2009

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2009

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2009

Beginning of the end or Vice Versa.


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"The Meeting" feat. Wale --> head nodder...yes! Wale keeps bringing it!



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"Unconditional" feat. Chrisette Michele & Freeway --> nice lil joint for an upcoming producer, Drawzilla


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"I'd do IT all again" feat. Corinne Bailey Rae --> I know this is not the usual tempo of most of my music post but I REALLY thought this was a beautifully elegant song and wanted to post it.


"Braggin' and Boasting" feat. Little Brother and Sound Provider --> I heard this one of the many mixtapes I have of the infamous LB crew and definitely wanted to find a way to share.....FEELIN IT.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009

Music makes me hiiiiiiigh


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"Think Good Thoughts" feat. Drake, Phontigga & Elzhi --> This song is just plain SICK!!! Using one of my favorite Anita songs (probably why I like it so much). The original was with out Elzhi produced by 9th a few years ago. I know because I got the Little Brother Get Back Army mixtape.


Hmmm, let's compare!!!! MF DOOM, I know many of you may not know of heard of that producer...He is out of the U.K.



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"Devil in a Red Dress" feat. Illa --> This is actually one of my boys, Turi, from high school out of the 804, Go Lancers, lol....REPRESENTIN'!!



"Buttercup" feat. The Jackson Five & Stevie Wonder --> Definitely feelin' this...Stevie Wonder has classics for generations, trust me. That man and M. Jackson have probably written a song for everyday of their lives, lol.  Can't you tell Stevie produced this one?



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"Famous" feat. Curren$y --> Another nice lil' joint from Curren$y...feelin' it.



In lue of the BEAUTIFUL Alicia Key's album coming out this week, which will definitely be copped by me, had to put this bonus joint from her EP...GO GET THAT!!! I PROMISE YOU WILL NOT GO WRONG!

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2009

Attorney General echoes a message....


The same message said over and over again...."Where are the Black fathers?"  This time the call comes from U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder

I know that it is an on going thriving issue within our black community but I for one still feel we do not give enough recognition, at least in the public media, on the black father that are there, that are loving their children; showing boy to be a man and show a girl how man is to treat a woman....in words of my fellow blogger Dre (on.us.tees) and them, "Let's Do Better!!"

But also in the end, the real men, the real fathers do not do it for credit nor do they need the credit...but I will for one will give it....THANK YOU DAD & TO ALL THE MEN TAKING CARE OF HOME!

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2009

Being audited for being poor...


Yup, our wonderful government for the people decided that people who are not making enough and prove they are not making enough, are schemers.

A mother of two that makes less than $20,000 had her taxes professionally done with the help of her family(mother & father), whom she was living with as well, and of course under IRS federal regulations could apply for Earned Income Tax Credit but was audited and was unable to prove that one of her children was actual hers...

Republicans have been trying to block EITC for years because they believed it is some glorified welfare hand-out. Which in reality it could be taken advantage just any type of assistance but clearly the IRS in this case has chosen the wrong battle and wasted their time and our tax money in attempting to prove that this innocence mother was trying to trick the system.

Yeah, definitely give this article a read if you have time.

Auditing a poor mother.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2009

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2009

Heart beats to the drum


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"Look what you're doing to me" feat Jazzanova & Phonte --> I LOVE THIS JOINT TO DEATH!! Phonte showin' off his harmonizing skills on this one.   I've had had this song for a couple years and gives me the same feeling everytime I hear it.  I heard it playing in Best Buy and was quite surprised!


Definitely feeling this video from my man, Mr. Ray. "No mans land" is from his recent mixtape. If you aint heard the, B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray you are missing some quality music. Still rollin' to his rendition of Bonita Applebum!!!



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"Breakfast" feat. Curren$y --> This joint is pretty sick, produced by Mos Def...feelin' it.



"Beast" Feat. Wale --> Another 9th Wonder track with Wale...I don't know about yall but I felt Wale's freshmen album was solid but not fiya like a lot of the songs that are out there, maybe it was a business move to not make this album classic?? FYI: his record didn't do so hot with sales but shoot that is neither here or there, I know he is trying to build a fan base the old fashion way (Wale's words not mine)



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"Sledgehammer" feat. Maiysha --> Nice soulful voice...real chill. Feelin' it.  Apparently she is also a Grammy nominated artist as well.  I can see why. - update:  this was the original....Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer"



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"Strange Fruit" feat. Common & John Legend --> I think you all may recognize this beat from somewhere else - update:just in case you couldn't figure out where this one was used first, it was with Cassidy on his last album B.A.R.S. called "celebrate."



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"So far from home" feat. Jazzanova & Phontigga --> This song is from a while back and one of my many favorites from Phonte.  Good ish as usual!

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2009

Obama's decision: A Wartime hero or zero?


Much of the the general population of the U.S. is heavily against increasing troops in Afghanistan yet Obama is still considering this decision to increase.  General Petraeus has been pleading a case to President Obama in increasing the surge of troops.

Please know that I am true fan of President Obama which is why I will hold him to the highest esteem and respect and hold him accountable for his words and actions.  Let's remind ourselves that President Obama gave a time line on withdrawing troops from Iraq and to not increase the troops in Afghanistan.  I truly hope that he does not follow the footsteps of our oh so "ingenius" Former President Bush in becoming a wartime zero;  sending surge after surge of troops to Iraq spending billions of dollars on an intricately fabricated story of WMD and Freedom Iraq.

I don't know about you but I continue to try and wrap my head around fighting this war on terror on someone else's turf were thousands of civilians and U.S troops are killed.  We are the most powerful country of freedom yet I feel our elitist ways will come back to bite us and I pray that God protects us.  But hey that just my lil' ole opinion on that.  What does it matter anyway?

