Finally Rich

On December 18, 2012 Keith Cozart better know as Chief Keef debut album Finally Rich arrives in stores and online. Many will criticize those who listen to Keef by saying we are promoting gang activity, violence in the inner city among adolescent people of color, and obliteration of the black image. When I watch the interviews, or hear songs such as Kay Kay, Balling, Straps, No Tomorrow, I Don’t Like, etc I see a visual representation of what is going on in the socially constructed minds of many of the youth in poor areas.

At 17 Keef represents the poor black male from a single parent household, with an absent father figure, motivated by avariciousness. Too many people look at those like Chief Keef and as ignorant coons with no sense of direction or morals, but if you pay attention in his interviews in particular you can grasp the self criticism that he has for himself, especially. In a radio inter view Keef stated, “I will have this, I will have that, I’m going to get a car, take care of my mother, and I’m going to be rich before you. My sister is 13 and she thought she was going to be rich before me by becoming a lawyer before I was rapper. I got a job rapping because after my daughter came I knew I had to make something happen.” That’s not a lack of morality, that’s understanding, understanding of what popular society thinks. They are motivated not by money, or helping others obtain it, but they find motivation in what money can buy. Another quote from this same radio interview is, “They thought I was going to be bad forever and be a screw up.” That quote right there isn’t of a man that’s mentally retarded like a lot of people would like to believe. That quote is of self criticism, and self reflection. This “coon rapper” doesn’t want to be someone that most fear, he doesn’t want to grow up in poverty, and doesn’t want to be an absent father, he wants more.

Just like you, just like me, and like the millions of Chief Keef’s in America they don’t want anything else, but to just have a seat at the table where American Pie is served. He may not have chose the conventional path that many African American leaders (I use that word loosely) would suggest, but he did what he sought out to do which was to provide for his family and prove to everyone that he wouldn’t fail. Contrary to what many may believe damn near all poor don’t want to be stuck in the position that they are in, most want adequate income, and majority don’t go around shooting or robbing people just for fun and to see their faces on the 10 o’clock news.

When your father is gone and you have to take on that masculine role of the man of the household you have two options; you have to make something happen (like how I quoted Keef earlier) or you can sit back. The average income of black America per person is roughly $25,567. When “momma need that bill money & your sister need some milk,” what do you do. Listen to his content and interviews and you’ll understand he knows he needs money. His music and his demeanor (he does have a mild form of autism) may come off as ignorant and ill-mannered, but you can find a message in the glass bottle. We focus too many times on the exceptions and using them as scapegoats to ignore the problems with a lot of our community. Cases like Keef are what Sociologist study, and why criminology is a science. When you live in poverty and you don’t have access to adequate education and income crime will sore. These are studied and published scientific facts.

Too many of us (blacks in general, not all) get those degrees and forget about the rest. It's nothing wrong with getting an education and climbing up the fiscal ladder with hopes of becoming apart of the bourgeois, but you also have the opportunity to uplift millions of those who will never obtain one, or never become a Cornel West because the person needed to recognize their potential forgot about them. It's your choice though. It's promising that Chief Keef has a chance to make it out since he was on a path to become David Barksdale, maybe now he can become Jay-Z. It's not likely, but it's possible. Before you pass judgement on the guy on the corner sagging his pants and dealing narcotics don't ridicule him for it, but ask why is he doing it. Don't speak ill of him, show him a better way. Would you rather have Chief Keef stealing money from you, or Keith Cozart being a business partner helping you build money?

No matter what most will say Chief Keef has done what he set out to do and what many poor men strive for. That is to take care of himself, his mother, his kids and to show doubters that I don't have to be a screw up and I can grow up and discover the life of Finally Rich!

No More Back Of The Bus

57 years ago today (Dec 1, 1955) a lady who needs no introduction refused to give her seat. Even though she wasn't the first to refuse to give her seat she is still deemed as the First Lady of the Civil Rights Movement.

She helped to jump start the civil rights era. Her decision did more than allow blacks the option of not giving up their seats to whites or the ability for us to sit in the front of the bus or those first class seats in the front of planes. She gave "the streets" real motivation. She represented that second class was not acceptable for us and that we are better than what others may think.

Not attempting to give a teaching lesson, but if we don't owe it to ourselves we owe it to Rosa Parks and the countless others to get up from the back of the bus and to enjoy those views in the front.

Thank You cannot express my gratitude for who you were and what you represented, but I thank you.

They Say We Can't Say Nigga

Nigga is one of those words that are always at the forefront of controversy when it pertains to internal and external race relations. I choose not to focus on external because the argument is never ending and frankly exhausting.

Their always has been blacks who argue that it is a term of endearment and can be use among one another, while others refuse to use the word citing its oppressive history. Many label who use the word freely as ignorant. Are we saying that they are ignorant of not knowing the word “niggas” rooted history? If that’s the case the word derives from the old English word “neger” which derived itself from the Spanish word “Negro” meaning black. We forget about the original connotations and just focus on the negative vulgar history of said words. Just like times, attitudes, and outlooks change so do words.

It seems that it has become a standard not only for older blacks, but these new upper middle class blacks to refrain from it because it’s “ignorant.” People say that we are ignoring 400 plus years of history, when we are not. Blacks have history of taking substandard things cultivating, refining, and popularizing them, and also making them superior. We went from a period where we were not wanted at most Ivy League schools then we created our own (HBCU’S). We created schools that weren’t downgraded schools, but ones that accepted some of the preeminent articulate, intellectual, and eloquent thinkers. They not only went on to be great and do exceptional things, but they showed they could play on a level playing field as Ivy Leaguers. Not mention blacks such as Cornel West, Marc Lamont Hill, Hill Harper, Rashida Jones and etc. graduated from traditional ivy league institutions when given opportunity. Let’s not forget blacks getting left over food and scraps and putting souls in those meals. So do we not eat these foods anymore because now whites have allowed us to shop at the same grocery stores at them? From education, to food, sports, and multitude of others things that we were discriminate against we decide to focus on a word.

By us not saying “nigga” to one another does what? It doesn’t focus in on the mass incarceration rate for blacks when it comes to non violent drug offense. It’s not focusing on the amount of black wealth that has been lost over the past 20 years. Does eliminating the word “nigga” put needed funds in the inner city school system? You not saying “nigga” don’t make you any more or equally conscious than the black man down the street who doesn’t eat pork. Why are we as a people so disconcert with each other using that word to each other. People always argue that whites can now feel justified saying it. Whites run this country and business in this country, I’m sure they can understand why blacks don’t want them saying it. We don’t have to infantile them by eliminating it from us.

This is not an argument for the continuing of blacks to use a derogatory word that is associated with blood from people being lynched, blacks being denied the right to vote, denied the right to read, or have a family structure. It’s about us focusing on a word that we feel tears us apart, but in reality it doesn’t. Why are we focused on a word used amongst us, when it’s other problems (like the above mentioned) keeping the collective community down and out.

10 Ways to Determine If She's Bougie

Bougie isn't anything bad, we have just given it a negative connotation, bougie is good. I love bougie women (with a small sprinkle of ratchetness). Bougie derives from the term bourgeoise, Karl Marx coined the term in the Communist Manifesto, but this isn't an history nor a economic lesson, but I want to share 10 ways to identify if she's truly bougie.

1. Take her to a steak restaurant. Pay attention to what she orders and how she gets it cooked. For example if she orders a filet mignon it should be cooked medium rare, anything more will take away its tenderness. Bougie women know this.

2. She's bougie if she has different scents for particular moods or for different events. She has her happy scents, casual work scents, outdoor activity scents, I don't want to be bothered scents, and event scents.

3. She's bougie if she never refers to herself as going to events, but as her making appearances.

4. A true bougie woman has mastered the art of wearing 3-4 different colors at the same time when it comes to her outfits. A bougie woman is immaculate when it's comes to picking out colors that flourish together.

5. A true bougie woman never wears heels less than 4 inches high.

6. A bougie woman knows that fish dishes and cheeses need to be paired with a white wine. If paired with a red wine it can give off a metallic type taste due to tannins that they normally contain. A general rule she follows is white wine with white meat, and red wine with red meat.

7. A true bougie woman only buys bottles in the club when it's a celebration, never for a show.

8. A bougie woman appreciates a tailored suit. She can tell when a suits been tailored to fit the person wearing it and a suit that hasn't.

9. She knows that at restaurants when they give you napkins that they aren't suppose to be tucked in your shirt, but laid on your lap.

10. Bougie women don't introduce themselves to people by the things they've done or how much something cost because a true bougie woman needs no introduction.

This is only entertainment.

That Nigga Shit

Nigga shit! What exactly is it? Nigga shit are things that the average person doesn't do, but it happens more than on a rare occurrence, but it happens. I defend black people on so many things, but it's some things I just can't comprehend.

