Jazzmataz

I've been 'born again'...and I'm not talkin' about Biggie or having seen 'Je-Sus' (please pronounce it as my man Pedro from 'Napoleon Dynamite' would...).

As my daily tasks of writing Hip Hop news stories requires me to stay on top of the genre from listening to the most commercial of mainstream records to re-writing other write-ups that tend to have 'well-known' artists lashing out against dee jays or getting caught with an illegal substance...I've just been on the verge of 'melt-down'...(okay, that's a bit drastic...)....

UNTIL....

89.9

I have 'no idea' what the actual station's name is...but "Jazz Saved My Life". Swaying away from 'She want that, that, that, that lolipop' and 'If you are, what you say you are...', I've been re-introduced to those various instruments that shunned the attention going towards the actual lyrics or fashion of the artist, but more so the variety of instruments and vocal strength used with each one...

I love my Hot 97. I love my Power 105. But with a need to get the Dave Chappelle 'South Africa' cleansing, I've been soaking in jazz-based music every chance I can. The outcome? One smooth kid that realizes no matter how crazy Hip Hop may become, there's always relief...

If Dead Men Could Talk (Photo of the Day)

Come on...am I the 'only' one who would go and pay top dollar for a shabby bootleg of 'Weekend At Bernie's 3' if it were ever released?

Having extra time at the crib as of lately, I've been turning on Comedy Central during the early morning hourly slots and have had endless 'corny' laughs at their pre-90s flicks... Everything from 'Weekend At Bernie's 2' to 'The Breakfast Club' has me on the verge of listening to Prince with some high tops and a red leather jacket....as they play almost continuously on the station before 10 AM....

"I Love The 80's"

Not really, but you can't fake the funk...fo' sure....FO' SURE....

Click and Spark

Granted, the title may be a bit misleading.....

BE A RISK TAKER.

As simple as it sounds, I know it isn't...or maybe it is, but 'we' just put too much emphasis on the 'what if'...

Honestly...I have fallen victim to the 'Well...what if...', but believe you me, I have taken so many risks I should have a contract with Hasbro...(Come on...you don't remember this game?)

All jokes aside, with graduation under my belt, and that good ol' 'cocky but confident' smile, I'm really ready to take on world domination (chill Stewie...(yes, wack/corny Family Guy reference..)...I got this)

Joining the 'millions' (okay...thousands...) of recent college graduates ready to take on the full-time job openings and aim for 'growth', the desire to go for self and 'have a lil' fun with it' is vast...(or is it mass?....)

Seriously though, all jokes aside...risk taking can seem overwhelming and that's the beauty behind it...

We (okay...."me"....) tend to always lean towards the opportunities that offer the 'predictable ending' or appears the 'safest' which leads to eliminating those paths less taken.

Now of course I'm not endorsing going for those advertisements guaranteeing $50,000/month at 3 AM in the morning, I am, however, suggesting that 'you' consider all options, and regardless of the risks you take and their outcomes, remember to learn from them....for better or worse....

Go and get your money, lil' paper bag shorty.......

PS..Yes, I do realize the photo resembles a bootleg 'Cliffhanger' advertisement minus Stallone....I know, I know...

NYC Is Where I'm From (I Love This Game)

Is it true? Uh huh....I do, I do, I do.....love this 'game'....

Although I have briefly touched on it in a previous posting, I have to emphasize my complete, non-stop, totally awesome (dude), addicted mode of NBA basketball right about now...

Despite my everyday Yankee fitteds, I'm such a baller @ heart... Going out on a stretch, I think I may even bring back the b-ball jersey craze, again...remember, back in '02 to late '04...jerseys ruled music videos, magazines, and popular society, in general...

It's hard to do postings NOT related to basketball with the Conference Finals going on right now, so bare with me...I have to go iron my Jersey, jersey....ya dig!? (WHOA...)

-Where's "AI"....no, really....where's "AI"?

Short Stay

I'm through...fo' real fo' real....

The "King" magazines, Don Diva, Smooth, Maxim, (fill in the endless blanks)...I've finally found out why I've lost interest since the classic Mya cover from '03-'04 (I believe...)

'Video Vixens' + 'Their Thoughts' = Mindless Interest with emphasis on the illustrations...

Really though, as I'm nearing the end of my subscription that I've had since '03, I salute the fun it's been...but I don't know how much longer I can read the 'So how should a guy approach you in the club?' and 'What makes you freaky?' types of questions....

Whew..that's a load off, yo....

You're Not Ready (Photo of the Day)

"It (fill in the blank) a foul"

Whether or not you want to say Brent got fouled on that pump fake, the truth is...Luke Walton has JUNGLE FEVER?

I still can't call this photo, but as Seth said...'People Don't Forget'...in a world where homophobia spreads faster than babies in my urban neighborhoods, not even California legalizing gay marriage can resist the street cred with this photo.

I.E. Lil Wayne, Baby

Pray 4 My Downfall

Temptation: "Never Trust A Big Butt And A Smile"

Mr. Funny Man

It's taken me a VERY long time...but I have finally given in...

