Friday, October 29, 2010

Songs in the Key of the Honest Man's Life - My mind's playing tricks on me

It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!! Nope readers, really it's not. I felt that today's video post was necessary, simply for just this one bar. "This year Halloween fell on a weekend, me and Geto Boys are trick or treating." Period. And this year, Halloween indeed falls on a weekend, Sunday to be exact, but my kids, not the Geto Boys, will be trick or treating....

Geto Boys - My Mind's playing tricks on me

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Songs in the Key of the Honest Man's Life - It's Your Birthday!

It's the Honest Woman's birthday today. And I felt considering we are both generation xers and grew up during the Golden Age of Hip Hop, that one song was appropriate to celebrate the occasion. Nope, not Marilyn Monroe's birthday song. Nope not Stevie Wonder's birthday song (a great song by the way). Yep, a icon back in the day, the man that beat the Man in his right for freedom of speech. The one, the only, Uncle Luke!! Celebrate your birthday wife cuz IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!! Hydraulics!!

Luke - It's Your Birthday

Teaming..it's a wonderful thing!

Teaming. It's a wonderful thing when you work in on a great team. It can feel like family in a sense. You know when you are a close team when you do something like what the Lakers did Tuesday night during the ring ceremony. If you didn't see it, man, I'm just saying. And don't start rolling your eyes or talking that cynical shit about "Yea right, they're fake" foolishness. Thought this was touching. Had me thinking about current and past teams I've been involved with as the fellas were introducing one another. It's kinda hard to describe but I wish more of my teams were bonding like this one. Oh well :-)

Monday, October 25, 2010

The Honest Man's NBA season preview






It just dawned on me that the NBA regular season starts Tuesday. As in tomorrow. As in the 2010-2011 season will officially be upon us tomorrow. As in my team, your team, America's team, aka the back to back NBA Champion LA Lakers begin defense of their crown tomorrow. And I feel I owe it to the sports readers on my page to give you the Honest Man's own NBA 2010-2011 Season Preview. Don't worry, I'm not going to do a team by team breakdown. I mean who in the hell cares about the T-Wolves. They suck mejor cuelo :-).

Western Conference - It's no secret who I think is going to win the conference. But even using my head and not my heart, it's still a purple and gold show. I mean seriously who can take down LA in the West when they are at full strength and healthy?

- Oklahoma? They lack the consistent 3rd scorer to compliment Durant and Westbrook. They are young, they definitely can run up and down, they're solid defensively, and they've got a good coach. But unless Harden or Green morphs into that #3 position, you are going to need more than Durant/Westbrook to overtake LA. Plus they need a deep playoff run with painful results before they understand what it takes. Give them 2-4 years though, they are going to be hell to play. LA included.

- TrailBlazers? Aw yes, everyone's anointed team two seasons ago. It's kinda funny, Kevin Pritchard was celebrated as the GM that everyone wants to be back in 2008 because he had Brandon Roy, drafted Greg Oden, traded for Rudy Fernandez, and supposedly had a team full of depth and on the rise. A few injuries here and 1st round playoff flameouts there, now he's unemployed. The team is good but it's not great. And that's what people miss. Oden, Pryzbilla, and Camby don't scare opponents offensively. I like Roy but I think they overwork him for all the supposed depth they have. Good team but I don't see them as NBA champs now or in the future.

- Nuggets? Joking, these cats never were and never will be known as elite. And for everyone who has sense, stop calling Chauncey Billups Mr Big Shot. He has one ring. Big Shots have more than one ring. It's kinda like how people keep saying Reggie Miller is clutch because of 2 great games he had in '94. He's not. Not with one finals appearance and no rings. Back to Denver, I can't take a team seriously when it's #1 option plays defense like my 1 year old plays offense (it doesn't exist), and it's #3 or #4 option talks a lot, tweets a lot, but doesn't do a whole lot to back it up.

- Spurs? I don't care if they get Splitter, Jefferson's game returns, or George Hill overtakes Mr. Longoria as the starter. It was over in 2008. Put on NBA TV's marathon of Spurs games if you want to remember them as champions cuz pimpin' it's OVA!

