Unlike Vibe's 20 Questions (or the Scripts), my 20 questions (minus 3)will be all about me. I FULLY expect audience participation in the form of comments. Even those of you who read and never comment...do it...
1. Was that really my last tattoo?
2. Am I really a wild girl because of the piercings and tattoos or am I a fake?
3. Why do people think I am mean?
4. Does my smart mouth really intimidate people THAT much?
5. Why am I always up and moving about at the strangest hours?
6. Why am I considered light skinned when I am clearly light brown?
7. How come people always think my away messages are directed at a particular person rather than just appreciating the tight quotes?
8. Is 'fakin' really only used by people from the DC metro area?
9. Why cant people recognize my wrist in my facebook pic? What other body part looks like that?
10. And back to the subject of tattoos, why is everyone acting like I have 12? When I'm clothed you cant see any of my 3 so is it really THAT bad?
11. Am I the only educated Black person who enjoyed the Rayful Edmond movie?
12. Do people even know who Rayful Edmond is?
13. Why do people come to me with relationship dilemmas when I am not in a relationship?
14. How come I can sit on the phone with some people for more than an hour but absolutely refuse to answer 97% of the times my phone rings?
15. Why do people either think I'm extra loud or extra quiet?
16. Why cant I fall asleep in the middle of the day?
17. Why cant I think of three more questions?
Monday, September 26, 2005
Little Brother and the Korean Barbecue...Too...
On Saturday Keva and I went to see Little Brother at some random spot called Ottobar in Baltimore. Yes, I was in Baltimore. Keva beat me to the post so I must recognize the original Little Brother and the Korean Barbecue before commenting myself. Here goes...
The concert was tight. For those unfamiliar with the lyrical stylings of Little Brother you are truly missing out on greatness. Someone suggested the group to me before and I immediately dismissed them. But I now regret that. They are funny and intelligent without turning into one of those "conscious" rap groups that no one wants to listen to (except me of course cause thats what i like). I saw them open for Kanye West at the NorVa when College Dropout first dropped. The group has a great onstage presence and they are just on point. Anyways, they did, what seemed to be, every song they have recorded plus a bunch of freestyles (that looks like a comma splice doesnt it?). They danced and enjoyed themselves as much as the audience enjoyed their show.
The crowd was an interesting bunch. Rhythmless white boys to dredlocked old men to Jenn and Keva. This place was intimate without being cliche. There might have been maybe 10 girls in the whole audience, but it was still chill. No one groping women. And with the exception of the huge man who kept poking me, I left happy. Some people were drinking but I just didnt feel like babysitting a drink(since I am definitely a babysitting pro) that particular night so I was extra sober.
After the concert Keva decided she was real hungry. We, along with RH, ended up at a Korean Barbecue. I know what you are thinking..."jennifer only eats like 8 different things...what the hell was she doing at a korean spot." Long story short...this is what happens when you trust people with food decisions that shouldnt be trusted. Try and "culture" black folks...Moving on. I had to use chopsticks (catastrophe) and look at korean men with REALLY nasty feet. I ended up pretty much eating white rice and telling myself that I need to avoid asians foods. But the conversation made it all worthwhile.
I poured my heart out about my present issue (which I will no divulge to you people) for a few emotionaless seconds and was blasted from the moment I began speaking. Weaker beings might have cried, but RH was right and so I had to suck it up and besides, who is crying in public??? Not Miss Jennifer. Its a bit strange considering I dont really know that person at all. But he understood my issue (singular) and broke it down and thats that. Meanwhile, I spent the night setting MissKeva up for glory. She whined about me talking too much or some such nonsense, but I talked just enough to put her in a wonderful place. You know why? Cause I'm great dammit. Even in my depressed state I want my friends to be sublimely happy.
