"It's Your Birthday"
Luke

I want to start this off by giving a shout to "Uncle Luke" aka Luther Campbell formerly Luke Skywalker, the original bad boy from the dirty south's 2 Live Crew. His Miami bass music was the only sound that could pierce the bubble that NY hip-hop scene created to prevent other markets from infiltration. His dirty lyrics were topic of conversation in the late 90's which eventually ended up in the US Supreme court. Luke was victorius in that fight making the America aware of his first ammendment rights: freedom of speech. as usual I digress.

Today marks the born day of the kid and twin. Also the born day of SuperStar MiJac. I have a lot to be grateful for: my health, my family, Jojo, my friends, my job, etc. but I can't really express joy in a world of pain. Today also marks the year anniversary of the devastation of Katrina. I have difficulty celebrating when I see images of bodies floating in the dirty water younger than me. The damage in New Orleans is how folks from my parents hometown of Haiti live everyday with no power and little opportunity for employment. I won't even talk about the continent of Africa or the Middle East. Next two weeks will be 9/11.

I have survived these cold streets where the African-American male hardly passes the age of 24. I am at the age of Jesus' death yet I feel like I have accomplished little. I think about a lot of stuff which makes me not such an happy person at times but I thank God for his blessings especially for my neices and nephew. They motivate me to do my best to help make this world a better place especially for them and hopefully my little ones.

I will pour out some liquior for all the folks that aren't here.

How High!!!

-Method Man & Redman.

"Excuse me as I kiss the sky!!" Any fan one who knows how Red-n-Mef get down knows they get high. I know a lot of folks have there vice. Things that cross the threshold speed of life or just take them to another world. I won't hate on anyone until they begin to abuse it. (Well not true. I won't let my peep hop on the white horse.)

This weekend my twin crossed the line. He really shocked me. He was really high. Then he took a step that almost had him plunging almost to his death. Yup! He went sky diving. Just like Redman did on the cover of XXL almost 5 years ago.

I wish I went although fam thinks I wouldn't do it. I am over the weight limit (200 lbs.) to do but hopefully one day. I also have a fear of heights. Well not really just a fear of falling from it. As he mentioned to me it was the most thrilling moments in his life. Very surreal. I won't overkill with details but the last minute before the jump was crazy. Two miles from the ground, as he approached the door the instructor gave him final instructions , "Put one foot outside." (First time jumpers must jump with the instructor.)

He did and felt no floor. The instructor said the word and he was off. Plunging faster than a roller coaster ride. As he passed the clouds, He could see the ground approaching really fast. The instructor pulled the ripcord and momentarily the parachute opened up and the two drifted to safety. Exhilerating!!

One day it will be my story. and I will use Style P's song as my title "I Get High". Until then, peace.

"Have you've ever worn the mask?"
Fugees -THe Mask off The Score

I got into a discussion with a co-worker about the attitude of a specific co-worker. He mentioned something that inspired me to write. "Sometimes you wear the mask so long you become that person."

I can't front put my mask on e'eyday when I am with my co-workers. "Alrighty, no problem." Is my favorite line. I put on the fake @$$ smile and make sure my diction is on point. There are times I just want let loose and relax but I can't. I feel that perception is everything (especially for the man with the permenent tan). Therefore I struggle with what is really me and what is not.

Once upon a time I was really nice to women I was fond of but I didn't get their respect. When I convert into an @$$hole my world changed. And now I am at a point where I hate the person I became with my mask. But I need it to protect myself from the wolves out looking for their next fiest. With that said am I being selfish?

Deception, delusions, lies or protection. We all have walked that thin line attempting to disguise the truth of our demeanor, thoughts and feelings.

I caught my neice once as she took off her mask. The family girl and the rebel when she is with her peers. Could it be we all suffer from multiple personality disorder because of the demands of society's perception of individuals. We all want to rebel a bit but we conform to give the image of being normal. And those that rebel too often are considered scum of the earth. That is my everday struggle.

"M to A to S to the K, put the mask on the face just to make next day... everybody wears the mask but how long does it last."

"Put his heart in every track for real!"

Method Man featuring Lauryn Hill "Say"

The game is about EXPOSURE. I am not talking about the absolutely wonderful cover of Janet on Vibe magazine or calling out the # 1 artist of the next 15 seconds (a-la-50). I am talking about exposing yourself emotionally, about putting your heart and soul in your recordings/art. We [the fans] want the anger, the sadness, the joy, and the pain. It must be felt otherwise you [the artist] are just a flash in the pan. How else can you connect with your fans? Artists like 50 Cent's "Many Men", Jay-Z's "Song Cry", DMX's "Fallen" and Common's "I Used to Love Her" are popular examples of what I mean.

