"I Just Wanna Make You Dance"
-except from the artist formerly known as Puff Daddy.

I have peoples that are commitment-phobic, swingers, cheaters or just plain hoes. Excuse my French, but I got to call it as I see it. Not all of them are, but they know who I am talking about. I can't front it is hard finding that partner or your "soul-mate". I have been in many relationships which most of them didn't last. I can't front I was in that group at a time. By no means am I an expert but I have shared ideas with folks who seem to have their stuff together. I can't give away all the secrets because some folks need to figure it out on their own. However I can best describe it in an analogy.

The relationship between two intimate people is like a dancing. You know like the ABC television show "Dancing with the Stars". First thing first, some you got it some of you don't. Those of you non-rhythmic people get off the dance floor so that others can have a good time. You messing it up for all the good or aspiring dancers. If you want to "mosh" there is a scene for that, so kick rocks. (Get it "Mosh", "rocks", whatever.) Beginners don't be shy. You two step and work your way to the samba in time.

Seriously, relationships are like a well prepared dance routine. There must be some chemistry between the two, first. Communication is definitely needed. Dating is like practicing for the routine. Of course you have to learn the routine together. Stepping on some toes will happen for sure. The point is to learn to understand your partners movements. Learn to read their expressions which tell you, “Oops! I did something wrong.” Learn the approach on helping your partner to improve on their weaknesses.

The movement in the routine can represent the direction or pace of your relationship. It can be fast or slow, technical or relaxed. It may require some jumps, flips, turns and bending in positions that are often very uncomfortable. It may also require some strength for lifting and carrying. There can be times when you are joined at the hip and times where you have solo performances. Regardless it is the unit that audience observes. The routine is give and take. In an eye to eye position, when you move forward your partner goes backward and vice versa. Same as your left is not their left. This is part of the understanding that point of view is different. After some time, things just happen naturally and easily without any hesitations/reservations.

Now you have learned the lambada but don't get too comfortable yet because you
have only mastered the one routine. there are many other steps like the waltz, samba, calypso, hip-hop, ballet which we can say are the life journeys equivalent to marriage, children, work, etc. You can't be great at all but you and your partner can handle them because of the awareness developed on the previous routines.

To all you hot-steppers, shake a leg.

"All I need is one mic, one beat, one stage" -Nas, "One Mic" on Stillmatic.

Ten years ago, I recall picking up this album called "Reasonable Doubt." I recognized Jay-Z from the days of "Originators" on Big Jaz's From the Soul and the "Can I get Open" performed Orinigal Flavor (O.F.'s Ski produced 2 tracks on Reasobable Doubt). I was a fan because he was from my hometown BROOKLYN!!!! plus his flow was crazy- fast, slow, on and off tempo. Although there was a lot of material that was released earlier by Jay, Dead Presidents was the song which changed the direction of lyrical content. You see when Jay turned it to a pimpish, drug slinging, materialistic style and everyone followed. hold up!! Jay took it ot the next level and the masses went along for the ride.

In that era, I measured talent by the b-side and remixes on the single. If an artist had new verses on single and killed the remix version, that was it. "Can't Knock the Hustle" is dope the remix is fire. "In My Lifetime" the original version was dope but the second version is sick. All I could wonder as I listened to the album was how a new artist was able to get Mary or B.I.G. to guest on a first album. I thought it was real good but not classic. No hate. 1996 would mark the debut albums for many artist like Lil Kim, Foxy but the later releases would determine the level of sucess of the artist. I do recall "Ain't No ......" was a success because cats were fiendin' for more Foxy Brown material. No hate. Truth!! Cats felt Jay-Z cause B.I.G. supported him. If B.I.G. was with it, it got to be good. (conversation for another time.)

