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my other blog :)

i just made a new tumblr, because this one is for when i’m talking too much lol. so my new tumblr is iwontland.tumblr.com but i’ll still blog on this one when i have ECR’s to write! lol 

Colored Progression?

too bad people got it backwards.

I went to see For Colored Girls the other day, and I came back and told my friend and her roommate (whose names I won’t disclose) that they should really go see it, and that it’s great. I’ll just call my friend P1.  P1 already intended on seeing it. Her roommate, however, suggested she would not pay to see a Tyler Perry movie, as she prefers movies that challenge her brain and make her think, and that Tyler Perry movies usually just trigger emotions; they’ll make you laugh or cry. Valid statement.

Somehow, the topic led to us discussing the state of African-Americans generally speaking. I’ve never prided myself so heavily in my race until I got to college. I started studying our history a little more, reading our books more, and the more I learned, the more proud I have been to say that I am a female of color. Not to say that I wasn’t before, it just escalated. However, everyone doesn’t feel this way.

I have knowledge of the fact that altogether, we are not where we should be. That “other races don’t take us seriously.” [From what her roomate was saying,] we don’t even take ourselves seriously, as she went on to challenge me in saying that black people get on her nerves, black people “bitch and complain too much,” black people talk down on other races too much, the list goes on.

Another valid statement.

However, I feel as though she sounded hypocritical in saying that we [black people] complain too much, when her negativity and constant down-talking of our race is what? complaining. I don’t feel as though she’s doing anything to help the race, other than being the intelligent, “non stereotypical” black female that she is. And I applaud her for that.

However at the end of the conversation, she said to me “you’re just — too black.” And those four words wouldn’t stop running through my mind since they departed her lips.

What is being “too black?”

Surely she wasn’t trying to call me “ghetto,” because I’m the farthest thing from it. P1 explained what I initially assumed she meant —- which was that perhaps I’m too fixated in my culture — basically, that I take too much pride in the skin I’m in. What’s wrong with that? Don’t ask me, because I don’t know, and I don’t think I’ll ever have the answer to such an ignorant statement.

P1 on the other hand is one of the only people who will challenge my opinion, whose never one-sided in her opinions, and seriously have me take a step back and re-evaluate my opinions, values, ideals, and just outlook on things.

Today, we had this discussion basically all over again, and she really shed light on some things I wasn’t necessarily blind to, but I didn’t really think about. (As she always does lol)

“I’m not saying I don’t have hope in our tomorrow. I’m just saying I’m disappointed in our today.”
-P1

Her viewpoint seemed much more rational. You know what? She’s absolutely right.

Even if we are to take a look back on our yesterday…. Would our ancestors be proud of us today? Hell no. They’d actually be disgusted with us collectively. Why? The reason is more than apparent.

I know they say not to dwell on the past, however the most effective way of empowering our race as a whole is to look at our past. Blacks in general symbolize and embody strength, just look at what our ancestors endured and more importantly, overcame. But this is the difference between then and now. They didn’t have options. They HAD to find a way out of their oppression, without anyone’s help. Now, blacks have all this dependency on the safety net the government provides them with. All these cushions are doing nothing but making people LAZY. We need to step our game up.

As a whole, our generation of young blacks are a disgrace to the head strong men and women that were here before us. Collectively, we lack drive. We lack versatility. No one wants to be an advocate for change. Everyone just wants to be the next Drake, or the next video model. They’re great, but everyone can’t be that! Bottom line: previous generations were way more ambitious than we were, and this is especially when we compare how limited they were to how free we are now.

We tear each other down on the basis of so many things. Our race will tear each other down on the basis of nationality. What do I mean by that? Africans look down on African Americans. West Indians are always competing with each other. We are all one race, we all share similar physical characteristics.

We tear each other down on the basis of skin tone. This whole light skinned/dark skinned war is ancient. This colorism is a mess. And it seems like it never dies.

We tear each other down on the basis of regional differences. The north talks down on the south, the west coast doesn’t like the east coast. The list goes on.