So I'm downtown having a conversation about how uninformed some of our people are. I'm explaining that that in this society we have more access to a Trinidad James video than a W.E.B. Dubois book. I was telling my friend that I feel many would like to do better, but they may not know where to start. As I'm saying this I see a woman getting her car towed.

She parked directly in front of the club, she's downtown, plus she has no plates or in-transits. Of course she runs out like a chicken with its head cut off (see what I did there?). I understand the guy who used to sell those in-transit tags is down and out, but why are you in the club if you can't afford plates? That's that nigga shit! I understand its rough out here, but if you can afford your sew-ins, nails to be done, and a fresh club fit, but no plates then you need to stay your ass at home and get your priorities in line.

A couple months back, "I'm on Instagram straight flexing," and I'm in the news feed and I see someone I follow liking a slew of this celebs offsprings old photos. I kid you not, but 15 minutes later someone creates a pic-frame of the same photos with a caption perpetrating the thought to their followers that they purchased those items. Now that's some nigga shit! Who are you trying to impress? What's the point in having friends if they are all on the payroll? Why are you looking for acceptance from people whose main concern is what you have, or what you can do for them? Black America has this mindset that we need to show them white folks that we're on their ass, but if your a Jenkins struggling trying to keep up with the Vanderbilt's you're still looked at as a nigga in a Gucci belt, or a Benz coup.

We need to get off that bullshit as a collective whole and get off this nigga shit. Why do we have the latest phone when it drops, but no working computer in our homes? You shouldn't be in lines for shoe releases every month, but your only Internet access comes from your data plan on your phone. I'm fully aware that other races do it too, but it hurts more when my people do stupid shit like that because I every time I see a person of color I see myself in them and that shit is disheartening.

I'll never attempt at trying to mimic Bill Cosby, but aside from institutionalize forces holding us back sometimes we have to take that initiative to do better. If they aren't giving us access directly to a "W.E.B. Dubois book" then we must get off our ass walk to that library and exercise "Our Right to Read."

We must get off that we may be poor, but we aren't going to look it nonsense. We can't pray for better days, we have to work hard for them. I know it's been over 400 years and the struggle still affects us, but tough times don't last, tough people do. If you, or I have to die in the process trying to see US prosper then so be it. We Gon' Make It!

Do We Care Anymore?

As an offspring of the crack epidemic and Reganomics my generation as whole has become accustomed to things that normally would spark public outrage within our community back when we had leaders at the forefront. We had leaders who made it a number one concern to fight for the elimination of social justices in America. Where’s the next Malcolm X, Martin, Huey, or Bobby at?

Of course we have the Dyson’s, West’s, Hills, Michaëlle Jean’s, Cathy Hughe’s, Ayanna Pressley’s & many more, but whose really listening outside of the academic world to these people? More of today’s youth are on Twitter following people (ideas) that critiquing “faggot” tendencies on whether you eat off paper plates or not. It seems that we are living in the “I don’t care as long I can’t see it directly affecting me” generation. Maybe it’s due to this new generation of youth not having memories of segregated schools, crosses burnings, and Jim Crow Laws.

It feels as though a different Rodney King is broadcast on World Star and then we forget about him the next day and draw our attention to bus drivers performing Mortal Kombat finishing moves on passengers. Why do issues of police brutality in this day and age get dismissed, but violence amongst us goes on for weeks and used as comedic relief? Have we become so numb to this type of violence from high authority figures that we ignore it, or do we simply not care? Maybe we (as a collective whole) don’t know enough to be angry, because we live in the “it’s not me” generation. I’m not saying lets repeat the L.A. riots, but where is that passive aggression when needed, like Pac stated back on his first album, “When I get my check they taking tax out, so, we paying for these pigs to knock the blacks out. Ain't that a bitch?”

Even when we get those cases like the Trayvon Martin incident we put on our biggest MLK costume for about a week, put those hoodies on, eat skittles then we forget about it once George Zimmerman is placed in jail. On June 10th we will be back to caring again. We will have our Arizona Ice teas, skittles, and our favorite hoodie ready. We will fight the power for a couple weeks out the year to get a few *likes*, *retweets*, and comments, but we’ll be back to not caring and having a blind eye to all the injustices that go on in our communities on the daily. It was a time where these young thugs wouldn’t dare sell drugs to the youth, rape, and beat on women because the old heads that are currently strung out on drugs or incarcerated would have been on their necks. We will turn our backs to the black genocide that goes on in our own yards and justify it by a Jay-Z line, “I was born in a city where the skinny niggas die.” We have gotten to the point where people with the epistemological ideologies that George Zimmerman possesses are assuming that African American equals criminal. We have gotten to the point where people associate black to bad, evil, sinister, and menacing. I feel as though white supremacy still exists within factions of the United States, but the new alarming epidemic that is being taught is fear. Fear can be very dangerous especially when it is embedded in people who have power over the victims that one has fear over. I ask again, “Do we not care how we are perceived?” They see us on the news daily murdering each other, so they in turn feel justified for killing us out of the fear. Trayvon Martin is not here, but justice can still be served, but what about Justin Sipp, Kendrec Mcdade, Tendai Nhekairo, Rekia Boyd, and many more? Do we not care, or are they just the forgotten?

Have you we’ve been raised in a generation where issues like this are looked as taboo for us to get involved in? Is fighting from for freedom from these issues played out? Are blacks being expected to just get degrees, married, and move away and turn a blind eye? It seems as though unity has left us and we refuse to get involved in causes that aren’t ours directly. Are we too concerned about not upsetting other groups of people for fighting equality? The type of equality where we are not judged for wearing hoodies, jeans, and Jay’s in public. So can this be looked at catering to white privilege, but what do we do when that black guilt kicks in? Oh yea, since we don’t care the guilt doesn’t exist. We just pop a molly, take patron shots, and disregard the ignorance as our people continue to lag behind and die, buts since it’s not us we aren’t supposed to care, right?

Liquor & Church

Have you ever wondered why you don’t see abortion clinics next to Catholic church’s, or a pig slaughter house near an Islamic mosque? Liquor stores seem as they are synonymous with churches in poverty stricken and lower income communities.

Since we live in a capitalist society, and a government that claims to separate church from state then of course a liquor store has every right to be placed within proximity to any place of worship, wealthy community, or those on the cliff of poverty. Now do a quick field study on your way to a white church and a black church. How many liquor stores do you pass before you pull in your traditional (non mega-church) black church parking lot, now think about how many liquor stores you’ll find on your way to a predominantly white church? According to the US Census Bureau blacks on average spend .66% of their income on alcoholic beverages compared to whites who spend .86 of theirs on alcoholic beverages, so why such the discrepancy in liquor store placement? Why do we have this correlation between God and alcohol?

Is it because in the “hood,” church and liquor are usually associated with those who have lost hope and looking for anything that can temporarily mask their pain, despair, and worries? We always hear that whenever you’re going through adversity that God is the only one strong enough, and weathered enough to turn a mess into a message, turmoil into a testimony, and trials into a triumph, but how many times do we turn from those sitting on those corners in front of liquor stores attributing their wino behavior to simply being their fault? How many times do Pastors travel to those holding that 40oz and offer to open the doors of the church? Majority of the time those people's problems are deeper than the last drop at the end of their bottle.

Circumstances like this where individuals can see a direct correlation between the number of liquor stores and churches should induce church leaders to bring their ministry from outside the confines of the church and minister to the streets and help save souls and help carry out the mission of the God they serve. Lately church has taken on many roles such as fashion show, political campaign site, music ministry, but has taken a step back in saving and ministering to souls outsides of the walls. Have we as Christians forgot what God has placed us on this earth for?

Too many times we go to the altar and just pray for the less fortunate. Prayer does change, but alone it does nothing, unless action is accompanied by it. As children of God first, Christians second, and members of the church third we need to take immediate action and help those on the curb of the liquor store looking at the Church.

Had Plenty Money But Never Paid Tithes

As I sit in the back of the church the preacher is preparing the congregation for offering time. He preaches from Proverbs 3:9

"Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thy increase"

Then he proceeds to go on this tangent on how he couldn't imagine giving Cox cable more than he gives The Lord. The pastor always stresses on giving 10% of your gross income before taxes and it seems like every other month he talks about "it's tithe month" and he wants us to give deeper from our heart. I'm thinking in the back of my head like, "negro please"

This is a black church, of course their are plenty of well off individuals in this one in particular, but it's a lot of poverty stricken people in here too. Maybe I'm too socially conscious, but expecting people who barley get by to give 10% and extra is ludicrous. I remember seeing some lady giving two dollars, she seemed embarrassed when she noticed that I saw her offering envelope. I tell her, "as long as GOD know where your heart at you good."

