Aaliyah's Image Tarnished

     Where do I start? Was Lifetime too eager to take advantage of the revenue opportunity, in releasing this Aaliyah movie? I know one thing for sure, advertisements for this movie will be hard to obtain. I'm pretty sure lawyers are drawing up contracts that the advertisement budgets are not to be used on this film ever. 

     That's how bad this movie was. Wendy Williams is probably with her producers in an emergency meeting right now trying to determine how they will handle Hot Topics. We know she will be the hottest topic on her own show, catching a lot of flak. 

    We can only imagine the reaction she would have to her bio-pic. I am 1000% sure she wouldn't approve. In all of the executive producer meetings, did no one think this was a disservice to her brand and image? We should be celebrating this movie, not slamming it. No matter how bad the fans wanted this movie, they didn't want something thrown together like this.

     We can't blame Lifetime and Wendy Williams only. We can only blame them for using poor judgment in not having everything they needed to bring a legend's life to the big screen. From what I'm aware of, Aaliyah's family didn't approve the film. They did not want to share the R. Kelly love scandal in the movie. 

      My opinion on that is, if that doesn't make or break the movie why sacrifice the film to put that story out? There's so much more to this woman's life. You can't possibly find only one challenge in her life. The entire movie boils down to one challenge then a path of success and fame. No other struggles happened. If a struggle was portrayed it was that she couldn't get the roles she thought she deserved. One thing I learned from watching these bio films and writing my own rap songs is, all songs can be traced back to life. They can turn One in a Million into a story board. They can turn Four Page Letter into a story board. Back and Forth is a story. Try Again was the story of her life.

     In so many of these bio films, I do notice a trend. Jay Z is never portrayed in them. I was shocked how, in Notorious, Biggie's friend, and supposed to be business associate was never referenced. Dame Dash was Jay's manager and Co-CEO. They addressed what he does for Jay, but they manage to tip toe pass the relationship Jay and Aaliyah had. Timbaland and Missy were given probably 2 minutes of focus. So much more could have come out of the people she worked with. 

     If the film was boycotted, blackballed, or stalled, I think it was a bad idea to move forward with it. This was a complete utter failure. If she was alive, this would not have been a movie they would have approved to release. Selena's movie, TLC's movie, Tina Turner's movie, The Jacksons movie, Ray, all of them are classic movies, and watchable. This was bad. Her image TARNISHED.

Open Response to: An Open Letter to Bobby Shmurda

"the inferiority of the black race was built upon the idea of criminality; we were always criminally responsible even when we weren’t. We only held value when we represented money for our owner. We were only property that produced cash."
http://newculturevibes.wordpress.com/2014/11/14/an-open-letter-to-bobby-shmurda/

     I had to respond. If you haven't read the Open Letter to Bobby Shmurda please read it first. 

     My reaction to Ms. Imani Brammer's article is not completely negative. I'd have to categorize my response while reading it initially as "GTFOH" (Google that if you are unaware of the acronym's meaning). However, she does have some great points. I understand her intentions, and the overall point she's trying to get across. But Ms. Brammer's thoughts hurt more than they progress.

     Black Americans created Hip Hop. It was created in my home borough of The Bronx. Since its creation, it became a voice for a variety of classes, races, and ideas. Bobby Schmurda is just another voice. But lets not focus entirely on him, taking away an opportunity for him to earn an honest living. When it comes to music, focus on a bigger picture.

      I can go into details how Black Americans are the number one consumer. I can explain how Hip Hop culture advanced consumerism at the same level, perhaps more than Steve Jobs and Apple advanced technology. Before I do that though, I'd first have to explain - from an entertainment perspective - what Bobby Schmurda represents. He represents care free fun. 

     "Hot N----" isn't a hot song because of its content; nor is Chicken Noodle Soup, Walk It Out, Laffy Taffy, Wobble, and many other dance led songs. If it weren't for that dance, you may not have even heard the song, let alone see him showcase his music at Epic. Bobby Schmurda's Hot N---- is just a song to get people dancing. If you danced to it, if you had a great time while the song was playing, it did its job. 

     If you were really interested in content, you would've listened for that initially. And that is why I was compelled to respond. So many listeners are backwards. Hip Hop fans, the real base of the culture, listen to what an artist says, before they become compromised by the fact that they are listening to a beat that makes them move. Ms. Brammer, you are simply a listener of what ever comes on. You are not what you are attempting to represent. You are an enduser. Similar to the Facebook users that post the picture of "Facebook can access your camera and record without your permission". After you have used the material for what you wanted, you attempt to posture as someone trying to save others from perpetuating a "bad thing". Stop it 5!!! 