WILL FERRELL

I can't fake the funk anymore...homie is HILARIOUS.

He reminds me of the 'funny' guy in those television high school shows where 'everyone' loves him, but he's just...'too' funny.....so while everyone laughs, I won't allow myself to pay 'that' character the time or day...

'til now.

Talladega Nights

If it's funny, it's funny. While I may not go all out and cop his collection of flicks, I will pay him his respect and "LOL" as much as I can...

Dear Summer (Photo of the Day)

Still stuck on cherishing the SUMMER days approaching...whether it's fun at the beach, in the whip with the wind blowing through the du-rag, or rocking the tropical baggy shorts....'you gotta let me go'....

What If

Was it all so long ago that "we" (females too...come on....) were 'so' in our innocence and lacking today's technology that we resorted to scrambled pornography?

Look, it's true... Granted this reference immediately strikes comparisons to the opening of American Pie, but seriously...do you remember?

Is I have to justify myself, I'll just say I was in 5th or 6th grade and 'stuck' in Florida, so with little options to 'basic cable'...scrambled pornography seemed like the 'best' option.

(Whew) That's a lot off of my chest...

But going back to my argument...look at today's times. I love it, but it's a lil' scurry. I mean, with nudity becoming more and more accepted along with the intensity of sexuality finding itself within the most awkward of sitcoms...it really makes me cherish those days of getting excited over a nipple slip or trying to make out a head from a booty shot through 5 different colors of scrambled shading...

Gotta Be Thug

Coming off of a CWAZY Graduation Week and a Birthday Celebration with Mom, I cant' recall if I've done this posting previously, but regardless...I'll keep it moving...

Please don't get it twisted, confused, mixed-up, or wrong...but I miss the 'old' Faboloso......really.

I hear this argument all of the time, though....

"Son, he's grown now...he's not that young kid anymore... Fab has to get his grown man on..."

Really? Jigga laced jeans and white tee 'til 32 (two years on Fab's current age) and 50 has no intention of slowing down his mandatory du-rag and fitted routine, so why Fab? (Oh, and can you picture Juelz Santana falling suit, whoa...)

Seriously though. Listen to Fab's first album, "Ghetto Fabolous"...instant classic music....despite the non-stop hit singles, the 'filler' records are just as on point....

"Right Now & Later On"

"Gotta Be Thug"

"One Day"

Swaying slightly off topic, I have to re-iterate Fab's recent (as of '07?) change in style.....exchanging the throwbacks for surpluses of jewelry and fitted hats for the 360 with tuxedo suits....word?

WORD.

So when I tell folks,

"Ha, trust me...I'm never going to change...on some Jigga type stuff...."

I really do mean it....that's why despite the various outfits of pressed pants and ties, the du-rag and fitted tend to always accompany it...word....so just as a courtesy, can we stay consistent?

With the times and fashions changing faster than news headlines, I see some of my closest of friends changing their jerseys for polos then for white tees and then for the button-ups....why not keep it all?

Awwww.....I'm starting to sound like a Fashion Editor, huh? Just food for thought, shoot.....I'll even do the dishes.....

-Trade It All

Ignition (Photo of the Day)

Look, I promise not to say anything 'too' incriminating so that potential employers doubt putting the kid on, but I will say a couple of words.

-The R.Kelly Sex Tape Case Is Long Over-Due...in other words...POINTLESS, sorry..(but true)

-I still don't understand why it's taken nearly eight years to get this thing poppin' while MSNBC has predators trapped on a nightly basis, within 30 minutes and WITH commercials....REAL TALK

-The 'alleged' girl in the video isn't even willing to testify and claiming it is NOT Kells..WORD

-I guarantee the Pied Piper is so shook he won't even venture out to Disney(, anymore)

-Why do I feel like another O.J. verdict is going to be announced...(We all know the 'truth', but still listen to his hits and think...'Well, maybe it's not...')

Stranger Than Fiction (Video of the Week)

While I do not normally get 'too' excited over film releases, I cannot fake the funk on this flick... Falling back from the always trust worthy downloadable films (Harold and Kumar, Iron Man, (insert here)...), the anticipation to see a 'scurry' movie that actually seems like a true thriller (with a realistically 'bad guys win' ending...) has caught on to me as I prepare to sacrifice four to five nights of no popcorn to get that good ol' theater feel...

Haven't felt this excited to see a horror flick since Child's Play, whoa,

-Charles

Summer Wit Miami

"I'm back..."

And so is 'Summer'....whether it's a spending it with 'her' in Miami or saying, 'Dear Summer'...it's coming regardless...can you feel it (in the air)?

For some reason...maybe the mist in the air...I cannot knock this exciting feeling rushing through my body. Last time it was getting my 'X-Treme' sports on by mixing a dab of 'Lords of Dogtown', a punk(ish) Myspace Jump-Off with a knack for kicking and pushing, and having Mom surprise the kid with a skateboard...

Still using the versatility that arose from the experimentation, I am ready to build on to it...

Sky Diving?

Surfing?

Bungee Jumping?