Our females are too catty.

We have alot of problems. Yes, without a doubt, a lot of our people victimize themselves. Blame the government on problems they create for themselves. I just try to remain positive because I’m all for our progression. I’m not one to try and dwell on the negative. I was reading an article called We Are Not What We Seem: Black Nationalism and Class Struggle in the American Century. And the author stated so blatantly that “the struggle for civil rights was clearly won in the 60’s. The next phase of the Civil Rights Movement should have been for black people to prepare themselves to enter the mainstream. Many of those who still linger at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder do so because it’s their own fault.” This is very true. However what better way for people of color to make their way into the mainstream than of course, (me stating the obvious) our President. Not even just politically speaking though.

So many great things come from people of color. Almost all of the most popular genres of music were started by black people. If we want to talk about the presesnt, we are currently living in a hip hop era … hip hop sells more than basically every other genre outside of country. Outside of the Nicki Minaj’s that generate nothing more than party hits, there are so many great artists today putting out great music. People of all races are loving hip hop. Yet (collectively) whose buying? and who is illegally downloading? Yeah, i’ll let you figure that one out.

My point is, Im remaining positive in the future of us. I’ve been in that mindset, and I’m sticking with it. It’s just ultimately up to us. I just want to be great. I don’t want to be alone though.

RIP to @imjesssss lol

What did we do before twitter?

I asked myself that when I deleted it. My twitter has only been gone for two days, but in class today for the first time since i don’t even remember when, I gave my undivided attention. I wasn’t glued on my phone to toutieur. Yesterday when I said I was going to do my paper, I actually did my paper, with no distractions. And i got it done in about a fourth of the time I’d get it done if I still had a twitter account. I’ve just been so much more productive. So of course its a huge distraction, but that’s not the only reason I deleted it. 

I just kinda miss the old days….

Before social networking, we actually went places to meet our friends. Like all the time. To the mall, school functions, people’s houses, wherever. Now we feel like all we need to do is communicate via social network. Not saying we have completely lost our social skills and/or avoid concrete reality, but I mean….it’s only getting worse. 

I know when I’m home from school, I have get-togethers at my house whenever the opportunity presents itself, which is pretty often. Or I try to get all of my friends together and go out.  Idk i’d just much rather be there with them, enjoying their physical company when I can, even if it just means we are in my house taking webcam pics, making cupcakes and pasta lol (i miss my friends!) lol.

What’s really funny is when text messaging started getting popular, I’d be annoyed because no one wanted to actually call anyone lol. Now with these social networks on the steady rise, I’d be thrilled to get a text from a friend. A majority of my close friends tweeted me happy birthday, or wrote it on my facebook wall. I mean there’s nothing wrong with that….but there’s nothing like an actual phone call or visit. (Well phone call in this case, since I’m in NY and alot of the people I’m closest to are 250 or more miles away lol) 

but if it was good for one thing, it was for i guess “virtually” introducing me to a few great friends that i’ll never lose contact with! It also brought me closer to some associates, and I’m content with that. My facebook is still up because I do believe that facebook does have some relevance although it’s “falling off.” It really does help keep mass contact with people that I actually know. But that’s just it. I refuse to add people I don’t know personally or at least know of to my facebook friends. It was always more personal. On twitter, I didn’t care who followed me. And that didn’t even seem right, because we put our whole thought process on twitter. And we share alot of our daily lives whether we want to admit it or not. To strangers? Doesn’t really seem rational lol, and my tweets weren’t protected either. Smh! 

The advent of social networking in general has encouraged a typical person to share their likes and dislikes so much more openly with the world. Sometimes we really are too open. And then you have people on the internet creating entirely new personas…it doesn’t matter who you pretend to be on the internet, it’s not real. I think people be forgetting. But anywho, of course my blog will remain up, because Lord knows I have words for everything lol. But me and twitter, we just had to part ways. It doesn’t do anything for me. I don’t want nor need virtual friends. I don’t want nor need virtual popularity. I am not saying that’s the objective of everyone that has a twitter, but there are alot. And i value my time. And alot of people are a lot better than I am …. I don’t know moderation when it comes to twitter, and that thing takes toooo much of my attention and time, I admit it did! #offthat though :) But until next time <3 

food for thought

“In complete darkness, we are all the same. It is only our knowledge and wisdom that separates us. Don’t let your eyes deceive you.”
                                     - Janet Jackson

So not only do I love Ms. Jackson for her catchy tunes, her impeccable style coming up, and for being what so many artists try to mimic today, but she’s too hip.

