Outrage is pouring over the fatal beating of 16 year-old Chicago high school student, Derrion Albert. Four teens beat him to death while he tried to return home from school. The beating was without motive and absolutely senseless (read more about it HERE). Back in the 50's and 60's, African Americans were hung from the neck just for sport, as well. I don't see the difference between the crimes of the Klu Klux Klan of the past and crime of murder these four teens committed on September 28th, 2009.

I don't get why people fight and kill the ones who are in the same struggle as they are in (hell, or at anybody for any reason, at all). Nas said that they were warriors fighting the wrong war. Read his letter here that he published on Global Grind expressing his disgust....

Dear Young Warriors fighting the wrong wars! Killing each other is definitely played out. Being hurt from the lost of a love one was never cool.
Dear Young Warriors fighting the wrong war! I know that feeling, that frustration with life and needing to take it out on someone, any one. But....


We chose the dumbest things to go the hardest for. I remember seeing deaths over 8 ball jackets, Fila sneakers, and name plate chains. Deaths over "he say, she say"!!!!! "I'm from this block or I'm from that block", or "my moms n pops is f*cked up now the whole world gotta pay"!!!

I remember feeling like I was the hardest "n*gga" breathing. And I couldn't wait to prove it. But let's think. What are we really proving?? And proving what to who?? Everybody knows Chicago breeds the strongest of the strong but I just feel, me, being ya brother from another state feels your pain as if I grew up with you in ya very own household.


You have the ability and mindpower to change they way we are looked at. Look who's watching us young warriors, look who's throwing us in jail constantly, look at the ignorance in the world. Look at the racist dogs who love to see us down. Loving to bury us in the ground or in jail where we continue this worthless war on one another.


Young warriors.... We are WASTING more and more time. We gotta get on our jobs and take over the world. Cuz this movie left the theaters years ago, Juice, Menace, Boys n the Hood , Blood n Blood Out, Belly!


When we see each other why do we see hatred? Why were we born in a storm, born soldiers, WARRIORS....and instead of building each other up we are at war with each other.. May the soul of this young person find peace with the almighty. I'm with you young warriors. You're me and I'm you. But trust me! you are fighting the wrong war.
This sh*t sucks !!
-Nas

But this guy was shocked when it happened to him. The urban Hip Hop community is no stranger to this sort of treatment and after watching these videos, it seems like brutality is becoming a cross-over trend. {I do however want to commend the officers who are working hard to protect and serve our communties..it's just that too often, some officers get too trigger happy} Watch the videos to see what I mean...Do you think excessive force was used?


Then there is this video, describing the incident, before the footage was released.


[found videos on philly.tv]

Pictures from the October 2009 issue of Harper’s Bazaar, where Janet Jackson gives a world exclusive interview following her brother Michael Jackson’s death.


The last time Janet saw Michael was on May 14, two days before her 43rd birthday. It was a family celebration, the Jackson kids were running around, and she and her big brother hung out, ate Thai food, and tormented each other. "We had so much fun that day," she says, her soft voice almost inaudible. "We kept calling each other after and saying how great it was."

Janet left soon after to start work on Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too. She was on set in Atlanta when she got the call that Michael had died. She immediately returned to L.A., plunging headlong into a private family grief served up to a ravenous public. Of course, one of the most moving images from the memorial service was of Michael's daughter, Paris, who stepped up to the microphone and said, "Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine" before grabbing her aunt Janet for support. "I was really proud," Janet recalls. "People said to me that Michael's daughter speaking really gave them a sense of how he was as a father, in her words. Paris is incredibly smart; they are all so smart. She's a sweet girl. The kids are doing well. They're with all their cousins; that family love will keep them going."

Story by HarpersBazaar...Read the rest of the interview HERE:

"I MAKES MY MONEY, I GET'S BUSY, I AIN'T GOT TO TAKE FROM NOBODY."