Not exactly sure, but please re-assured...it's going dooooooowwwwwwwn come June 21st....and with her giving me those three full months, I'm using every last second to enjoy myself and try new things...

Why wouldn't I,

-Skateboard C(- Money)

Ride Or Die

Having completed one out of two Graduation ceremonies, I cannot express the feelings of excitement mixed with "I'mma Show You How To Do This, Son". Now of course there were 800 plus at the event from last night, but the 'light' was def. shining on this dun, son.

Okay, so my words are getting more blurred than the Coke Bottle glasses...but just hang in there....

Feeling the temptation to bug out and show Jersey how to throw things down, I had to resist breaking out my Harlem Shake combined with the Chicken Noodle Soup for the Grand Finale....being the "Main" event.....Rutgers College Commencement....

Although rain has been predicted, not even snow, sleet, or hail is going to stop the crazy jump-off...with my Jersey family and closest peeps (Yo, B!) and others...(Donna!!!!), we'll do the bootleg walk at the crib if it really comes down to it....

Writing is continuing, just hang in there...Graduation Week puts EVERYTHING on hold...

-Kanye W.

Oh snap.....how could I completely forget to mention the above photo?

For those unfamiliar with him, my motivation for the crazy dance effect stems from his head throbbing videos...see youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu on stage...

My Love (Photo of the Day)

Cuddling?

I love it, I hate it. The unbalance between 'gangsta' and 'luvey' is enough to make the average fella join Amy Winehouse in rehab...WORD!

I'm Ready

Feeling like Mike at his baddest? Nah, I'm good nonetheless, though!

Approaching one of two graduations within 24 hours, I have realized that within my 20 years as a student, I have never pulled the 'Apple For The #1 Teacher' move....really.

Now I've done things including writing letters, CDs, and other gifts...but apples? I didn't hook any of them up with one. Sure, this could be considered a 'personal' posting, but it makes me wonder...why apples?

Thinking about it now, I wish I had tried pulling an "Apple" move, because with my humor and class, I would have dropped the Candy Apple for Mrs. Wolfram, or maybe Apple Jacks for one of my dime piece French professors......

Of course the 'ideal' image has become the apple on a teacher's desk...I mean, I remember that from 'To Kill A Mocking Bird' and other flicks....but as time progresses, shouldn't there be a shift in fruit? From oranges, kiwi, to even bananas.....can't we switch things up?

To all 'undergraduates' and highschoolers....have fun, bring a coconut...spark the REVOLUTION, yo!

-Lil' Rascal

Sing For The Moment

I really have to start calling people out on singing in the shower...can I be the only person still getting my Mariah (whoa....) on? The ironic part has become not listening to the commercial radio in the shower, but relying simply on my own vocals....Simon and Paula couldn't even son this Idol...(okay, VERY corny, I know..)

Really though, as I continue to ask folks what iTunes playlists they're singing in the shower, the looks of "What son?" "You're crazy" "Dude, WTF?" each keep hitting me back on the rebound, and I'm feeling like a shook one.

Rather than elaborating on the liberating feeling achieved when you're able to just sock it to the soap bar, I'll emphasize the idea of seclusion and extacsy. (Spelled right?)

As the radio becomes wacker and wacker, I'm relying on hearing those old school 90s jams to get things poppin' while in the tub/shower....

So maybe it's imagination, but it's also a big dab of skill. Ever try ripping a Twista 'Overnight Celebrity' verse and quickly jumping to a Nasty Nas 'NY State of Mind' chorus? It takes skill, trust me.

Plus, save yourself the cameras, lights, and action of a product-placement filled show like 'American Idol', and perfect your craft in the safety of your bath room.

I'm livin' it up on Monday, bare with me.....

-Rubber Ducky

The Learning (Photo of the Day)

Do the math. Yankees lose first game of the Subway Series this weekend. Rob/Jon brag their hearts out. I remind them of this classic Daily News cover, letting them know it doesn't count 'til the very end.

2007 Season

-Yankees Make Post-Season

-Mets Lose Top NL East Position, Miss Post-Season

Just Lose It (Why Not)

I miss the lil' homie, fo' real. Where are you, Rabbit?

Stan

I LOVE the Yankees....really. However, despite having the most frequent All-Star players on the squad, we catch more "L's" than Screech, fo' real fo' real....

It's almost like being a fan of the Knicks (luckily I rep for the Nets, too...), you have to "wait" it out 'til we can pull a Giants' Super Bowl surprise....

With year after year (since '00 at least) of disappointing post-season appearances, I'm putting in all of the chips...YANKEES WIN SUBWAY SERIES this year...

While I do claim to be one of the biggest fans of the Yanks, my card is pulled when I catch all of these fellow Yankee supporters making me a HUGE SON as face painting, David Ortiz destroyed plastic heads, and the most obnoxious (as if seeing Ortiz's head wasn't enough) Yankees materials ever created at these games...

In other words, "STANS"...those obsessive, I'm-having-a-heart-attack-if-we-lose fans ride the B/D train uptown and at the end of the day...make me proud to NOT be that addicted to the pin stripes...WORD.

Where Have You Been

Shady.