I don't pay tithes mainly because I feel I can do more in my community with my dollars. I feel as though churches are operated on good principles, but they only concentrate on providing hope & prayer during someone's moment of despair. I feel by me giving out a few coats, clothes, shoes, supplies, etc is more in line of with the type of work has plan for my 10% and beyond of the heart offerings. I'm fully aware that the church has bills, but it seems as though preachers now-a-days are in it for ulterior motivates. It seems as though many switch churches for more pay just like professional athletes. I'm not saying boycott the offering plate, but think rationally before you do.

Before you let go of 10% of your gross income ask yourself, "Will GOD disown me and deny me at the pearly gates if I can't?" The bible was written about 5,000 years ago, right? I think times have changes and portions of the word have become outdated. The economical disproportionate among members of society is asininely extreme in this day and age. Also the percentage that blacks especially have to spend on food, transportation, housing, and necessary home care products are a higher portion of their income than of any other group. By some (not all) preachers using biblical propaganda to derive funds from members of the church who can't afford is causing more harm for their household than good for these leaders churches.

Pay your tithes, but be fiscally responsible. GOD will understand, I'm sure of it, me & him are kind of like best friends.

Horrors of The Pull-Out Method

I won't be ignorant and say that everyone has tried the pull-out method, but for those who tried it with someone that's not random, but with someone you wouldn't consider being with long term knows my agony.

Skipping through the action, but the moment when you get out and release a stream of body fluids either on her or lords where else beside in her you enjoy 10 seconds of satisfaction before those thoughts creep in. You know, all those things you were taught in human growth start repeating in your head till the point where you can probably give a dissertation on reproductive process and how pre-ejaculation is real.

You're on one side of the bed and she's on the other, you don't know what's going on in her head, but yours is wandering. You're thinking about past dudes she could've been with, how can I ask her if she's on a pill, and a multitude of other things. I'm thinking I really don't see her income going up, I just had a nice come up a few months prior and I'm not trying to be on no Child's Support, and I'm thinking why did am I sticking it in girls like this!

Then she says you're suppose to hold me and I'm like, "I don't like being touched and I don't think it's right for you to sleep over here." I'm paranoid as shit and she proceeds to attempt to start pillow talking about her ex from three weeks ago. I say, "I don't pillow talk so please stop." If you know me personally then you're aware of how corny I am, my stupid ass ask, "So how do you practice safe sex?(knowing damn well that should have been addressed to me)" She said she was on the pill, but she got pregnant with her daughter while on it and I'm like "Fuck!" I'm literally just staring at the wall in disarray thinking of anything excuse of how she won't be pregnant.

I'm to the point where I'm on the calling people about bringing me a morning after pill so that I can place it in an Advil bottle since she told me she had a headache. Im not even sure if thats a crime, but I'm sure it is so i scratch that idea. I call one of my best friends in Memphis and she's telling me don't do that and to calm down and go to church and pray on it that morning. I tell the girl she has to leave, after she leaves my mind won't allow me to sleep or rest.

I'm up until its time for me to head to church and during prayer time I walked to the alter on my own for the first time. During prayer and everything I zoned out and I just cried and cried to GOD, telling him I wasn't ready for a baby with that one. I was a nervous wreck afterward for like two months.

I'm thinking of how much it would take for her to give up custody. I'm expecting the worst and thinking every possible situation that I could be in. It felt like my whole life was changing. I was thinking of all the things I wouldn't be able to get off my bucket list like; smoking on a foreign island, going to Mardi Gras, etc. Random Pregnancy scares and debt have to the most two things that I'm most fearful of.

Lucky she's one of those women who needs to announce to social networks that Aunt Flo visited. What a reliever.

I know it takes just one to say put a condom on, but just make sure you do it. Also if you don't trust them having your kids just leave them alone. That 10 secs of satisfaction from the nut isn't worth it. This was easily one of the scariest moments to ever happen to me. Safe sex is great sex, especially with upstanding women.

Do You Even Remember Octobers My Birthday

One of the greatest tricks the devil ever pulled was having women thinking they didn't need a man to help raise a child.

I remember the day after my birthday I get a text, not phone call, but a simple generic happy birthday text from my dad. This has occurred the last three years making me assume he's forgotten that my birthday is the 27th, not the 28th. What urkes me is that people that have known me less than three years know when my birthday is and don't give me simple generic greetings. I told 'em my actual birthday and he tried pacify the situation by offering Grizzly tickets.

Since he gets season tickets he thought that could erase the anger and pain I was feeling, but my pride would not allow it. I just told him I'm good and that it wasn't needed because now his funds weren't needed and that I can buy tickets to any game I want and damn near sit where I want. The text conversation was getting to the point where he called me.

I made sure he video chatted me so he can see I was on island enjoying life. I don't do things for the reaction, but the pain that was embedded in me just had to let him know that I didn't need him anymore and that I've made it this far and Im doing pretty well for myself. I felt like I had to let him know my momma step up and handled his responsibility even though I know deep down she didn't handle everything.

I made it without a felony, I graduated, and go to college, but it's some things only a man can teach. I never had a father tell me about not putting a razor on my face to avoid that nestle crunch, the proper uses of condoms, the definition of hard honest work, and other things that get overlooked. Fathers need to be a boys first role model, drug dealers & gang members shouldn't be who a child looks at as a positive figure.

A lot women get so caught up in being super mom and think those cs checks are enough that they neglect the psychological toll that is having on the child. I hated going through a childhood where I had to suffer, but I never wanted my mom to feel like she failed. I always wanted her to feel like she was the best and that our family wasn't anything less than the Huxtables. I never wanted to have her feel shame, so I kept all that to myself. To this day I always thank her for those sacrifices, but I think these single parent households are destructive to the black community especially.

I can't speak on women, but sometimes a boy just needs to know he's loved by his father, because its been times I cried in my bed asking why and making excuses that maybe it was my mothers fault he wasn't around. When it wasn't he just wasn't ready, but she had no choice because that's what women are being programmed to do. I love my super momma, but women shouldn't have to be superheroes. A man should never feel its okay to walk away, because those who are admitting that they are worthless anyway.

Ps...If you don't do anything, at least remember your child's birthday.

Relafriendship

"It don't really matter if she look good in your eyesight nothing really matters if she ain't got her mid right"

People who enter your life on more than occasional basis are there to teach you something. Whether its how to be better you, the meaning of life, or just simply how to love...But when you encounter those who teach you all three it keeps you indebted to them.

When it comes to those of non-relation I've notice in my short time on earth it's not many who genuinely care about you, and not what you can do for them. They never ask you for anything but trust. Those type of people make you give them that plus more, monetary or not. What outsiders may believe are the simplest things don't realize they do so much for you.

Whether its providing you with the confidence to go after a new job with career potential, making sure your high lapel suit is fitted on you to perfection. You stay with a fresh lined cut, trimmed face, and no dirt under your finger nails. She turns a tall tee, baggy jeans, ebonics speaking brother into a sophisticated, articulate, intellectual, socially conscious man. I mean she keeps her influence on you, but still makes you feel like your "that nigga."

You get that point where you learn that life is more than about you. It's more about leaving your mark on the world that can't be changed and remembered for years to come long after you're gone. I'm a living witness, not knowing what you want out of life, but meeting someone who inspires you to be better than average, or greater than what's expected. Their are only a few you encounter and those are the one that your soul allows you to love.

That type of love that has you going out your way to much sure they're good. Whether it's making trips to ensure they have their caramel macchiato, sandwich from subway, and meds. Im notorious for stating my appreciation for brazilian weave, curly hair, caramel skin, jay-z loving, degree having women, but a few special ones will make you forget all of that. It's not many that will have you paying attention to random things they say and using that information to do things for them just so you can see them smile. Whether it's a random time you notice their hard drive is full and without telling them you buy a external hard drive. It's just little things like that you pay attention to that you wouldn't do for others.

In the event I do post this many women may "like &/or comment" thinking its referring to them, but when a man cares so much for you that his main concern is making sure you're happy even if it isn't with him speaks volumes on the kind of woman you are.

I've been fortunate to come across 1-2 phenomenal women that I'll always make sure they're good. Anybody can take care of grown man, clean, cook, and cater to a man, but those things can't make you love them. Loving someone for who they are and what represent will always overshadow the love you have for what someone can do.

For the one(s) I've been blessed to meet you already know anytime you need anything I'm forever indebted to you and it's only a phone call.

Just know I Thank You

Social Media Versus What's Real

"Alotta people fronting they really fitting the bill, there's a very big difference between what's tweeted and what's real"

In this new age of social media all the estimable luxurious aspects of a persons life are posted for the likes, retweets, comments, etc.

Social networks have programmed many to post only things that are moderately true to give off the impression that life is better than what it seems, me included, as I've been recently made aware of. Instagram especially allows you to post portions of truth while leaving much out.