So while on the way out of Baltimore my phone rings. It was maybe 4 in the morning. Now, I will leave the caller nameless because I know that person is probably going to read this and should feel bad enough without me name-dropping and letting everyone know how inconsiderate they are. I do not like people to call me after maybe 12 unless they are on SERIOUS boo status. And since no one has that status now, late night calls are unacceptable. Yes, I was awake. However, there are not many topics to talk about after 2. You might be calling about sex (and if you are calling me you are DAMN sure wasting time), you could be calling because you are drunk (and I dont enjoy drunk people), or you could be calling because there is some sort of emergency (which is the ONLY acceptable excuse). Blah blah blah. I did answer. I shouldnt have. I knew that as I flipped open the phone. It was real bad, but hey, I didnt cry so whatever. Live and learn right. DONT CALL ME THAT DAMN LATE EVER AGAIN IN LIFE. This experience, which ended in me getting hung up on for no reason at all, further proves my extremely forgiving nature exists despite my smart mouth. Possibly TOO forgiving nature. I curse and get mad and all that but in the end I hold people down who dont always deserve it.
Oh...I'll end on a happy note. I GET TO SEE BILAL AGAIN!!!!! He will be in Baltimore and I will be there too. Happy.
(strange way to end right? but i started talking about stuff that i wont blog on so i had to just move on...)
The concert was tight. For those unfamiliar with the lyrical stylings of Little Brother you are truly missing out on greatness. Someone suggested the group to me before and I immediately dismissed them. But I now regret that. They are funny and intelligent without turning into one of those "conscious" rap groups that no one wants to listen to (except me of course cause thats what i like). I saw them open for Kanye West at the NorVa when College Dropout first dropped. The group has a great onstage presence and they are just on point. Anyways, they did, what seemed to be, every song they have recorded plus a bunch of freestyles (that looks like a comma splice doesnt it?). They danced and enjoyed themselves as much as the audience enjoyed their show.
The crowd was an interesting bunch. Rhythmless white boys to dredlocked old men to Jenn and Keva. This place was intimate without being cliche. There might have been maybe 10 girls in the whole audience, but it was still chill. No one groping women. And with the exception of the huge man who kept poking me, I left happy. Some people were drinking but I just didnt feel like babysitting a drink(since I am definitely a babysitting pro) that particular night so I was extra sober.
After the concert Keva decided she was real hungry. We, along with RH, ended up at a Korean Barbecue. I know what you are thinking..."jennifer only eats like 8 different things...what the hell was she doing at a korean spot." Long story short...this is what happens when you trust people with food decisions that shouldnt be trusted. Try and "culture" black folks...Moving on. I had to use chopsticks (catastrophe) and look at korean men with REALLY nasty feet. I ended up pretty much eating white rice and telling myself that I need to avoid asians foods. But the conversation made it all worthwhile.
I poured my heart out about my present issue (which I will no divulge to you people) for a few emotionaless seconds and was blasted from the moment I began speaking. Weaker beings might have cried, but RH was right and so I had to suck it up and besides, who is crying in public??? Not Miss Jennifer. Its a bit strange considering I dont really know that person at all. But he understood my issue (singular) and broke it down and thats that. Meanwhile, I spent the night setting MissKeva up for glory. She whined about me talking too much or some such nonsense, but I talked just enough to put her in a wonderful place. You know why? Cause I'm great dammit. Even in my depressed state I want my friends to be sublimely happy.
So while on the way out of Baltimore my phone rings. It was maybe 4 in the morning. Now, I will leave the caller nameless because I know that person is probably going to read this and should feel bad enough without me name-dropping and letting everyone know how inconsiderate they are. I do not like people to call me after maybe 12 unless they are on SERIOUS boo status. And since no one has that status now, late night calls are unacceptable. Yes, I was awake. However, there are not many topics to talk about after 2. You might be calling about sex (and if you are calling me you are DAMN sure wasting time), you could be calling because you are drunk (and I dont enjoy drunk people), or you could be calling because there is some sort of emergency (which is the ONLY acceptable excuse). Blah blah blah. I did answer. I shouldnt have. I knew that as I flipped open the phone. It was real bad, but hey, I didnt cry so whatever. Live and learn right. DONT CALL ME THAT DAMN LATE EVER AGAIN IN LIFE. This experience, which ended in me getting hung up on for no reason at all, further proves my extremely forgiving nature exists despite my smart mouth. Possibly TOO forgiving nature. I curse and get mad and all that but in the end I hold people down who dont always deserve it.