I read a very good open letter to the President from the very much outspoken activist and movie director, Michael Moore.  He can say SOME things much better than me.  I don't always agree with everything he says or projects in his candid films or views but I applaud him nonetheless.

Let's see what happens tomorrow tonight.

I think I'll comment on this post after his speech.

-juskev

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2009

Ending it with a Maze


...Frankie Beverly & Maze that is!! (If you couldn't tell that photo was takin' with my phone.)

I ended my wonderfully family oriented Thanksgiving with my annual Maze featuring Frankie Beverly concert at Constitution Hall in the Nation's Capital!

Frankie Beverly is 63 years old still jumping around on stage and doing it like he is 25! You already know music is my theraputic passion. I love live music and you can never go wrong with FB & Maze. It's funny how you can hear the same songs over and over again and they still give that deep down good soul feeling every time. That's what you call timeless music.  I can't express in words how great it is to see bands like Maze or Artist like Stevie Wonder or even performers like Jay-Z(MTV Unplugged)...live instrumentation beats the studio any day!  You already know what the music does to you at your own home, just imagine that a millions times better.  Anyway, I hope everyone had a enjoying, relaxing fun holiday...Let's get through the week to New Year's!!

Remember to thank the Lord everyday for your Ups and Downs....for your life.

I leave you with an appropriate song for holidays..everyday:


-juskev

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009

I need $100, can you email it to me, Mom?



Yup, the day has now come when sending a G ($1000) through your blackberry, means literally sending it through your blackberry.

Soon you will be able to email money to any one of your friends, family or business person. All that would be required would the person name and email and of course official authorization from you. PNC is on of the banks that is part of the revolution.

Hmm, so hacker's heaven may be arriving...once someone figures out a clean way to our mobile phone networks, I don't know how I feel about that...

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009

SugarLeaf Vineyard


If you enjoy a good glass of wine then you will appreciate this post.
I wanted share my experience at one of the few black-owned vineyards on the east coast; SugarLeaf Vineyard in Charlottesville, Virginia.
The vineyard was constructed in 2004 by Jerry and Lauren Bias; the owners of the winery.

There is only one way out through a dirt road which ends at a small open space where the house for the fermentation of the grapes occurs. Inside you will find the two medium destemmers, the machine used to crushed the grapes.
Because of the size and location of the vineyard, it makes it a very intimate setting. Very good place to take your significant other on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Their wines are extremely refreshing and tasty...All of them. One of my favorites was the Nubian Nectar; a sweet white desert wine. I am not the biggest fan of white wines but that one I would recommend to anyone that likes a good relaxing bottle of wine.

Check it out and show some support if you can: http://www.sugarleafvineyards.com

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009

The Auditory

Melanie Fiona is definitely a solid album. Bringing back some more soul for R&B...following the paths the retro feel like Amy Winehouse & Raphael Saadiq. Also, Wale is definitely a solid album, too......GO GET 'EM!!! (Did I mention I am really feelin' that Melanie Fiona joint?!!)

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More of the beautifully talented Ms. Fiona in the streets of London this time...still lovin it! P.s. Her album is out now and it is definitely not a bad look at all! go get that!



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Crash feat. Strange Fruit Project and Thesis--> Strange Fruit has done a lot of tracks with 9th wonder as well; based out Texas.  Definitely check them out on some other things if you are feeling this track.



Keep it Real feat Jovi Rockwell --> Feelin' this track from de Islands.  Haven't had a chance to hear the mixtape but be my guest to it.
 


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Tru Love feat Chief, Blu & Sene --> Nice lil' joint.  I meant to post this one a few weeks ago. Blu is becoming one of favorite lyricists. The album "Below The Heaven" produced by Exile is on my top 20 all time album list...classic! (yes, that serious)


Freed is Over feat Sophia Ramos --> tapping in once again to my other sides of music from some black rock artist. I like this one a lot.  If you are into rock too, check this download of black rock artists free on Amazon; not a bad look at all. P.S. check out Dope Sagittarius i think that is pretty good track I think you all might like too.



Leave you with some true old school!

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2009

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2009

The Brooklyn roots



Crossin' over the Staton Island bridge going to see pop's and the family this weekend. Been a minute since visited up here.

I got the best of both worlds. Mother born on a farm in the south, father raised in the heart of Brooklyn.

Cousin off of 131st and Lenox(yeeah that's right, that aint brooklyn!) and another cousin down south that has a strawberry patch (most of yall know exactly why I mentioned that, lol).

Always remember your roots cause you can't understand where ya goin unless you understand and know where YOU'VE(your heritage) been. And it's not where ya from it's where ya at!
-juskev

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2009

Food fighters are harmful to society


Going to the slammer for a food fight?  Who would of thought innocence of that nature would lead to a misdemeanor on your record.  Well, now some Chicago charter middle school kids get that chance to find out.

Yes, there should be some type of consequence throwing food around and creating a mess in the cafeteria but what happen to after school detention?  after school janitorial work?  Those were the type of ordeals that I know most of the  80's baby had to deal with when we were in school.  But prosecution for food fighting?  So what's next,  assault charges for throwing paper at someone?  Come on people, teaching a lesson, in school, usually involved some type of positive learning experience.

Aiight, yall know I don't do much ranting with my articles so I will stop there and allow you to read the article for yourselves.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2009

Aiight, this is for you coffee addicts


Most of you know I am not a coffee drinker at all. I am naturally high off life, haha.  I bet you thought I was gonna post something about how unhealthy coffee is, which it really isn't.