Marshall.

Eminem.

Call him what you like, but just don't call him 'wack'. (I agree, that does sound like an over-hyped intro, huh?)

Honestly though, where is Eminem? Even before Proof passed and 50 began going pop(ular), Slim Shady had been very quiet. I still can't tell if it was his fourth release 'Encore' that shook him or maybe events taking place beforehand which became the reason for such a mediocre release..(although, I did enjoy JUST LOSE IT and TOY SOLDIERS)...

People change, lyrics don't...and with the lyricism that earned the Detroit rapper so much fame and respect, I just can't accept the fact that he's either "done" or just taking a "break"....

Real fo', real fo'...the rumors of his album being done have spurred since '05...WORD.

I could use a whole 250 plus words to justify Em(inem)'s placement in Hip Hop's greatest emcees, but I'm sure you could just YouTube or Google the kid...(also, it's Saturday...come on, maaaaaaaaan.)

Come and Go

Why do I have the feeling no one remembers boxing sensation Prince Naseem? This is the first appearance I was fortunate enough to see of him...

Halloween Night 1998....whew......if only I could have YouTube'd my reactions to watching this cocky guy walking out to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" theme music at the time...

'Classic' is the only word I could use to describe both myself and Naseem pulling a '50' and bodying his opponent shortly afterwards.

Using the technology of today, Wikipedia told the kid that not only did this guy knock his opponents out over 75% of the time, but lil' man was only five foot five...actually, five foot, four and a half inches......

Having to connect this posting to my title, I'll quickly make the point that after he caught an "L", Nas(eem) fell off....from adding over 40 plus pounds to getting arrested and jailed for reckless driving...there is at least ONE lesson to be learned.....

SAVE

Similar to the Ja Rule, Vanilla Ice, and even Lennox Lewis stories...great success, lots of money, and the surplus of fame all appear endless when you're on 'sitting on top of the world' (Brandy, Ma$e...fell...HARD), but at the end of the day...where are they now?

The stock market is looking shabby, but compared to jewelery and cars, at least there is an expectation of getting SOMETHING back....

2 The Sky

No longer am I able to conceal it...

'The Notebook'

She told me about it, Goofy forced me to watch it, and Ms. Manhattan received it for Mother's Day...

Now I'm not a sucker (for love), but every once and again a movie comes together with the capability to evoke the most random emotions and thoughts. Laughing as I type this, I remember thinking to myself 'Chea right, never gonna happen', and glancing to my right--it's in the DVD collection.

The fact that I stay so secluded and isolated from the 'social' network allows me to give off the impression of classic "NWA" fashion 'F the Police', otherwise I would get clowned on a daily.

Although it's classified under the 'love' category, I still pull the bachelor card out and keep it gully with my attitude, however I cannot help but respect such a well-written novel-turned-film.

Smiling and stuck in a daze,

-Noah

The What (Photo of the Day)

I love advertising, but some...I just can't even call it.

Let's Play Monopoly (Photo of the Day)

They came. They saw. They conquered.

My Girl

Dear Suga Duga,

Aww....you know how much I miss you? Chea, chea, chea...I'm getting the cyber love and all, but you know nothing is official? I have to be careful nowadays.....you know I'm not trying to catch those viruses! It's been a while since I last hit you up...but you know things get a bit hectic with me, and all....

Still trying to catch your flick, Death Proof...I heard you did your thing in it, word? Can you believe I still take it all the way back to '98 and 'He Got Game' when I need my 'fix' of you...fo' real fo' real....

You know they say not to be all 'gushy ushy ushy' since it takes away from my 'Hood Status'...but fo' you, come on....you know your boy-boy can't be knocked out. ; ) (See?) And I remember you telling the world about going through the same things when everyone found out about your Star Trek obsession....

I have to keep things short and sweet...since time is money and we both are still cashing in.....I'm good, no worries. Actually, on some cereal type stuff....

"I'm GGGG RREEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTT"

(laugh) Chea, see....still corny.... Gotta dip, boo.....just remember next Thursday, it's official.

Wanna be the reason you smile,

Drive Slow

"It's a dream, it's a dream...it's all a dream..."

Although the above quotation is NOT from the Kanye 'Drive Slow' record, it illustrates the mind state of a lot of the 'younger' kids...I can't hate...it's just natural...

You're young, you're already influenced from the get.... As much as I try to convince myself those are truly 'braces', I cannot help but think "lil' man" is trying to pull off an ice grill.....(come on, look at the smirk!)

Even more contradicting is the icon-pasted hoody sweatshirt and BLUE TOOTH!? Geesh, call it a slight bit of jealousy or maybe me feeling mo' older (remember J-Kidd getting punished by the young'n, Chris Paul?)...but the limit is getting pushed more and more....

But WAIT!?

Are you serious, GoCyrusGo? (Self-advertising...) Did you not have the Starter jackets? The light-up L.A. Gears? The candy cigarettes?

Yes. No. Yes......

Pulling a 'Nasir Jones', I'll contradict my previous comments and tip my fitted...SLIGHTLY...to lil' man, due to the fact that nothing has changed....it's called natural progression.