- Other West? I. can't. see. it. Rockets? Please. Suns? The sun has set. Utah? Losing Boozer, and it pains me to say that, will hurt more than people think. Clippers? Shockingly on paper, that team could give some teams the business. Just depends on how Baron feels, which is a shame. But the rest? Better go ahead and get ready for the 2011 lottery.......

Ok, so you like, oh you biased, not gonna talk about the East. Well the East doesn't need a breakdown like the West because it's straightforward. Miami, Boston, Orlando. That's it. Everyone else is playing for the right to get beat by those teams next spring. Atlanta can't do it because Joe Johnson is their #1 option instead of their #2. Chicago is missing shooters to go with it's great penetrater and equally good defense. I can't see past that. Wizards, Nets, Raptors, Knicks, Cavs...let me stop. That's horrible enough in it's own right. Just painful.

As for the East Elite, contrary to what some may believe, I think Miami and Boston can beat LA. I have more faith in the latter because of their point guard. All the bandwagoners keep talking about what Lebron will do to Artest if they meet up and that's great but what about the other matchups. Anthony vs Bynum? Bosh vs Gasol? Bryant vs Wade? Fisher vs Chalmers or Arroyo? The benches? C'mon son :-). As for Beantown, you saw the series this summer. Yea they can match up fine. As for the Magic, until Superman figures out how to avoid his kryptonite (translation: develop a low post game), they will continue to falter in the late rounds.

So there you have it? In a quick summary, the Honest Man's NBA 2011 season preview. Oh yea, tell the Laker haters to dress warm. It's cold where you gon be next year ;-)

Friday, October 22, 2010

What the Honest Man is Listening To - Deluxe Edition

After Commissioner No Class posted up the emergency Honest Man emblem in the sky, it dawned on me that my readers have been robbed of the Honest Man's current musical rotation. So instead of the normal one current song per what I'm listening to post, the Honest Man is hitting you with a barrage of goodies that should keep the sucka music criminals on ice for at least the remainder of the month. So get your mind right fam, I'm hittin' you with that new new (not to be confused with Nu Nu) music!

Rick Ross f Drake & Chrisette Michelle - Aston Martin Music

Don't let your hate cloud your judgment. Yep, Ross is definitely fool's gold after being exposed as an ex PO but as much as you want to hate, you can't front on what he's releasing as singles. Super High was dope and this joint here is PURE GOLD. Sleep if you want....



Kanye West f Swizz Beatz, Raekwon, Mos Def, & Charlie Wilson - Lord, Lord, Lord

If you missed my last What I'm listening to post, then go dig in the archives and remember, I'm a Kanye homer. But even the hardest cats out there gotta respect this track. Just a beautifully put together track with my man from the Gap band, MISTA Charlie Wilson just singing "Lord lord lord lord lord LORD, Looooorrrrrddd" I love this shit ha!



Chris Brown f Andre 3000, Drake, Kanye West, TI, & Fabolous - Deuces (remix)

Remember when Chris Brown was left for the music graveyard after the Rihanna mishap? Remember when he got some bad advice to drop an album not too long after that mishap? And remember that shit tanked something awful? Flash forward to 2010. The infamous MJ tribute at the BET Awards. The dropping of "Deuces" and how the internet forced the radio to play the song because heads were rocking. Well folks, the remix is even hotter. If you ain't feeling it, don't worry, I'm giving you the deuces and saying "bye bye"



Gucci Mane f Nicki Minaj & Pharrell - Haterade

Aight, facts first. I fuck with Gucci Mane. I told ya before and Imma tell ya again. I fuck with Gucci. Up next Nicki. The coke bottle body with the even sicker flow. Can't stand her album singles but love her on other folks tracks, kinda like a new age Foxy Brown. And then you have one of the greatest producers in music history. Which means the Honest Man is posting on his list. Get your haterade hater!



Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Your weekly inspiration - D Muthaphucka D!