Diddy's interview with Angela Yee seemed to be a little controlled. If anything, it was definitely biased to favor Diddy rather than objective, which would have favored the facts. We all know that 99.9% of former Bad Boy artists were either left broke, incarercated, or dead. Is that a coincidence or is Diddy just guy who'd opened his arms to the wrong people. Why can't we hear from Diddy himself about the real fates of Black Rob, Mark Curry, the Lox, G-Dep, Total, Joc, Shyne, etc. He states in the interview that some of these guys did 2-3 albums which is about average for a rapper, but never once did any of these people had a true chance to shine. They all had enough talent to sustain a lengthy career, so I think what Diddy is saying in the interview is bullsh#t, sorry to say. [Diddy pic from tourdates.co.uk]

Angela Yee didn't ask any hard questions and Puffy gave a bunch of fluff fluff answers to the questions that she did ask. Maybe they don't understand that we (music lovers) just don't care about Bad Boy anymore because BB's artist never go anywhere. They should know that we want some damn answers because what we Do care about are the REAL reasons as to why rappers who sign with him can't be prosperous like him. No one has gotten over Biggie's death and the fact that he died nearly broke to the point where Diddy had to produce a song with Faith to raise money for Biggie's family. Why don't Diddy elaborate on that? And I don't even want to get into Shyne's case..that's a whole notha' story for another time.


I do however, remember a Shyne interview where the reporter was instructed not to ask him any hard questions. Reporter Craig Lindsey who conducted the Shyne interview stated, "Right before the interview starts, one of the Bad Boy reps gives me the ground rules: Don’t talk about the trial, don’t talk about any crime-related issues, don’t talk about any “beefs” the artist has with anyone. “If any of these topics come up, the interview will be terminated.” (Read Lindsey / Shyne story HERE) Did Angela Yee receive any similar instructions prior to her interview with Diddy? This interview seemed like a tease and gave us half the facts. [Shyne's pic from wikimusicguide.com]

So in response, I posted this comment on Yee's website... [In this interview, it doesn't seemed like Diddy addressed the hardcore accusations made against him regrading his treatment of all former BB artists. For example, Yee didn't even bring up Mark Curry or what was mentioned in the book. Ultimately, rappers end up broke or in jail when dealing with Diddy. Maybe Yee was instructed not to bring up certain issues..this was just an interview to promote an album..it left me uninformed.]

Below is one of three parts interview. If you really want to see the rest of it click HERE to Yee's website. In the meanwhile, watch the video below and let me know what YOU think. We all know the truth so I just want to see Diddy apologize to some of these guys... for real!

NEWS UPDATE!!!!!! VIDEO of Diddy not really acknowledging the fate of former BB artists has been removed because journalists are no longer allowed to play it on websites. The only video Yee will give us access to is Part 1 where Diddy is promoting his album (of course)...so that is the video i have posted below just for reference purposes. If you want to see part 2, you have to click on the link I've provided above to her website. I wonder what the change of heart is all about. I told you this whole thing is controlled.

Click HERE to take the test...

Are you Gotti, Frank Costello, Carlo Gambino, or Pablo Escobar. I took the test and found out I was Meyer Lansky. That's means I'm very smart. Low key, but I like it that way.I make everyone else money, but like to be in the shadows. According to the test, I'm also great in biz.





Legs Diamond the day he left courthouse acquitted of charges -- he was murdered that night (1931)

Jack Legs Diamond's widow, Alice Kenny Diamond. She was murdered on July 1, 1933, by the same men who killed her husband when they feared she was getting ready to disclose their identities.


Joe Adonis arriving at court in Hackensack to face trial with four of his henchmen, accused of running a one billion dollar gambling setup. Named with co-leader Frank Costello of the underworld. He never spent one day in jail.



Vincent (The Chin) Gigante, was with the Genovese family. In a power struggle he attempted to assassinate Frank Costello

OK, I found a new track that I like and this is it!

You Gots to Chill - EPMD


[THIS IS THE INSTRUMENTAL...CAN YOU BUST A 16 ON IT?]

I was looking for some new songs to present..but none were better than this old school track. Strictly Business is the debut album by golden age hip hop duo EPMD. It was released on July 7, 1988. Erick and Parrish Making Dollars has been active for more than 20 years (1986–present), and is one of the most prominent acts in East coast hip hop...

DEMOND WILSON [aka LAMONT SANFORD] SPEAKS!!

By: The great and fellow journalist, Adaora Otiji, who originally published interview on thecelebritycafe.com.

Demond Wilson tells all about 'Sanford and Son' in new book.

Demond Wilson defined a generation opposite Redd Foxx in the ground breaking television show, "Sanford and Son." Wilson's escapades as Lamont Sanford in the television series led to a long and productive career for the now 63-year-old actor. He's acted in numerous TV series and movies, written screenplays and even pursued his life's calling to become a pastor and start a philanthropic organization to help convicted felons find strength in education. Wilson took a few minutes to speak with TheCelebrityCafe.com about his newest project, including the book "Second Banana: The Bittersweet Memoirs of the Sanford & Son Years," which is scheduled for release on Aug. 31.