There’s nothing worst than looking like a ten but having your personality and/or intellect drag you down to a two. There aren’t many people of which we can equate their physical appearance with what should be the icing on top of the cake — what’s inside their head. It seems like everyone’s so caught up in being a “badd bitch”  or having the most swag … there aren’t many that truly want to up their mental capacity as well. Instead everyone’s thriving off of and sicing the same things things that i won’t discuss … that’s a whole different blog. Everyone’s thoughts are everyone’s thoughts and no one has a mind of their own. The most top notch have a mind of their own. Call me crazy for feeling this way, but the baddest female is the full package, not just a pretty face, or a bomb figure. Swag is not just having the meanest dress game, it extends so far beyond that. Substance people, substance!  I just wish there were more stand outs. Writing this blog also reminds of me of another great quote from a fellow St. John’s student. So keep this in mind too:

“People have it confused. Life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself.” 
                                           

we are so beautiful.

i rarely do a blog consisting of mainly pictures, but i thought these pretty much speak for themselves!

one of my favorite things about myself is the fact that i’m a woman of color. i have so much love for other races, but i absolutely love my heritage. 

these are among some of the most beautiful women in the entertainment industry in my opinion.

some for more aesthetic and superficial reasons, others for what they do/the messages they send through their art, some for the way they carry themselves.

some for a combination.

Sanaa Lathan

Lauren London

Janet Jackson

Lauryn Hill

Nia Long

Angela Bassett

Sade

Anita Baker

Amerie

Gabrielle Union

Rochelle Aytes

Aaliyah (Rest in Peace) 

Jill Scott

Beyonce 

Jennifer Hudson

Alicia Keys

Lisa Bonet

Erykah Badu

Mary J. Blige

Phylicia Rashad


Not limited to just them of course, but I love these women for one reason or another! We are a beautiful breed.

when life hands you lemons….

don’t throw them back, throw them out  and make something sweeter (especially if you hate lemons like me lls) 

But on a more serious note, I have had some not so sunny days lately, and it’s made me realize something about myself. I complain alot!  This is a terrible trait to have, but bare with me, I’m a work in progress.

So many people, including myself lately, underestimate the power of optimism. 

Optimism is defined as a cheerful frame of mind; an outlook on life where you expect the best in a situation. 

They say optimism is when the glass is half full, instead of half empty.  

However my definition of optimism is having control over your emotions, and dictating your happiness. 

Too many of us let other things and/or people dictate our happiness, i.e. money, matarial possessions, jobs, family, friends (or enemies), significant others, etc. 

Any emotion you’re feeling is completely a state of mind. You should control your happiness. There is a solution to absolutely everything. It’s ultimately up to you to take the action, and fix it instead of complaining or feeling some type of way about it. 

Being optimistic shouldn’t be confused with being foolish, and/or believing the impossible. Not trying to switch to debbie downer mode, however there is a limit; you don’t want to be so optimistic that you set yourself up for disappointment. It should never involve self-delusion and/or denial.  This means don’t lie to yourself, or try to trick yourself into believing or having faith in something that’s false.

Optimism means that if shit does happen, you’re able to bounce back from it, learn from it, and move on. It is possible to be a realist and an optimist. That’s where I’m trying to be. 