I hear it all the time....

'The kids just don't appreciate things, anymore....'

Did we...or...'they'...ever? Those same Souljah Boy kids today are no different than us back in the '90s....honestly. (Wait 'til I free up my time, CRAZY long Kanye West-speech-like postings will follow)

However, I will admit...in today's times....we all are pushing the extremes just a bit too far....when five-year-old girls are getting their nails did and Lil' Will texting in between recess and lunch...there's something goin' on...WORD.

Drive Slow homie,

Me Against The World

Maybe it is because I love challenges and especially competition...but I strive for the complexities and difficulties of life...really.

From being born an only child to having a single parent raise me...I never looked back and kept the wheels turning....fo' real fo' real. Swaying away from the task (or idea) at hand, I just wanted to take a moment to stress the desire for taking the road less traveled.

Many...most....folks feel as though they have to be with the "in" crowd.....

NAH MAAAAAN.....

As many people who know me..er....'know', I'm far from "usual"...behind the jokes and smiles is a strategic mind boggling over-analyzer who sees EVERYTHING fully through...but sometimes emotions gets involved...but that's neither here nor there.....

And while I pride myself on being a 'true' grinder and applier of the "Work Smarter, Not Harder" belief...I enjoy those struggles and pains most of us tend to avoid...

Always trying to avoid cliches, I have to admit....

"What doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger...."

And baby, I'm there.

-Stronger, Faster, Harder (WHOA....crazy PAUSE!!!)

Day Dreamin' (Photo of the Day)

Maybe it's thinking back to what Cam'ron said about Jigga rockin' open toed sandals back in '06 or his claiming of 'flip flops with socks' are passable....but I feel the necessity to stress the comfort and 'urban' look of Nike Flip Flops (or sandals?)...

I had to put one or two friends on to this trend not too long ago, but having a pair of Nike flip flops with the black ankle socks is easily one of the most comfortable and ill(matic) looking accessories for any fella....(shorties have their own flava...)

'Til I can think of more cliches or decide to finally upload images of myself sportin' my own personal set...I'll just say....COP A PAIR....(insert: ya dig)

We Major

Say word, son? WORD.

That's honestly the 'best' photo I could come up with...due to time restraints....

People would never guess it....with a sufficient background in basketball, football, baseball, and even cross country....

TENNIS!?

Yup yup...I GETS BUSY.

Now don't call me Agasi (spelled right?) or even the male Serena Williams...but I have a mean serve along with a crucial back swing....granted, I have only had the opportunity to play against my grandmother's daughter...but still, the skills are there.

With the basketball season reaching the end as the play-offs begin to fizzle and baseball moving slowly, I'm skate boarding my way to the tennis court to put in some work...fo' real fo' real.....

At the end of the day, it's all about versatility. Before '02, I used to be crucially one-sided...in the sense of having it ONLY be "rap", "basketball", "Jennifer Lopez", etc......although, now the additions have become:

"rap" (and R&B)
"basketball" (and "baseball")
"Jennifer Lopez" (but mostly Rosario Dawson)

Regardless, I'm still branching out... At the end of the day, I'm looking for competition on the tennis court...with a Yankee fitted turned sideways and my Nike Forces slightly tightened...I'm ready.

And Then What

I have a confession...(Usher has nuffin' on me!)...

I'm falling back from CDs....well, I suppose I'm amongst the millions of others, huh? Seriously though, as I continue to purchase and receive CDs, I always flashback to the popularity of cassette tapes and how they fell off....HARD.

Now, trust me...you will def. not catch me paying to download either singles or entire albums from an iTunes service, but my collection of CD cases is growing. The ability to copy and burn music is really becoming more appealing to myself, especially as some of my favorite rappers have, as of lately, been putting out mediocre albums. I'll put it like this, when I have refused to even "burn" a CD due to the lack of quality in an album...that's saying something...

Looking forward and selling albums on eBay,

-The Wiz

Ms. New Booty (Video of the Week)

Disney meets DangWTF.com

Kiss Kiss

Yup, it's about 'that' time of the year.

"It was the Summer Time [when we fell in love]" -Beyonce

Perfection, perfection, perfection. Honestly, I am not a promoter of 'perfection', yet when it comes to kissing...come on, maaaaaaaan.

Old to young, young to middle-aged...it doesn't matter. The idea of practice making perfection is soo soo important in this scenario. You see, there is "so" much emphasis placed upon having your body in shape or being able to "put in work" (cough cough) that the simplest of techniques is overlooked.

Google it, use your wrist, watch an LL Cool J video....step it up. You have a good month and a week to get it together, son (shorty)...let'em know who run it!

-The Love Connection

Ask Myself (Photo of the Day)

I have 'known' about this for just over a week...but I am deciding to finally address it.....

"Get yours"

Simply said? G'head Nick(y), sometimes you have to go for what you feel is truly right....because when you have your mind set upon something, NOBODY can stop you.

Save your money, though....secret safe deposit, too......

-NO COMMENT

Lost Without You

The "Thought of the Week", huh?