I found this interesting illustration of some facts about coffee. I know most of yall may find this one interesting because you drink coffee.   Some pretty good facts that I did not know.  I think you will definitely like the presentation of the facts.

Enjoy :) ... More interesting posts to come

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2009

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2009

It's just music, so they say..

But it's not just music; it's endless flows of emotions and expressions conveyed through art compiled with ingenious rhythms and rhymes that connect to our brains and help to control, relax and/or enhance our emotions in this crazy cold world that wants to destroy them.  I was gonna wait to gather more music that would make the cut but in lue of recent events, i'll share some of my therapy with the fam....
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Night by Night feat. Chromeo --> Reminds of my fun times (and future times to come) in the U.K. Probably why I like this one, haha. I know some of yall may not be feelin' this one. Ah well...



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Hollywood feat Phil Ade --> Straight outta the DMV on Raheem DeVaughn's 368 music label.



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Up All Night feat. Skillz --> It's the S-K-I-double L-Z! Gotta rep home, all day!  Finally comin' back on the scene hopefully continuing to bring more fiya as his last album definitely was an awakening.  Don't get me wrong; I'm a huge fan of Skillz but production with many of his albums just never quite hit it for me.



Ayah-In My Lifetime (Official Video) from Ayah on Vimeo.
Definitely feelin' the song and video...product of the infamous Jazzy Jeff (anotha favorite, could ya guess?..)



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Beautiful Bliss feat Wale, J. Cole, and the beautiful Ms. Melanie Fiona --> Just a hot track, period!



All I can say is WOW....Her name is Jessie Cornish....Look out now! U.K. STAND UP!
P.S.  If you like that you will definitely feel this one, too.



The Foreign Exchange crew has done it once again, first zo! & tigalo love the 80's and now this cut with re-makes such as "Perfect Angel" originally by Minnie Ripperton (sampled many times of course).  I PROMISE you will not go wrong in downloading this joint.  It's called just visiting too.  Go get that! (It's Free, lol...)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2009

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2009

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2009

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2009

Can you hear it?!


Now this is the Raheem DeVaughn I remember and like!!....that bold, speakin' on the issues, with the soul, sangin'!  Please don't get me wrong; his last album showed the smooth R&B Mr. DeVaughn and that joint was hot, too.  This video is pretty animated and meaningful;  good cut by Luda on this one (as if that aint usual)



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Get Started feat. Strong Arm Steady & Talib Kweli --> Strong Arm Steady & Talib have done a duo or two before.  S.A.S is not a bad lyricist, not one of my favorites but he def deserves some credit when ever he hits a track with his delivery.



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Suckas feat Jay Electronica --> You can never go wrong with a J. Dilla track.



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Try Sleeping w/ A Broken Heart feat. Alicia Keys --> I like this one from the beautiful New York soulstress Alicia.  Let's see how this next album of hers will shape.  Soundin' aiight, so far.



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Unabomber feat. J.Cole --> Jayz sure knows how to pick 'em. J. Cole continues to bring that fiya and I'm lovin' it. Let's get it! p.s. this has a 50cent-ish type of feel to it, to me, i dont know why...



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Excibit C Feat. Jay Electronica --> "Just Blaaaazze!" .... did you hear the shout out to Richmond, chyeah!



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It's Alright feat. Saigon & Marsha Ambrosius --> Saigon is always coming hard with some REAL things to talk about. He always got my respect. (did you hear the shout out to Mr. Magic at the beginning?)



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Letter feat Ryhmefest --> I put this one on here because it is using a John Mayer sample. :-)

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Enjoy the weekend! You made it once again.

First All Hip-Hop Radio DJ Pioneer passes


Just wanted to share some history with you all (I know I am little late on this, too).

John "Mr. Magic" Rivas was the first radio disc jockey to have an all hip-hop radio show on WBLS in New York, of course.  Also a co-founder of the oh so legendary Juice Crew. (Masta Ace is still doing his thang on the mic til this day)

"Mr. Magic's Rapp Attack featuring DJ Marley Marl."

It was the year of 1983, the explosion of hip-hop truly making it to main stream.

The years of the Beastie Boys, Afrika Bambaata, Kurtis Blow, LL Cool J, Kool G Rap, Roxanne and host of other great mcees and music pioneers could be heard no where else but on this radio station.  Well if it was heard somewhere else, it did not receive the attention and acclaim this radio station and dj received.  A lot of my close associates and very good friends of mine are djs.  Mr. Magic paved the way for them and many great radio djs of the 20th and 21st century.

Not only is he black history, he is an eternal musical presence.

I am in love with my hip-hop and good music.

RIP MR. MAGIC

-juskev

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2009

Strength in Relationships


San Juan, Puerto Rico taken from my camera phone

Where does my strength come from?
The relationshipS we hold.
Different types but the friends and family are the ones which mold
Us into the beautifully strong people we are.

God's love provides eternal strength and joy
But because we are human
God also provides us structure within our environments
The people who are placed there to uplift us and truly give us unconditional love
It is our choice if we choose to see it or not
To run with our low-self esteem greed
Believing that things won't happen to us
And when they do
Project our disbelief and anger when we were wrong
Onto others
Then also believing because it could happen that you are now much weaker for it and you fooled yourself

This clouts your thoughts and manifests into your relationshipS of the very people who truly love you
And creates a repetition of behavior of unhappiness to restore your thoughts of comfort you may have once had
Only to blindly push away the gifts God set forth in front of you.

