October 31, 2005

Quick Business

Business…here’s this month’s BSN joint, a look at Fisher DeBerry’s statements.

Have fun.

October 31, 2005

Don’t Send Me Nothin’ Bout No Picnic

So I just got one of those e-mails talking about how “picnic” is derived from an old Caucasoid leisure activity, going out and picking niggers to lynch.

So how long are people gonna be stupid enough to believe that one?
Continue reading Don’t Send Me Nothin’ Bout No Picnic…

October 28, 2005

Top 25 – Jimi Hendrix

After much debate, I decided to go with Hendrix this week. If I have to tell you why I’d want to do a list on Jimi, I’m not sure what I can do for you. I can tell you this–no one has ever been farther ahead of his time in his prime than Hendrix. To this day, he is universally considered the greatest guitar player ever. That’s based on a mere four years worth of recorded material.

That’s amazing. And he was a bad man before he went solo. For an example, please look out for the Isley Brothers’ “Testify.” Fantastic stuff.

Anyway, to the list we go.
Continue reading Top 25 – Jimi Hendrix…

October 27, 2005

Bad, Bad Wal-Mart and More Hate Toward Hip Hop

Click this here. It seems we’ve seen the last of those cute Wal-Mart commercials with the greeters in wheel chairs.

And they said big business doesn’t have a heart.

But the real fun has been sent to my by Big Rell. I feel bad for him. First, he’s got to endure Tar Heel football season, and then he’s gotta read madness like this. Here’s a sampling

ROSA PARKS did not defy a white bus driver in 1955 so teenagers in 2005 could attend school-night concerts by black performers filled with self-hate.

Okay, here are where my problems start.
Continue reading Bad, Bad Wal-Mart and More Hate Toward Hip Hop…

October 26, 2005

People Love The Alamo

Well, a day like this would usually be reserved for hate mail, but there hasn’t been much good hate mail this go ’round. The best was from a gentleman who asked me if I wear a clown suit when I write. That was really, really funny.

But the most common gripe has been with me saying The Alamo is “the most overrated tourist attraction in America.”

Well, it is.
Continue reading People Love The Alamo…

October 25, 2005

The BCS

Business…in order to earn my stripes as a sports writer, I take aim at the BCS. Enjoy.

October 25, 2005

RIP Rosa Parks

(Warning–I’ve been up all night meeting a deadline, so don’t hate me if this doesn’t always make sense)

Business pending…should have a piece on Page 2 later today. I’ll do a new post to let you know of that one.

Rosa Parks died yesterday. Her most noteworthy contribution to the Movement, refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus in 1955, was the catalyst for the Montgomery Bus Boycott. It’s become cliche to talk about that, but we can’t remember this–only Jackie Robinson integrating Major League Baseball was a more important in forcing whites to respect both the humanity and economic power of black folks in America. And maybe more significantly, that introduced the world to the most important person born in this country, Martin Luther King.

But the discussion will invariably turn to one question–didn’t she just sit her ass down?
Continue reading RIP Rosa Parks…

October 24, 2005

From the Sidelines at Morehouse’s Homecoming

Business preview–this week’s list, in all likelihood, will be the Marvin Gaye Top 25. I’m not sure that’s what I’m gonna do, but it’s entirely possible. Either that or Hendrix or the U2 list I’ve been promising. Might have to outsource that one to Ben, seeing as he knows more about U2 than I forgot.

Well, back in Durham after a quick trip to Atlanta to cover homecoming at that school my nephew attends. What did I realize more than anything? That I will never outgrow that whole Clark/Morehouse rivalry. I had sideline passes to the Clark/Morehouse football game–which the House insultingly made homecoming–and I swear I was gettin crunk like I was ready for the ruckus to start. I even thought I caught a couple of funny looks from this guy.

That guy, it must be said, is cool as a fan. I respect any cat that women adore who is also willing to leave the house stubbly and in less than pristine condition. For real, it’s rare I find a pretty boy that has the same indifference to those little things as I have. Keep it gully, Denzel.

Anyhoo, lemme tell you what is learned from watching a football game from the sidelines–you realize that them boys are out there hittin’ for real.
Continue reading From the Sidelines at Morehouse’s Homecoming…

October 21, 2005

Top 25 – James Brown

Today is all about the Godfather of Soul. Mr. Dynamite. Soul Brother #1. James MF Brown.

Let’s just say this now–James Brown is black music’s most important figure from the 20th century. He was significant in the transition from R&B to soul, and he followed that up by leading the transition from soul to funk. And as funk began to run its course, James’ music became an important influence to hip hop.

Just this simple–he might be the baddest man to walk the face of the Earth. You might not think he’s the best, but it’s hard to say he ain’t the baddest.

That’s why he gets a list from me. I must admit that my knowledge of his catalog isn’t as encyclopedic as my knowledge of the folks I’ve done other lists of, but I’m gonna do 25 anyway. As always, use the comments to tell me where I got it wrong.
Continue reading Top 25 – James Brown…

October 20, 2005

Ahhh, the good ol’ days

Forgive me for not posting yesterday. After driving to Atlanta on 45 mins sleep, I was exhausted. Then I had to go to the concert that night, so it was hectic in Bomaniland. But I’m settled and actually taking two days off of work! I honestly have no idea the last time I did that. There will be posts, though. These are fun, not work.

Business…BV’s running my Bun B interview today. Check the bidness blog later today for clips from the interview that did not make it because of space limitations.

So I went to Morehouse’s homecoming concert last night. Yes, it had me feeling incredibly old. Jokers doing all that jumping up and down was too much for me. It ain’t 2001 no more. My party game then was like Jordan ‘93. Now, it’s more like Jordan ‘02. Still effective, but more cagey than before and definitely more respectful of gravity.

But here’s the thing–I think I got bumped in to about seventeen times in that piece, and not one person looked back to acknowledge that mistake.

When did that start happening?
Continue reading Ahhh, the good ol’ days…