I know personally you can get so excited sitting in the front of the plane, but you forget to tell about the times you sat in the back of the bus on that 12 hour drive to Chicago, or sitting on that MAT bus catching that 18 West hoping you make it to your 5.25 an hour job. That passport book with that stamp is quickly uploaded before those food stamps on #tbt. I've always been taught to never be ashamed where you came from or who you are, because that's what makes you different. I remember my first apartment 7116 Circle #1, I didn't have furniture for like three months, have that mattress sitting on the floor, and that tube tv sitting on my dresser, but thought I was Living Like Kings. You can get so caught up in showing "followers" that your living "The Good Life" that you fail to show those three years in that red & khaki pushing them carts, stocking them shelves, living check to check with a bank account looking quite famished. I'm talking you grown man rationing meals and eating at particular times of the day so your not tempted to eat as often.

Too often we see the pictures of the ciroc bottles in clubs, but not those who are working 60 hours work weeks just to stunt on the weekend. You have the strip club photos with floor paper of George Washington's, but the Internet is unaware of the main chick and child at home needing milk. Foreign (everything but China) clothing, but we aren't made aware of living arrangements. What's a push to start car when you barely get by with the payments and you're paying interest rates out the ass? Us as a people have gotten so caught up in the opinions of others that people spend outrageous money that can't afford to throwaway on minuscule objects just to tweet about or Instagram it.

I'm all for motivating the streets, but just showing the triumph, and ignoring the streets keeps those below unaware of how to appreciate the blessing.

Believe half of what you see, none of what you hear even if its post by me.

Ratchet Vagina at 4am

I attempted to direct this blog on how SOME women should carry around baby or wet wipes, but I think I will just accept this "L." I'm not sure if this what Juicy J meant, but I think I've found the ratchet vagina.

You ever wanted something so bad, but when you finally get it just leaves you disgusted. I probably should have never answered that 4am text, but I did and I regret it. I think the most high was setting up a testimony for me in the form of a foul smelling vaginal experience.'

I had my usual two Gin & Juices, and shot of patron so I'm feeling myself a little bit, and she comes over here completely gone. So like a typical woman who texts at 4am she's on that "I'm just trying to sleep non-sense." After rubbing on that inner thigh she miraculously proceeds to undress herself. It gets to to the point where her I'm pulling her panties off and it hits mean, I mean it punches me with a haymaker. I mean this was the most foulest, disgusting, unpalatable smell that I've ever encountered on a woman.

It had me feeling some kind of way, shit had me feeling disrespected in my own house. Like I'm unsure how a woman doesn't know whether her box is in order or not. What tripped me was her hinting at me about going face down, like these lips of clay aren't selective. Most men probably have been in this situation, and we all know our options.

We can either hold our breath and go face down, put that rubber on, or pretend like you're having a erectile dysfunction.

Needless to say, I had an erectile dysfunction, but being the good guy that I am I didn't have her drive home, but my ass was staying that room, I slept on my couch and had my alarm clock go off at 8:30 so she knew she had to go. I basically lied and said I had to work.

I don't know if the smell embedded itself on me, or the memory had me feeling like the smell was surrounded by me. I took like 4 showers within an hour before leaving for church. After getting back those sheets she laid on went through two washes because of that woman. I would never wish that experience on anyone, but I know most of us have went through it, but I'm just here to tell y'all my story.

Don't look down on my poor judgement, but just pray I never encounter that foul smelling vaginal experience again.

FREE LARRY HOOVER

"Wanna condemn them cuz they sell dope, well man show 'em the ropes, be a father, a football coach, a role model or a symbol of hope."

Larry Hoover, many may only know him because of Rick Ross. Well he was more than just a line in a hook of song. He was the leader, head honcho, commander-in-Chief of one the largest black street gangs in America...The Gangsta Disciples.

If you are familiar with either Chief Keef and the 3hunna music movement then you have a clear inclination of what these new age street rap artist from Chicago represent. They constitute the problem of the adolescent black on black genocide that is plaguing the inner city of Chicago's West and Southside (other places also).

I'm not here to argue that Larry Hoover was a good person, but I am here to say that you can't deny his influence. Even as a middle schooler he presented a dream to other troubled youth and they bought it. He sold drugs to his people and played a role in the community, he was responsible for murders, and also robberies. So... why shall we "free" Larry Hoover? We should "free" him because he had that type of charisma and charismatic appeal that made the masses respect, listen, and obey King Larry.

I'm not saying let the Gangsta King Larry out, the same gangsta who used Growth & Development (a non profit charity) as a means to launder drug money, but free what he represented. He was someone that children looked to as a idol and what teens & adults attempted to emulate. You don't necessarily need to free him, but someone who's able to mirror his ascendancy toward the populace.

A lot of these kids aren't really bad, they are just following what they see, because no one is around to lead them. Either gang leaders that once kept their gangs moving like an organized crime mob are incarcerated or they're strung on drugs. You can lead the children by simply being a local sports coach, a father, or anyone that can relate to their day to day struggle but also offer symbols of hope.

Too many times people on outside see senseless killings and worry about guns in the community instead finding out why kids feel the need to have guns in the community, so we deem the youth lost instead if trying to find and bring out the good in them.

We don't want to free Larry Hoover the partial influence of this gang culture, but we just need that spirit to motivate these youth to want more, and to be better.

Exercise Your Right to Read

It's one thing to be registered to vote and black. Mainly because people died, were bitten by dogs, and sprayed by water hoses to get and keep that right. Many times we forget about the right to read, not just to read, but the right of education and being aware.

We get too caught up in getting out the vote, instead of knowing the reasons why we are voting. Are you voting Democrat because that's been the move of the black majority since The New Deal? Or you not voting for Romney because after party realignments the Republican Party has been allegedly associated with discrimination against the poor, disfranchisement of the black vote, or you think Willard will take away your food stamps and your 24 inch wet & wavy weave?

In the words of Waka Flocka "Voting Cool," but what's even cooler is having an understanding of where each candidate stands on the issues and how it will affect you, your family, your community, your nation and more importantly the world.

So your voting for Obama because his believes that investing in teachers and education can to improve our economy, (so that we can hire more talent from here) he wants to focus on more reusable energy to cut down on foreign oil dependence, and he visually promotes a well knit black family, which many sadly are lacking.

I get on my FB or twitter account and people that I'm 99% sure cant tell you about any local election candidates have the audacity to get political for 3 months out of 48 month period and preach about the importance of voting. If your comfortable with 9 bucks an hr, being single with 2 kids, and having a 2pm showing of Maury being the highlight of your day (so you can make side bets on DNA test) what can either candidate do for you? Nothing!

Motivate yourself to be more, than educate yourself on what they can do for you. Too many blacks have been beaten, raped, and lynched for people not to exercise their right to read, know, and obtain knowledge. Voting means nothing if you're doing just so you can tweet about it!

I Got That Work

"Too much flossing
Too much Sam Rothstein...When you could look in the mirror like, "There I am"
And still not see, what you've become
I know I'm guilty of it too but, not like them"

During a recent stint of homelessness last week for roughly 9 hours from 2am-11a (I lost my keys and my phone was dead forcing me to sleep in my car in the middle of a on and off again storm) I came in contact with a teacher who came in the form of a homeless man who profess to me how having a job, isn't as important as having place that you go to work daily, after I complained about the potential money from my job that I would be missing out on.

I was confused as to what was the difference, but I think he sensed that. According to him a job is something you have to do for money, but that "work" is a service that you do out of love. He was telling me about how people get so consumed into becoming rich and paid beyond need that they forget about the reasons why they chose a particular career path in the first place.

At times I personally get caught up in allure of "stunting" and forget where I came from. I leave it up to a higher power, I don't know whether its a man, woman, or simply spirit, but they always seem to humble me. I never look at misfortunes when it comes to money, friendships/relationships (business or personal) as bad, but just lessons. Like in the book of Job GOD can and will take you and put you in some shit just to test your faith. Whether its being poor for 18-19 years, or just taking a minor L. Its not only good to come up out of that dirt clean, but it's apart of your "WORK" to cleanse others. I'm not saying go broke for the cause, but don't get to caught up trying to get rich quick and exploiting the poor in the process and be desensitized to those you deem beneath you.

You have teachers like in Chicago this year that went on strike. Many may say for good reason, but when it boils down to it what did you get that teaching certificate for? Was it the pensions, or ensuring that you helped a child find a purpose in life. Do you turn away patients on Medicare because of the pay drop off, or did you become a doctor to help the sick live to see another day painless. Are you making music to share your story in hopes that some can identify with it, or did you come for the groupies, chains and cars. When it gets to the point where you only come for the paycheck, you have to remind yourself what exactly you came for.

I'm realizing this materialistic shit doesn't matter anymore to me. Everyone else can have it I'm done. I'm about getting out this work. Whether its giving new shoes, school supplies, or costs to these kids that's the work GOD put in my heart. They gon' get this work. I know I can't help everyone, but I can make sure a few have Thanksgiving dinner, and Christmas presents, or whatever I can do somebody is going to "get this work."