So again I ask where does my strength come from?
How do I get through the struggles of making just decisions in a unjust world?
There is a people whom of which I share a rich tradition where the village, the community, raises a child.
My relationshipS developed from the environment from which I was presented, then eventually chose, to continue to perpetuate through my spirit of love creating an aura which rejects your projection of low self-esteem, anger and negativity believing my world of positivity has no place in this reality because it does not give negative notions a priority in the progressive journey but yet recognizes that no success is without failures for which those failures are only progressive pit stops to refuel yourself with inspiration lost during the journey.
Inspiration carried from my blood to the muscles built from my community of hardships unshared but recognized by those held in my relationshipS.

If your relationshipS are weak, you will be weak.
Use God as your root and your branches will be strong.
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Just wanted to share my piece of inspiration to the family and stress the importance of relationships. I know I have not shared much of my writing in a while but that's because I didn't want to...

-juskev

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2009

Fried Pork and Cookies, mmmmm...

Yall know I can be a health nut when I want to be; but at the end of the day just keep ya self happy and as healthy as possible within your means and taste buds cause anything can take you out.  With that said here is my spill...

So, you like dipping those Oreos in milk?  Well after a dinner table discussion with some colleagues and friends of mine I discovered some interesting facts about cookies, specifically the Oreo, made by Nabisco. 

Here is fact #1:  Oreos are not kosher and "used" pork fat (i.e. lard) when quick frying the cookie after it was baked.
That leads to fact#2: Oreos are flash fried, as I've heard it referred to i.e. they quickly dip the cookies in a deep fryer for a few moments.  It is a very common practice in the U.S. to fully fry an Oreo at carnivals and festivals.  If you do not believe me about the "flash frying" of a the cookie.  Check out the trans fat content of a Nabisco Oreo;  very high.  Then ask, why is it so high?... (but just b/c it has an extremely high trans fat content, does not necessarily mean that it is still currently being fried but my guess is that it is..)
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It was very hard to pull any truly concrete sources on this one but I know how to use the internet as an extremely powerful and resourceful tool.  But once again, I am only disseminating this information to provoke thought and discussion.  I really like that coin phrase "u do the dishes", haha.

Peace!
-juskev

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2009

The litte guys can win, too

I read this article this morning.

A small media firm (turned global) that specializes in online music retail has turned the hearts and minds of the CEOs of Google, MySpace, and Facebook. Lala Media, Inc, has won contracts with these internet giants to offer music media service such as streaming and purchasing mp3s.

I wanted to share this news because of the huge paradigm shift that has been going on in the past few years with the purchasing of music.  This is huge mark as continue to step even further away from the purchasing of compact discs.  Yes, many of us may still enjoy the satisfaction of having some of the artwork included with cds but now and days, we just want to here the music and could care less how it is packaged.

La La pretty much gives you your own online iTunes...very interesting.  They have been around for several years.  They are similar to places like iLike and Imeem but they seem a bit more structured and offer many more features.

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enjoy your Friday and the weekend!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2009

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2009

Listen up!


The Foreign Exchange - ''I Wanna Know'' from The Foreign Exchange on Vimeo.
Man, this video holds a lot of value for me...FYI: this is album is GREAT, GREAT, GREAT!!!!


Fire feat. Lupe Fiasco --> The title says it all...Lupe is coming back soon!




From Rapper Big Pooh of Little Brother and his debut "Sleepers"....Bought this album back in 2004 and has been in heavy rotation every since!  The production that went into to the album was pretty decent since 9th was behind it.  Great album along with Elzhi's Preface; the type of albums that you can just let play.

And if you like that track definitely check out these joints: Just Friends feat. Big Pooh and On my mind feat. Big Pooh




Just plain beautiful...I love it. Blending of artistic talent around NYC(my fam & friends outta the boroughs will appreciate this one) with Miss Melanie Fiona



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Wale feat Colin Monroe - "Bittersweet" --> Feelin' it...November 3rd!



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The legendary Bernard "Pretty" Purdie --> Rag time, baby!



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Solar Midnite feat. Lupe Fiasco --> Like the mix of rock and hip hop... this is reminiscent of a song on his last album The Cool (i.e. Hello/Goodbye)where he embraces his rock and roll and influence; this one is a lil more upbeat.



Bad Habits - Maxwell --> I know yall have heard the singles from the Maxwell's latest, Black Summers' Night, but this joint is reminiscent of the "old" Maxwell and one of favorites....smooth out the afternoon to that.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2009

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2009

BE YOU!

"I can't base what I am gonna be, off what everybody else isn't" (saw this quote from my boy Mr. Austin, good look)

I post this quote because I just want to simple say and remind us that just because someone else is doing the same thing you are doing or thinking the same way you are thinking, does not mean that YOU are not original yourself.  Don't always try to create the wheel; the ingenious ones often times reinvent and reuse it. As I always try to push to others and remind myself, don't worry bout the next person or the last person, BE YOU!

-juskev

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009

It's still here and alive...



Interracial couple denied marriage license

What exactly is the "It" I am referring to?  The closed-mindedness of not living in 2009 where multi-cultural intertwining (or interracial mixing) thrives.  It is one thing to have your personal beliefs it is another to impose them on others and denying their rights...

Tangipahoa Parish,  a Louisiana justice of the peace, decided to use his powers of justice to deny an interracial couple their right to a marriage license....I don't believe I need to say more to spark discussion on this one.

Still in 2009 as President Barack Obama resides in his current presidency...yup!!

In the words of my boy Samir, "you do the dishes"...

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2009

Even Dogs Pray!


Would like to personally thank "Bonita" Chambers for forwarding this!

I had to share this one! The quote sent with this pic stated:
"Dear Lord:
Thank you for bringing me to Timmy's house and not to Michael Vick's -- AMEN!"