Last night, Jay drove a Mercedes into Radio City stage after the infamous Pain-in-da-@$$ revisited the intro on the album. Jay stepped out dressed in an white suit armed with the sounds of ?uestLove (from the Roots) and the Illdelphonics to play all the material from the Reasonable Doubt album. The music played by the band was great, blending classics like Brooklyn Zoo and other songs into the performances. Surprises, not as many as in other shows. It was basically a celebration of the birth of an artist, Shawn "Jay-z" Carter. Among appearances were Sauce Money (he so heavy, he looks like Big Pun now.), Bleek, Foxy (still off beat), Pain-in-da-@$$ and Fiance er.. I mean Beyonce who took over for Mary while she was out on tour. (BTW Beyonce held it down. WOW!! almost better than Mary. True Story.) I was surprised that he didn't have any additional guests like Kanye, Ghostface, Nas. Somebody. I really was under the impression that Dame would jump out at some point. but no show. (Peace is not the word to play.) At some point the fans in the orchestra seating was shouting "Jaz-O". Jay laughed that off. Oh yeah, Jay did his best to omit Cristal from his lines since the owner's aren't thrilled with rappers endorsing their product. He slipped at least once. (Sorry I was paying attention.)

The true S Dot fans were out. I saw all kinds of nationalities and religions reciting word for word Jay lyrics. I laughed when I saw a rastafarian putting up the rock sign "<>". No lie. Well everybody was excited. The highlight was when he performed "22 two's." He intro-ed a new song/freestyle "44 fours." It was hot!! I can't deny anymore that Jigga (I hate that name) is an icon. Before the show even started fans were singing along to the Jay's verse on the remix of Rick Ross' "Hustin'". The song is only a few weeks old. When Jay was done with "Reasonable Doubt" there was a brief intermission and he came back to rock for over 30 mintues. He must have done like 15 songs. I liked the show but it was not as exciting as "BlackOut" in MSG or "I Declare War" in Jersey.

Well those that missed it, he filmed the event. So expect another DVD coming out soon.

Sidebar:
Although Nas didn't do the same deal for Illmatic's 10th year anniversary it would have been well received as well. The central Park show was somewhat along the lines of Jay's show. I hope Nas can do it for the 15th or 20th anniversary. I will be there.
By no means am I a Jay hater. I just want his equals to share the same accolades.

People's Instinctive Travels to the Path of Funk and Rhythm.

In the late 80s during the exit of disco and the short stay of House music, I was introduced to the Jungles Brothers, creators of classic tune called "I'll House you." DJ Red Alert, NYC local DJ for the Weekend evening hiphop show on 98.7 Kiss FM at the time, would play as many songs on the classic album "Straight Out the Jungle" as possible. The JBeez's sound was eclectic with mixtures of funk, jazz, house, disco and of course hip-hop in its purest form. [Hard white for you trap boyz.] The content was very creative, braggadocious, afro-centric, jovial and spiritual from songs like "Jim Brown-ski" to "Black is Black." to the last tune on the record [no CD at the time] called "the Promo", I felt the most. It was the single that gave light to a young teenager called Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest. As Jungles Brothers later released the classic "Done by the Forces of Nature," A Tribe Called Quest later released the LP (still no CD at the time) which is the title of my blog. (In the credits Leaders of the New School was shouted on the LP as well.) Tribe later released classics like "the Low End Theory" and "Midnight Maurauders" but before these releases a connection was made with a trio in Long Island called De la Soul. De la Soul's disography is bananas. but the song which bridged the bands together was an integral hip-hop single called "Buddy". "Buddy" was the origination of Native Tongues which then
consisted of Jungle Brothes, De la Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Prince Paul of StetsaSonic, Monie Love and Queen Latifah. The band later grew with the addition of official and unofficial members of the likes of: Common (sense, at the time), Leaders of the New School, Chi-Ali, the Beatnuts, Black Sheep, Bush Babees, Slum Village. I became big fans of the Native Tongue movement which was somewhat orchestrated or managed by "Baby" Chris Lighty creator of Violator Management which is responsible for the success of LL COool J, Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliot just to name a few.