Whatever you strive for in life whether is making sure you put extra salt on someone's fries or you they get the correct subscription just Make Sure They Get That Work!

Feed, Clothe, and Clean the Streets

"Mr President it's drugs in our residents tell me what you want me to do come break bread with us, Mr Governor I swear its a cover up every other corner it's a liquor store."

Election season is quickly approaching. The only viable candidates are President Obama and Mitt Romney. Hopefully everyone who plans on voting is familiar with each persons views on "key issues," that they deem important to the "voting population." But what about issues that directly affect the streets, when are we going to get a candidate that shows concern for problems that have manifested itself in communities and have led to chaos and stress?

One of those issues is the increase on food. It was a time when you could walk in a fill-a station (gas station) and little Debbie's were .25 - .50 cents. The economy is all bad, these little boys and girls need tasty treats at affordable cost. My future children should be able to stunt with a dollar, no change needed. Where are the times where one dollar could get you a can of sunkist and a candy bar? The Democratic & Republican party are arguing over abortion, same sex marriage, and welfare programs, but who's really trying to answer the streets needs of fast food value meals under 5 dollars? We need help!!

Who's really here for gym shoe reform? Why are we doing raffles and having to get up at 4am for general releases? Mr. President can you help clothe the streets we are struggling out here. Kids aren't getting the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep due to the fact we out here trying to cop Jay's, foams and LeBron's. Also what are your plans
on subsidizing the market? Quite frankly I'm tired of paying more than 125, for 1's. Jay's were usually never more than 150$, depending on the the #. I'm not for this 160-180$ dollar prices. The streets have bills, and we have mouths to feed. You rape me at the register and it ends up taking from my kids and you end up costing me late fees on bills.

Each candidate argues back and forth about who truly cares about the middle and lower class, what about this new class of "new niggas." They come in many different forms. You got the ones who live off woman, those who only live for tagged photos at your weekend clubs that only hold 250 people, and then you got those new niggas with halter tops, colorful skinny jeans, dyed hair, and oversized nerd glasses. The streets really need these 70 hippie women look-a-like guys out of here the are having to much influence out here. Too many fellas is trying to out dress woman in the 2012. We are spending entirely to much time focusing on deporting illegal immigrants, instead of the flat top, arguing with women on the Internet, and Danny Brown looking new niggas. Obama, Romney...Please clean the damn streets.

The streets don't ask for much. All we want is concern directed towards our situation. Someone come address our needs. The streets can't wait until 2024 when I'm eligible to run as the streets first president, we need help now. So please feed, clothe, and clean the streets.

I Bought It For You

"We cop new cars but we still ride tints, I just copped that Charger but I want that Bent, Is it funny to you, No it's funny to me
It's all for another motherfucker to see...So when you see me in it nigga know I bought it for you"

What is the value of a Gucci belt, Louboutin shoes, diesel jeans, and an LV shirt? Not the tag price, but what value does it give you directly wearing it?

Is it the media influence that forces you to stack up a couple months of checks just so you can't stunt for one night at your local club, and be photographed in a few Instagram post to create the illusion that your balling out of the gym, or is it something else. What valid reason do you have to show more responsibility to a socialite image than fiscal responsibility. If you can afford to maintain that lifestyle it's one thing, but if you're not even middle class (do we still have a middle class?) what does French, European, and Italian clothing really mean?

People will go out of their way to buy things they may not like or cant afford to impress people who normally wouldn't pay them any mind even if it was on sale. Living outside your means and a fictitious lifestyle is unattractive and childish.

When you look back at your life when you're 40, you have 4 kids, a 20 yr old model Benz, and still at that 12.25 telemarketing job what questions do you ask yourself? You spent 5-10 investing into an image and instead of your future and you have to look at your present and stomach that fact that's in a standstill. The only thing you have to look forward to is bonus incentives and that 1.5% yearly raise.

Don't be that old person that preys on the youth so you can brag about what you used to do, what you used to wear, and the people that you used to screw.

Sophisticated Ignorant Pleasantries

1. Never drop a woman off on the side of the street after a date. It'll make her feel like a cheap slut. #Pleasantries

2. Don't take her anywhere she isn't accustomed to or can't afford to offer to go half at (never make her pay, unless yall been together awhile). #Pleasantries

3. If your going to a new restaurant make sure you see the price ranges before going. You don't want to be drinking bottom shelf liquor, and eating house salad and Soup Du Jour #Pleasantries

4. On a first date please don't pay with a gift card and if she's sees no problem then she may not be the one for you. Take them on dates because you want to, not just because it's convenient. #Pleasantries

5. If she can't appreciate a grown man cologne then save yourself the time. Unless you wear axe and she wears love spell then a India Arie and Anthony Hamilton love affair between you two may last forever. #Pleasantries

6. Check her iPod. If she doesn't have a balance of different musical genres take note. If you see too much Boosie, Gucci, etc and not enough 112, Kanye, John Mayer or Ryan Leslie then you may have a Keyshia Cole on your hands. #Pleasantries

7. If she wears weave make sure she isn't shedding in your bed after late nights & fun times. This is a good way to indicate the good shit, from that other shit. #Pleasantries

8. Scratch her back gently with your chin hair. They like that for some reason. #Pleasantries.

9. During those jump off moments after ejaculation don't immediately just get dressed and leave, converse for two-three minutes. Make her feel special. #Pleasantries

10. If she's between the age of 20-40 and her heels are less than 4 inches then dead the situation. It's nothing like a woman with high heels and high standards 👌 #Pleasantries

Your Standards Can't Cost More Than You Can Offer

"I can't lie and say that she a gold digger, but like Ye' said she ain't fucking with broke niggas"

I'm all for the uplifting of my brotherhood, but some of yall have higher standards for women that'll you'll never have chance at then you do for yourself. This isn't directed at all, but mainly the men (I use the term loosely) who live in the diminutive bedroom with a double size bed and tube television down the hall or in the basement of their mothers house that they have no intentions of leaving.

You can spend your whole day tweeting requirements a woman must possess before you make any attempts at courting her such as; cooking, cleaning, looks, and income, but you can't even afford to fill up a 1/4 of a tank of gas in the car that she has to pick you up in. Sometimes you have to be real with yourself, you should only go after qualities and standards from a woman that you can reciprocate.

How can you can you expect a woman who has her shit together, keeps herself up, and is constantly progressing to settle for someone who can only offer the promise that he won't cheat, only because he knows that he can't afford to. A woman that expects a man to be able to provide doesn't mean she wants to take you for your loot, but she just looking for security that you can handle business like men are accustomed and suppose to do. Times can be hard for everyone, but when you get to the point of being comfortable in a stagnant position it's shows your lack of drive and dependency on others. Who really strives to be with the bum who's one big argument away from being kicked out of his mothers house. You can only take a few bs classes for so many years to get that refund check to stunt for a bunch of people you don't know for so long before that well runs dry.

But aye I refuse to tell a grown man how to live their life. If your comfortable living and dying in the same room you were raised in and going on half on a two for one coupon on dates from Applebee's with some chick with low self esteem be my guest. Just dont get on the Internet professing requirements for women you'll never date, and stop calling these women stuck up because they have mandatory minimums that you refuse to strive for.

I Don't Belong There

1. I don't belong in any apartment building that has 12 stories, no stairs, one single shack elevator, and a sign that reads, a police canine (K-9) will search the building periodically.

2. I don't belong in a bar where random dirty harlots are approaching you to rub the sweat off your back.

3. I don't belong on mocospace.com It's nothing but dirty fat back women with 2.0 megapixel flip phones.

4. Any place where it's more than 1 Chief Keef look-a-like is not my type of environment.

5. Any place that serves hot food out of building surrounded by steel bars with no drive thru, and you can't go inside.

6. I don't belong any place where it's a slew of people in durags with the cape out.

7. I don't belong in any area where Seagrams gin and girls with titty tats are present. They will implement bodily harm on any one in their path.

8. I don't belong in any barber shop where a debit card is accepted and that is open on Sundays & Mondays.

9. I don't belong in any household on Thanksgiving or Christmas that refers to dressing as stuffing.

10. I don't belong around any people who are easily satisfied.

I have been to these places by free will or force at least once. Please don't judge me.

She's A Good Look

"You need a real woman in your life...She's gonna help you build up your account...It take her just to compliment the deal"

Most men, myself included will spend so much time and effort trying to stunt on old women and hoes that frankly don't matter besides an answered phone call at 4am and neglect the one that's really worth it.

You can waste so many months dealing with someone and completely ignore the one that has everything you want, but more importantly everything that you need to succeed in life. It's not many out there, but we let the few sweep under the rug because we get so caught in the moment and stagnant in our current state that we don't see the possible upgrades our life can countenance, but a good woman can.