1991. Columbia, South Carolina. West Columbia to be exact. A random Saturday night in the Honest man's room, which is part of the Honest Mama's house. Channel 19 aka WLTX aka CBS shows a movie that will change my life forever. That movie was "Do the Right Thing." Released in 1989, the movie was Spike Lee's breakthrough movie. Critically acclaimed, Oscar nominations galore (Supporting Actor, Director), it has stood the test of time and ranks on many folks lists as one of the top influential movies of all time.

Today I post a scene that resonates with anyone who has seen the movie. And for those that have not, this is one of MANY scenes that should have you contacting Netflix immediately after you peep this scene. Oh yea the movie itself? It's about race relations and what happens emotions boil over. Just a great character study on how different cultures interact with one another. Still don't believe me? Just watch. TWENTY MUTHAPHUCKA TWENTY!! Learn to speak English in this Muthaphucka....Damn, I'm poppin' in my Blu Ray NOW :-)

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Today's Spotlight - I present EXHIBIT H!!!





I told you cats if we cool and you come with something I can get behind, I will pump it on the blog. Well today's spotlight is courtesy of my musical brotha from anotha motha, the infallible HaaL Electronica. My man HaaL has been laying beats for years. He's also one of the few members of my musical council that I actually will listen to and respect the opinion.javascript:void(0)

So he hit me with the link to his plethora of beats that he has been making. And I thought I share with you fortunate folks what the HaaL has been cooking :-). So go to his site at Soundcloud, take a listen and let the honest man know what you think. You want more info or a connection, just contact me via the batline aka the gmail account.

Don't get it confused holmes, he puts it down. Consider yourself blessed....CRUMBS!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Why oh why did I drink Paladino?




It was a café on the westside, midtown 
Said they had the best cap of cappucino around
So I stepped in, and I ordered a cup
Someone grabbed me by my throat and said, "Shut the fuck up!" - MC Lyte


The title and above 4 bars basically sum up my thoughts about the rapidly becoming famous Carl Paladino. Man's been making headwaves all over the great state of New York as he is seeking to become governor. He's been so unintentionally funny that someone created a "Shit Carl Says" running site of updated euphemisms he spurts out.

Now before I go into my "issues" with him, let's do some background. Paladino was a Democrat for 20 plus years before he converted to Republican in 2005. No issues with that from me as I do not view myself as siding strongly with one party over the over. He's backed by the Tea Party. Again no real issues besides my normal I think those cats are a little extra (another day, another blog) but it fits my everyone makes their own choice deal. Now the the constant willing to throw stones at folks, particularly the gay community and how what they are doing violates family values, well that I take issue with because of who's throwing the stone.

Carl's been making headlines lately about his displeasure with gay pride parades, gay marriages, the messages that current Governor Cuomo sends when he attends these events with his children, the family values are out of whack, etc type comments. Let's focus on that. He's saying that gay marriage violates family values and we lose sight of what this country was built on. And according to him, that means no same sex marriage. Same sex marriage violates the sanctity of the traditional marriage and corrupts the thinking of those who believe this is right.

You know what makes his comments funny. Is that he VIOLATED the sanctity of the traditional marriage when he cheated on his wife about 12 years ago and 10 years his mistress gave birth to their lovechild?!?! Jigga what the fuck are you talkin' aboout Willis? How can you pass judgment on gays when you don't follow and believe the values that you are criticizing them for? That's like me whuppin' my kid for waking up early every morning because I'm sleepy and he woke me up. What I am saying is it doesn't make sense.

In his warped mind, he's decided that fucking around and ignoring the values of marriage don't apply to him but apparently applies to a specific group. I knew a guy once that told me that when he gets married, he's going to cheat on his wife. See how fucked up both of these statements sound. I'm always mind boggled by the minds of man sometimes. "It's okay for me to fuck around but it's not okay for you to." Riiiiight.