As a youngin' I wanted to go to a show that would bring some of favorites that had a soulful, eclectic vibe some what like members of the Native Tongues. I almost had a chance when I went to Howard Homecoming in the early 90's but we got lost and never made it to the stadium.

The people have changed but years later comedian David Chappelle created the concert of the century in "the streets of New York" (shameless plug for Kool G. Rap who also attended.) my friend Reality sent me the email which guaranteed my admission. But my dear friend Tresa was getting married the same day. Needless to say, I missed the show.

Dave made history by creating a line-up that no concert could ever top. schedule to perforem was Kanye West, the Roots, John Legend, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Common, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, and dead prez. Lauryn Hill was schedule to appear but instead the Fugees were reunited.
Big day for hip-hop. I did wish I was there but I got to see my dear friend walk down the path of love.

Dave created a documentary of the event and released it to the Theater and on DVD. I went to the theater opening night to see the night I missed. It would have be more lively if there were more in attendance. but it was an ok experiece. I got goose bumps when Lauryn performed. She was finally back. The film was very simlar to Jay-Z's Fade to Black, detailing all that took place to get to the final product. The biggest hip-hop concert/block party on the east coast ever.

This week I bought the DVD hoping to catch extra performances when I came to realization about themes that we miss when reading a story or watching a film. His film was about a journey. Dave wanted to create a concert similar to that on the west coast (Watts, Los angelos to be precise) many year ago. He went to his hometown and invited "friend" to come along. A marching Band, Shop owners, barbers, random people of different ages and ethnic backgrounds. He caught all of this on film. He gave the youngsters the opportunity to meet and greet artists that they would probably never met. He hooked up with a couple which provided access to their home which would be front stage of the concert. They told a phonomneal story about the grounds which already was historic in its own right. He hooked up with a teacher of a nearby school and connected with the children to talk about the importance of school in the urban areas. Lil Cease made an appearance to talk about all the rappers that were connected to the neigborhood.

They all had a story and a journey. Even though it rained for a good portion of the time they all had fun with the comedy and the music as the connection/conduit/path.

We all have journey's or quests. For some of us it could be to get marrried, have children, buy a house, start a career, graduate from high schhool/college/grad school or to do it all. There are many obstacles but none the less we get through by sure will or with the assistance of a friend/family member. Follow your dreams. Make your journery. Look back to remember and not to regret.

I am glad that even if I could not do it but some created a concert of my dreams. Dave you got to do it again. You a genius in your own right keep doing what you do.

sidebar:
I missed that one but the Roots at Radio City was a mini-reunion and I had a blast both nights. Peace.

Jay-Z Makes Me Sick!!!

Just the other day I was working on a blog basically. Here is how it went down:

"I had a discussion with some kid in my music production class at the Scratch Academy. He works for Atlantic/Warner in the royalties department. He mentioned that Cam'ron is not moving as many units at Asylum as the label anticipated. I am not sure how he came to this conclusion but he said that so Jay-Z is the reason that Cam is getting no love at the radio stations. He is insinuating that Jay is trying to blackball Cam.

WHAT!?!?!

Well, he is right about the fact Cam lost his run on the Billboard charts. I don't think
that the lame excuse for a dis record could totally ruin his attempt to make some legal hustle. It's the content or the material (lack their of) that he has which is preventing him to do big numbers. There is really no argument that the most popular mc today is Jay-Z. I have the utmost respect for his success as an artist and as an entrprenuer. but I think that the "Hova" complex is way overdrawn. At a
point, I thought it was blasphemous for Rakim to be called the "God MC". It took a lot for me to grasp the concept. But for Jay to self-proclaim as "Jay-Hova" made me think, "where he is going will be hotter than the sands he talks about in his rhymes." Secondly the name "Jigga" is to close to N_gga and a lot like Jiggaboo. Could there be a corelation of his praise because he promotes ignorance of our own culture. These days if you didn't hustle you can't get signed. 50 Cent, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, T.I.