Oh...I'll end on a happy note. I GET TO SEE BILAL AGAIN!!!!! He will be in Baltimore and I will be there too. Happy.
(strange way to end right? but i started talking about stuff that i wont blog on so i had to just move on...)
Saturday, September 24, 2005
The Never Ending Car Alarm
I was having such a good night last night. My mother brought me shrimp for dinner (which I love). Then my dream-boo (ha...if you are reading this you should feel OH SO special that I gave you an intentional shout-out like that) called and talked to me for a minute. Now, I did have 2 run-ins with crickets...but I'm strong and I survived. Further, Crooklyn came on and I LOVE that movie. So I'm thinking "this is a pretty chill night." I start watching Futurama and doze off on the couch. Mind you, my mother has opened all the windows in the house because she wanted fresh air. So I'm sleep. I was having a nightmare (which is rare) about crickets and dustbusters (no I'm not detailing the nonsense) and then all of a sudden I hear this EXTREMELY loud alarm in the dream. It woke me up. I realized the alarm was very real. I immediately got up to look out the window to make sure it wasn't my mothers car (which she, by the way, just got out the shop Friday). It wasn't. Now, my mother's alarm stops after a few minutes so I assumed this alarm would do the same. I was very wrong. So I wake up again at about 330 because of the alarm. I cover my ears and go back to sleep just to wake up AGAIN at like 445 just in time to catch another riveting epidsode of Roseanne. Mind you, there is no way to escape the alarm. The places I could have escaped to are all on the front of the house, so I would've heard the alarm. My mother snores so I couldn't go lay on her floor and I flat out was NOT going to sleep on the kitchen floor after I had, just hours earlier, murdered a cricket in there. So what was I to do? The damn alarm was driving me crazy and I was sleepy and beginning to get impatient. I closed the windows. It worked. GREAT. But then I wake up again at 530 because now its hot as VC in August in my house. Dammit. Can I catch a break?! I fall asleep finally. I wake up at 845 to get ready for my cousins football game and rant on my blog. As I type at 9:19 the alarm is STILL going off. My mother said the battery is gonna die if someone doesn't stop that alarm. Well, I hope the joint dies real soon cause I want that damn alarm to shut up!
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
These Are a Few of My Favorite Things
I am absolutely horrible at describing things. But I am going to do my best. If you make fun of me I wont be your friend anymore. That's final. I have good taste. We all know that, so you can trust that the stuff is tight. We will see how many times I use the same words over and over again. I do that over and over again (get it?) Anyways. A glimpse into my world...
Books
Jazz by Toni Morrison
This, in my humble opinion, is the best book ever written. Though I am a huge Morrison fan I picked this particular novel because its always new. No matter how many times I come back to the pages I find something new. Her words are beautiful. Her characters are real. What is there not to love?
White Boy Shuffle by Paul Beatty
White Boy shuffle may be the funniest novel I've ever read. Beatty pokes fun at every African American tragedy in history. From the ballet dancing slave to the suicidal leader of the free world, you will enjoy EVERY page. Plus...Its not long and the writer doesn't use words that are hard to understand. This would be a good book for a journalism major (yea...I came right at yalls necks...Ha)
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley
My inner Angry Black Woman would not let me do a list without mentioning this book. I mean...Its Malcolm X. What more do I need to say?
The Salt Eaters by Toni Cade Bambara
I read this book in my first Women's Lit class. I fell in love with Bambara. She's deep like Morrison without making you feel like you have to read the book 12 times to understand. My favorite character is a black man that looks white. He flips out in the grocery store because hes tired of shiftless Negroes. I felt a real connection with him because I feel like that too. Its a good read.
Bailey's Cafe by Gloria Naylor
Naylor, most famous for The Women of Brewster Place, penned this novel about a diner and all its customers. Its like a good friend telling you about their really dramatic day. The cross-dressing straight man makes you want to laugh but you might just cry. The differences between men and women separate so much...but bring us so close together. Appreciation is the key...