A good woman is the one who makes you put up those Jordan's and buy some Cole Haan's, takes your stunting money and shows you how to invest it in high yield interest saving accounts, stocks, and investments that will end up making money for you in the long run, and not end up skating out when your run is over. It's not many that you'll own a home with as opposed to go half on the rent with. Too many times we get caught up in the ones that come around when we're on top as opposed to that one who's their to help build us up when we fall down. Im not saying every good woman is a miracle worker like the select few that I've met, but it's some that can help polish you into getting into your "grown man" stage.

She's the type to introduced you to a nice casual dress shoe, good grown cologne (yes curve is for high schoolers), and the importance of a well groomed man in a fitted suit with a double Windsor knot. She makes sure your caesar is nice and crisp, or your locks are tight to perfection. She's the good woman that can adjust to any environment, but at the end of the day if needed she can let it be known that she wears a scarf at night (get it).

All & all forget all that, not really but most importantly a good woman is just that one that at the end of the day you can say, "it was worth it." She is the one who stuck with you and believed in you when you doubted yourself. Their aren't to many that will keep you polished, stroke your ego, and provide that extra confidence to progress in life and stunt together in the process.

10 Questions I Have For the President and 1st Lady

"It much bigger issues in the world I know, but I first wanted answers to the world I know"


1. President Obama I'm aware you're a beer drinker, but be real. Do you drink courvoisier, Hennessy, or Crown Royal?

2. Are you a 360 waves, sporting waves, or Murray's wave pomade kind of guy?

3. For the laying of the hair do you use a wave cap or durag? If a durag do you let the cape hang, put it in a pony tail, or do you roll it up?


4. You rep the Chi faithfully so I know you have fried chicken frequently. What kind of hot sauce do you put on your Harold's?

5. I'm aware you're a fan of Luda, Hov, Jeezy, and Al Green fan, but is Chief Keef on your iPod?

6. Michelle was type of scarf are you laying it down with?

7. Have you threatened Jan Brewer for disrespecting your husband yet, or are you waiting after the election?

8. What does your sprinkle of ratchettness consist of Mrs. Obama?

9. Do you get your hair done at a black salon, out of someone's basement, or a luxury salon?

10. Michelle are you apart of the "Keep twerk alive" movement?

Take a Seat And Chill

1. If you go out of town and visit a restaurant that isn't in the city you reside in please stop taking pictures of the receipts. Act like you've been somewhere.

2. Just because you've been to Miami, Dallas, and Long Beach on a buddy pass doesn't get you the right to act bougie like you're some global travel connoisseur. Stop bragging

3. Just because you decide to go natural doesn't give you the excuse to come out in public looking like The Weeknd. Keep that ish up!!

4. Chill with the "thirst" FB/TWITTER screenshots. If someone that is unattractive to you hits you up just simply un-follow or delete them on FB.

5. Stop complaining about the city you live in if you've never been out of your time zone.

6. Don't get so caught up in how good you think you may look by the company you choose to compare yourself with, when at the end of the day you're just a black jelly bean or the fat part of the meat everyone picks around.

7. Y'all have to chill uploading pictures of ultra sounds saying, "look at his face, he looks just like his daddy Garrison"

8. Chill talking down on people who work regular who have no plans of going to college or getting a trade. Remember college doesn't = 100,000 salary. They might end up doing better than you.

9. Stop wearing those Walmart cream colored bras as a main piece of your club attire. Matter fact don't do it no matter the brand. You look like a low budget BET uncut video extra anyway.

10. Not all woman with mini fro's, a titty tat, and that drinks seagrams are dangerous. Many are generally loving people who won't stab people or bust out windows. *note to self*

Cooperate Thugging

"My niggas love it when I talk like this, my cooperate people start bugging cuz I talk like this, them cooperate thugs be like naw B talk that shit"

Just one of those days were I'm sitting at work and I put on my upscale bougie front. You know the front I'm referring to? The one where you're the new token black guy and you just can't quite reveal the fact that you're "ghetto."

When you're new on the scene you get those "what high school did you attend, do you go to college," and my favorite the "what music do you listen to?" You can't let them know you listen to some gun toting, crack cooking, brick flipping, pimping hoes type music, at least not until you been there a few months, received a couple of raises, and got some sort of seniority. So instead you just tell them Michael Jackson because he's widely accepted among everyone. At the end of the day most minorities when they are actually the minority in a professional environment tend to feel like at all times they are given the social responsibility of representing their culture.

The pressure of not exhibiting that you're different, but changing the perception to others that your culture is different can be quite challenging. Your white co-working counterparts can act lewd,
infantile, and bounderish because at the end of the day they are not judge by their color, but merely as an individual. Being a designated representation of race in the workplace can be a gift & a curse.

Sometimes people gets to comfortable and the say offensive things that touches that nerve. You know of those people who are afraid to go the "hood" because they don't want to get shot. These are instances, were even though you might have the 360 waves or have your hair laid to perfection that you have to remind these co-workers that you put a bougie front on that you still wear a du-rag or a head scarf at night, and that you do have some lil Jon & and the eastside boyz on you iPod. So at any given moment "you could be about that life."

No matter what you can always keep a certain level of professionalism, but never throw the durag away!

Don't Put Your Future in a Fools Pants

"A hood rat will put her future in a fools pant until she realizes you can't buy furniture with food stamps"

Not defending dead beat, behind on child support, in and out of jail, unemployed, womanizing dependent males who plant seeds in women and refuse to raise them, but if you're a single female parent when do you place some blame on yourself?

This is like the 21st century, I'm not expecting you to know a man's life story before you lay down with him. Too many naive women treat their vagina like an general admission arena, instead of a selective entry lounge. Women need to learn that you should have high standards for the men you lay down with because if someone has bad habits now it's very unlikely you can altar them within 9 months.

Think to yourself; if us going out depends on a 2 for 1 coupon, what will life be like when a Huggies coupon doesn't come in Targets Sunday ad? Keep in mind that that whole "Wait till I Get My Money Right," excuse won't help when that Wic runs its course, the power/gas bill and rent is past due, the government has cut your medicaid and you can't sell any food stamps for .50 cents on the dollar to your FaceBook friend Margaret. Keep in mind that the "hood favorite" rap song that Brayshaun aka B-Money recorded in his mother's basement that's only heard in his neighborhood isn't going to take care of your child, I'm not saying turn into a gold digger, but understand the difference between a comfortable broke man, and someone who has and is keeping his shit together (no toilet paper).

Maybe it's just a "real negro," or maybe just me and the people I know, but I will never mess with a woman who doesn't know how to take care of herself and doesn't show history of being committed to something other than getting to the club before 10:30 so she can receive free admission. Women remember just because a man can afford something, doesn't mean he can afford the lifestyle that said item is associated with. It's easier to look rich, but impossible to fake wealth.

Don't be that woman after 3 kids by three different men, 45 pounds heavier, and a bunch of broken dreams later sitting at the bar drinking Seagrams gin looking down at your titty tattoo crying over what your life has become.

S/N shout out to all the woman who are single parents, but do that shit well. You are respected and excluded.

Is Welfare Hurting, or Helping?

Welfare, what comes to mind when you see, or hear this word, lazy individuals who milk off the system also known as Welfare Kings & Queens? Go to the comments sections of any blogs discussion the issue and you'll find harsher suggestions than the above listed.

I have always been a proponent of welfare, whether it's government issued, or of a private entity because I understand how tough it can be to escape generational lines of poverty. Lately I've noticed not all, but enough for tax payers who've never seen an EBT card, a section 8 apartment, housing project, a minimum check to place judgement.

Aside from governmental issued welfare, and some private entity's requiring levels of support for single mothers (a small portion of fathers) which in turn keeps the household without a father figure. Not only doesn't it break up the family unit, but it provides an incentive for people to be comfortable having the bare minimum and just getting by, which in turns keeps the poverty rate high. In a lot of cases the more children you have the greater the benefits.

Speaking of kids, what effects do you think it causes for children to see a parent milking off assistance and not attempting to better themselves? How will be able to learn how far hard work can get them if they see their parent getting by off a monthly check, subsidies, etc. This in most cases will raise sons to live off of other women and have daughters that fall into the trap of the comfort that welfare provides to some.

In addition to deterring adolescent progression it provides no incentive for a struggling parent to want to get off. With food basically paid for (you can also sale EBT for profit), car vouchers, subsidize income, and a monthly check, the incentive to have more kids for extra benefits is there, but the incentive to get off is extinct. I will never argue to let people fend for themselves because due to other underlining dynamics it can be difficult to provide, but like most systems rooms for improvements can always be implemented.

I'm only knowledgable really to my own city (since this is a blog and not an essay don't get angry lol) I'm aware that you either have to work X amount of hours or go to school to receive benefits. The school part is fine, but if a beneficial doesn't go that route I think they should be required to only be allowed a max of 18 months for assistance. This will put pressure for them to gain employment and work up to a level at their job where they can become stable to provide on their own. Putting time tables on how long someone can use the system will promote a more willing to work, excel in school, and practice safe sex to avoid unplanned children.