 The moral of the story here is that positive comes out of everything, no matter how terrible it may seem. Everything you go through will either teach you something, make you realize your potential, or make you realize your worth. I know it’s easier said then done, but I think it’s something we should all try to improve on. :)

nothing is impossible, so what is unthinkable?

my little brother and little cousin did their own version of unthinkable and it’s pretty good! i must admit, he is nice! he can write something serious, especially to only be 15! rappin about stuff i doubt he ain’t even lived yet, lol!a lot of the things he says i am either inspired by or i can relate to!

“i live in a dream, i aim for the stars, travel off to venus, vacation to mars. if i miss my target, i land in the clouds. people aim for a mansion, and land in a house.”

“i’m thinkin to myself how and when to draw the line, i never was an actor while we actin like it’s fine.”

check them out!

Words might get you noticed…

But actions will get you respect.

Words are the smallest free form of expression known to man, and contain the smallest unit of meaning. With that being said, nothing emphasizes the emotion you’re feeling or the point you’re trying to convey like action. 

The three most common lies to man are all short, simple, and straight to the point. 

“i love you.” 

“i miss you.”

and my favorite, 

“I don’t care.”

actions really do speak louder than words. 

Would you settle for a million loving words, but never any kisses?
Would you take to heart someone telling you how much they miss you, but never making any effort to spend time?
Would you really believe someone doesn’t care about something or someone when that being is constantly rolling off the tip of their tongue? 

People say things they don’t mean out of anger. 

People will say they’re over a person or situation, but the reality of it is they can’t stop thinking about it, and it will be evident because of how much they speak on it.  

People are forever speaking of emotions that clearly are nonexistent. 

Words can easily be said and offered in condolence, promise, anger, anything. People say things to make themselves and/or others feel better. What matters is if you can back your words with action. 

People fail to practice what they preach. People talk down on the same things they do. You’ve got auto tune Christians running around telling people what they should and shouldn’t be doing, judging. How is that trying to be more like God? This is something I myself had to realize. I find that of course like everyone else, i’m guilty of doing too much unnecessary talking and judging. I’ve fallen out with people because my value system may different from theirs, but really who am I to judge? But enough on that, I’ll save that for another blog.

So now i choose to remain completely detatched from words. Not only other people’s words, I’m trying to refrain from talking too much myself. People from this point on my book will be defined solely by their actions. Because actions actively demonstrate. 

You can say anything out your mouth. I don’t know about anyone else, but the words don’t phase me no more. invoke some action into what you’re saying to make what you’re saying more credible. Better yet don’t even speak, just show. I mean words aren’t completely pointless, but once people implement some action into what they’re saying, those words may become more credible. but until then…..

More About Nothing.

I wasn’t in love with this tape on the first listen…this is literally because I wasn’t listening. There is entirely too much of his wordplay I didn’t catch on the first listen. Truth be told, this tape has just as many lines as Mixtape About Nothing, they just don’t stand out quite as much, you have to really listen to catch them. 

The intro to any album or mixtape is key. A quality intro will keep listeners interested. The Problem is musically perfect. He stated in the track “i’m on top of my game, but these niggas won’t acknowledge it.” And he’s absolutely right. 

The MC caught my attention and gets brownie points for the gogo ring it has to it. I always loved Wale rapping over gogo beats. Concept is crazy too! Off the second track, second listen i knew this was fire, as #walesaid “this is no trial, this a closed case!”  diction and wordplay? #win #win #win “Everything is good, but these haters wish i would stop. Penetratin the culture, but i do until this wood stop.” I could quote this tape for days…. 

“Respect is like food. I’m eating real good…. No soup for you!” 

The breeze took no time to grow on me. I adore this wale and wiz collaboration, i would love to see more. i am in love with wale’s flow on this one!  being that it’s a smoking song for the most part, of course i don’t take the lyrics too seriously, just more something i like for how catchy it is, the beat, and their flow. because no one can deny the fact that wiz flow is nice, regardless of the fact that a majotity of his material revolves around marijuana. 