Movies
Eve's Bayou
Samuel L. Jackson, Lynn Whitfield, Journee? Smollet, and Megan Goode. This joint is so old but so wonderful. Coming of age story or something. Its about family or the destruction there of. Southern African Americans with money and problems. I love it.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Awkward murder mystery with Kevin Spacey and John Cusack. Its set in Georgia in this really strange town with strange people that walk dogs that don't exist.
Crooklyn
People always act like this is one of S. Lee's worst but I love it. I enjoy movies that show the strength of the Black family I guess. Plus I sweat the 50s, 60s, and 70s REAL HARD.
Beloved
This movie is not for the weak at heart. Yea. Its Oprah. But try to look beyond that. No, its not as good as the book. But if you forget that the book exists, its a really great movie. Slavery and its after effects. The breakdown of the family. Its deep(i hate that word).
Kill Bill Vol.1 & 2
Gratuitous violence but with women. Tarantino could NOT go wrong. Plus it said "fuck you" on the bottom of the bride's Asics. Who thinks of stuff like that? Only the sickest...Greatness!
New Albums
Little Brother - The Minstrel Show
I got put on to Little Brother from Billy, the realest Hip Hop head ever. Anyways, I blew it off for awhile, but the album is tight. I can listen to it straight through. Further, they have a central theme and actually make it work all the way through the 17 tracks. Its funny and real. Thumbs up from Jenn.
Kanye West - Late Registration
So, I like Late Registration a lot. No, I'm not on Kanye's dick but you must give props when props are due. He pulled a lot of random rappers together and made some real hot songs. A year from today I'm sure I wont still be playing this all the way through, but it is going to last through the fall. I'll be late for that.
Rihanna - Music of the Sun
Who knew that I would actually listen to and like this cd? I mean, Pon De Replay is real tight for the club but is it great for just chillin. No. But the rest of the album is. Its sad Rihanna doesnt get the shine she deserves cause the girl is talented.
Common - Be
Its Common. In my eyes he can do no wrong. I dont care if people thought he had lost his mind after Electric Circus. He was and will always be the man. I love him always.
Eric Roberson - The Vault Volume 1.5
I dont know how new this album is. But Eric Roberson deserves nothing BUT shine. He is smooth without sounding weak. He is loving without sounding whiny. He is just a good singer. His other album is hot too. But The Vault is the best. I dont know if they sell it anywhere but Karibu though (for you non-PG or DC people its a Black Book store).
Classic Albums
Bilal - 1st Born Second
Bilal Oliver is, without a doubt, my favorite singer ever of all time. His album, which came out in the summer of 2001, still gets regular plays by me and probably always will. Hes just tight. He came to HU one year for homecoming and I thought I would die. Bilal's performances are even better than the cd. But its worth the $17 for sure.
Donny Hathaway - A Donny Hathaway Collection
I dont know if gets any better than Donny Hathaway's "To Be Young, Gifted, and Black". That should be some HBCUs alma mater I swear. His lyrics are poignant. His voice is beautiful. And you get the added bonus of repeat duets with Roberta Flack. Old school beauty and talent man.
Fiona Apple - Tidal, When the Pawn
The most soulful white girl on planet Earth. She is so angry (like me) but really just so sad (like me). The difference, she can sing a song and let ALL that out. Kanye used her producer (yes she had him back in the 90s). She has such an edge, but you can see through to the weaknesses. Its hard to explain I guess. If you understand her music you might just understand me.
Mos Def and Talib Kweli - Blackstar
I had to put a hip hop cd. I thought hard about it and this is, in my opinion, my favorite. I thought about putting Black on Both Sides, but I couldnt shaft Talib. I used to hate him but have grown to appreciate him in the last 3 years. Anyways, yes I do own some Jay Z but I would much rather listen to music about something other than cars and bitches. Blackstar...classic..
Miles Davis - Kind of Blue
I used to hate jazz. Then I mellowed out and learned to appreciate it. Miles Davis is not my favorite musician. Coltrane is in my heart. However, you can sleep on Kind of Blue. If you arent into jazz and you want to have a starter album this is the one to get. Music without words forces you to pay more attention. The slight changes in tone...feeling moods without speech. Perfection on disc.
