled little L.A. girl..you just an L.A. girl

 4. VH1 Storytellers, Kanye West:  Not too many stories told on this one, but it's incredible how the performance went.  Imagine, Kanye in a suit with a heart on it talking to himself while 100 people watch.  I love the soundtrack more than the video to be honest.  The best song "Touch the Sky."  It's my fave anyway but this version really brings together the Curtis Mayfield-like harmony of "Move on Up."  Classic.

#3 - I coulda just put the pic of the album but this one humanizes Rozay

 3. Teflon Don, Rick Ross:  If it wasn't for the classic album from Ye, Ross' Teflon Don would definitely have been number one.  The album is captivating from beginning to end. "Free Mason" took controversy and squashed with one of Jay's most lucrative verses in years.  "Live Fast, Die Young" reminded us that Kanye West is a producer first...although the verse was SICK.  Finally "Aston Martin Music" made me wish I had me a Chrissete Michelle down chick and a Maybach so that we could cruise to that ish all summer.  Great album, great production, and Ross solidified himself as a top five artist hands down.

#2 - GREAT music

 2. Authenticity, The Foreign Exchange:  Some people really think that rappers are only rappers and have no other abilities other than spittin lyrics that rhyme.  In 2008 I was introduced to the FX and was blown away by their Leave it all Behind album.  It was a classic, in my mind better than Ye's 808s & Heartbreaks.  The smooth R&B sounds of Little Brother's Phonte make me appreciate that good music still exists, even if in a small form.  I never understood why people choose Eminem and Nicki Minaj over music like FX's, but I guess the taste of the world isn't quite the taste of yours truly.  If you haven't listen to the FX, please take the opportunity to introduce yourself to good music...wait, GREAT music.

#1 - The album to end all albums, this pixilated cover is one of six total (if you count the pixilated and un-pixilated separately).  The other five are awesome too but not as awesome as the edited cover. Haha

 1. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kanye West:  Oh yes, the man who makes great music finally releases his fifth album...TWO years after his last.  As you might recall, the last album was filled with love songs, depressed lyrics, and heartbreak for sure.  People were livid over the fact that he was singing in 85% of the album.  However, after a couple of months, people began to respect and enjoy the album.  Well, flash forward to 2010, and the album to end all albums was made.  Released this past Monday, there is no doubt in the minds of music critics that Kanye West is back and ready to make people feel stupid once again.  Couple that with the controversial Taylor Swift and George W. Bush issues and you have yourself a marketing machine.  It's funny that the more people that dislike Kanye, the more albums he sells.  We'll see next week how the album sells.  One thing is for sure, though: Kanye is king of music, king of pop in our day.  You can call him an asshole, a douchebag, a scum bag...he doesn't care.  His motivation is making music from the soul.  As Russell Simmons put it, Kanye West is the most passionate artist alive.  NOBODY even comes close.  The passion is sometimes taken to the extreme but nobody can deny the output exceeds the input for sure.  Classic albums aren't made with catchy hooks and sex appeal.  Classic albums are made when artists reach deep down into their soul and remind people that we are all human...as f*cked up as we may be, we are ALL human and that the world is a dark, twisted place.  No one man should have all that power, but he does.  This is the one thing I'm most thankful for in hip hop....

Honorable Mention: G.O.O.D Fridays; Wale; Black and Yellow; Lupe Fiasco Rally; Illuminati Talk; Swizz Beatz at NYU

Kanye is BACK!!!!!!!

It's interesting to me to note that there are so many Kanye haters that actually love the dude's music. I understand the hate for the dude, he's constantly wylin and he makes himself look mad stupid all the time. But seriously, how do you like an artist's music whom you hate personally? Is this legal? I mean, think about it. People back in the day hated Ike Turner after people found out how he treated Tina. Back then the internet didn't exist and it took a lot more for people to learn the person behind the act than it does now. Still, people hated Ike...to the point almost where he had death threats and other threats directed toward him at some point.

Why? He was a jerk. People didn't give two cents about how much good music came from his brain...they hated him. And his music along with him personally.

Today, there are four days left until Kanye West's new album comes out. Some of it has leaked already but the whole thing hasn't leaked yet. It's so sick. The way Kanye takes a totally different approach creates a sort of hesitant curiosity that even the GREATEST of all haters can't get past. Kanye is fresh. Kanye is the dopest musical artist in history. PERIOD. Evidence? People love the music despite HATING him as a person. Similar to a Miles Davis, Ye is demonized all over town because of his ability to not give a sh*t. Cannot wait for the album. It will be INCREDIBLE.