Well...maybe I should have titled this more specifically....

"Summer Love" (Or is it one word?)

Does it really exist? YES!!! (Too much emphasis?).... Yup.... (There...)

It does...and I have been a victim of it for the past three years... Is it avoidable? Nope. Truly isn't...now I cannot vouch that it is either a good or bad thing, but I will admit the power behind Summer Love is expansive and sometimes overwhelming...

The reason it becomes contagious, in my opinion, is because it comes VERY unexpecting...one minute you're YouTubin' "Hot Girls" and then the next 60 seconds you're exchanging sips from a White Castle Vanilla Milkshake with the same straw....yup yup yup...

For me, it's never struck my mind to say "NO" or to even see further than August...simply because I become 'sooo' caught up in the moment...reality simply doesn't exist, time seems to have taken a 'hit' or 'two' as it slowly passes, and dedication to perfecting your tongue and lip kissing becomes obsessive...

Hate it or Love It...It's COMING....

*June 21st (or EARLIER)....

-Dear Summer

The Rain Man

As we enter another 'rainy' day here in the Metropolitan area, the question still boggles my mind.....'Scuff up a pair of Nikes or rock the Rain Man's...?' If you didn't catch the last part, it's simply a reference to rain boots.

Look, I'm def. not 'insecure'...(aigght, maybe just a tiny bit...), but there are things and choices in life that require careful thought. Now, while I have only drawn two possible choices of foot apparel for these gushy ushy days, I am aware of the other choices including either a pair of Tim's or other boots OR a 'scuffed' up pair of shoes....well, I neither rock Tim's (like that) or especially go out in public with any pair of shoes that could decrease my "Pimipin'..." status...(chea right...)

Anyway, I just "can't" see myself rocking rain boots. I know I must have back in the early '90s, but today?

"I'm not goin' out like that, Jack."

But as I have been approached or noticed past relationships or other people whom have rocked the rain kicks in bad weather, I couldn't help but noticing the comfort they seemed to be in... Ahhhh, maybe I have too much pride to hide...'til I cop the hydro kicks, I'm thuggin' it out in the Forces....yerp.

Catch me in my Airr Force Oneees,

-A Lunatic

Momma Said (Photo of the Day)

Call her. Text Her. Send Love. Regardless of what the relationship "currently" is, she brought you in to the world.

Momma's Boy

Where You At

Listening to 'Scorpion' the other day, I couldn't help but wonder "Where is the lil' homie, Eve?"....I "knew" it was bound to happen: Sign to Dr. Dre, get slept on, album not likely not be released. That's just the truth...consider the facts:

-Rakim (Never Released)
-Truth Hurts (Flopped...HARD)
-The Game (Not Released 'Til 50 Cent Messed With Him)
-Busta Rhymes (Just Barely Released...)

Anyway...really, can shorty just release "an" album? I keep hearing the excuses..."Son, she's working on her television show, doing clothing, and other stuff....." Come on, maaaan...she was pushing the 'Tambourine' record crazy hard last year...and then? SILENCE....................... Can Dre put the weights down and focus on getting his people's albums out....OH SNAP...wait, is she still "signed" to Aftermath? Hhmm.....regardless, Eve aka The First Lady of Ruff Ryders aka Stevie J's Jump-Off aka Ms. Blow Your Mind........where you at?

It Wasn't Me

Say word...why does it feel like I'm the "only" one from my squad (back in Maryland) who DIDN'T get down with Dragon Ball Z? Now, of course I was the only one with the NY background and 'flava', if I may say so myself, but still....I could never get 'in' to the show....

Well, 'cartoon'...right? I really want to admit "anime" was never for me, but even Pokemon caught my quick attention for a good year or so back in '98-'99...(just because the video game for the GameBoy Advance: Color was illmatic....) Therefore, I am contemplating getting the entire season on DVD to 'force' myself in to the missed mode...... You know, it's almost like the Michael Jackson situation...he was 'so' famous and pushed in to the industry that he missed out on his 'childhood'....

Anyway, maybe I'm takin' it to the extreme, but I missed out on countless (okay, maybe 3) lunchroom conversations based on the program....I WANT MINE, yo!

Don't Say (Photo of the Day)

Having just had the most delicious tasting waffle...EVER...this mornning from "Waffle House", I really had to take a step back and ask myself......

Who is really the best...IHOP or Waffle House?

And of course I know the argument is....

"Dude, IHOP is for the pancakes and Waffle House is for the waffles...they're both the best in their respective restaurants..."

Suure, go with that argument...but maybe it's more complex? Maybe 'you' can't decide? Really, it's similar to the Biggie/Pac comparison......sure, you'll pick one particular one, then after hearing a record by the other...you switch up faster than a Presidential Debate!

Daydreaming and I'm thinking of.....(Don't Say).....

Who Am I

I know it sounds cwwazy, but it's true.....

"I have never dated a woman whose 'feet' I couldn't see myself kissing."

(I really am killing any future job opportunities with that line, huh?)

Honestly though...feel free to compare me to the more extreme version of Eddie Murphy's character in 'Boomerang', but it's true.