What is your new book, "Second Banana," about? The book's website, www.2ndbanana.net, says there are "no punches pulled," so I'm assuming this isn't a memoir about people doing outrageous things on the set of "Sanford & Son."

Demond Wilson: It's just a documented truth, behind the scenes factual account of what happened during those years. Red and I were making history back in those days. We were the first blacks to be on television in that capacity and we opened the door for all those other shows that came after us. When I wrote the book it was to tell the truth and debunk all of the stories people Google. I just sat down, free of all the venom, to just tell our story. You can't Google the things that are in this book. It's privileged information. During the show I had the sense that this was going to be a monumental achievement in history so I kept a mental diary of things. I have a photographic memory, which always kind of annoyed Redd, but it's come in handy.

What does the title "Second Banana" mean?

DW: The title is a throwback to the old vaudeville years. Top banana was the star of the show, and second banana was like the sidekick. So it goes back to me and Redd and the show. Redd was the top banana and I was the second banana.

I really like the caricature cover art you've got on the book. Was the cover art custom made?

DW: It was actually. It was designed by a talented friend of mine named Jeremie Leaderman. When I saw it I just thought "this is perfect for the book." It's got me in the truck and Redd standing next to me and it just looked perfect and encapsulated what the book is.

You've jumped on the Twitter bandwagon it seems mainly to promote the book. Did you find it difficult to use technology like that and have you seen positive results so far?

DW: I don't have a whole lot of time for that whole thing and my kids were actually the ones that got me into it. I've been making appearances in support of this book for a few months and they actually said 'dad you need to go on Twitter' because they're so much younger and they thought it might help. So far it's definitely boosted presales for the book.

What is the most memorable moment you had acting opposite Redd Foxx in "Sanford & Son?"

DW: I've had quite a few and they're all in the book. I obviously can't talk about that since it's in the book, but I've got quite a few experiences with him.

Your chemistry with Redd on screen was undeniable, but why do you think you never had that same chemistry on other television shows?

DW: I have no idea. It's like a woman who marries someone and they die and they never find that again. We just had that chemistry together.

What does your organization, Restoration House of America, do exactly?

DW: Restoration House was formed for the rehabilitation of first time prison offenders. We were giving GED and some college courses, but mostly we're teaching entrepreneurial skills. You have a lot of men who stray from the truth and from the law, but they're not bad people.

How did things get started with the organization?

DW: I started going into the penal systems with Redd. We would go and entertain at these local correctional institutions if we had to travel for filming or anything. From there I asked myself what are these men really getting out of our visit and I eventually decided to start Restoration House in 1995.

Tell me a little about your movie, "Faith Ties."

DW: It's in the genre of "It's A Wonderful Life." It's kind of like that. I play a broken down old drunk whose wife and daughter are killed and he's given up on life. The protagonist is a pastor who is in the middle while he watches the lives of people crumbling around him. It's a wonderful story. We're gonna start principal photography as soon as the leaves leave the trees in Detroit. We're filming in Detroit because of the incentives the city is giving for filming because of the economic crisis it's in.

How long will you be filming?

DW: For as long as it takes. We're only in pre-production now, but our goal release date for the movie is fall 2010 since it's a holiday story.

So what's next for you? Besides the book and movie, are you working on any other projects?

DW: Ha ha, this is taking up all of my time right now. I have published books before but this is my first book that I've personally published. I worked on about four projects in one year, including "Second Banana."

So you're due for a vacation when all of this is over.

DW: I live in a resort area in Palm Springs, Calif., so I get to relax all the time. I love to play golf to unwind, but I don't really feel like I need a vacation right now though. I'm going on 63 years young and I don't know if anyone told you but 63 is the new 43.


For more info on the book, go to 2ndbanana.net

I"m not a huge fan of Drake's, but I like this one!

Swizz Beatz’ estranged wife Mashonda is going public with her husband’s alleged affair with Alicia Keys. She hired high-powered attorney, Bernard Clair, to get her through what might be a messy divorce. The R&B singer claims she is fed up with all of the disrepect. Mashonda has written an open letter to the Alicia in response this post on AK's twitter account:

[“Having a heated debate n the studio. Question is…N love is it better to go 4 the choice that is ‘SMART’ or the choice that has ‘SPARK’??”]