I'm a fan of what's classified as conscious rap or some cases "dirty backpack" rap. (I hate both names latter especially because of the derogatory connotation.) Artists like The Roots, Common, Talib, Lupe Fiasco, KRS-ONE bring balance to the game. Don't get it twisted I also dig that "Shoot 'em up Bang! Bang! Die N____ Slow" ish too. (Pablo created that title so I figure I use it to make my point.)

I felt robbed when Kanye released "All Falls Down" without Lauryn Hill. Her voice gave the song more dimension (no offense to Syleena Johnson). However, the combination of the new "Best of Both Worlds", Lauryn "Ms." Hill and M-E-T-H-O-D Man is dope. "Say" is one of the most profound [hip-hop] songs of this year. Both artists are very lyrically talented and known for bringing the pain!! Meth's pain is hardcore dirty street reality and Hill's grass roots thought-provoking style. As Lauryn sings it feels like tears drip down her face as she tears into the chorus, "They got so much to say right now." (It almost brings a tear to my eye.)

Method Man, a popular emcee, but not in comparison to records sales. Many have slept on Mef (Rip Van winkle effect). But this [song] is the rude awakeneing of a sleeping GIANT. An ode of the misery, trials and tribulation about making music for the masses.

"They all programmed and they lost they feel", Meth says basically setting the record straight on how the listeners have been manipulated to like specific tunes.

"Defacatin' on the name Wu-Tang, if this is where the hip-hop is, Radio lyin' then, that ain't where hip-hop live. It lives in the streets, we eat to live, they livin' to eat."

"Jerk my vibe more than media lies, cried when Dirt Dog died n_____
The last album wasn't feeling my style, This time my foot up they a__ bet they feelin' me now!"

This is Pain!! Only how Mef can give it. If you dig deep in his lyrics you can find the retaliation shots to radio stations and publications like Hot 97 and Vibe magazine. And his last verse is the nail in the coffin. Regardless, the powers that be will swoop this song below the radar. My peoples!!! Don't let these stations and magazines program you into thinking the "Laffy Taffy" or "Chicken Noodle Soup" is hot!! [no pun intended]

Support this song!!!
"Say" by Method Man featuring Lauryn Hill

Last Words:
"Keep that in mind when you find yourself reciting mine."

Wu-Tang Clan Forever!! RIP Dirty!

"Everday I'm Hustling......"
Excerpt from Rick Ross

The other day, I went to my boy Reality's Birthday and Graduation festivities. Real nice and intimate lounge located in SOHO, NYC called the Naked Lunch. DJ Brainchild was the sound provider. His selection was hot, exclusive stuff. His set up is similar to mine Serato and the Denon 3500. I stood behind so I can gather some notes cause I had some serious trouble at the BBQ I played at a few weeks ago. I must say watching someone work is inspiring and insightful. I noticed a lot of things that he did which will definitely help me the next time. I met Reality's girl. she's real nice. THe velvet cake was the bomb. I met some of his peoples one I have met before at the Scratch Academy. It's a small world. Sometimes.

I remember meeting "Reality" the first time almost over 10 years ago at QC campus. I must say this isn't the same awkward, clumsy, timid dude from back in the days. (well he's still clumsy, lol) These days he's more confident. even with the ladies. (I had doubts he could pull a girl cause he had no game.) Dude is ed-ja-ma-kated!! (Master's Degree!! Wupee!! U ain't my Masta!!!) The most shocking thing was I noticed was his uptown's. What!! since when did he have fashion sense. I think his girl is responsible for that. People change. thank G its for the good.

We became cool because we both had a passion for music. He treated me like his older brother and I as my younger brother tormenting him each time I could. I did get on him alot. Why? I can!! No really, He's a strange kid. He does things the hard way cause he's brick-headed. I got to step in and straighten him out. Well not all the time cause his stubborness.

I owe him a lot. He helped me to launch Burn Online, an online hip-hop magazine I was working on with a crew of dudes, a very long time ago. (I still regret it got disbanded.) He usually was the first dude to put me on to some events and exclusive music info. He is partly responsible for me hooking up with wifey.

I got to say I am proud of my homeboy. This kid has been grinding for a long time. He is a true hustler. He's doing big things. Working on films, his writing, and his photography. And he is one of them dudes that does it for the love and not the fame or money. (Not like me. lol. Now, I got to get on my grind.)

We've come a long way. Big up punk @$$ Rich!!
Thank J for coming up with that name it.

"We Be Clubbin"
-Ice Cube



Here is a shot from the club Marquees, NYC in celebration of Best Week Ever's 100th Episode sponsored by Old Navy. If you look in the top right hand corner of the picture you will find me no where in sight, that's because I am not in the picture.