Bad Feet = No Chance

Funny Toes = Slim Chance

Missing Toes = Possible (whoa...)

Okay, now for any of the women I have previously engaged in a relationship with, please keep in mind...I'm "soo soo serious". While a majority of the things I write on here is sarcasm to the extreme, please realize I have a thing for feet....

It started, I suppose, when I was younger...really aiming for perfection....and although I have never (really) had the urge to place a single toe or entire foot completely in my mouth, I have always used the idea of "Well, if I did....."

Keep in mind though, I have always showed love to all women...but if your toe game is "on point", you got me stuck....really. And honestly, although I have had a hefty amount of relationships, only ONE particular woman had the 'best' toes I can remember......(no name droppin', come on....)

Maybe it's just me, but I'm the most non-foot but obsessive toe guy I know.....

Monsters Inc (Photo of the Day)

Pictures speak a thousand words?

-Ahh! Real Monsters

I'm So Fly

Believe it or not...(minus the rhinestones), this is "my" belt...well, technically...the one I am currently rockin' is my mom's......

Yes, it's true...I keep things a hundred 24/7 on this 'blog-o-sphere', and live by the truth, die by the truth....but I have to keep it 'real', son...

So, I'm 'stuck' having to go around with a red feminine belt...however, very much like Richard Hamilton's story with his face mask, I have gone through a lot of GREAT EXPERIENCES with the belt, so it's become somewhat 'lucky', in a sense...

Now sure, I'm positive the 'hood' look is not fully there, but nowadays with so many neon colors and "liberation pink" being exposed, I really shouldn't have too much to worry about...

Again, I know the cost of a new belt is a fraction of the price compared to Grand Theft Auto 4..but I'm still playing the 'superstition' role.....

Get Silly (Come on, YouTube it if the expression sounds unfamiliar...),

-VIC

Sike

Come on, maaan. Save the heartfelt and warm hugs/kisses, no time for the 365 days of Valentine's Day...I'm pimpin'............

Do For Love

Say word, I'm such a sucker for this stuff. However, you just 'connect' (sometimes) and when the words hit close to home, it makes me loosen up my du-rag and take a second to breathe..ahhhh, I'm soo soo gangsta....and looking 'back', I reflect on the "Sucka for Love".............geesh, doesn't this apply to MAD people?

It Was Written

Of course I'm far from a prophet, but mark my words. Tattoos will go quickly out-of-fashion while the new 'fab' will be getting all of those poor investments removed.

"What? Ain't no more to it."

The Game (Photo of the Day)

"If you wanna be my lover", you gotta be a NBA-shorty...not on some Diana Taurasi type stuff...but you have to at least be riding with me in regards to who's leading a series during those hectic months of May and June...

Honestly, my mind and state of being are practically robotic once the play-offs start. ANYTHING and EVERYTHING always happens...usually it all starts in the First Round, but nonetheless...it is mere excitement and makes you want to tip your headband down to David Stern for extending the First Round games from five to seven.

I won't even lie...NO BOOTY action during the Play-Offs...well, let's just say it is VERY RARE...I'm in such a trance with this time of the year that you're more likely to catch me streaking across 42nd Street before you find me not up-to-date with the current series' games...

With a few minutes to spare before the Detroit/Magic Game 3 (Magic have this game won, up 15+ points in Fourth Quarter) returns from commercial break...I want to take this time to rant.....

-Kobe Bryant gets MVP over Chris Paul? Chea right...politics as usual,huh?

-Atlanta Hawks go to Conference Finals, then Finals to battle for the chip.

-If the Boston Celtics win the Cavs series, I'm tempted to suspend writing for at least a day.

-LeBron really is a 'beast'..unstoppable....despite poor numbers against Celts last night

-Spurs CANNOT win against Hornets....Chris Paul has too much heart, yo!

Still stuck in a daze,

-He Got Game

All of Me

"This" is what all of the hype is about? All I remember is reading about her having 1,000,000+ folks on her Myspace page, then she has a record deal, then a television show, then.......can you hear those remaining minutes ticking, yet?

I can't even fake though, I even got in to all of the hype...seeing her on the cover of a Hustler Magazine or something of that nature, I couldn't help but notice her wild 'gangsta' mixed with 'sexy' combination. Really, but the average intellectual "should" be able to see passed her witty ways.

No matter how nicely I state it, I always get the 'son, that's mad wrong (racist)' line, but here it goes...

"She looks like one of the females from Canal Street."

Really. I wouldn't be surprised if a majority of her 'stalkers' or rather, 'fans' are not from non-urban but farm-like areas where the city presence is absent.

Who knows, maybe she'll become my next Rosario Dawson....chea right.

-I Don't Need A Girl Pt. 1

In Da Club

I promise...a very 'quick' posting.....

CLUBS

While I cannot say that I have 'never' been to them, since I have...I will admit the addiction and admiration to them has made me fall COMPLETELY back....

Although I have heard the warnings about NOT trying to hook-up while in the clubs, seeing some of the actions witnessed at these interventions are crazy! So my new adventure is trying to find out WHERE to search for mentally stable women.....