Yeah, this one gets a "Wow!" with a long loud laugh! (It's all love here though, not hate, lol)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2009

Open your door to endless possibilities

I took this picture while was in San Juan, Puerto Rico last year. Just wanted to use the picture to share a message of encouragement to the family that you hold the power to open the doors of opportunity God sets forth in front you.

It is you, you have to blame for missed opportunities. It is you, you have to blame for continual unhappiness and held anger. It is you. You are not a victim but a VICTORY because you are still here and were kept for the opportunities that await you, if YOU take personal responsibility for your emotions, your actions, your thoughts. YOU ARE GREAT. BE YOU!

(No poem this time, just a message, lol)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2009

Someone is always listening!



People around say some wild and disturbingly funny things...this ish is not made up cause a lot of it i hear on the metro my self!

Here is one conversation from a recent post:

Greatest girlfriend ever?
Outside the Bethesda Metro, post happy hour:

Early/mid 20-something guy and girl who appear to be new co-workers, after several drinks.

Guy: "It took me more than 2 years to pay off my credit card after college."
Girl: "Yeah, my boyfriend has some serious credit card debt. So, I told him that if he got it under $1,000 I'd give him all the blowjobs he wanted for a whole weekend."
Guy: "Uh, wow. Sounds like a good deal for him?"
Girl: "Yeah, so he got it down to $900 a few days ago."
Guy: "Woah."
Girl: "But his car just broke down and he had to put like $1,000 on the card. So, should I still do it?"
Guy: ...
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Overheard in DC

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2009

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2009

A child of the soul in musiq


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BK-One & Benzilla "Philly Boy" feat. Black Thought --> Black Thought bringin' the heat with some soul-backing as usual


Novel - Mama Said --> put this one up here because I know how the brotha felt at that point in his life; lyrics are a little hardcore...



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Lee Bannon feat. Saigon --> Simple hot head nodder from Saigon



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Good Will Hunting feat. Theo --> Theo always has some good feeling hip hop.  Pretty good producer and writer (though this one is not produced by him) I got a mixtape of his from a year ago that is still on rotation.  Look him up



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804, VA representin'!!!---> I heard this on the radio, on 106.5, and just wanted to share it



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Wayna feat. Wale "Billy Club" --> DMV collabo!...FYI: Wayna was a speech writer for former President Bill Clinton...she's talented and intelligently beautiful...yes!


Impossible by Daniel Merriwether ---> you may remember this man from a song he did with Wale several months back.  I like him.  He has a pretty original style, little bit of a Justin Timberlake/Robin Thicke thing going on.



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Let's be honest feat. Kom Moye ---> definitely a banger, with a good message....ill end with this one

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2009

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2009

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2009

Disturbing the peace


(Photo courtesy of Ang from her facebook page via mobile phone, thanks cous!)

So, my home town is showing some real guts right now. This is why, even though my mother believes I should be in politics, I won't involve myself...I don't like to lie or streeeeetch the truth, though I have the tough skin for it, haha.

Anyway, President Obama, I definitely got ya back and know you are intelligent to know that this unprecedented backlash was coming from some of the things that were tossed around during your amazing presidential run. Things are not and were never written in stone and they should not be, but we all know the average american(even myself sometimes) takes every word literally and will often miss an entire statement because they hung on a word or phrase that they really liked or truly hated. Yes, I hold you accountable, on realistic terms. My family struggles just like the rest but I won't blame you.
I am happy you all back home are practicing one this countries greatest freedoms...funny how you chose to put it right over the Velvet strip club down at Shockoe Bottom. They practiced freedom too...

I am not outraged but baffled at the height that our President has taken more cynicism, criticism and outrage than any other president on record and yet just happens to be one of the most intelligent, most qualified, most dynamic President's we ever had in the history of the United States' presidency....go figure

The 1st


Hattie McDaniel: the first black or african american actress or actor to win an Oscar for her supporting roll with "Gone with the Wind."( A great book by the way if you have never read it. )
Her roll may not of been the most dignified (Mammy) and even she herself felt some kinda way when she was not even allowed to accept her award at the show (year 1939). But she knew at that moment in time that she was representing a people and opening the doors for those that have been able to achieve greatness today.
We will pay tribute to you, Sister McDaniel.
Inspiration.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2009

Happy Born Day pop!!!

Jus wanted to wish the man who had the most integral part in helping to make me the great man I know am and are continuing to be.

Pop's, I love you and thank you for always being there us.

Feliz Compleanos to mi padre!!!!

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2009

Your therapy music is here


The Noisettes, a band out of London...gotta keep up with my London chaps. I like this group.



Amerie and Trey Songz remake of Mint Condition's "Pretty Brown Eyes". This song is rumored to be featured on Amerie's next upcoming album....YEWWP!, sorry had to do it, VA, 804 all day baby!



This was my ish, "back in the day"!



Didn't take a lot of time or come across a lot of music that I felt the fam would feel. But there is so much good music and talent out there I am sure you all are able to keep it going...So I will leave you with a song I heard a lot this past weekend and one of my favs from LTD & J.O.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2009

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2009

Feeling like a kid...

And yeah I know, I still look like one too, lol.

Anyway, I just finished buying all 7albums of the A Tribe Called Quest, not including the remix album, best of and lost tribes. I never actually owned the officially copies so decided to purchase them. Definitely feeling like with a brand new toy. I love my music! All this with shipping cost me a total of $30.00. Every CD and case in excellent condition. Thank you Amazon.com's used section!!

