USA Today, recently, put out a 64 page special edition paper entitled ,simply, Ali. It has essays from President Barak Obama, Billy Chrystal, Charles Barkley, Howard Bingham, Kareem Abdul-Jabbbar, Sen. Orrin Hatch, and Reshida Ali. It ,also, has interviews with Muhammed and Lonnie Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Angelo Dundee and more. This is a must have collectable. I purchased one , while waiting on my plane at LAX yesterday. If your favorite newstand is all out, just click here to order one.
…and you thought you were ballin, not until yopu’ve shopped at Okko, a grocery market in Istanbul, Turkey.
06
Dec
09
What is McDonald Lady!
Ronald snapped for finding her!!!
06
Dec
09
What is Baby Mop by Chris Milk!
Check out this cigarette packaging by R.J.Reynolds. Would this deter you any?
06
Dec
09
What is Sade “Soldier Of Love”!
OMG!!! Really Good “Real” Music is making a comeback!! I PROMISE!!
Sade’s new album SOLDIER OF LOVE will be released on February 8, 2010. To pre-order click here.
05
Dec
09
What is Shani Davis!
I can remember growing up during a time, at least in my community where the complete measure of a young African-American male was based on his football, basketball, or baseball prowess. In many cases, attempts to live up to these expectations often where at the expense of a possible musical acumen or potential to play another “non traditional” sport for that matter. What was it that inspired parents like Richard Williams (Venus and Serena) and Earl Woods (Tiger Woods) to break the mold of traditional thinking in the “hood”. Why are African-Americans just now realizing that we can excel in other areas of the sports world after years of striving to be the next Walter Payton, Magic Johnson or Ricky Henderson.
In high school I competed up to the junior varsity level in basketball, and through to the varsity level in golf. As a member of an all African-American varsity golf team at a time way before the world knew of Tiger Woods, we were definitely perceived as an anomaly. Interesting enough though, all of my classmates that excelled at other sports have since picked the game up. So the next time your little Alan Iverson hopeful gets cut from his junior high basketball squad, just remember, it doesn’t mean he isn’t the next Shani Davis. Continue reading ‘What is Shani Davis!’
04
Dec
09
What is Nikka Costa!
If, by reading my previous post pertaining to artist and music, you’ve discerned that I am a self-proclaimed music guru, you’re right! It’s what gives me the most pleasure about writing these post. You see, “What Is Hip!” according to The World Famous Tony Williams is all about my expert views on what you should be listening to, thinking about, as well as laughing at (notice the no LOL here, after all, I am an extremely close relative of Kanye, so you know that I know).
I, first, learned of Nikka Costa in 2001, after seeing her “Everybody Got Their Something” video from her 2001 album release by the same name. I knew immediately that she was the whole package, a funky, edgy, soulful rocker! Simply stated, a Rock Star! Today, I find it intriguing that when the question comes up about which artist I’m listening to and constantly checking for, people don’t know the name Nikka Costa when I mention her. In fact , she’s one of a handful of artist whose project I will purchase, sight unseen.
Nikka Costa makes really good “real” music that ,also, happens to be really soulful. If she wasn’t already, after seeing the NPR interview with Farai Chidaya (the last youtube clip on this post), she would be my girl, definitely! When asked about her take on “white female” artist that “play with the black vernacular” and their music being embraced by fans and radio, Costa references those before and after her, from Teena Marie to Duffy and Amy Winehouse (definitely check out this interview, if just for the subtle snub of Christina Aguilera). She goes on to say that with the recent success of Winehouse, people finally are accepting a movement that she’d been perpetuating, since the early 2000’s and that the unfortunate reality was that “black people aren’t making this type of music anymore.” This statement pricked my soul… a knife straight through my chest.. but please don’t take that out of context. You see Nikka Costa, simply, was confirming what Nelson George wrote in his 1988 book “The Death of Rhythm & Blues”, in which he attributes the demise of a cultural treasure to the fact that black folks simply don’t attempt to preserve their history. like grandmother’s walnut credenza that was passed down from her grandmother, shiii… we sold that shit in a garage sale for $35 when grandmother died, last year. It ended up in an antique store in SoHo where it sold for $3,500 and now it sits in the living room of some young white stockbrokers upper eastside apartment. Costa goes on to add that this has been a trend, since the early rock bands that where “biting” blues artist and states that the world could use more music like this out there (regardless of who’s performing it) and she’s right! The world needs more really good “real” music and Black music needs a few more Nikka Costas.
What is this recurring character, the Dapper Dan with his top hat, those notorious spat covered dance shoes and the timeless tuxedo? Is that Micheal Jackson reincarnated? The truth of the matter is that Michael Jackson, though respectfully the King of Pop was not the original, not the king of the style for which he became best known. He was not the king of those moves we all coveted and tried imitating, rather he was the “joker” that made the style famous. The true king was Bob Fosse, the legendary jazz dancer and Broadway choreographer. Michael Jackson borrowed Fosse’s style and moves, gave them a pop culture back drop and brought them to the unsuspecting masses. I guess it is not he who starts the race first, but he who finishes with the prize, the Grammy’s, the accolade, the recognition that we remember most. To all the youngsters out there who fight to be first up, strive to be the 1 remembered! Much praise to Michael for recognizing Fosse’s talent and not being afraid to cop it and reinvent it as his own. It goes without saying, “there is nothing new under the sun!” Continue reading ‘What is Michael Jackson and Bob Fosse!’
30
Nov
09
What is CRAZY as HELL!!!!
I know L.A. is the land of "anything goes" but DAAMN!!! Can we draw a line somewhere... thats CRAZY as HELL!
I’m lovin this video.. Can’t stop watchin it. Soooo creative…
28
Nov
09
What is 50 years of MINI!
I’ve not yet quite figured out why i’m obsessed with this car.. anyway, if anybody cares this is what I’d like for Christmas.
28
Nov
09
What is Chris Brown: “Graffiti”!
I don’t care what this project sounds like… this album cover is OUTTA HERE!!!! Apparently Chris has found himself a new stylist and is feeling really secure about himself. The looks are extremely smart. KUDOS young man, thats class and style.