I admit he can draw crowds. I admit he is a mega star. I give him credit for signing Nas and the Roots. But doesn't he know that folks are using him and ridiculing him behind his back. "

Then this fool jumps on Hot 97 radio station to talk about an exclusive concert to celebrate the 10th Year anniversary of the album "Reason Doubt". I went to Madison Square Garden for the concert which ended up on the Fade to Black DVD. I thought that it would be the last time in NYC. I went to Best of Both Worlds concert in Nassau Coliseum before the incident in the Garden. My impression was this retard retired.

Well if you heard "Reasonable Doubt" Jay spits, "I know I contradicted myself but I don't need that now." -Feeling It. I was one of the thirsty fiends on the interenet fighting to cop some tickets. Lucky me. I got my ticket. Watch out for my blog after June 25th. God willing. Sorry I am not going to E-bay my ticket for $3000. But my brother might. Hit me up.

When it Rains, it pours.....

Since Kanye West, Chi-town emcess are repping their city hard body. Common, Bump J, Lupe Fiasco, Mickey, Shawnna and Twista all rep Chicago including and R&B pervert who's trial is still pending. Luda is from Windy city but he reps the "A" (Atlanta,GA). Among them is an emcee by the name of Rhymefest. He is the freshest act to step on the (mainstream) scene . His album is not out yet but he was already credited with a Grammy Award for writing "Jesus Walks" featured on Kanye's album "College Dropout". Rumor has it that he beat Eminem in a freestyle battle. Usually I am slow to jump aboard when an emcee comes out. I heard "Brand New" and I wasn't really impressed (although I am a BIG kanye fan). I read he was signed to J Records and my feeling was CLive Davis must be riding the fact that he wrote "Jesus Walks" for Kanye. I finally heard a song produced by Just Blaze called "Dynamite (Going Postal)" The title alone lets you understand the track is Hiroshima on waxx. Now I am a fan. His other songs are funny and witty but this one made you ignore the heavy lisp in his speech. Lucky me I found an early release of the album. WHAT?!?!? I know it will get slept on like the "Gravity" LP by the Bush Babees but it's crack. Production-wise it is on point. No I.D. laces this sick track "Fever" (pun intended.) I can't wait for it to drop. That was my main motive for going to this concert. Oh yeah! and Lupe.

Back to reality, I was supposed to go to the Marc Ecko 2nd Annual "Save the Rhino" concert among the acts were DJ Z-trip, Kid Capri, Lupe Fiasco, Rhymefest, Rakim and Common. Remeber I said when it rains it pours well I meant that literally. The show was schedule in the Amphitheater on the grounds in Central Park. and it was a rainy day Just like it was last year for the Roots. I went to work early to get out at 5 PM to hopefully make it for 6 ish. But there was a crisis which required me to stay until 7 PM. I still had no form of protection from the weather so I trekked to Target first to grab a poncho. As I reach the register all my cards were getting declined. (I did anticipate that to happen.) Traffic was not bad but everyone drove at a careful pace because it was a bit slippery. (not me, I was late) It took about an hour to get there. Lucky me I found a supreme parking on the east side and dashed over to show. (okay walked quickly) I knew I missed most the show. things are looking up, no rain in sight, I found a sweet spot in front and Rakim is next on stage.

Rakim deserves a blog on his own but I will keep it brief. He has shot up to number 1 on my top five. I was totally oblivious to all the classics that he has but more surprise at how articulate and sharp it was incomparison to the wack BS on the radio. He rocked hard and the fans knew all the lyrics to songs that were about twenty years old. I mean some of them shouldn't even know who he was based on thier age. I was amazed at the differenct nationalities and women spitting line for line Rakim lyrics. Rakim let Styles P get on stage with him and Styles spent a large portion of time sweating the "R". Ra it was well deserved.