I find humor in Friends and Strangers.  It’s just funny to me. I feel like the second verse especially hits home for so many guys. Should make them realize they need to re-evaluate messing around with these females they know they not serious about! It’s the truth! But like I said, I still find humor in this - “And if i give it to you, don’t you treat me like them bitches please Wale, She use to call me “Le,” one day she called me early to tell me that she late, fuck you mean?” lmaoo, He is too funny

He is a fool for eyes on the tiger, but once again, genius, wit, and creativity! great choice of production, i can’t get over that one. remixing Tiger Woods voicemails and public apology, then the climax into the beat which makes it so much more intense. this one is also comical to me as well, it’s like he’s speaking for tiger. “Embarrassment’s an understatement, as i annihilate the very thing that once was sacred, see my desire for lust fucked up what was love, street fighter, hoped she had the tiger up-her-cut” Wale distributing free PR lmao

The war is another favorite, speaking to the male population all over trying to fight the feelings they have for a female they think they love. From the first 8 bars to the poem at the end, this track is flawless. “so check the verse miss, I ain’t say I’m perfect. But you was low on love, what I do? reimbursed it.” 

I really like the storytelling in the breakup song. And i feel like wale has really great judgement in the tracks he chose to sample and mix! beat is wonderful, and i swear his flow just melts like icecream. The beat on black & gold sounds like a club mix, i love this, this would sound so bomb in the club! I love him for sampling a techno track. Versatility? Yes! 

The Manipulation Pt. 2?  At a loss for words! This is my #1 favorite on the entire tape. The Manipulation was one of my favorite tracks on the Mixtape About Nothing, the difference in this and the part two, i feel like is that he’s imitating two totally different men (the good guy and the bad guy) on the first one, but portraying only one with hidden motives on the second. I’ve grown to like the second one better because I feel like he’s actually hipping females to all the things men can and will say to get exactly what they want in it. First half of this track, he makes me actually believe everything he’s saying. “I found me a keeper, and I found me a winner, and I found me a queen….I ain’t even gon’ front girl, I think you are the one, so let’s fall asleep with the moon, and i’ll greet you with the sun…” the skit helps you to forsee what’s coming next… “This whole sex thing is totally overrated …now the one thing you’ve gotta be ready for, is how the man completely changes into a completely different person, 5 seconds after it’s over. I mean something happens to their personality, it’s really quite astounding…” Then he completely flips the script on the second half, went so hard. I can’t be the only one amazed by how genius both parts of the manipulation are, on both tapes. “Fuck that baby father shit, I don’t respect no brain unless we talkin that saliva, spit ….i don’t care about your drive, unless you talkin ridin dick” As disturbing as it is, it happens all the time! I thank God i haven’t been faced with a situation like this, but i’ve seen it happen to others far too many times. it’s too real. This one just makes people think. 

Whoever produced The Trip (Downtown) deserves an award! And we all know what he’s discussing in this one, we know what he made this track is for, so no need to elaborate on that lol. But wordplay in this one of course doesn’t fail to disappoint “kiss that cookie til it melt, I am going under water….Michael Phelps”

Everyone pretty much heard Ambitious Girl before the tape dropped. But I’m still so thrilled with the message in this. I hope a large sum of females took a good listen to this track, and were more influenced to be the woman he described in this track, rather than to be Nicki Minaj. Nothing against her, but you get the point. “See I love the person you are, but I’m in love with the person you have the potential to be … Ambitious girl, you just wanna win. And you’d rather chase your dreams, then chase these men…if i gotta settle for a piece of you, i gotta say peace to you.”

I know there are a few tracks I left out, doesn’t mean i don’t like them because I enjoy this in it’s entirety, it’s just because they don’t stand out quite as much as the ones I mentioned in my opinion. However this sequel as well as Mixtape About Nothing are the caliber of artistry that I feel should be displayed by more artists. i could do without the monotony of most of the music that’s being put out. He’s more than just your typical rapper w/ a nice flow and a few fabricated, catchy tracks. Wale is variety. He is versality. He’s the fucking truth. He’s not afraid to say what it is. His music contains substance. His music contains clarity.  Whether he’s speaking literally or figuratively, he’s amazing. Rap is rhythm and poetry. Wale, thank you for that. This is why you’re one of my favorites, and one of the best things to happen to hip hop.