Then again, I could always use the club scene as a TRIAL and ERROR to test out how they react...right? Just thinking....

-Crash Dummy

The Hunger For More (Photo of the Day)

Maybe it has a little to do with me ordering 'White Caslte: Extremely Unrated' since the promotion of the current new flick has me ready to pay (a visit to the online download site) to view it. Anyway, WHITE CASTLE!!!!

I used to think McDonald's, Burger King, Taco Bell (ugh...), and all of those other fast food spots held the 'keys' to happiness.....'til I met my girl, White Castle.

Sure...laugh, make fun....but the excitement and passion received from paying the legendary spot a visit is incredible. I mean, they have been making mozarella sticks and onion rings popular WAY before the other places. Oh...and the shakes?

PRICELESS

Honestly though, who can really mess with WC? You name a product and I'll match it....

Wendy's Frost?
-White Castle's Vanilla/Chocolate Shake

Nathan's Chili Cheese Fries?
-White Castle's Cheesey Cheese Fries

McDonald's Big Mac
-3 White Castle Burgers, COMBINED

***Okay, now this is starting to sound and feel like a "Hungry Hungry Hippo" competition, so I'm falling back.....

If you haven't messed with White Castle or you just need 'proof' that they're official, just go to the Frozen section of your grocery store (minus the Health-based shops) and notice the packaged burgers....

Soo Sooo Official,

-Burger King

Stick 2 The Script

Say word, I know I should....but I can't even fake...I'm getting my 'muscle' game mad up...fo' real fo' real....

Now, of course I cannot see myself to "this" extreme, but with 200+ push-ups a day along with the other extra-curricular activities, I'm soooo ready to put in 'work'....

Granted, I have always been 'athletic', but as far as having a bit of muscle to go with the firmness (whoa...), I have never felt 'satisfied'...you know? I could 'stick 2 the script' as the title suggests, but the excitement over being able to pull of the LL Cool J with wifey is too much to ignore....

We can go ahead and cross out LL Cool J, 50 Cent, The Rock, and a few others...I'm def. not going down that route...but I could be compared along the lines of Joe Johnson....or LeBron...maybe....

Noticing the big homie from up above, I can't help but observe the massive amount of muscle (if the photo is even 'real', right?) above his wait....you see, I'm the type who likes to have muscle throughout, but be able to have my complete body rest on the bed...not just my arms.....therefore, the jogging/basketball...well, as of lately it's been tennis/skate boarding all keeps me firm and ready for some action...chea chea chea.....

The Richard Simmons work-out plan,

-Too Much

Beg For Mercy

Granted, I 'work' and 'take care of business' in New York, but the begging has to STOP. Fo' real fo' real...now, while I do hear the arguments being made claiming injustice and inequality for getting employed, but we have to step up....fo' real fo' real....

And I know the situation is the same in other markets (Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Atlanta, etc.), so we have all experienced 'it'. "Chilaxin'" (still can't incorporate that 'slang')....on the East Side around 90th street or so, I couldn't get passed the feature G-Unit story from XXL Magazine as my ears were constantly met by the 'Can you spare a quarter?' line.......

Look, take it from me...switch your game up, maaan! Maybe Jadakiss was right saying 'Why lie, I need a beer' should be the sign 'beggars' use...but still. While the subways are not too much better, at least put on a 'show'...especially with gas prices continuing to 'rise', those quarters go pretty far nowadays.

Again, it may just be 'me', but with having worked so hard (Big Pun!) to get everything I wanted in life, I can't respect the 'Pweeettty Pwwweeease' lines, fo' real fo' real!

Hands are going non-stop, hold on!

-Loco

My First Song

Ahhhh......my first love...(granted the title says 'song'...but listen to 'The Black Album', and it'll make sense....)

I came 'in' to the Industry with my fitted hat securely tucked over my du-rag and I plan on leaving it with it on...in other words, I GOT THIS, maan!

Honestly, my desire and love for the fitted hat really began in '04, even though I would love to use a rap-like scenario and speak about my passion for them since I was born...but as my blog constantly forces me to do, I keep it a hundred.....

Although I have done a couple of interviews minus a fitted (and du-rag), it nonetheless has always awaited me before and afterwards. With my plans falling in to place, I see the full-time 'gig' being a spot allowing me to still keep my 'heart' with me (the fitted, come on..catch up!) and the writing allows me to keep it as my sword, also.

I know I've slightly addressed my fitted hat obsession before, but I cannot stress it enough...if I could, I'd have a different Fitted of the Day selection...well, actually.....hhmm......(brainstorming)...I'll leave that to be a 'To Be Continued'.......regardless, the statements they make and transformation they take upon the individual is truly amazing....

Thinking back to the various books I have read, I may even compare the strength of a fitted to 'The Overcoat'...wait, you're not familiar?

So ahead of my time, but even I can predict the rise and fall of fitted hats, much like when the throwbacks took over from '02 to '04....but regardless, I stay loyal....

-The Fitted Prince (I passed TNT, but still catching a few other 'Kings'....)