I know I just got there but I was kind of ready to leave. I like common a lot but I just saw him weeks ago at the Roots show. I waited to get some flicks to add to the blog but I ended staying. Besides I had to wait for Pablo. Com performed his $%# off. It was way better than I have ever seen him and I have gone to a lot of Common shows. He performed a new song and it was bananas. He freestyled with Rakim and it was crazy. I think he is the only cat that I have seen that can really spit some wicked line off the top. His band was very good and his DJ is disgusting!! He did some routine with "It takes two" by Rob Base and DJ EZ rock that was completely incredible. Com is the last of dudes that can bring all the elements of hip-hop to his show. he was plain, great! Godd thing I stayed.

Another great show in Central Park and no rain. At least I have a poncho in reserve. I did miss the artists I wanted to see Lupe and Rhymefest but they will be in Brooklyn on June 25th. I have no excuse for that one its on a Saturday. With all the mishaps I had a good day.

On June 12th, Hot 97 will broadcast the a listening party for one of my favorite artists, Bust Rhymes, whose album drops 6/13 entitled "the BIG BANG". I got a hook-up thru the Mrs. to attend the taping for the broadcast. I arrived a bit late but just in time to grab a few snacks before the taping commenced. All-in-all I had a good time. I met Angie Martinez the host for the afternoon show. Kool Herc, the founding father of hip-hop, was there and few others but namedropping can get corny. I also met my club favorite DJ, Mr. Cee. He was the DJ for my idol when I was as teen, Big Daddy Kane. Now he hosts the Old School at noon for Hot 97 and the house DJ for Club Speed. Mr. Cee aka "the Finisher" is part of the elite DJ crew "Big Dawg Pitbulls" along with Funkmaster Flex, Cypher Sounds (now a host on MTV), Jazzy Joyce (she is wicked!!), DJ Khaled in MIA (album in stores "Listenn"), Big Kap, Bobby Trends and Tim Westwood out in the UK. Mr. Cee was intergral in the success of the late great Notorious B.I.G.

As you may have read already in my past blogs the album is TIGHT with productions from Dr. Dre, Green Lantern J. Dilla, DJ Scratch, Timbaland and Swizz Beats. It is the best album Busa Bus has created in a long time. Its a must have. The interview was pretty interesting he showed a side of intelligence considering the ignorant things he may say in the [recording] booth. He basically explained to inspiring artists the difficulty to bring fresh, new acts to the spotlight and that one has to be honest with themselves and your craft but first and foremost be orignal. He discussed the gaining of custody to all his children. He discuss the venuture with Papoose. There was more but then you wouldn't check it out yourself now would you?

The highlight for me was the performance. He has the greatest stage performance in the game. I was under the impression that he would do two songs and split but he gave crowd a little more than expected. He started with "Ghetto" my favorite cut on the new album and he followed with "Touch it." I was especially happy because I opted not to go to Summer Jam this year. It wasn't his best performance but even when the sound went off he still rocked until it got corrected. The crowd was not disappointed, myself included. He pulled some classic cuts from the stash like "Ante up", "Where My Eyes Can See" and a few others.

At the end of the show he took pictures with fans. I had a good night.

The Dungeon Dragon still spits fire!!

Before Jay-Z and BIG dropped their classic LPs "In My Lifetime vol.1", and "Ready To Die", repectively Before Cypress Hill Could killa man. Before he mentioned he was a trap star like Young Jeezy. [not a mistake he sold rocks too.] Before he mentioned he was a Brooklyn native. There was a cat that was part of a legendary rap group in Long Island that changed the Hip-hop game forever. (legendary is debateable) I remember the era real well like it was tattooed in my brain.