MASHONDA'S LETTER

After having a great evening with my son and enjoying some fun twit chat, I decided to sign off and get some work done. However, a few hours later I was advised that I should check @aliciakeys twit page. I’ve never reached out to her on twitter before. I feel our issues are a lot more serious than a website conversation. Not to mention that I’ve reached out to her many times in the beginning of this whole thing, as any wife would do. Unfortunately, I never succeeded in getting a response. The 1st time I meet AK, my husband introduced us to each other at an event. ( I have no choice but to call him my husband, until he is not anymore) In the messages that I sent to her (AK), I made it very clear that on the contrary of what she might be hearing, I am still married to my husband, living with him and just had a child. Its been two years and I still have not received a response. What I do receive, is constant displays of selfishness and disconcern to me and my son.


I was a fan of AK’s last album, we were both signed to J Records and I always checked up on her projects. I sang her songs and admired her for creating Superwoman and Karma, I would never deny her, her talent. I believed in her until I found out she was possibly sleeping with my husband. The affair was denied by both, until it was finally admitted months later.

Already I can hear some of you saying ” why are u blaming her, You cant make someone leave their wife, You cant break something thats broken”. Well, my marriage was not broken, as far as I knew we were celebrating our sons birth and getting ready to celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary . Call it blind love, whatever. I call it being a devoted wife.. As far as me blaming her and not blaming him, thats false. Me and my husband have worked out our differences. We are in a good place as people and as parents. I accept his choices and I am comfortable enough with myself to move on. I am so very blessed in many ways.


My concern with AK is no longer the fact that she assisted in destroying a family but that she has the audacity to make these selfish comments about love and wanting to be with someone, even after knowing their situation. How is this the same Superwoman that I sang out loud with in my truck? I ask myself sometimes.

If you are reading this Alicia, let me start by saying, you know what you did. You know the role you played and you know how you contributed to the ending of my marriage. You know that I asked you to step back and let me handle my family issues. Issues that you helped to create.

Im not saying everything was perfect all the time but no relationship is perfect. We made a vow to God and I believe you should have respected that, as a woman. I know you owe me or my son nothing but I just wish you would’ve handled things more carefully. I’m not judging you, I put you and the whole situation in the hands of God, the Higher Power. Just know that as a woman, I expected so much more from you. I never had intentions on reaching out to you this way but after reading your twits tonight, and the constant disregard, you left me no choice. I feel that after 1 and a half years of you hiding this affair and acting like it doesnt exist, that now is the time to confront it, since you talk so openly about it now


This is not a publicity stunt, I dont have a record coming out. I just need to close this chapter in my life and that means confronting our issues. There is a small child involved. His dad loves him to death and he wants to spend more time with him but hes afraid because he knows we don’t have a relationship. This is my main concern. My son NEEDS his dad and I NEED to be comfortable with you. For him!


I know many will see my point and many will not be able to look into what’s real because they only want to see Alicia Keys the celebrity, not the human. This is not for the “people”, this is for you. Like I said I was left no choice but to reach out to you this way. By now, Im sure you want to find a balance in this as well.


I read your tweets tonight and I felt they were very insensitive. You have no idea how much pain I was caused because of this affair. Its baffling to me that you don’t understand what I might have gone through with this situation. I dont consider myself a victim anymore, Ive learned alot from this! I just ask you to try and be a bit more realistic and delicate to the situation, at least until my divorce is final. I felt me attending the party would have been a starting point for us, since you shook my hand after I offered it, but I suppose I was wrong.


If its so, that you and my husband are meant to be together, then God bless you both and I hope you never have to deal with what I did. I would not wish it on my worst enemy. If you two being together forever is the case, its more of a reason for us to get along, because I’m not going anywhere. Theres a child to be raised.

To answer your tweet, choose smart over spark. Sparks burn everyone, be smart! Its simple actually, just think of the shoe being on the other foot.


Stay blessed and lets work this thing out with respect and dignity.


A friend of Swizz said, “His relationship with Alicia began after their separation. He hasn’t kept it a secret. He still has great love for Mashonda and has promised to take care of her and their son and support her career.”

Swizz Has something different to say:

“I can no longer ignore the harmful rumors, that my friend Alicia Keys is in any way linked to my marital circumstances or to the decision that [my wife] Mashonda and I have made to separate. I am disappointed that some have chosen to try and tarnish Alicia’s reputation by irresponsibly implicating her in a situation that she has absolutely nothing to do with,” Beatz, a father of two, says. “This experience has been one of the most difficult times in my life, and as was stated when we announced our separation several months ago, I ask that you continue to respect my privacy in dealing with this personal matter.”