This is not an attack on those on welfare, but a simple concern on the affliction that welfare can place upon individuals who use it as an escape instead of a "pick me up." I personally would love to see everyone live comfortably and not just accepting getting by. Welfare is a good band aide for those struggling, but not a cure for those living in poverty.

Nobody Did It Like Meech, Nobody

"To be honest, because evidently they didnt like what I was doing, or what they thought I was doing. Thats how I look at it. Anytime youre Black and you got a little power, and youre trying to be successful and youve got money, just for some reason then here they come"

Blacks will not, refuse to, and are inept to stick together. Is this just a stereotype, or is it a truth that others accept, including us? Of course we can come together to party, tweet about award shows, and argue about who's the best MC Jay-Z, Weezy, or Nas, but what about coming together to build the straggling black economy?

Love, respect, and trust is hard to come by. Without it can you honestly say you can build something sustainable? Of course you've heard of Black Wall Street, but their was one organization in particular that exemplified how far love, respect, and trust can get you into creating a multimillion dollar empire. If you haven't guessed by now that was B.M.F.

I'm almost certain that majority of people think its absurd to channel Big Meech and B.M.F. as a way to unite the black community to achieve economical prosperity, but if you take the drug element out and universally substitute it with something else and you will be surprise how effective their formula can be.

Meech and company main goal was to get money, upgrade their life and economical condition of their loved ones. Contrary to what some Fox News watchers may believe no one wants to live and die poor, or raise terror among their community just for thrills. Everyone wants and deserves to have a chance living life to its maximum fulfillment. What Meech did was provide an opportunity to people who under most circumstances were trained to hate and despise one another. He had crips, bloods, Vl's, G's, etc working together to accomplish a common goal; making money and improving living conditions.

I'm certain that majority of blacks aren't gang members, but when it comes to unity why can't we ask "why can't it be."

Why can't blacks dominate the black hair, and hair care industry, for example? Why can't a group come together instead of allowing Asians to pimp us by selling products that our solely for our usage, instead of keeping those dollars circulating in the black community?

Again, we know essentially that Big Meech was a high level drug dealer, but when you dig deeper into you'll figure out that he used business type principles to build a cooperation operated type business that not only motivated workers, but provided incentives to excel beyond just "getting by." Like those black business owners in Tulsa, Oklahoma who set-up shops in area of northern Tulsa known as Black Wall Street. They showed what could happen and what the black dollar could amount to. Meech & Co. showed nationally what could become if blacks came together for common purpose and most feel what it did could never be match.

When you hear/see Free Meech, it's not the drug lord, or accused murderer (never convicted or went to trial), but the Meech business model that incorporated trust, love, and respect for a common goal. Condoning drugs that dissipates people's lives is never the way to go, but if you can substitute drugs with something legal and fulfilling to positivity within a community then the heavens are the limit. That black dollar can grow, and flip itself continuously throughout our hands countless times and help perform positivity growth if we all can just love, trust, and respect each other enough to come for that common goal.

FREE MEECH!!!

10 Ran-Dumb things I Do

1. At least 2-3 nights a week I drive around aimlessly blasting Rick Ross "Rich Off Cocaine"

2. I don't smoke, but every now and then I'll burn a joint, not a blunt but a joint and relax to Jay-Z "Party Life" on repeat and drink ciroc berry with simply raspberry lemonade and cranberry juice.

3. When I have gas, but need a car wash I will get .50 cents or lower worth of gas so that I can get two dollars off. You call it ghetto, I call it extra money in my savings.

4. I will refuse to buy a woman a meal, unless I'm really interested in them, but I have no problem throwing money at random strippers.

5. I have a fetish for women in Brazilian weave.

6. I lust for curly haired women, wearing black dresses, sporting thick black framed glasses.

7. I try not to pre-judged, but every time I see a woman with a titty tat I assume she's the type to take her shoes off in a club.

8. I'm addicted to life stories of prominent drug kingpins and gang members.

9. While drunk I tend to have intellectual discussions on problems and progression within the black community with people im with.

10. I dont really clubs in Omaha, or Gary, In in those places I'd rather get a couple drinks, dap some hands, and get some hugs and go home to a red box with somebody.

Black is the New Ghetto

My darker skin people are the ones that I adore, even though black seems to be the new ghetto it's our responsibility to show that we are so more.

From birth to about to the ending of high school I've never experienced myself as being looked at as ghetto. As a black male growing up with the Gary, In and North Omaha influenced I always reserved the term "ghetto" for those people who were addicted to dope, and hard alcohol, or those loose women that my grandmother would warn me about. It really wasn't until the ending of high school, early college when I realized what some outsiders defined it as.

I've never been the type to shy away from congregating with those from different backgrounds or ethnicities than mine. I always felt being around those of opposing cultures and viewpoints of your own allow you to grow and develop more mature intellectual viewpoints. Of course that comes with its downsides. Like in any relationship once people get a little comfortable with you they start to let out more of their views to you, or expose their true selves. You start to get those remarks such as, "you're not like most black people," or "you're so well spoken and don't come off as ghetto." It makes you wonder.

What are black people suppose to act, talk, and look like? Who made these rules, and governed them to society? Why is anything that is perceived as different, or less than the caucasoid norm deemed ghetto? How are these epistemological ideologies changed, is it a matter of economical class, or is it a race thing? People have been mentally conditioned to believe anything that black American culture makes popular or is known for is bad. Has this ideal of black being bad manifested itself deeper into our own people today?

Ask yourself have you slaved many overtimes hours at an average job just to afford what entertainers advertise through music and television just to make people believe that you're in a class that doesn't reflect your tax bracket? Have you purchased latest hi-techs phones just so you can stunt on those with pre-paid phones, droids, or blackberry's? Do you try to push foreign cars, with local lower tier car lots income? Has your life become a charade to avoid being categorize as those "other niggas?" Their is nothing wrong with achieving economical elevation, but are you showing that we are more than being ghetto, or are you just joining the discriminating group of some who look down on those ghetto blacks?

Random thoughts

1. Whenever a woman disses her child's father on a social network site it's always some girl saying, "You don't need him, you can raise that child on your own"...Kids need both, you don't want a child being angry at 23 because of a lack of love.

2. Why do women lie about being pregnant? Who lies about being an unwed pregnant woman. Boy how have times changed.

3. If a girl dresses like a man (stud) does she expect to get in the club free on ladies night? (stole from #BlackTwitter)

4. How come is okay to hate an established artist, but it's deemed as treason to hate a local one? I mean if you're wack you're wack.

5. How come people will complain more when channels (VH1, BET etc) are canceled, but not use that same anger towards problems within their own community?

6. Why do ppl think that going natural makes you more pro black than the sister that uses the creamy crack? If you perpetrate the notion that natural hair makes you better than the girl you claim is submitting to the Eurocentric standard of beauty doesn't that make you a hypocrite?

7. How can you have an iPhone and put down bb and droid users if you don't have a working computer at home? Like for real how you got flat screens on the wall, but your only web access is your mobile phone?

8. How can girls throw around the term thirsty when as soon as they lose attention they ironically lose clothes?

9. Why do ppl make it known as social sites that they are doing illegal things? I thought real G's moved in silence like lasagna?

10. Why aren't you following me on twitter on instagram? @blove402

Twitter/instagram blove402

Facebook Brandon Lovelace Omaha, NE

bran.lo1027@gmail.com

What I Learned in School That The Teacher Didn't Tech Me

Every now and then I'll come across an debate about education among some of my black peers. I always get the argument that it's a "debt sentence," a waste of time, doesn't guarantee you a job etc. I'm sure you heard those and others.

One person brought up Henry Ford. It made me think, do black folks that don't attend really think that all black people go to college just to get rich?

I always had the dream as kid that I would go pro in sports and get my mother a big ass house and she would never struggle again. One day I realized that wouldn't happen and I changed that aim and decided that I would go into business and become this big time CEO and stunt on everyone whoever picked on me in school and throughout my life. I always wanted to be rich and successful out of spite and not of the sense of accomplishment for the greater good. After about two wasted years in college I took a course that changed my whole outlook on life.

Black Women in America taught by Dr. Margaret Jones forced me to take critical look on oppression on black women. Not only did it make me appreciate them, but all oppressed groups around the world. I realized that to get the top people never focus on the people you have to climb over. While CEOs are pulling in millions, their are millions of people at the bottom working for them barely making sustainable income to provide for the families. Sometimes I like to think as them as "the forgotten." What's the point of climbing up when you refuse to bring others up. A million dollars sounds nice, but is it worth it at the end of life if that's all you're remembered for? Money is nice to have, but to be loved and respected for who I am from others means more.