In NYC, Long Island was always the sixth man on the team. The five boroughs were the starting line up with of favorites from each town. Too many to mention however Strong Island was the place where Rakim, De la Soul and Public Enemy reigned. Although Strong Island was coming up their latest rookie was going to shake things up. It was a Sunday Night almost at the closing credits of an episode the second season of "In Living Color." (available now on DVD) Keenan Wayans introduced them to the world to the rookies. He introduced "The Leaders of the New School." I looked at my twin like "who the #%$^ is that?" The name of the group alone would constitute a great weight for them to carry. Their first single popped off, "Just a Case of the PTA". Three young cats ran and jumped on stage like kids on a playground. They were REALLY animated just like the song, doing some dance which became the signature dance of the era "the EastCoast Stomp." The stage presense was wild, the style was very different as opposed to the laid back style of most hip-hop greats. The way they rhymed was very loud, with a touch of ocassional interjections, outburts and screams, whatever to keep the audience hype. At first it looked as if there was one MC and the other two were the hype-men. The routine was like a call and response song. They got my attention. Then the second MC growled and shouted said his lyrics "Busta Rhymes the Mighty infamous. Always misbehaving and mischievous." It was a wrap. The voice, the flow and the passion was the talk in hallways and locker rooms of Brooklyn Tech High school the next day. We couldn't wait for the album. All we could remember was his intro. Later their video jumped off demonstrating four cats: DJ Milo, Dinco D, C. Brown and Busta Rhymes having loads of fun on the school grounds. Hip-Hop changed. The Leaders of the New School made their mark. Everyone wanted to be a "Leader." Wild colorful baggy jump suits became the uniform. Our hightop fades transformed to dreadlocks. (well not mine pop duke would have kicked my tail.) This new generation of MCs were embraced beginning of the 90's with high impact. The generation all related to "Tranformers" and "Sobb Story." We pranced around to "Trains, Planes and Automobiles." When "Scenario" by a Tribe Called Quest featuring L.O.N.S dropped I was a late listener. I recall going to a day party in Queens College watching all the dudes going beserk. "As I combine from the Juice from my mind. heal up reel up bring it back, come back rewind, powerful impack. Boom!! from the cannon" and "Uh! Pardon me. Uh! As I come back!!"
If you think "Scenario" was wicked, "Scenario" remix ever crazier. "Whats going on my man! g_d d_mn!! my brain is hurting!!" and "Roaw!! Roaw!! like a dungeon dragon" (I know it doesn't crazy but at the time it stood out like a sore thumb and everyone knew that part.)

The Leaders invaded television and radio and thier style was admired and wanted for all venues. Just seeing them bumrush spring break on MTV was exciting along with acts like Naughty by Nature, Cypress Hills, Nice and Smooth, Tribe called Quest. Breaking the barriers which prevented playing hip-hop on MTV regualarly.

Leaders produced as well. They produce a significant part of the thier own sound and Def Jam's first female artist, Nikki D. Leaders were the unofficial members of the Native Tongues. Rhyming alongside of De la Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and the Jungle Brothers. "Baby" Chris Lighty (president of Violator Mangement) who once managed most of the Native Tongue artists, knew he had a goldmine in his hands.
I wasn't really surpised to hear a solo album in the works. It was the best move of his life. "Woo Ha" was hot and the remix with Dirty was insane. "Everything remains Raw" was my anthem. When "Put your hands where Eyes Could See" was released his popularity grew off the chain. I remember chilling at my friends barbeque and the crowd bumrushed the yard just to dance to this song. People give Jay-Z too much credit although lyrically Jay is a beast. Busa-Bus is the ultimate package. He could write hit records. He is he best hip-hop performer ever. Point Blank.

Don't beleive me ask anyone that has seen him perform "Break Your Neck".