ATCQ is the group I can most relate to. I LOVE jazz and I love my hard core raw truth telling stories of hip-hop and they were one of the best if not the best at mixing the two. Very laid back beats with rhymes intellectually stimulating but still carry the necessary street credibility. Can't ask for nothing better than that. I know some of us are on Facebook and seen those notes that ask you to take songs from a group to describe your life...Tribe would definitely be the artists that describes me best.

Hope yall had a good, relaxing weekend, if not make sure you MAKE some time for ya self!

Peace!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2009

1-9-6-3! HAPPY FOUNDER'S DAY TO MY FRATERNITY (THE GREATEST)!!!



46 years ago on this day, 12 honorable and great men, both scholarly and family men,  during a time of great history and tribulation in our country, on the steps or Morgan State College now Morgan State University, founded Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINCORPORATED!

HAPPY FOUNDER'S DAY TO ALL MY BRUHS AND SWEETHEARTS!

The late, Most Gracious and Honorable Sweetheart, Ms Audrey Brooks


OW OWWWWWW!!!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2009

3-Day weekends???

Well, it's not a state of mind for all of us.  Here's a good start and thought for your Friday.

Apparently, shorter work weeks are environmentally and financially savvy, go figure! Utah, about a year ago, passed an initiative to have 10-hour work days and Friday start the official weekend. Yeah, I bet you thought you wouldn't be making up for the 40 hours...nope, wrong. Traffic has been proven to reduce as a result of this initiative, too. More productivity from there employees as well.

It makes sense to me sense more than half the of the total workforce here in America works "overtime" anyway. Good job to once Republican Governor, Jon Hunstman.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2009

Yet another one of the many farmer protests around the world

Belgium farmer's protest

Farmers spray milk on a field in Ciney, Belgium, on Wednesday, to protest slumping dairy prices. (Virginia Mayo/Associated Press)


If you like those rich and whole Belgium chocolates, this doesn't look good for ya.  It seems on the other side of the globe, they are having problems paying their farmers' due as well.  The government is selling milk produced by farmers for much less than what it cost than farmers to produce it.  The world average on the price of milk has fallen 40% in the past couple years.

Let's nod to it!


The Foreign Exchange feat. Muhsinah - "House Of Cards" from The Foreign Exchange on Vimeo......just plain deep...



Audio file


J. Rawls feat. Invisible Hands --> just feeling this one; a good mix of jazz and hip hop.  Rawls is well known for producing music mixed with hip hop and jazz.  I have one of his hip hop jazz albums, good buy.


wanna love you - raheem devaughn ft young chris
Raheem Devaughn is coming back in the scene...well, he never really left it.



Audio file


Wale bringin' in some of his roots...definitely feeling this one; produced by Apple Juice Kid.



some hot fiya from Phil Ade.



Peter Bjorn and John -->I like this joint...not sure why....this song may sound familiar from one of my previous blogpost.



A lil' bit of a throwback, Black Star....FYI: J. Rawls produced this track.


Man, Aaliyah...can't believe it's been 8+ years....

That's it from me,

Peace & blessings.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2009

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2009

An Unfortunate Rarity

In lue of the annual Black Family Reunion weekend event here in D.C.(Specifically at the National Mall) this weekend, I would like to share something we as a people have been struggling with in the black family (all families struggle with this by the way, not just stricken to the black family or just the fathers).....

A couple weeks ago, I saw something that was rare, regrettably so and still have not seen it since...a man of color (i.e. black) with his suit and tie on, ready for work, pushing a stroller with a baby down the sidewalk.

Why was I excited and felt a sense of pride at first but felt sad and anger moments after?...

I believe those feelings came from the fact, that still today, the fatherless is a prominent issue. There is a very good book I would recommend for ALL to read; Black Men and the journey to fatherhood by Leonard Pitts, jr. A special thank you to my boy M. Goode for that one. This book gives great insight to fatherhood and some understanding of why some choose to run from the responsibility.

Thank you pop's...Dad, you did what you were supposed to do; give unconditional love and structure to us and are an integral part of why I am a strong God-fearing good man and am and continuing to grow to be a better man each day. Not a day goes by that I do not thank God for both of my beautiful loving parents. TOO many of my peers unfortunately were not fortunate enough to have both but best believe even with one prominent parent they came out on top but as it has been shared with me, not without an internal struggle that I can only begin to understand, never fully...

Just wanted to share my thoughts...

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2009

The Twins

Today we reflect on the innocent lives transitioned(others may think of the lives as lost). Innocent lives taken by those who felt the United States had been doing so for years. My heart is definitely with those that no longer have their loved ones with them.

I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing the exact moment the 1st plane and the 2nd plane hit the Towers. I was in the Chesterfield Technical Center in my Cisco Networking class. The details don't really that much, just know they are very distinct and vivid as I can imagine a lot of you have the same type of recollection.

But I also think of the thousands of lives lost senselessly elsewhere and sympathize with them as well. I am not sure why this comes to mind, but I think about the country of Laos; whom during the Vietnam war were friend nor foe of the either side. We, the United States of America, dropped ammo and explosives left over from the war in this neutral country( there are other parts of that story of course) but in general. The country decades later is still feeling the effects; children and adults everyday losing limbs and are killed. A small example of injustice done by US.

We are still hurt from the horrific and tragic events of September 11, 2001 but keep in perspective and keep God in mind for both forgiveness and healing for all.

My heart is with the fallen victims and their loved ones. May they continue to rest in peace and may God continue to be with the families and friends....God bless America.

Again I say, an injustice anywhere is an in justice everywhere

-jus kev

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2009

Music for the short week

If you are a fan of N.E.R.D. than I know you know this song and have their Album, Seeing Sounds. Song is simple but I like it; I have the album, too.