#nowplaying my favorite movie.

Brown Sugar. This right here, this is my favorite movie. First of all, I adore the fact that it is a black movie with no negative denotation. Absolutely love the storyline and plot. This movie appeals to the hopeless romantic in me, but appeals to my love for hip hop even more. The spirit of the old school echoes so strongly throughout this movie, it just doesn’t get any better. 

“You are the perfect verse over a tight beat.”

Everytime I watch it, I have higher hopes of finding mine. *sighs* someday, someday. 

a little venting i guess

i feel like lately i’ve taken a step too many backwards, i feel like i need to move forward. i feel like there are so many things i need to do to better myself. There are so many things hindering me from my self betterment. i feel like i’ve been giving too much attention to things that don’t deserve it. And i feel like i’ve been lending far too many emotions to people not worthy of it. i’ve been entertaining way too much nonsense. i don’t even know what’s been happening to me lately, but it’s going to stop, seriously. I’ve always prided myself in my value system yet I’ve always remained open minded so many things. I’d like to try to keep an open mind but stop sinking into this hole i feel like I’m sinking into….I’m becoming entirely too worldly, I’ve been acting out of my character from time to time, I will admit. I’m doing too much talking, and feeding into way too much. I always say I’m going to stop doing these things, and then I do them…again. But advancement isn’t going to happen by just talking, action has to be taken. I’m really going to try to get on a path or pure progression, because I’m not feeling with the way I’ve been carrying myself lately. It’s time for change. Just had to put that down somewhere, maybe coming back and reading this every now and then will keep me motivated :)

fake fake fake fake fake!

I’m trying to eliminate the word “fake” from my vocabulary. i realize this “fake” word is rolling off of people’s tongues entirely too often. people use it so frequently, but generally confuse it with other things! get it together! first and foremost, fake is NOT to be confused with outgrowing friendships. This is natural, and it’s apart of life. It happens to everyone. Don’t act oblivious to what’s so blatantly obvious. People grow up, and with growth usually comes change. Interests shift, priorities change … the list goes on. Build a bridge and get over it. But don’t be so quick to call someone fake. 

having a fake persona is only truly recognizable by the person who has the persona, because who says the person you are judging is being real or not? It just may seem more apparent if the person acts different around different people, but who are we to call which persona is the “real” them? Who really knows. The real question is why do we even care so much?  

And everyone talks behind people’s back whether they know them personally or not, so if that’s what makes someone “fake,” then everyone is “fake.” Talking behind someone’s back doesn’t make them fake, it makes them bored, unsatisfied with theirself, or a combination of the two.  

“I can be whoever I want online” to generate interest … although I remember when I log off, i’m still a nobody” isn’t fake either. It just makes you attention thirsty. Nothing more, nothing less.

I just think this word is getting too played out forreal. Let’s just think of something else to call all the people that we don’t care for, or don’t even know. Or let’s not mention them at all. That’s even better. 

one for my loves

just had to dedicate this post to some of my best friends in the world :) 

i love all my friends but yall are making this the best summer ever. i love love love you guys <3 <3

wale - more about nothing

if you not hip to wale, or haven’t heard anything outside of attention deficit, pleaseeeee go to datpiff.com and download his mixtapes, especially the Mixtape About Nothing and Back to the Feature, those are his best yet (in my opinion), More About Nothing drops on August 3rd, and I am beyond sure it won’t disappoint! Wale isn’t the type to disappoint! Support not only DMV talent, but real talent!

if you haven’t listened, i’m not mad at you, just take some time to! disregard the lame fools who talk shit, i swear i hate the word “hop on.”  A real supporter and fan would be thrilled to see an artist they love’s fanbase grow, to see them doing big things. I really do think a lot of people don’t even mess w/ artists forreal, they just listen to them as an attempt to stand out, instead of supporting them for the great things they produce. Come on, #weoffthat, never shoulda been on that! but enough about them, they wack, Wale, More About Nothing, August 3rd!