We're going to keep all the parties involved lifted up in our prayers. When it comes to Marriage & Showbiz...it's complicated.

Here are 5 tips for creating some great luck for yourself:

1. Learn to talk to anyone. Yep. Anyone. It sounds small, but that one simple habit can change your life. Whether on Twitter or in “real life,” once you master this skill, you will realize that at any moment you can go out into the world and meet new people, build friendships, learn new things, even grow your business.

2. Never burn bridges. It has taken me many years to be able to type that with confidence. I had to learn that sometimes it is more important to smile and nod than to be right. Pick your battles carefully because you never know when your path will cross with that person again.

3. Recognize divine appointments. Have you ever accidentally mis-dialed a phone number and noticed that the person you randomly called seemed fun to talk to? Have you ever met one person and because of that meeting, the course of your entire life changed? I call those divine appointments. I no longer believe that the people that come across our paths are random. Everyone is in our space for a reason.

4. Always be open to new opportunities, personally and professionally. Follow your intuition. If you aren’t growing or creating anymore in your current capacity, and if your intuition is leading you in another direction, don’t fight it. Sometimes I meet young people that say, “My degree is in accounting. I am only interested in applying for accounting positions.” Meanwhile, they’ve been unemployed for six months. By being so rigid, the most perfect career in the world might pass them by because they weren’t willing to even look into it.

5. Hang out with other lucky people. Mark Victor Hansen always says that we are the product of the five people we hang out with most. If that’s true, then hang out with lucky people. It will rub off on you! Run away from negative people like you are running away from a burning building.

[luck tips by diane adams found on bitrebels.com]

BUT IF YOU MUST...then download the hot! GOING GREEN2: 808's & Smoke Breaks... brought to you from my good friends at TheMadbloggers.com...click HERE (4 the download). In the meanwhile, enjoy In The Air & Stoner's Life. It's a smoker's heaven...not that I know anything personally about a smoker's heaven..I've just been told about it (lol!). Anyway, this mixtape is f#*king smoking!!!























IN THE AIR

STONER'S LIFE

POET OF THE MONTH - EMINEM



pic from Beepworld (Germany)

[Eminem]

Since I'm in a position to talk to these kids and they listen
I ain't no politician but I'll kick it with 'em a minute
Cause see they call me a menace; and if the shoe fits I'll wear it
But if it don't, then y'all' swallow the truth grin and bear it
Now who's these king of these rude ludicrous lucrative lyrics
Who could inherit the title, put the youth in hysterics
Usin’ his music to steer it, sharin’ his views and his merits
But there's a huge interference - they're sayin’ you shouldn't hear it
Maybe it's hatred I spew, maybe it's food for the spirit
Maybe it's beautiful music I made for you to just cherish
But I'm debated disputed hated and viewed in America
as a motherfuckin drug addict - like you didn't experiment?
Now now, that's when you start to stare at who's in the mirror
and see yourself as a kid again, and you get embarrassed
And I got nothin to do but make you look stupid as parents
You fuckin’ do-gooders - too bad you couldn't do good at marriage!
(Ha ha!) And do you have any clue what I had to do to get here I don't
think you do so stay tuned and keep your ears glued to the stereo
Cause here we go - he's {*Jigga joint Jigga-chk-Jigga*}
And I'm the sinister, Mr. Kiss-My-Ass it's just a RENEGADE!!

ME UP AT DOES by EE Cummings is by far my favorite poem of all time. A one-liner that shoots you straight in the heart.

(Me up at does)

out of the floor
quietly Stare

a poisoned mouse

still who alive

is asking What
have i done that

You wouldn't have...

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE MONTH

photo by Irina @ Irina's Public Gallery

Simply beautiful...

MUSICIANS OF THE MONTH -
ART OFFICIAL


Alternative Hop-Hop mixed with elegance and a Latin flavor. When I say music with elegance, I mean a live band with real instruments...a far cry from usual modern music. Picture yourself chillin at home with special friends and a good bottle of red wine on a rainy day. You popped their CD in (from www.artofficialmusic.net), and you're in heaven...