Miss January feat.  The Procussions and Talib.  Definitely a good chill joint, feeling it for a get-you-through-the-work-day song


Spiritual Fi --> Another laid back joint from Reggie B ( when going to the link, listen to Spiritual Fi)

Now two of my FAVORITE hits from Slum Village....RIP Baatin
Cloud 9


Climax



Aiight, I will pull out some different stuff next week....possibly.

Emmit Till goes to the Smithsonian

Article



Emmit Till's casket is coming to D.C. The Till family has decided to have the casket on display so that young boys and girls could know the true story of our history and progress as a people.

-----------------------------------------------

Hope you all enjoyed this beautiful Labor Day weekend. I know I did. Let's continue on with the week off right! Just catching up on a lil bit of news.

 Music is coming in a day.  I am going to wait til next week to hit you off with a lot of music I have been wanting to put on display.  This week nothing you may or may not already know.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2009

Obama Addresses the Nation on Education



I have posted President Obama's live stream Youtube video for today's speech for anyone to view.

President Obama's prepared remarks directly from the White House.

There has not been a speech that President Obama has done, that I have not been impressed with.  The reason why I am most impressed with his speeches is not because of their eloquence but because his speeches involve actionable items both accountable to himself as President of the United States and to us, as a people of this Nation.   Just reading the speech I felt empowered and could feel the energy, power and emotion flowing to the children that MAY be listening.   Education doesn't just mean going to college and getting a degree.  I for one, believe that the four-year institution may not be for everyone, but learning is.   I have a personal quote that simply says "your degree is only but a mere tool to help the enhancement of your dreams become reality," meaning also it is not the ONLY tool.  Education is an ongoing process but every process needs its foundation and I am elated that we have a president who is excited and fired up about the education and creating opportunity for EVERYONE to be educate, starting with children.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

Argentine Farmers Strike


Argentine farmers on strike


Argentine farmers go on a seven-day strike starting August 25 (might be off by a couple days). The Argentine government is taxing the farmers 35%!!! From my understanding, when it comes to taxation, Argentina is pretty average. The current administration likes to tax on many exported goods such as soy and grains. But I still have never understood why farmers across the world do not get paid what is due to them when they are the ones producing the food that is put on our tables.

Let's think about that next time we go on our "soy" health frenzy. As being a person who definitely bought a lot of soy milk thinking that is the healthiest alternative, there are other alternatives of healthy protein from milk such as rice, almond and/or just plain old lactaid-free milk. But soy is in a lot of the packaged food we eat as well. Argentina is the 3rd largest producer of soy. The U.S. I believe may be second after Brazil or at least in the top five. So you health-soy fanatics have nothing to worry about.....yet

My approach to healthy eating is variety and portions in EVERYTHING...no such thing as a "diet" in my book...just form a habit that you know works best with your body and listen to your body....easier said than done, yes.


But an injustice anywhere is an injustice everywhere.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2009

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2009

Eta Xi, Intelligently Designed



Big UPS and CONGRATULATIONS to the VIRGINIA TECH COLONY...EXCUSE ME, ETA XI CHAPTER OF IOTA PHI THETA FRATERNITY, IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINCORPORATED!!!! OW OW!

Yes, I am a proud member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated and a co-founder of the Virginia Tech colony, now ETA XI chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated.

But what I am more impressed and proud of is how my line brothers and other members of the chapter have currently progressed and obtained the chapter letters. They are the ones who I am dedicating this blog post to. I could not be any prouder than I am right now!!! Getting established as a strong, progressive force at Virginia Tech is not easy at all. Though I was not there and do not know a lot of the work they put into getting the chapters, I remember when I was there helping to establish us as a colony; an experience that I will never forget.

That goes for all of the fraternities and sororities out there, as well all know how much truly goes into getting yourseleves established. I am posting the description of the Facebook group dedicated to those Exa Xi Owtlaws of Iota Phi Theta, Incorporated.

"The Eta Xi chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. was founded on the campus of Virginia Tech on December 28, 2006 by four courageous brothers.

Since its founding, Iota Phi Theta has demonstrated a growth rate unmatched by any Black Greek Organization before or since. Time and time again, we have seen that there are men who are seeking an organization with the vibrancy and creativity that are unique to Iota Phi Theta. We are actively seeking men who are interested in helping us to "Build a Tradition" and who are unwilling to settle for "Resting Upon One."

This group is the place look if you want to find OWt information, updates and the latest events going on with the VT Colony.

The Brown and Gold Iota Men at Virginia Tech are:

Nathan "Stand OWt" Howell
Maurice "The Architect" Clark
Mathew "Clutch" Good
Brian "Firecracker" Glover
Mark "I Am Legend" Saunders

Beside the Centaurs of Iota Phi Theta there are those beautiful and oooooh so sweet Iota Sweethearts that support the brothers of Iota like no other!

The first EVER Iota Sweetheart on the campus of Virginia Tech is:

Tiara Riley"


The name of the original line that crossed in the Fall of 2006 at Virginia Tech is I.S. Intelligent Design. It has two meanings behind it and I'll leave the explanation of it at that.

and yes, yours truly Kevin i.k.a "Spoken Word", the ACE, holding it dowwwwn!

Let's get it, Virginia Tech!!!

MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2009

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2009

Jamaica!

No this is not about Usane Bolt, lol....

My last post was on the not-so-high-in-happiness side....so through the heartache I still want to impress some good soul feeling music upon ya. Most of yall know I am old school at heart so cheers to one of my favorites.

Laugh, Relax and Enjoy the weekend!