I think a sore spot for me is when folks like Carl start to the public callouts when they have skeletons in your own closet. I mean I'm not gay, I'm not enamored with the lifestyle but I don't have the right to go out and pass judgment on them when my life hasn't been squeaky clean. Paladino just needs someone to step in ala that Wrap it Up skit from Chappelle Show. In other words, wrap it up B. Fo' real!

Today's Lesson


Like Lyte said, why oh why did I drink Paladino? Sit yo dumb ass down man and find a different platform or topic to focus on. But stop playing that Ned Flanders role when you living like Quagmire. Ya dig what I'm saying readers! The madness has to stop.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Songs in the Key of the Honest Man's Life - Mothership Connection (Starchild)

I miss the 70s. Specifically the soul of the 70s. There was great range of soulful sounds in this decade. Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Jackson 5, Isaac Hayes, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, I could go on forever. What made that decade (and for the most part the 80s) so great was the creativity in place. And at the forefont was the man they called George Clinton. And he was backed by the funky fresh nasty sound better known as Parliament.

I feel the need to post a classic gem from George's band here. Because I feel sometimes the only song the new generation knows is "Atomic Dog" and that's because the Qs play it ALL the time at their frat party. But peep their discography young caterpillars, it's pretty deep. And today I drop one of my favorites from Parliament. Get down wit yo bad self man. Don't make me sock you with the bop gun.

Parliament - Mothership Connection (Starchild)

Your weekly inspiration - Going to Hahvaaad!

Have you ever seen Good Will Hunting? If not, you are seriously depriving yourself. The movie is dopalicious. Yep, you know it's big time when I'm breaking out the slang instead of proper English. But for the ebonically challenged, the movie is one dandy of a good piece of the-a-ter.

Anyway, there are so many great scenes in this movie but my favorite is the Harvard bar scene for multiple reasons. Rich vs poor, smart vs smarter, arrogance vs asshole, man vs man for a girl, yep it's all in there. Cleverly written, it's a classic case of watching the evolution or ascension of intelligence levels. Almost like watching nerd Bloodsport except the next stage has brains instead of brawn. If this scene doesn't want to make you go out and see this, I don't know what to tell you. And after you watch, tell me how you like DEM APPLES!!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Today's Spotlight - Troy Brown vs the World

Ok you got me readers. Yesterday broke a "record" for the Honest Man. I had gone 11 days in a row with a post and I meant to drop one yesterday but was mulling my sorrows over my Volunteers getting their asses beat like some stepchildren by Gawga. But no excuses right? Rain, shine, snow, football blowouts, dirty diapers, runny noses, it don't matter the Honest Man has to come with it.

I wanted to do a lil spotlight on my man Brand Electronica's brother, the infamous Troy Brown. Dude's been an MC for a minute and has been rolling up and down the Atlantic battling cats here and there. So BE drops a new joint on me and I said you know what, the Honest Man is gonna start giving him some pub.

SIDE NOTE: If you got something that you want promoted, let me know, the Honest Man is here to help out those. Who knows, we could be helping out each other. Just don't come with that bullshit. And by bullshit, I mean you come at me with some movie in the mold of say "Bout it Bout it" talking about help me out. I'll help yo ass to the unemployment line.

This is the first time I've seen him do a tag team battle rap but check him out. He's got some witty punchlines in there. Hell I don't even have to guts to jump in an atmosphere like that and try to half ass rhyme. Peep him out, leave ya comments, and look for future spotlights on the man, the myth, and hopefully the legend...Troy Brown!!

Friday, October 8, 2010

This week's Sign of the Apocalyspe - Getting ejected for butt slapping!

Aww yea, the Honest Man's favorite time of the year is almost here. It's when both college and pro basketball and football are in full swing. Sorry baseball and hockey lovers, you gets the Dr. Dre Deez Nutz special when it comes to my television. I might take in a MLB playoff game here and there in October but otherwise, fuggedaboutit.

Anyway, the NBA preseason has started. I've been somewhat watching because it's um preseason. But I was reading one of my favorite sports columns, Ball Don't Lie, and they posted this recent NBA preseason highlight between the Suns and Raptors. By the way, if you are not up on BDL, shame on you, it's like an orgasm for the basketball lover. They post great stuff ALL the time. Not that cookie cutter bullshit you read on the Disney network (Except for JA Adande, he's fantastic).

