Replies

[Allmenjoi8]

There have only been three interviews in my life that I was excited to see this is number 4. Rev. Dr. Michael Eric Dyson is going to interview Floyd Mayweather on HBO in April. Dr. Dyson former Professor of Harvard and Univ. Penn and is at Georgetown Univ. will do a great job. He is from Detroit and this man does not ask easy questions. His debate with Dr. Cornell West was OUTSTANDING. I wonder what kind of questions will be asked. I hope Floyd take this opportunity to really show Floyd Mayweather and not the personality. I am sure Dr. Dyson will ask him about his jail sentence, relationship with his dad and other hot topics. Who ever thought of this gets two thumbs way up.

[Allmenjoi8]

Nope! Im pretty sure you didn't bypass any asswhoopins, which were coupled with those endless ugly jokes that you endured day in and day out.

Never been in a fight and no ugly jokes. Keep fishing little man. Next thing you know you will be doing mama jokes.

i think u guys were married in a past life or something. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

i can see both sides of the argument.

more ppl in prominent positions need to speak out against the injustices of the day. it's what made ali, paul robeson, jim brown and a very few others the champions they were. they always did it at the cost of being outcast or blackballed. ali gave up 3 yrs of his career for something he believed in. that will never be topped by todays athletes who expect the world and give very little. todays athletes are rewarded for potential!!! not accomplishments. it's really a sad state.

as far as tupac...i don't see him as the great person/martyr everyone makes him out to be. i see him as a tragedy. a person with sooo much potential and he pissed it all away trying to be accepted by the ppl. he wasn't a thug. he wanted to be. he had a voice and didn't always use it the right way. he left us some gems....but the overwhelming majority of his shit contradicts the good.

i guess a lot can be said for speaking out....or not giving a shit what the masses think. sometimes barriers are made to be broken. the media is going to spin things the way they see fit. i look back on a guy like jack johnson who was waaay ahead of his time. he was brash...he didn't give a shit what ppl thought....and as a result, riots occured and ppl were killed because of what he accomplished. i can't blame that on jack johnson. he was who he was....and the racists that committed the crimes they did as the result of his actions were what they were....pieces of shit.

history is riddled with ppl that some view as hero's and there will always be critics to paint a different picture. i say learn to decipher the double speak and don't believe everything u read or hear.

If I were to take that plunge it would definitely be with someone I could be eye level with and 5'6 ain't cutting it. Plus I dig people who actually can argue without resolving to middle school behavior. It is sad when a grown man (not in height just age) has to act like a 12 year old child. Married people do not like act like this, marriage is a union of happiness....

Whoa whoa whoa. 1st of all, Jay Z is the best rapper alive lol 2nd of all, PART of the reason there is a disconnect with today's youth and past generations is because todays youth doesnt make a concerned effort to know their history. The other part is because the elder generation makes comments like this. Jay Z is extremely philanthropic and socially vocal about pressing matters. Let's be frank. While I don't knock people's attempts to bring awareness, honestly, most people are doing it because it's "trending". There have been @ least 4 similar incidents since the the atrocity that is the Trayvon Martin case and they aren't nearly as publicized. I say that to say this:

Just because a guy doesn't rap about one popular issue doesn't mean he isn't socially conscious. He and Kanye were both very vocal and very altruistic when it came to Ktrina. Jay Z was also one of the only artists to rap about the horrific water conditions in Africa. In fact, MTV did a documentary on his efforts to help quell it. He's probably one of the only rappers to work alongside Kofi Annan. Furthermore, MTV covered a gala he had for his scholarship fund. My best friend actually worked on the segment. At least 3 of his concert's proceeds have completely gone to 9/11. He's a big time contributor to Red Cross, B&G Club and Public Schools in NYC. Furthermore, he and U2 had a concert that raised money for Haiti after the earthquake. Furthermore, his lyrics have always included social issues including the hypocrisy of Bush's presidential tenure, police corruption amongst the NYPD, FEMA's futile efforts during Katrina, Sean Bell (for whom he's started a trust fund for his children), Danroy Henry's murder, convinced black ppl to boycott Crystal champagne because of the racist remarks they made, Obama's campaign etc.

While the blame rightfully is put on children for choosing to glorify ignorance and parents for not being resounding role models, some of the blame needs to be put on irresposible media. When Jay Z and Warren Buffet teamed up with Boys and Girls Club to teach financial responsibility, it went completely unnoticed. At some point, we need to hold the media accoutable for ommitting positive news and distorting the facts.

As Floyd said one time, the media doesn't care to show when he does good. They like to see him cursing and talking shit and being flashy. Should black celebs resist the urgeand become more consistent role models? Yes. But until we start holding the media accountable for not showing that side of them, it will all go for naught.