Songs
Play - David Banner
The dirty version of this song is so nasty it makes me a little ashamed that I love it so much. I mean wow. The beat though...sick. And the dirty lyrics are great. Hot joint.
Ex Factor - Lauryn Hill
This song is so beautiful. And so real to life. It used to make me real sad. But I'm stronger now. Anyways, at least I know heart break is not just happening to me. And Lauryn Hill can sing. I mean for real sing. Not just carry a tune. She needs to drop another album NOW.
Ms. Fat Booty - Mos Def
This was the very first hip hop song I ever heard that was not about money. I know thats sad right. Well, at least its the first one I remember. I have loved Mos Def since. The song is about him falling for a girl and she playing him. Not my M.O. but I feel where he is coming from.
Stir It Up - Bob Marley
Sultry sounds of Mr. Marley. He needs no description. If you dont like Marley you are flat out a lame.
Mary Jane - BYB
I just couldnt do a list without at least one gogo reference. No this is not their song, but their version is so tight. So chill (like me). So great. How could people not love gogo???
Poets
In October 2004 I went to the Furious Flower Poetry Conference at JMU. It changed my world for real. I've always like poetry and literature, but this really renewed my appreciation for the art form. I encountered all of these poets while there. I was in awe before I saw them and brought nearly to tears after. I am so dramatic sometimes, but it was serious. I always feel like I am alone in my appreciation for the written word. It made me happy to feel like I (here comes the cliche moment) "belonged." So, if you have some time pick up a book or search these poets online. There stuff is beyond Explanation so I wont try. They are all great and deserve recognition.
Sonia Sanchez
I secretly write haikus. This dude did a poem at a Saracen open mic about how only bad poets did haikus (yes he was a hater and SWEARS he is talented and is not PLUS he has a speech impediment). Sanchez does the sickest haikus ever. In 17 syllables she will make your soul ache. Send shivers down your spine. That takes such control and yet such creativity. You cant tell me shes not the greatest.
(when we say good-bye
i want yo tongue inside my
mouth dancing hello)
E. Ethelbert Miller
Miller has this particular set of poems told from the perspective of a little boy. The fact that he can so eloquently speak from the mind of a child and yet be so profound is amazing. I dont use the P word often, but I will with Miller. He also has a lot of sexual stuff, which I dont normally enjoy. But its so sexual without being raunchy. Hes great.
(I wanted to love you
without lust
but I am not the saint
I claimed to be
forgive me for taking
too much
maybe tomorrow
things will be different
it is unfortunate
that the sun does not
travel backwards)
Nikki Giovanni
Giovanni is flat out undeniably gangsta. She will say anything. She will do anything. She does not give a damn. I adore her for that. Giovanni says whats on her mind and does not concern herself with what will follow. Her poems and so tough. She just knows she is one of the Greats. She is right.
(I am so hip even my errors are correct...)
Lucille Clifton
Clifton's poetry makes me cry. She has a poem about abortions and I cried. I've never had an abortion, but her words to describe the loss were just so poignant that I could not hold the tears back. When I met her I almost cried. I was so flushed because Dr. Prince made me go speak. She is the epitome of strong Black woman. You feel it in every poem every verse every line every word. She is the definitive poet.
Haki Madhubuti (Don L. Lee)
When I think of Madhubuti (who changed his name from Don L. Lee) and his work I just see a black fist in the air. This man is great. The best thing about him is that he wants nothing more than to pass on the art form. He wants the next geneartion to know as much as he does. That, to me, is impressive.
So...thats it. My favorite things.
Books
Jazz by Toni Morrison
This, in my humble opinion, is the best book ever written. Though I am a huge Morrison fan I picked this particular novel because its always new. No matter how many times I come back to the pages I find something new. Her words are beautiful. Her characters are real. What is there not to love?