"All My Life" -- Jay Rock f/Lil Wayne

Artist: Jay Rock f/ Lil Wayne
Song: All My Life
Album: Follow Me Home

"I was on the block right, wasn't in my right mind
Just a young nigga, hustlin', tryna get mines
Movin' with the 9 double m
Niggas like "You don't really wanna fuck with him"
Yeah, young teenager, 'fatuated with paper
Yeah I had to get it, cause momma, she wasn't able
Black and white TV set, no cable
Forties in the fridge, chicken noodles on the table
I wasn't born with a silver spoon
Child of the ghetto, raised off a different tune
Watchin' Bob Barker in my living room
If "The Price Was Right", I could get you a whole living room
Yeah, them was my gutter ways back in the gutter days
No education, but the gutter pays
Through it all came a long way
From sellin' the yay', fist fights to gun play
Back then"

My new favorite joint. It's been out for a minute but it's my new favorite. I post this, however, because I like how rappers have nothing else to talk about other than how they made it out the hood. Get some new inspiration rappers. That's why I don't understand why people hate guys like Kanye West or Common or Lupe, dudes that truly appreciate moving away from what got them hot to something different, something that continually inspires people to new heights...or at least gives them something new to listen to.

"The Instrumental" -- Lupe Fiasco

Artist: Lupe Fiasco
Song: The Instrumental
Album: Food & Liquor

"He just sits, and listen"s to the people in the boxes
Everything he hears he absorbs and adopts it
Anything not comin out the box he blocks it
See he loves to box and hope they never stop it
Anything the box tell him to do, he does it
Anything it tell him to get, he shops and he cops it
He protects the box, locks it in a box
when he goes to sleep, but he never sleeps
Cause he stays up to watch it, scared to look away
Cause at that moment, it might get stolen
And that's the last of the boxes
So he chained hisself to the box, took a lock and then he locked it
Swallowed the combination and then forgot, it
As the doctors jot it all down, with they pens and pencils
The same ones that took away his voice
And just left this instrumental, like that"

There are three artists that you will see more than once on this blog...in fact multiple times. Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Lupe Fiasco. Lupe Fiasco singlehandedly brought "nerdy" into hip hop with his raps about robots and kick, pushing. Lupe is easily one of the best emcees out in the game right now and that has not changed since his inception into the rap world on Kanye West's "Touch the Sky" in 2005. Plus, he got away with pretty much repeating the same verse in this track! That's tough to do.

This particular verse is so dope simple because of the semi-symbolic nature of the verse. If you don't think too hard about the lyrics, you might not pick up the fact that he's speaking about a staple of the American household: the TV. Its influence on children and adults of all ages is not a figment of someone's imagination. It's a fact that much of what takes place in life has some connection to the television programs that people see today--whether it's a show, a reality show, a movie, or a music video. Lupe is so symbolic in his music (i.e. Can you explain the concept behind the cool?) and that's what makes him one of the illest of all time. BTW, sidenote....Lupe's show is the greatest show on earth...Not the "Glow in the Dark" show, but just Lupe himself live.

Enjoy your Wednesday...

Air Yeezy's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Already have mine ordered baby!!!

There are Certain Points in a Man's Life.....

...when you know that the next week is going to be a week to remember.....

So starting Sunday, the greatest week of music this year has seen will be upon us...just to give you an idea of how awesome it will be, check the albums that will be released by the beginning of Tuesday....

Guns 'n Roses: Chinese Democracy (which was supposed to be released in 1993!)
Kanye West: 808's & Heartbreaks
Ludacris: Theatre of the Mind
The Killers: Day & Age

Yeah, four of the best albums of the year will be release on Sunday (GnR) and on Monday (the other three).

So the GnR album is interesting because it was supposed to be released pre-breakup back in 1993. If you don't remember, GnR was once the greatest rock band on earth during the 80's and early 90's. However, lead singer Axl Rose saw different destinations for the band and thus the band split in the early 90's. Fans were left without the GnR album that they were so anxiously awaiting and many believed that it would never be released. Now, a mere 16 years later, the album is officially going to be released. There have been numerous leaks of the album over the years, but the thing fans are waiting for is the actual CD and the artwork and the whole physical possession thing. It's a little looney, but the now 40-year-olds that were in their mid-twenties when the album was supposed to go down, will have something to look forward to. Personally, in 1993 I was 8-years-old and I can vividly remember Slash playing his solo on the side of the church in the video for November Rain. Man, the good days of life....

Then on the Monday there are three albums that will drop that should be interesting and awesome as well. If course, if you are in any way a follower of hip-hop, you know that Kanye's new joint got pushed up a day, from the traditional Tuesday release date. However, the Ludacris album is said by many to be a classic. I have heard some tracks and I have to admit that it's pretty fresh, but I don't know if you could call it classic. For you rock heads, the Killers will be releasing their new album Day & Age also, an album that should set up to be a real show stopper amidst all the craziness surrounding the other three.

So where am I at? Well, let me just say that even though I am severely biased toward Kanye West, I have to admit that I will PURCHASE the other three as well. I have never really been one to just steal music, I have ethics and morals, you know?

I am SOOOOOO excited for the coming week...definitely many reasons to give thanks.