Anyway, this video is showing an ejection of Grant Hill. Yea that Grant Hill. That Grant Hill who always has the "golly gee" look with him. That Grant Hill who've I've only seen get angry like once or twice on a player in a game and show his darkside at the same time (Remember Alonzo Mourning!). That Grant Hill who's a repeated winner of the community award from the league. And he got ejected this week. For the old school BUTT SLAP?!!?! Surely you can't be serious, but apparently the refs were :-(. Take a look and decide for yourself



Definitely this week's sign of the Apocalypse

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Winston James




"I don't hate Balboa but I pity the fool!" - Clubber Lang


Have you ever seen "Rocky III?" Personally I think it's an American classic. Italian man gets beat up badly by a big bad black man, then learns to be the big bad black man with the help of another big bad black man that the Italian previously beat. But that's another story and not the point of today's post. Today's post is about a classic line from that film that describes my feelings towards Winston James, better known in his non Boondocks appearance as Tyler Perry. I don't hate TP but I damn sure pity the fool.

Let's first talk about what I love about Tyler Perry. I love his hustle. I love the fact that he came from the poorest of poor families to rise above his situation. I love the fact that he overcame a rough, emotional upbringing to beat the odds. I love the fact he believes in himself when others did not and that he currently is #5 on the list of richest folks in Hollywood (It's true, it's damn true). I even love how he suckered TBS into not one but two shows for 100 plus episodes and reaping the financial benefits now that they are in syndication. So what's my beef with him and others who get mad when I opt not to support his stuff? Well let's talk on it shall we...

I first learned about Perry probably in 2002 or 2003 when he came to town and black folks I knew were falling over themselves to get tickets to his play. Can't recall the name of the show but I know Madea was in it and it was something like Madea meets the prison or some off wall joint. Now true I was prejudiced in my first thought of why in the fuck would someone name a play meets the prison (or whatever it was called) and was immediately turned off. It sounds like a bad skit on In Living Color called "Mama done forgot to fry the chicken and now the damn house is hungry." And I felt like a loner because both men and women are like "Yo you going to see TP's show?" or "You gotta check out the videos!" and I'm like aw hell naw...

BUT I'm a dude that does like to support my own. So as I was dating my wife, one of TP's movies was adapted for the big screen, "Madea's Family Reunion." She pleaded with me to take her and if you understand courting, you understand you going to that movie (wink wink). So we up in the theater watching it, and literally like within 10 minutes, I'm mentally going "Calgon please take me away" because the shit was cliche and my Negrodamus sense kicked in. It was telling more buffoonery is coming Honest Man, just wait. And boy did it come. Hot grits, ex convict gardeners, the "climatic" family meal, basically watching a people version of Prego, because it was all in there. And I remember my wife laughing her ass off and I'm going this shit is corny but her laughing had me laughing at her. When it ended, I said ok, I've done my time, gave him a chance. I'm soooo good on TP.

It's funny when I publicly mentioned I don't care for Tyler Perry, it's like telling his supporters you don't believe in God. Here are some samples

"I don't understand how you don't like Tyler Perry. The themes in his movie are Christian related and he's trying to spread the good word."
"You like all those bang bang shoot 'em up movies but not his movies.
"How can you watch someone like Martin that dresses up like a woman and say it's okay but criticize Tyler for doing the same thing?"

For starters, I don't think God ever intended for his messengers to spread the good word by cross dressing. Find me the quote or passage in the Bible that okays that portrayal (I'm waiting). Second, the difference between Martin and Tyler is that Martin never publicly tried to say his movies have Christian themes. NEVER. For the record, I have no issue with him pushing that theme because it's definitely needed but please don't tell me dressing up like a woman is the right way to go about it because it's not. Third, I'm a dude that likes mental stimulation in a movie. That means when I walk out, I'm going damn, that's impactful on so many levels. Want some examples? "Do the Right Thing", "Love Jones", "Precious". Guess what? These were directed by black folks. Wow, imagine that!