      Furthermore, you attempt to degrade him to a slave, working for the white man, destroying the entire black community one play at a time. Well damn, pardon the man for trying to achieve his dreams. But let me put you on to something dear. Bobby Schmurda is not the first violent rapper. He's damn sure not the first black rapper. He's also not the first rapper to come from an oppressed inner city, in which the dreams of having more force people to compromise their morals an values. You ever heard of Ice Tea? You ever heard of Jay Z? I know young people don't know much about him, from what I heard, he's wack, and Chief Keef is better (I really knew rap moved on at that point).

      I'm going to explain this to every reader, and quote me on this. Spread this word. Never condemn a person who is attempting to achieve success to a slave, working for the white man, and never claim they're destroying the black community unless they're literally doing such a thing with intentions of doing so.

     When white people, asian people, and any other ethnicity watch tv and perceive us how the news portrays us, we equate that to having a racial bias. When you blame a music artist, actor, or anyone who has a job for the degradation of our race, you're basically taking that job opportunity from someone who would excel. Taking that job opportunity from that person, let's say 50 Cent, means 50 Cent doesn't go on to have a stake in Vitamin Water. He doesn't make $300 million. He doesn't invest in SK which sends a dollar to feed the hungry for every like. He doesn't take that trip to Africa. He doesn't build that relationship with Chelsea Handler, and performs a farewell for her last show. 

     Don't assume because a person entertains they are encouraging people to behave in the manner they perform. You shouldn't hold them so high on a pedestal. If you need someone to worship, go to church. Michael Jackson danced with the dead, is he supportive of a zombie apocalypse? Scarface sold drugs wholesale, is Al Pacino mentioned to support drug distribution and use? Harry Potter was a sorcerer, does that mean Daniel Radcliffe supports witchcraft and wizardry? Its entertainment. Jay Z said, "Scarface the movie/did more than Scarface the music to me" which means stop living and dying by the words these people say. Instead categorize their music as love, action, drama, comedy, documentary, family. 

     As far as inferiority and criminals, black people are not either. There are more white criminals than black criminals. More white people use drugs than black people. More white people are on welfare than black people. We are not inferior, we are outnumbered. There are 42 million black people, 210 million white people. Read up on your census. 

     If you were really concerned about the black community, you'd get an education in finance or law. Partner with someone else who does the other, and help establish businesses, communities, and cultures of independence. Teach people to invest, then how to invest. Teach people their rights and why they should vote. I'm assuming you voted since you're so pro-black community. Educate others, and don't ever tear down characters in our story of black life. Everyone can contribute if everyone encouraged others to contribute.

     I myself am not tearing you down, but hoping you can open your eyes before you attack someone else publicly. I admire your voice, and with the views you've obtained, you can do so much more.

It's Time To Face An Independent Truth

     In 2008, we all witnessed history as the first Black president was elected to office in America. In that election, a waive of democrats rode in on the coattail of Barack Obama. For that, there wasn't a white Republican that voted McCain, that didn't claim black people voted for Obama for his race.

     In 2012, we witnessed a similar feat. This, of course, happened after Republicans defeated Democrats in midterm elections.In this election, it is rumored that a politician or someone close in the political circle said, "We don't know if this is Obama's turnout, or Our turnout.

     For years, black people have supported the Democratic Party. They were the party that were of the people. However, their party was not always for our people. That is an ugly history to them, which causes some people to stick with Republicans. The Democratic Party was the weaker party for a long time, and they didn't seem to have the ideas to run the country. Take a look at history. Since Abraham Lincoln, 18 Republicans and 11 Democrats have been elected as President.

     Republicans are far from what we need. Republicans believe, or insinuate, that welfare is majority Black and other minorities. They also think Black people are lazy. They want tougher immigration laws. When immigration is discussed by them, they make you feel like the only immigrants legal or illegal are Mexicans.I haven't heard tougher border security laws on Canada. Democrats has been a default choice for most black people, when Republicans portray the role of the racist party.

      While Republicans grandstand on ignorance currently, Democrats grandstand on deception. They appear to be for the people, right? What people? In 2010 Democrats tip toed, and most of them lost. In 2012, the party gained power back partially. In 2014, they damn near lost it all. Many strategist on both sides, blame Obama. But Obama wasn't up for election. No, if it was anything, it was the Democrats lack of using the same strategy that got them in. Bragging rights on what the party has done, and aggressively working to keep producing.