White Boy Shuffle by Paul Beatty
White Boy shuffle may be the funniest novel I've ever read. Beatty pokes fun at every African American tragedy in history. From the ballet dancing slave to the suicidal leader of the free world, you will enjoy EVERY page. Plus...Its not long and the writer doesn't use words that are hard to understand. This would be a good book for a journalism major (yea...I came right at yalls necks...Ha)
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley
My inner Angry Black Woman would not let me do a list without mentioning this book. I mean...Its Malcolm X. What more do I need to say?
The Salt Eaters by Toni Cade Bambara
I read this book in my first Women's Lit class. I fell in love with Bambara. She's deep like Morrison without making you feel like you have to read the book 12 times to understand. My favorite character is a black man that looks white. He flips out in the grocery store because hes tired of shiftless Negroes. I felt a real connection with him because I feel like that too. Its a good read.
Bailey's Cafe by Gloria Naylor
Naylor, most famous for The Women of Brewster Place, penned this novel about a diner and all its customers. Its like a good friend telling you about their really dramatic day. The cross-dressing straight man makes you want to laugh but you might just cry. The differences between men and women separate so much...but bring us so close together. Appreciation is the key...
Movies
Eve's Bayou
Samuel L. Jackson, Lynn Whitfield, Journee? Smollet, and Megan Goode. This joint is so old but so wonderful. Coming of age story or something. Its about family or the destruction there of. Southern African Americans with money and problems. I love it.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Awkward murder mystery with Kevin Spacey and John Cusack. Its set in Georgia in this really strange town with strange people that walk dogs that don't exist.
Crooklyn
People always act like this is one of S. Lee's worst but I love it. I enjoy movies that show the strength of the Black family I guess. Plus I sweat the 50s, 60s, and 70s REAL HARD.
Beloved
This movie is not for the weak at heart. Yea. Its Oprah. But try to look beyond that. No, its not as good as the book. But if you forget that the book exists, its a really great movie. Slavery and its after effects. The breakdown of the family. Its deep(i hate that word).
Kill Bill Vol.1 & 2
Gratuitous violence but with women. Tarantino could NOT go wrong. Plus it said "fuck you" on the bottom of the bride's Asics. Who thinks of stuff like that? Only the sickest...Greatness!
New Albums
Little Brother - The Minstrel Show
I got put on to Little Brother from Billy, the realest Hip Hop head ever. Anyways, I blew it off for awhile, but the album is tight. I can listen to it straight through. Further, they have a central theme and actually make it work all the way through the 17 tracks. Its funny and real. Thumbs up from Jenn.
Kanye West - Late Registration
So, I like Late Registration a lot. No, I'm not on Kanye's dick but you must give props when props are due. He pulled a lot of random rappers together and made some real hot songs. A year from today I'm sure I wont still be playing this all the way through, but it is going to last through the fall. I'll be late for that.
Rihanna - Music of the Sun
Who knew that I would actually listen to and like this cd? I mean, Pon De Replay is real tight for the club but is it great for just chillin. No. But the rest of the album is. Its sad Rihanna doesnt get the shine she deserves cause the girl is talented.
Common - Be
Its Common. In my eyes he can do no wrong. I dont care if people thought he had lost his mind after Electric Circus. He was and will always be the man. I love him always.
Eric Roberson - The Vault Volume 1.5
I dont know how new this album is. But Eric Roberson deserves nothing BUT shine. He is smooth without sounding weak. He is loving without sounding whiny. He is just a good singer. His other album is hot too. But The Vault is the best. I dont know if they sell it anywhere but Karibu though (for you non-PG or DC people its a Black Book store).
Classic Albums
Bilal - 1st Born Second
Bilal Oliver is, without a doubt, my favorite singer ever of all time. His album, which came out in the summer of 2001, still gets regular plays by me and probably always will. Hes just tight. He came to HU one year for homecoming and I thought I would die. Bilal's performances are even better than the cd. But its worth the $17 for sure.
Donny Hathaway - A Donny Hathaway Collection
I dont know if gets any better than Donny Hathaway's "To Be Young, Gifted, and Black". That should be some HBCUs alma mater I swear. His lyrics are poignant. His voice is beautiful. And you get the added bonus of repeat duets with Roberta Flack. Old school beauty and talent man.