The two story club was jam packed to capacity. Very difficult roaming around. A non-urban-felt atmosphere. (Where dawgs at?!?) Drinks were free and folks were letting out their wild side. Hip-Hop and Old School was the delicacy from the DJ that was pumpin songs from his PowerBook using Serato and two turntables.

I rubbed elbows with most of the staff on and off screen of the weekly show. A few comedians were there and quite friendly. The people there were pretty cool. We have to do this again!

Janet was MIA and I am not talking where the Heat play at. JD did show up but that was after I left. It was an interesting look for the kid. The music was good and I had an enjoyable night. I even got a gift bag on my way out. How nice. Some chauncletas from Old Navy. Now I can get my Jay-Z on!!

Hopefully one day it will be me in the booth.

"What?!?....What!?!...OKAAAAAAYYYYY!!!!!!!!!"

This week I have been invited to an industry party for VH1's Best Week Ever 100th episode. (thanks to the Mrs.) So I got to be fresh!! Word is, Jermaine Dupri may show up. And I hoping to meet Janet 20YO. Hopefully "Penny" will re-evaluate her situation and holla at a true playa (wink,wink). (I hope the Mrs. ain't reading this.)

I went to get a haircut but my barber was out of town and the other dude I trust was off too. I can't trust a new barber especially not now. So I went back to my old barbershop on Merrick Blvd., Celebrity Cuts. I stopped going there 'cause the wait was way too long. It was like 100 degrees outisde so I hoped that it was empty and it was. There are two barbers that I think have the most skills, Mike and Johnny C. Both are from Yard. (That means Jamaica.) Now before you get this twisted I just want to emphasize: me love ev'y ting 'bout Yard. (My attempt of Jamaican patois.) I love patties, the resorts, jerk chicken, music, dancing (especially whining), ganja (just kidding I don't smoke) and the fine woman dem. Well..those with the least amount of gold and outragesouly colored hair. (FYI. my parents are from Haiti. So No disrespect to Haiti. Big up Wyclef!! We'll soon be family.) I even got a couple of Jamaican friends. (I hate when people say that substituting Jamaican for Black.)

The only problem I have is with the communication, that's right the language barrier is "WICKED MON!!" Sometimes I feel like Radio Raheem in Do the Right Thing in the Korean store. "SPEAK ENGLISH!!!" That is so ignorant. They do speak English but very broken with an accent so thick that I can understand nothing but the fifth word in a sentence. Mike sits me down and asks a question and I slipped into a Lil' Jon moment. "What?! What!?! Okay!!" I realized he may be asking me what I want. I tell him and he gets started.

While he is working I get frustrated and ask him. "Mike, why is it when Jamaicans talk they drop the 'H' in the words. Like instead of him you say im, happy u say appy or hear you say ere." He stopped thought about it for a second and said. "cause we hignorant!!" (LMAO!!! get it!! the spelling was intentional. If you don't get it you are corny.)

Okay that was a joke a bad I might add. The conversation never happened but my cut is "so fresh and so clean". I gave him a tip and I was on my way.

To all Jamaican Massive all Haitian crew!! Nuff respek!! Pull up!!!! Wheel da tune dem!!! "Blow!! Blow!!"
"Riiiiiight", "Blood fiya!!!"

That's all I know.

Oh yeah Pablo taught me, "Whattagwan mi yute!!"

"Keep Rising to the Top"
-Doug E. Fresh

Although I have been blessed through out my years, there are two things that I have been guilty of for a portion of my life. I can sum it up in analogy without being too vague. Complacency is like the small crack in your windshield. Along with procrastination they both form a team that is detrimental to the prosperity of a being. It's best demonstrated to anyone that owns or leases a vehicle. You're driving down the highway and you hear a noise right against your windsheild. Sometimes the music could be so loud you don't hear it. Regardless the crack created by the tiny pebble could be non-existent from your point of view. As the climate changes the crack just gets bigger and bigger. Damn! Now your first thought could be to buy a product to prevent spreading, but the bottom line is it needs to be replaced. Some folks drive around with the crack not caring until they get a ticket or can't pass their vehicle inspection.

We all set goals for our future. For some folks that path is a long road and some folks its quite short. Those who have made most of their accomplishments need to recognize that is time to make new goals your objective. Complacency is a disease that spreads amoung minorities. (Actually no one is excluded but available noticed in the "hood") We all have to strive for the next level of success. Bill Gate, Steve Jobs, Oprah didn't say okay I made a couple millions now I can relax. NO!!! They pushed themselves to where they are today. We all have projects that we need to complete. Whether it be to fix the leaky faucet, clean the garage, get your degree. Once we have completed it, move on to the next task. Don't put off what can be done today because there may be no tomorrow. It can't always happen overnight but it can be done with dedication and planning.

To all my street cats, "GET ON YOUR GRIND!!!"