      If Obama is the leader of your party, if the people respond to what he is doing and has done, that should be your talking point. If he brings out Black Americans, Latino Americans, Youth, and Liberals, they should be talking to his people. Its no secret that he has defeated both of his Republican opponents by landslide wins. Yet Mark Warner in Virginia defeated Ed Gillespie by less than a percentage point. Most other Democrats lost.

     We witnessed Democratic candidates talk about working across the aisle, work with Republicans, and challenge Obama. It seemed as if Democratic candidates were the center Republicans running against another Republican or Tea Party Republicans. This is why they had such a hard time Tuesday. Remember Eric Cantor? The somewhat radical Republican, who was really a decent Republican compared to the Tea Party. Remember his devastating loss to David Brat, no one could have predicted? That was the clue. In a Republican on Republican race, especially if your a Democrat running a Republican campaign, the guy closest to the right wins.

      The truth is, it's time for Obama supporters to start looking for independent candidates. We are independent voters. We aren't really Democrats. We are the people. We are for each other. Obama had plenty of accomplishments that we voted for. Our voices are never heard by Democrats, but often heard by independents. By acknowledging we are independent, we force the hand of Democrats. We take away the power of Republicans, and when we speak, we speak loud and clear. We don't believe in any of the two party system's views. We want healthcare. We want economic prosperity. We don't want taxes cut for the wealthy and increased for us. We want more production from elected officials and less showman from so called representatives.

     If you can't respect that your ideals are corrupt, like a Republican woman. Black Mormon woman at that.

Obama, A Big Effing Deal

     This is not to praise Obama like our Lord and Savior. In fact, most of his support is portrayed just as that, when its just a favorable response from the people. Republicans can critique this by all means, but realize that our support, this article, and his re-election is not because we consider him a God.

     Many times a day, I'll here how much the president has not done anything for America, and I'm sick of hearing it. In 2007, I was a different person, so I cannot tell you how Bush Jr. was portrayed, Clinton was portrayed, and Bush Sr was portrayed. Like a cell phone video gone viral, I can only speak based on what I've seen. And what I see seems a bit racist, unfair, and unjust.

     If a dog hangs out with a bunch of flea infested dogs, would you say that dog probably has fleas? What about a person that hangs with a bunch of racist? What about a person that agrees, and relays the message of a bunch of people that are racist? Would you consider them racist? Of course politics is politics, and you'd really have to prove a racist agenda to convince people the person is racist.

     With elections on Tuesday, I decided to allow you to separate yourself from a racist agenda, that may have you convinced that Barack Obama is a lazy, no good, rights and freedom taking president. This may be a lot for you to come to terms with, so take it a bit at a time. I don't mean to doubt your intelligence, and you're probably going to doubt mine after this, but here goes nothing.

     Obama is not a failing, do nothing president because:

Gas Prices are down - I don't even have to explain this. I'd advise you to reminisce your gas prices from years ago. I know gas isn't the burden it once was.

Osama Bin Laden's dead - well, they say the public has a short memory. The family of the victims of 9/11 don't easily forget the person responsible for that horrid day. You may think that's nothing, but that's a Big Effing Deal.

Unemployment is down to 5.9% - this is a position that many will argue about. However, just remember the action that got us into this position. Millionaires and Billionaires said cutting their taxes will give us more jobs. I wonder if by "more jobs" they meant more Steve Jobs apple product, or were they referring to real jobs. Every time they say the jobs available are not standard pay jobs, I say speak to your billionaire representative that was supposed to make that happen. Maybe they're holding out until Obama is out.

63 months of economic expansion - you can't have one without the other. If people are working, people are spending. Offering more job opportunities. That's 63 months of that type of activity.

Stock Market up to record highs - I bet that's just a dagger in the Republican Party's heart. I mean the party of business, cannot get their ducks in a row, but constantly come at the democrat handling business to improve Americans earning potential.

     I'd like to keep going, but I'll let you research more. Here's more to think about:

• Averted a Depression
• HealthCare Reform, Affordable Care Act
• Two Women on supreme court, Sotomayor & Kagan
• Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
• Saved Chryselr and GM and jobs at the same damn time
• Reduced deficit by 2/3

     Keep these things in mind when you're arguing with someone. I'd hate for you to spread Fox facts.