Fiona Apple - Tidal, When the Pawn
The most soulful white girl on planet Earth. She is so angry (like me) but really just so sad (like me). The difference, she can sing a song and let ALL that out. Kanye used her producer (yes she had him back in the 90s). She has such an edge, but you can see through to the weaknesses. Its hard to explain I guess. If you understand her music you might just understand me.
Mos Def and Talib Kweli - Blackstar
I had to put a hip hop cd. I thought hard about it and this is, in my opinion, my favorite. I thought about putting Black on Both Sides, but I couldnt shaft Talib. I used to hate him but have grown to appreciate him in the last 3 years. Anyways, yes I do own some Jay Z but I would much rather listen to music about something other than cars and bitches. Blackstar...classic..
Miles Davis - Kind of Blue
I used to hate jazz. Then I mellowed out and learned to appreciate it. Miles Davis is not my favorite musician. Coltrane is in my heart. However, you can sleep on Kind of Blue. If you arent into jazz and you want to have a starter album this is the one to get. Music without words forces you to pay more attention. The slight changes in tone...feeling moods without speech. Perfection on disc.
Songs
Play - David Banner
The dirty version of this song is so nasty it makes me a little ashamed that I love it so much. I mean wow. The beat though...sick. And the dirty lyrics are great. Hot joint.
Ex Factor - Lauryn Hill
This song is so beautiful. And so real to life. It used to make me real sad. But I'm stronger now. Anyways, at least I know heart break is not just happening to me. And Lauryn Hill can sing. I mean for real sing. Not just carry a tune. She needs to drop another album NOW.
Ms. Fat Booty - Mos Def
This was the very first hip hop song I ever heard that was not about money. I know thats sad right. Well, at least its the first one I remember. I have loved Mos Def since. The song is about him falling for a girl and she playing him. Not my M.O. but I feel where he is coming from.
Stir It Up - Bob Marley
Sultry sounds of Mr. Marley. He needs no description. If you dont like Marley you are flat out a lame.
Mary Jane - BYB
I just couldnt do a list without at least one gogo reference. No this is not their song, but their version is so tight. So chill (like me). So great. How could people not love gogo???
Poets
In October 2004 I went to the Furious Flower Poetry Conference at JMU. It changed my world for real. I've always like poetry and literature, but this really renewed my appreciation for the art form. I encountered all of these poets while there. I was in awe before I saw them and brought nearly to tears after. I am so dramatic sometimes, but it was serious. I always feel like I am alone in my appreciation for the written word. It made me happy to feel like I (here comes the cliche moment) "belonged." So, if you have some time pick up a book or search these poets online. There stuff is beyond Explanation so I wont try. They are all great and deserve recognition.
Sonia Sanchez
I secretly write haikus. This dude did a poem at a Saracen open mic about how only bad poets did haikus (yes he was a hater and SWEARS he is talented and is not PLUS he has a speech impediment). Sanchez does the sickest haikus ever. In 17 syllables she will make your soul ache. Send shivers down your spine. That takes such control and yet such creativity. You cant tell me shes not the greatest.
(when we say good-bye
i want yo tongue inside my
mouth dancing hello)
E. Ethelbert Miller
Miller has this particular set of poems told from the perspective of a little boy. The fact that he can so eloquently speak from the mind of a child and yet be so profound is amazing. I dont use the P word often, but I will with Miller. He also has a lot of sexual stuff, which I dont normally enjoy. But its so sexual without being raunchy. Hes great.
(I wanted to love you
without lust
but I am not the saint
I claimed to be
forgive me for taking
too much
maybe tomorrow
things will be different
it is unfortunate
that the sun does not
travel backwards)
Nikki Giovanni
Giovanni is flat out undeniably gangsta. She will say anything. She will do anything. She does not give a damn. I adore her for that. Giovanni says whats on her mind and does not concern herself with what will follow. Her poems and so tough. She just knows she is one of the Greats. She is right.
(I am so hip even my errors are correct...)