I changed my major to education and sociology in hopes of becoming a guidance counselor for secondary students. I wanted to be the one that motivated those who have every going against them and it would be understandable if the gave up, even it was one child that that caught on to the idea of self educating or institutionalized education was the the way to go. I believe in the "Reach 1, Teach 1" theory. You help one and he will help others which in turn will turn into a domino effect.

A year ago I went to Chicago for a couple weeks and participated in a Project Clean-up this project went to different violent projects and neighborhoods in the city and showed children alternate lifestyles, registered adults to vote, and provided mentoring to some of the young children in hopes that they wouldn't fall into traps that poverty in America can bring (drugs, gangs, violence etc) but if you want to find a way to get racks, on racks, on racks then maybe invest that "debt sentence" into something with a higher payout.

If you read through all of that hopefully you understood my view. School wasn't a way out of poverty, it's gives more than a degree and thousands of dollars in debt. It gave my mind a different direction, it made me more tolerant of people that I deemed different, and introduced me to part of me that I've never met.

"As you grow older you will realize that you were born with two hands, one to help yourself and another to help others"

It's Tough Being A Man

Have you ever struggled with trying to fit the stigma of the heroic man that society expects us to be? It's hard being a man in a society where growing up we taught to never show emotion and that real men don't cry, or that you never love 'em unless you have on a rubber. It's tough have the world on your shoulder, but having to much pride to lessen the load by simply just expressing your feelings to someone because you don't want them to look at you as weak. It's tough caring for someone, but never really telling because you don't want to be a simp so you just bottle those feelings and use the excuse "If I don't use a condom that means I care." It's tough being a man that loves a woman but has been taught to never love 'em. But in all actuality you just want to break down that barrier and just say I LOVE YOU.

The struggle is real.

THE STREETS NEED ANSWERS STILL

1. Why do women complain about men leaving the toilet seat up? Even if we leave it down yall still have to look down and pull it back up.

2. Why do "straight" men feel the need to brag to other "straight" men about material possessions.

3. Why do most aspiring models end up stripping once their modeling aspirations don't take off?

4. Why are women considered "bitches" and "hoes" after the guy figures out she isn't choosing?

5. Why do most blacks feel obligated to eat hamburger instead of chicken when presented with the choice at a mostly white gathering?

6. Why do some women try to act bougie in a 25 dollar dress, and 50 dollar heels? (Like men don't know how much it cost)

7. How come men are only deemed thirsty when the level of attraction isn't mutual?

8. Why do niggas sell drugs just to buy Jordan's and a Polo shirt? (you might as well work at McDonalds)

9. Why do ppl who have never been out of their zip code complain about their city the most?

10. Why do single women always feel they need to express on social network sites why they are wife material?

11. Why do gang members feel the need to inform you of their hood affiliation during debates?

12. Why do "us" men still mess with a girl even though we are aware she is crazy beforehand? (must be the ass)

13. Why are so many girls acting like "hood niggaz"?

14. How come when a man moves in with a woman or he says, "I want to be with you forever," she starts claiming they are engaged?

15. Why aren't you and/or your best friend following me on twitter @blove402?

10 Things that Real Negros Do

1. Wait till all the light bulbs burn out individually before changing them.

2. During offering at church we put one dollar in an envelope to make it seem like we gave a bigger contribution.

3. Never riding on a full tank of gas, only filling up to a 20 dollar maximum.

4. While on the job at work making numerous to trips to the bathroom and standing in the stall to take unofficial breaks.

5. When becoming aware of when a girl is going to get drunk we text then prior to ensure that we are a candidate for a drunk txt/call later.

6. Hit up grocery stores and personally sample green grapes.

7. Will not pay .25 extra for a ranch or BBQ packet at a fast food place.

8. We search a whole room looking for a remote, but we refused to walk over and change the channel on the box.

9. Will speak on other jobs that are "lined up" once we get fired.

10. No matter how much money we have in our pocket we still pay rent on the 5th.

Dr. Omowale Akintunde on separating church influence on government policies.

Omowale Akintunde
Hi, Cori! I read your post and I have multiple things to say. And like you, I am concerned about the length of space my response would consume. It is impossible for me to respond succinctly. Additionally, I am certain that I would introduce concepts that might be foreign to my faithful FB friends. I have posted on this issue continuously. I have used my classroom as a platform for elucidation on these issues. You will probably find my response a bit problematic despite the fact that in the end we actually agree with each other. For me, religion is truly the opiate of the masses. LI don't care about Christian interpretation because Christianity ITSELF is the problem here. Like all proselytizing religions, it inculcates people into blind allegiance into some of the most ridiculous ideologies imaginable. As I posted earlier, if you believe in talking snakes, that's on you. My problem is when you begin to presume that all people must and that you have the right to extrapolate your religious beliefs as the foundation for human "knowing." This is what is called epistemology. Knowing is a social construct. Religion is a social construct. The notion of morality (axiology) is a social construct. Now, I hate to jump all academic on everybody but that is the problem here. People are using religious dogma as a means for interpreting social reality (ontology). Now the problem with this is that all religions have different and mutually exclusive epistemologies, ontologies and axiologies. The Christian believe that Mary woke up one morning pregnant. No sex. No nothing. Just woke up pregnant. Further she deduced that God was the baby daddy. Then there's the prophet Muhammad interpretation that says this is a total lie. God spoke to the prophet Muhammad giving him revelations through the Angel Gabriel. Then there are the Jews who say, poppycock. No such person as Jesus or Muhammad existed and the Messiah has not come. As a result of these conflicting "truths" with each group believing their "truth" is ABSOLUTE, there have been a succession of slaughtering wars that have gone on for centuries.
There's a reason why a slave's hands were cut off for reading but they were Christianized. Once you brainwash a person to believe in your deity absolutely you can get them to believe anything! That includes talking snakes, babies that appear out of the clear blue with God's name on their birth certificate, angels that appear with revelations, and a host of other bullshit. AND THEY WILL DEFEND THESE THINGS TO THEIR DYING BREATH! The reason I admire this President is that he has pushed through the bullshit and has attempted to create a society that is beyond these stagnant oppressive "truths." For me, the proof is not in religion but rather outside of it. This is why folks like Bristol Palin, an unwed mother, knocked up in the 11th grade, and high school dropout has the nerve to attack the President's stance on equal marriage and his daughters based on that bible of hers. Mind you, that SAME BIBLE was used as the basis for enslaving Blacks, denying us the right to marry White people and to vote. Now WE are using that same bible to justify gay oppression. The funny thing is more than 70 percent of Black babies are born out of wedlock and Black mothers are 10X more likely to be at or below the poverty line. Yet they lead the charge against marriage equality!! People will continue to die, Cori. They will continue to die because of the hypocrisy of religiosity. The only way we can move beyond this is to educate our people away from the invisible man and their White savior and move toward or more humanistic interpretation of reality
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Bridging the Gap

"I pray that I'm forgiving for caring about how they living, and loaning a little money and keeping them out of prison...I'm just telling you the basics of growing up with your friends and being the one who made it"

In the above mentioned quote Drake (rapper) spoke a message that many people in below middle income and poverty experience daily. Contrary to popular belief their are people who live to make it out of socials conditions where selling drugs, minimal education, gang affiliation, teenage pregnancy, and jail/prison terms are expected. I never wanted to relate to the dealer who was only moving pack just to help keep the lights on for his mother because those doubles and triples aren't earning much. I never wanted to live it I just wanted to author his story to the ones looking down so that they wouldn't judge, but be able to understand.


It becomes hard when you don't strive to be Carter from the penthouse or Jamaal from the projects, you just want to Brandon, just someone who is accepted by both. I would be lying if I said it didn't bother me when I know that no matter how high of an income I obtain, or how many degrees I earn to some upper class elite I will still be looked at as a "nigga in a coupe" or no matter how much I fight for, strive, speak for social equality for those whose skin looks like mine I will still not be accepted by some because my jeans aren't baggy enough, I choose sweaters over tees, and square toes over foams.

People tell me frequently that "they may not like but they'll respect you", but it's human nature to be accepted. How do you bridge a gap between two different classes when it seems like no matter hard you try both sides keep pushing you away? Even though it seems difficult and nearly impossible I feel that alienating yourself myself from negative conditions and showing the friends that I grew up with that it's other avuenues that life can drive you towards without giving you the feeling of selling out. They say, "you are a direct reflection of who you hang around," I agree partially because if you make it I thinks your moral responsability to help someone up if they are willing to give you their hand. Too many times people not only forget where they came from, but they forget what they had to do to get where they are at and to help lead others out.

Im still astonish at the fact that whenever I visit my people in Chicago, or Gary, In I'm always reminded of war stories of my uncles and how the we're respected for things they did good and bad, but those uncles always remind never to be like them, but to become someone that brag about who made it and to never forget my roots, but to start a standard that being from "the hood" doesn't mean your story has to end there.