Listen to one of their hits. Art Official - Remember The Days


Instrumentation
Logics – Vocalist
Newsense – Vocalist
Keith Cooper – Saxophone/Flute
Danny Perez – Keyboard
Ralf Valencia – Bass Manny Patino – Drums

Download Mixtape | Provided by DatPiff.com

[pic from starpulse.com]

I think Tony Yayo got the coolest name in the industry. Let me say it again...Tony..Yayo...I'm sorry but I just think his name is cool. Having a good sounding name is important in this industry for example..check these names out: Dr. Dre, Snoop, 50 Cent, etc etc. It's all in the name. Anyways, watch the video...


[video from vladtv.com]

[pic from blog.themavenreport.com]

BIG BOI of OUTKAST debuts his new song straight from the studio. All i can say is his new hit is the sh#t! When you play the video, you'll hear talking for the first 5-6 minutes, and then Big Boi Breaks us off!! The song is called Straight From the ATL. ft. Too Short

[JAY Z states]“I would never do that, I would never have the nerve to do that.. I thought it was the equivalant to what Kanye did to Taylor Swift, but nobody really talked about that cuz I’m not a little sweet girl from Middle America… We worked really hard… People put in weeks to make that performance happen. If you look at those screens, we had to go to Yankee Stadium. We did rehersals, run-throughs… I was a little angry, yeah. But what I’ma do, fight Lil Mama?” [found quote on nahright.com]



Ok, now it's time for me to weigh in. I really like Lil' Mama, but when she walked up on that stage, it was just her 'fame' getting to her head. Not to say that Jay Z is above her caliber (or anybody's), but for someone to walk on stage during another's performance (like Kanye West did), I think that person is demonstrating a little narcissism. But it's not the end of the world...Lil' Mama didn't kill anybody..but I'm sure her belly is full from all of that humbled pie she had to swallow!

BIGGIE SMALLS 10 CRACK COMMANDMENTS




push play...

[pic from thismayconcernyou.com]

50 cents gives his 10 lessons for success but so does Biggie Smalls...

[track sent from www.mp3waxx.com]

listen here..


Ok...why is everybody coming up with the number 10? Just curious. Maybe 50, Biggie, & Daytona are kindred spirits...maybe we should take heed to their lessons...below is a tight video by The Kid Daytona...

The Kid Daytona feat. Bun B – “Air Born” World Premiere

The Kid Daytona is one of NYC’s best unsigned rappers. We would say to give this dude a record deal, but he seems to be doing just fine on his own. Hailing from the Bronx, the Cipha Sounds protégé turned heads with his mixtape A Tribe Called Fresh, which reinvented seminal Tribe cuts with a clever, obsessive and laugh-out-loud hilarious attention to detail. Read the rest of the story and his interview with Giant Magazine HERE.

[music video from three21media.com]

[download Daytona's mixtape A Tribe Called Fresh HERE]

So did The Kid Daytona win the 10 lessons of life debate over 50 and Biggie? Or were they all just as good. Let me know???

THE CITY OF GOD



The Band from left to right: Raphael (Drums), Stephanie (Vocals), Rocco (Bass), Danny (Vocals), Gunnar (Guitar), & Tiago (DJ/Sunthesizer)...Tiago spoke for the band. We linked up at the Future Classic Festival in Miami.

LISA: Tell the readers where your band name came from?

City of God: We got our name from the City Of God Movie.

LISA: Did you see the third City of God installment which recreates the police side of the story?

City of God: The name of that movie is Tropa de Elite (Elite Squad), which is one of the dopest movies out there…you see there are two sides to the story about the Brazilian hood. The City of God talks about what is really happening on the streets, and then Elite Squad is the cops side of the story.

LISA: So what do you think about the second movie, The City of Men?

City of God: I think the City of Men was cool because it made people realize how it felt to be in a difficult world. The City of God was one story, but The City of Men was a series and it truly describes how it is to grow up in that environment. You see, Brazil is a really crazy country. Brazil is a country that has two different types of societies. High society vs. the very low society Brazil. Our new president, Luiz Inacio De Silva, aka Lula, is a people’s president…sort of like Obama is here…and he is really important to us and really what we want right now. But the whole concept of the movie truly describes what Brazil really is.

LISA: Are you well received in Brazil for embracing “The City of God” as the name to describe your band and your sound?

City of God: Of course. The City of God describes our cultures and it’s where our roots lie. And our roots are all about people. It’s not about what you have or what you do. We’re about people…and people carry people.