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2009

Keep ya head up Hokies


Yes, I am Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Computer Science graduate of 2007.

From day one I stepped foot onto Virginia Tech's campus, adversity was there to welcomed me and my colleagues. Spring of 2002, Affirmative Action voted out by the Board of Visitors (BOV). I and about 100 hundred other Virginia Tech students busted into the President's office and demanded to know why they had made a decision ahead of the Supreme Court case decision involving Michigan University.

Another incident, not widely publicized at all, occurred in the Student center where feces was spread on the door of the NAACP office with part of the message saying "Go back to Africa" you can figure out the rest. The feces was removed before authorities could document the scene so those who may research my find it hard to come up with results. Please take my word for it. I was there with the my roommate who was at the time the president of the NAACP. I believe that was late Fall 2004.

Then we move to the young man who shot and killed the Blacksburg officer. That was the first week of Spring 2006. And of course that cold spring day in April 2007...

Now we come to the first week of Spring 2009 and begin with another tragedy. Two students were found shot and dead in a vehicle at the National Jefferson Forest. Some information on that can be found at http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/story.php?relyear=2009&itemno=639

I for one believe God only test the strong and I'm not here to argue that point. That is my religion, spirituality and positive nature speaking. Virginia Tech has always been resilient when it comes to tragedy and issues of the past and futures. I know this because I was well involved with the student leadership at Tech and had pleasure of creating great relations with faculty, staff and the President's office. The student body as whole does not let tragedy influence the atmosphere, when faced with tragedy we used it to show our strength in numbers. I honestly do not have much more to say because as write this I am remembering that cold spring day in April and become lost in thought. But as we mourn for all those who have lost their loved ones and have made their transitions. Let's remember that it is just that...a transition that we all one day will make as well. I believe we are below the heavens in a present day hell meant to prepare us for our transition.

So as i sit and reminisce,
on those that we miss,
missing their happiness which gave us bliss,
No there's nothing we can do to dismiss,
the hurt that comes about,
but believe their transition was not made in vain, no doubt,
God got it covered,
An angel with wings that has now made their route,
Many may not know the pain to lose a loved one,
I know it all too well,
I'll be a witness to God's blessings,
that you heart will heal and time will tell,
the story of a life once lived but not failed,
continue to keep you head up,
cause when you look up in the sky,
there they will be,
Another angel looking down,
at the God in you and me...
-jus kev

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2009

Just a beautiful night in the city...

We took my boy, Mr. Goode, out for his birthday to Fogo de Chao, a brazilian steakhouse . Just the few us and laughs, sharing good times. I thank God so much for blessings with a strong family, good friends, a good heart and mind.

The night is very calm. The city lights reflecting off the potomac drawing a blurred vision of the city; a reflection of my past. I sit here and reminisce on the times where I could have been in jail, could have been six feet under, could have not made it to college, may not have graduated, the people who told me I couldn't do it, the people who called me wack and fake and still don't believe, never feeling bitter still willing to give a faithful smile. I only pray that God would give them a heart as strong as the I one have been blessed with.

I also sit missing a friend, who I still believe is a life partner, who is distantly near. Finally learned to let go but love can never be let go.

Anyway, happy birthday Mike!

I continue not do this for me but live for those who can't, my family, thru me by God....

Bueno Noches
-jus kev

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MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2009

Continents

So I had an interesting discussion about continents with my boys and just want to disseminate some info...

By definition a continent is Conventionally, "...understood to be large, continuous, discrete masses of land, ideally separated by expanses of water." Many of the seven most commonly recognized continents identified by convention are not discrete land masses separated by water.
-Reference: Wikipedia

So pretty much it is under discretion by whatever authority to call a land mass a continent.

Had it not been for the man-made Panama canal, North and South America would just be America. Actually, many South American natives refer to the continent as just America.

India identifies itself as a subcontinent because 1. The Himalayas and 2. Society as a whole depicts Asians as fair-skinned with slanted eyes and did not want to be identified that way

Europe has been an argument for centuries about it truly being a continent; mostly by mountain terrain, specifically Caucasus and Ural Mountains and small bodies of water i.e. Caspian sea, Ural River and Black Sea

Aiight enough of my geekness for today, you can add to it or just take it in...Hope you made it through Monday!

Peace & Blessings

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2009

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2009

Music for the weekend

Audio: Black Milk "Set Go" --> Definite head banger

Audio: Ryan Leslie "You're Not My Girl (Remix)" feat. Consequence --> I'm feelin' my man Ryan Leslie if you don't have the album get it and get the next one coming out too


Big up to Okayplayer for the links....where I get most of my updates on music from

Enjoy the weekend!!!

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2009

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2009

Meeting the professor

This to me is the best part about my personality and going to different places....meeting DIFFERENT people and connecting.

I sat by a well
-know professor of philosophy from Iran on my flight. This man taught at Harvard, Princeton and Columbia universities to name a few. I asked do you enjoy teaching and he said "you are not a teacher if you don't enjoy it so of course I do." He was on his way back from a conference in Sweden.

He looked at me and said "long flight, I'm tired"


It's weird, he kept saying how he's living and he's tired...and he had that sort of aura to him too...jus tired..

No I never got his name, didn't want to bother him with that

Tired of the streets,
Tired of the beef,
Tired of givin',
Tired of defeat,
So tired of the yelling,
And the people who want to hate,
People look at you thinking they know your fate,
Tired of rejection,
Tired of the pain,
Tired of friends taking advantage of you just because they feel like they're goin insane,
Tired of walking with no end in sight,
Tired of the world
But God said never get tired of life...
-jus kev

Get atcha in the states!