Lucille Clifton
Clifton's poetry makes me cry. She has a poem about abortions and I cried. I've never had an abortion, but her words to describe the loss were just so poignant that I could not hold the tears back. When I met her I almost cried. I was so flushed because Dr. Prince made me go speak. She is the epitome of strong Black woman. You feel it in every poem every verse every line every word. She is the definitive poet.
Haki Madhubuti (Don L. Lee)
When I think of Madhubuti (who changed his name from Don L. Lee) and his work I just see a black fist in the air. This man is great. The best thing about him is that he wants nothing more than to pass on the art form. He wants the next geneartion to know as much as he does. That, to me, is impressive.
So...thats it. My favorite things.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Happy Birthday to Me!
I am officially 22 years old. Last night I went to a japanese restaurant and out for drinks. Good times. Today, I got together with my family at my Grandmothers house. I have lots of cake left (for those of you who dont know, I dont like cake myself) so you can come by for a slice if you'd like. Anyways, I got gifts and spent time with friends and family. Good times. Oh yea, and I've decided that I am going to try to be nicer to some people. So my 22nd year will be the Year of Niceness and Smiles. This, of course, is not to be confused with me being fake. If I dont like you, I STILL dont like you. Lastly, THANK YOU to everyone who called or imed me today. Its nice to know people remember. And Keva of course...greatest Best Friend of all time...(RB you are great too).Moving on...
I got a new tattoo. Its on my left wrist. If I were smarter I'd put a pic on this post of the tat. But Hill didnt tell me how to do that so I cant. But if you want to see it I have one. Moving on...
I saw The Exorcism of Emily Rose. That is a scary movie. I'm not one for horror flicks, but its a must see. If you dont believe in God or the devil then dont waste your time. Its only good if you have a believe in a higher power. I rarely giving glowing reviews of movies...so you really should go see it. Moving on...
I majored in English at Hampton University. This does not mean I am interested in discussing grammatical errors with ANYONE. If you do not know the differece between there, their, and theyre its not my problem and I dont give a damn. Further, do not come to me with your discussions of the latest novel you read. I, again, dont give a damn. I am not impressed with adults who can read. I love to read. That does not mean I expect others to pretend to love to read just to hold my attention. Thats annoying. I see through the show. But I still love Black people. Moving on...
If you do enjoy reading I would suggest White Boy Shuffly by Paul Beatty. Its good. I'm not going to write a review on my blog but its a good book. Not difficult to read or understand. Try to do something other than watch tv and play ps2 for a hour or so a day. It will make you feel good. Moving on..
Well thats about it for Miss Jennifer. Hopefully it wont take me another 2 weeks to write again. However, the fact that no one comments makes me feel like it doesnt matter. Do not im me and complain about me not blogging ifyou dont comment...peace...
I got a new tattoo. Its on my left wrist. If I were smarter I'd put a pic on this post of the tat. But Hill didnt tell me how to do that so I cant. But if you want to see it I have one. Moving on...
I saw The Exorcism of Emily Rose. That is a scary movie. I'm not one for horror flicks, but its a must see. If you dont believe in God or the devil then dont waste your time. Its only good if you have a believe in a higher power. I rarely giving glowing reviews of movies...so you really should go see it. Moving on...
I majored in English at Hampton University. This does not mean I am interested in discussing grammatical errors with ANYONE. If you do not know the differece between there, their, and theyre its not my problem and I dont give a damn. Further, do not come to me with your discussions of the latest novel you read. I, again, dont give a damn. I am not impressed with adults who can read. I love to read. That does not mean I expect others to pretend to love to read just to hold my attention. Thats annoying. I see through the show. But I still love Black people. Moving on...
If you do enjoy reading I would suggest White Boy Shuffly by Paul Beatty. Its good. I'm not going to write a review on my blog but its a good book. Not difficult to read or understand. Try to do something other than watch tv and play ps2 for a hour or so a day. It will make you feel good. Moving on..
Well thats about it for Miss Jennifer. Hopefully it wont take me another 2 weeks to write again. However, the fact that no one comments makes me feel like it doesnt matter. Do not im me and complain about me not blogging ifyou dont comment...peace...
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