There is no hip-hop artist today that can duplicate the chemistry between Busta, Spiff Starr and DJ Scratchator. The only group to come close was Proof & Eminem and Chuck D and Flovor Flav. Busta has an infinte amount of hits too many to mention. As my twin mentioned to me the first Hip-hop artist to record with Janet jackson something that we never thought would happen. Made R&B artist rap like Erykah Badu and Mary J.Blige. Recorded with the most famous rock stars and pop stars. Ozzy Osborne, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Boys II Men, and Stephen Marley. Busta is the undisputed King of the Remix. If the first version was hot the remix with Bus on was even better. I will not even go there and create a list. He was the anchor man on the Posse Cut. Heavy D's "A Bunch of N_ggas" or "Flavor in your Ear". He put a lot of energy in his videos as well. Of coures he hired the best directors. Which also led him to get into film: Shaft, Higher Learning and Finding Forestor just to name a few. He has worked with almost every producer you can think of. Violator made him the face for Sprite cola. B.R. recored about 11 albums, 2 with Leaders of the New School, 1 with his crew Flipmode squad and 6 solo lps with each going either gold or platinum. Jay could sell multiplatinum quicker but his stage presense is weak. Jay relies on guest stars. Busta needs no one but spliff. But the aritsts come anyway.

June 12 marks the date of his 7th solo release, 1st on AfterMath Records under Dr. Dre's careful eye. He has had more recording contract negotaitions than anyone in his genre. But he manages to reign on top. Modern technology has given me the priviledge to get a listen before the release. This is his best album over past few years. AfterMath/Interscope allowed him to express his art with the guest stars like Rick James and Stevie Wonder.

"Oohhh!! Ladies first."

In a genre of misogynistic material female lyricist are a dime a dozen. A good 95% of songs don't portray women in a positive light. Mostly referring them as B_ and Ho's. Black Sheep's first Album Wolf in Sheep's clothing made fun by saying "Ho is short for Honey. We just got lazy and dropped the 'neys' like when you drop to your knees" (wink, wink)
Even Kanye West's goody-two-shoes image takes a stab at the "gold-diggers". Queen Latifah tried to denounce it and bring "U-N-I-T-Y". BWP (B_ with Problems) took it to left extreme level by creating songs like "Two minute Brother". Artists like Trina, Jacki-o, Khia, Lil Kim and Foxy Brown put the sexuality to mask the actual talent. Missy and Remy Ma just calls themselves B_tch outright. Even Eve's title "pitbull in a skirt" sugar coats it.

It is quite possible that efforts are made to control or prevent but the powers that be have my people acting like fools. It is heard and said so often that it is added to the venacular. Other women calling their friends names that a dude would get slapped for. My peoples "Fight the Power!!" said by Public enemy. (BTW I was in the march for the video. I help a Marcus Garvey sign.) I would talk about the N-bomb but that's a topic for another day.

Whew !! I digress. A few ladies got in the game, made some paper and bounced. Longevity is very unlikely. Salt-n-Pepa held the longest reign and sold more records than Big Daddy Kane's entire discography. The secret was to create music to empower women and also create good tunes that made you dance. That's how Eve captivated her audience with the tune "Love is Blind" featuring faith Evans but had clubs Harlem Shaking to "Who's that Girl".

There were a lot of Women that had skills. My all-time favorite is L-Boogie aka Ms. Hill of the Fugees (pre-breakdown). MC Lyte who had the prowess to crush most male artists in her era. Lady of Rage who was a beast on the "Doggystyle" album. Not much of a fan of Bahamedia but Jean Grae is the truth. I think Rah Digga was phenomenal until she stopped releasing material. As a matter of fact, she is the best artist in her crew Flipmode, including her mentor Busta Rhymes. I was never feeling Remy Ma until I saw her lyrically disintegrate Lady luck and her career. Monie Love and Queen Latifah were the AfroCentric goddesses."Ladies First" (Monie Love lives across the street from me. I just found out.)

I think it is nice to see these ladies do big things like get movie deals, television shows and endorsements but you can't abandon the vehicle that brought you there. And I am not saying to ride it to the wheels fall off but at least show some respect.

Ladies in the industry show your skill. You have to go hard and be as good or better than your male counterparts.
Look out for Jean Grae-last of a dying breed.
Shout to Flo-Brown u had me at the Black Lily at Wetlands. but you have been MIA since you left the Okayplayers.