LISA: The City of God is a phenomenal group to where you’re talented enough to open for groups like NERD…Tell us how were you able to rise from that environment to where you are today.
City of God Pictures: Alexandre Rodrigues

City of God: Follow your dreams. Stick to your dreams and don’t stop for any reason. We’re proof that it doesn’t matter what city you’re in, what type of society you come from, your income, or anything that surrounds you. It’s only about you sticking to your dreams.

LISA: So basically, when we think about the City of God, what do you want us to think?

City of God: The Future

The Band, City of God's album, REBIRTH OF SWAG, available now. Go to www.cityofgodmusic.com for more information...




pic from CBS PHOTOGRAPHY

MY FAVORITE INTERVIEW WITH RICK ROSS
(PICTURE FROM DEF JAM)

Ok, you all had better appreciate this! It took me hours to dig through my archives and listen to tape after tape, to find this old interview of Rick Ross given back in 2002, before he dropped his first album with Slip & Slide and became famous. Welcome to a rare glimpse of what was going on in his mind before he hit it big. At the time, Rick Ross was humbled and had only the goal of breaking through and making a living in the rap game. This is a far cry from his ambitions today.

How do I know? Because I interviewed him a few years later while he performed with DJ Khaled (who had just dropped his first album) and BG of the Hot Boys… and when I asked him how he felt about this interview, he got offended and mad at me, saying that he didn’t recall some of his answers that I quoted back to him. I almost got accused of being a liar…luckily for me, I got him on tape.

When you read the interview, you will see that there is nothing for him to be ashamed about. Now I’m not saying he’s an asshole because he thought I tried to offend him. I just find it odd that he had forgotten his purest intentions. Check it out and let me know what you think about one of the Boss’ first interviews and post your comments about Rick Ross.

Lisa: You know what Rick, I admire you…

Rick: Why?

Lisa: Because I like your style. What inspired that?

Rick: What inspired my style?

Lisa: Hell yeah! I wanna know

Rick: What inspired my style is really my lifestyle, you understand? You see, the same thing what we’re doing right here in the club (promoting shows), we’re all just trying to live. Just trying to find a better way so a Nigga can enjoy his time here.

Lisa: Can you tell everybody out there what this Miami lifestyle is all about?

Rick: Life in the South is really about that cash flow, but I recommend niggas go to school, get a degree, be a teacher or a doctor. Cause we’re out here just working with what we got, tryin’ to make it happen. A Nigga is just trying to get to middle class. I just want to be able to make it to middle class to pay my mortgage without worrying about shit.

Lisa: I feel that. How did you hook up with Trick Daddy?

Rick: That’s my Nigga, Trick. I respect what he did, we just got together, smoked one, or two, or three, and made it happen, and now it’s going on.

Lisa: When is your album coming out? When are you going to release something?

Rick Ross: Look for me April 2002. And believe me, I’m coming at em’…I’m coming at em’ hard. Rick Ross, look for it.

Lisa: Can you tell us what to expect?

Rick Ross: Just expect something you never expected from the South! I mean lyrically, I’m contending with the finest. I’m out here really trying to eat. I ain’t just doing this to buy weed. Hell, I got a lease and a baby on the way. I see a Nigga with a Rick Ross shirt on over there…That’s love.

Lisa: How do you feel about that?

Rick: It makes me feel good. It’s an accomplishment. Just you really interviewing me like this makes me feel better…Cause I’m a real gutter nigger. I don’t ever be getting interviewed or nothin’.

Lisa: So at this moment, after describing your style and after we hear your music, how do you want all of us in the world to sum you up?

Rick: I want everybody to sum me up as a true logical street thug. I just want my shit to really be absorbed and for everybody to take time to really listen to what I’m saying. I got my own vision for my music. There’s gonna be millions of people that feel me.

[FIVE YEAR LATER!!!]

He didn’t really want to be interviewed. Remember when he told me that being interviewed isn’t something he was use to? What changed?? Anyways, he was too busy for the media, I got one question in, and here it goes:

Lisa: Remember when you told me 4 to 5 years ago, that all you wanted was to make it to middle class? How do you feel about that now that you’ve made it?

Rick Ross: What did you say?

Lisa: (I repeated the question)

Rick Ross (verbatim): I don’t remember me saying that. (then he walked off upset)

WOW! How people change! Now post your comments and tell me what you think. In the meanwhile, I’ll leave ya’ll with a Rick Ross video. CIGAR 45