And before you start rolling your eyes Perry lovers, I do think Perry has gotten better in recent years. "Why did I get married" was a good movie. I think "For Colored Girls" has potential to be a good one from the preview I saw. But when I hear a new Madea movie is coming out, I'm going colored me blind because I can't see paying my money for the following: Madea does some cussing, Madea does some tussing, and Madea does some fussing. Toss in some resurrected black actor or actress that couldn't find work except with TP and we got ourselves a movie. Yeah!!

Today's Lesson

Like I said, I admire Perry for hustle. Cat is an inspiration to me as I try to unlock the key to my own American dream. But admiration and me parting with my cash to see his movies is another subject. If you want me, I'll be next door watching the "Social Network" Cheers!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Wake up Everybody, little kiddos beware!

Every now and then, I get questions from folks about how do I get my kids to sleep at night? Or how do I get them up in the morning? And I must say, I'm usually baffled by those questions because to me it's straightforward. I'm the parent, they the children. Period. But apparently not everybody follows that mantra.

Both my wife and I's parents are old school. Raised in the country. Raised with kids don't give parents grief. Which means raised with "discipline." And I don't mean go sit in timeout for 5 minutes or go stare at the wall for 10 minutes discipline. I'm talking that sit yo silly ass down before I go get Herman (that's what my Dad called his belt) type discipline. And that my dear readers is the family heirloom that gets passed down from generation to generation.

So for those struggling with wake up and night time portion of the day with the kiddos, I invite you to watch the first few minutes of this classic Bernie Mac episode. Gotta treat those kids like prison convicts Wanda!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Mr. Sanchez goes to the Daily Show

When are you going to learn America? When are you going to wake up and realize how ingenious Jon Stewart is? And when are some of you going to learn to stop underestimating how smart this man is?? Did we not learn anything from him obliterating Cramer on his show earlier this year?

I think one reason I like Stewart is because he doesn't spare anyone. No race, religion, gender, or sexual preference goes unturned in his eyes. It's what I wished the other social commentary media types (cough Limbaugh, cough cough Beck, choke O'Reilly) would do more of. Put your bias aside and just speak on it.

So today's constestant on Stewart's Summer Jam screen is the infallible Rick Sanchez. Oh you don't watch Rick Sanchez aka Rick's list on CNN? Don't feel bad, not a lot of people do. And it has nothing to do with race, dude just isn't that good. The couple of times I watched his show, I walked away confused and wondering what point is he trying to make.

By now, you know what's happened but in case you don't here's the cliff notes version. Sanchez called out Stewart and others last week by saying he's a bigot and Jews run the media. And he was promptly canned from CNN. Now if you know Steward, you knew he was going to "speak" on it. And boy did he :-)

The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Hurty Sanchez
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full EpisodesPolitical HumorRally to Restore Sanity

Monday, October 4, 2010

Mahogany





"Remember that class where I taught y’all how to make it rain? That’s what I’m going to be doing. Every. Single. Night. Dollar dollar bills, ya'll." - Kenny Powers

Did you know I finished in the top 10 of my freshman class in high school? Did you know in high school that my parents divorced during my freshman year? Did you know that my grades slipped sophomore year because I was so emotionally drained from the beginnings of my parents separating to the actual final proceeding that I didn't give a shit about school? Did you know my high school simply thought my grades dropped because I was in over my head in honors classes? Did you know my mom sat me down before my junior year and gave me the real talk? Did you know I "bounced" back when others struggled that same year? And did you know I ended up finishing in the top 10 of my graduating class, completing the circle, and proving the critics wrong? Maybe that's why I don't believe you when you say your home life doesn't spill over to your work life.....

Did you know I went to college on a full ride? Did you know that I let my ego get to my head and focused more on girls and partying than on school? And did you know I lost one of my scholarships and was put on academic probation on two others? Did you know my department chair told me he didn't think I would graduate on time? And did you know my mama read me the riot act while I was 1000 miles away interning? Did you know this was happening right before junior year? Did you know I took 23 hours first semester junior year with 4 classes being majors? Did you know that I took 20 hours second semester with 3 classes being majors? And did you know that I was on the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Executive Board, working community service, AND folding clothes at Abercrombie and Fitch? And did you know I still partied and chased girls? And did you know I got off academic probation junior year and ended up on the Dean's list? And did you know I graduated with honors? Maybe that's why I don't believe you when you say it's too hard, that's impossible....


Did you know that while I was getting married, I was working on my master's degree AND working full time? Did you know that for 24 straight months, every other weekend (Fri nights, all day Sat, and Sun afternoons) I was in class? Did you know that I was working in IT Support which meant every so often I draw pager duty? And Did you know that on "special" weekends I would be "lucky" enough to have the fortune of being on-call AND being in class in the same? And did you know sometimes those weekends turn into about 5-10 hours of sleep because I'm up working server issues and trying to complete this marketing research paper at the same time? And did you know that added in this was attending marriage counseling for a year because it was mandatory for the church? Maybe that's why I don't believe you when you say you are busy....

Did you know that I was giving you just a snippet of what I've done in my life? And are you processing the above or just saying man these are a lot of questions? Or maybe you're just more curious on other things that the Honest Man has done in his life? And maybe that's why I'll stop here for today :-)

Today's Lesson

I'm no pariah nor are my stories the stuff that dreams are made of. But I will say I have seen, done, and accomplished some things in my lifetime. So as Diana sang so eloquently in the panned "Mahogany", 'Do you know where you're going to, do you know the things that are in store for you, do you know?' Marinate on that for today readers!

Songs in the Key of the Honest Man's Life - I Like That Edition

You down with Black Eyed Peas? I was when they dropped "Behind the Front". Backpacker. Underground. Native Tongues Like. They got hit with all kind of critical praise. Then something funny happened with them. They dropped their Behind the Front for Fergie and went to a more commercial type sound, thereby hurting my association with them

BUT...they did a retro thing back in '04 off the Elephunk album. They dropped this gem with pretty much all my favorite artists both hip hop and R&B. And the results are what you hear below. Try to sleep all you want to, this joint is dopalicious as my man K-dawg would say.

BEP f Talib Kweli, Q Tip, John Legend, and Cee-Lo - Like That

Sunday, October 3, 2010

What the Honest Man is Listening To - So Appalled

I'm a Kanye homer. Yep I acknowledge he's a jackass and could use some etiquette training but still I'm a homer. And I'm a homer because he's one of the few in hip hop that has a progressive mind. Most find and repeat the same formula album after album, verse after verse. Not Yeezy, dude has a different sound on every album he puts out. And that's why I'm a homer. In case you wondering, other hip hop artists I'm a homer for: Outkast, Jay Z, Lupe Fiasco, Little Brother, Dr. Dre. Probably leaving off a few folks but you get the drift.

So 'Ye and the Jigga man have decided to drop an EP in November along with 'Ye's own personal album so that means Christmas is coming early for the Honest Man. One thing that the wunderkind is doing is releasing a new joint every Friday. One of the joints he dropped and I'm bumpin' is so appalled. SICK beat, just sick. Don't believe me, just listen. And become a Homer in the process. Doh!

Kanye West f Jay Z, Swizz Beatz, RZA, Pusha T, and Cyphi the Prince - So Appalled

Saturday, October 2, 2010

The Brat Pack




It's beautiful day in the virtual neighborhood readers and do you know why? Because it's another daily dose from yours truly :-). Jokes aside, today we're talking about a precocious young man that has caused mass hysteria among the public that has not been seen since the Beatles. Any idea who I'm talking about? It's Lebron James, better known to you mere mortals as King James. It seems the King has made some iffy decisions in the eyes, particularly the lauded "The Decision." Pretty much had cats straight burning his jersey in Cleveland while shouting Fuck You Lebron in the same process. Then recently while talking to Soledad O'Brien, he decides to play "The Race Card", citing that as a reason for some of his backlash. Oh boy, a clusterfuck at it's finest. But I found myself asking, is he really to blame for all this or a product of society creating this entity?

There are some great articles out now on the recent snafu with James, his advisors, and the race card thing. Jason Whitlock. JA Adande. Bill Simmons. Mike Freeman. Great articles about Mr James incorrectly playing the race card in this situation. I agree mostly with them but I found myself wondering were we as society guilty in part of James' decision. And before you say hell no, hear me out....

Peep out my Generation Y post first before reading any further. Now back to this. When was the first time you heard about Lebron James? If you are a hoops junkie, you first heard about Lebron when he was 15 years old. This kid from Ohio that was tearing up the AAU and summer camp league circuits. His "legend" grows as more and more media outlets start discussing how great he was going to be. And then icing on the cake, came when he was 16 years old and his face graces the cover of Sports Illustrated. Sixteen years old. Sports Illustrated. You don't think his head was gassed then? Add in NBA General Managers saying they would take James #1 in the draft if he came out then and bam Lebronmania begins.

From that point, his popularity soared. To when he entered the draft to when he dropped 25 in a row against Detroit to his mano a mano duel with Paul Pierce to the Finals appearance to his daily Sportscenter highlights to the MVP trophies to now the Decision. Whatever he did, the media was at his doorstep, making sure to glorify the greatness of Lebron James. Hell he even had a documentary made with his homies documenting his high school years. And yet folks are wondering why Lebron doesn't get it. Are you shitting me?

He doesn't get it because he's a product of a manufacturing farm called exploitation. We were quick to jump on the bandwagon and exploit him for his "gift", making sure everyone knew who he was, what he was doing, and how great he would become. For half his life, he's been told he's the Chosen One and he soaked it up. I don't know about you but if I grew up like and folks were pumping me up left and right, I'd be juiced. I just think it's funny now that some of the same folks who kissed his ass are not ready to throw rocks at him because he didn't continue to walk on the same path that society hand crafted for him.

Don't get me wrong, I think Lebron's way about leaving Cleveland was stupid. But look at who decided to even agree to that shit. The race card play was a bad one too and Freeman does a great job of questioning why race now when you've never been a socially conscious dude in public prior. But again, who decided to even let him air that. You can't be mad at the monster you created folks is what I'm saying. You tired of kids being spoiled and what not. Then stop contributing to the madness. In the case of sports, we now show high school games on tv, dedicate entire days to kids announcing their college decisions, create manufactured shows to "follow" kids' lives, and then expect them to follow our rules.

Today's Lesson

Don't be mad when the dog you trained or tried to train for years bites you on the hand. In the era where we create fake reality shows are you really that shocked by Lebron's actions? I think some of us need to get off that high horse and start living in a real reality. Don't be mad when the next person you anoint as royalty doesn't follow your plan.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Songs in the Key of the Honest Man's Life - We're a Winner Edition

It's a new month readers. We're in the home stretch of 2010 and for those who need some motivation to keep it moving, here's an oldie but goodie from the Honest Mama and Pop's golden record treasure chest.

If you don't know about Curtis Mayfield, you need to get a clue. He's the man that is responsible for classic "Superfly" soundtrack. For you folks that still need a clue, go listen to your favorite Snoop albums :-). Like Prego, yep it's in there! Now you'll get a pass if you don't know the Impressions b/c even I didn't know who they were until I got a lot older. But they are Curtis' first group and they dropped some great gems, like this one. Get motivated folks b/c we're all winners!

Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions - We're a Winner

Jimmy Eats Hip Hop

Jimmy Fallon. Justin Timberlake. The Roots crew. Late Night TV. And when you cook 'em all in a pot like gumbo, you get a scrumdeliumpcious musical treat that keeps you smilin' until the last morsel. Good look for whoever came up with this idea. Hell even the Soulja Boy bit was tight. I tip my white russian glass to you sirs!