Jay Z is lame. And he is only on top because 2 rappers are no longer breathing. There is nothing about Jay Z that is remotely interesting. He is a great wordsmith I will give you that but his last great album was his first well okay I will give you the Black Album but again Reasonable Doubt is my top 15. Jay Z is an example of my disgust for the music industry as a whole. Immortal Technique who is one of my favorite artist spits real shit. Dead Prez is another group that really was trying to educate the masses. Jay Z has the biggest platform, why not use the one Platform that people will listen to you to get shit across? If he can get half of America to throw up that demonic rock symbol then he can get people to listen to him talk about shit in music, but he doesn't. Now I will say there have been a few songs that he touches on certain situations but just in passing. I remember in the 90s when all of the popular rappers from the Fresh Coast and East Coast came to do a song called Self Destruction. That is what is lacking. The problem with the youth is they feel as if the only thing that matters is them and the music plays into it.

As far as Jay Z goes with his philanthropy, I feel where you are coming from but the story that I have heard about him I would have to look at the situation as a whole but hell no one is clean. The media does not do positive stories especially in America. If you go to places like Canada, Iceland, Finland, Germany, Japan, China, and Jamaica or any of the Islands the news is totally different. They do not do segments on murder and if they do they do not make it into a major story. In America crime pays. Do you know what the highest ratings were for a news channel? The OJ Simpson trail. For some reason negativity sales in this country. So what will make news Jay Z spitting on a fan (not saying that ever happen) or Jay Z opening up a Boys and Girls club? The news is also structured on racism, they feed into those fears. Yesterday when a man killed 7 people in Oakland, CA they did not reveal his ethnicity, the guy was Korean. If this guy would had been black, that would be the first lines you would read in newspaper. A scary black man will always outside a crazy white cat.

I would challenge any society and especially people of color to push back on the images that the news and media displays of them. If the only thing America knows about people of color is crime, entertainment and pure fuckery than that is what you will expect from that group.
As African Americans we hold a responsibility in all of this. Yes it is the media but also it is us because we feed into the images. We are letting outside entities dictate who and what we are. There was this book called Post Traumatic Slave Disorder. An amazing book that breaks down certain behaviors that we displayed when we were slaves. We are forgetting our main roots which is why nothing we do or try to do sustains.

The Floyd comment, he is right but should he be something that he really isn't or should he be who he is? The Price of the Ticket. What are people willing to do to make it or to be relevant? Floyd's career depends on selling tickets and PPVs. So the nice guy act didn't work so he turned into a fuckin prick (which I love) now would I be a fan of Floyd's if he wasn't a prick, yes. Kobe Bryant who is a prick has not changed his image and I love him for that. He did not turn into a Shaq or Charles Barkley etc. He is who he is. Has he taken a hit for it yes! Floyd is in a position where he wants to be loved an respected and he wants to be liked but the bad guy image that got him where he is will not allow it. So again "To thy own self be true?" or "I am willing to do what I have to do."

[Franchize]

Never been in a fight and no ugly jokes. Keep fishing little man. Next thing you know you will be doing mama jokes.



If I were to take that plunge it would definitely be with someone I could be eye level with and 5'6 ain't cutting it. Plus I dig people who actually can argue without resolving to middle school behavior. It is sad when a grown man (not in height just age) has to act like a 12 year old child. Married people do not like act like this, marriage is a union of happiness....



Jay Z is lame. And he is only on top because 2 rappers are no longer breathing. There is nothing about Jay Z that is remotely interesting. He is a great wordsmith I will give you that but his last great album was his first well okay I will give you the Black Album but again Reasonable Doubt is my top 15. Jay Z is an example of my disgust for the music industry as a whole. Immortal Technique who is one of my favorite artist spits real shit. Dead Prez is another group that really was trying to educate the masses. Jay Z has the biggest platform, why not use the one Platform that people will listen to you to get shit across? If he can get half of America to throw up that demonic rock symbol then he can get people to listen to him talk about shit in music, but he doesn't. Now I will say there have been a few songs that he touches on certain situations but just in passing. I remember in the 90s when all of the popular rappers from the Fresh Coast and East Coast came to do a song called Self Destruction. That is what is lacking. The problem with the youth is they feel as if the only thing that matters is them and the music plays into it.

What? You're argument doesn't even make sense lol That's like saying " that girl has a pretty face, nice personality, a perfect ass and great tits, a good job and no baggage...but that's it." Saying a rapper is an excellent wordsmith and has 2 classic albums automatically keeps him out of the "lame" category in itself. Problem isn't whether he's using his platform to get his shit across. Problem is, ppl like you aren't listening. You've just regurgitated some Media Take Out/ Youtube comment screen BS. Saying he is "throwing up a demonic symbol" just shows you feed into the BS you hear in the media that has no basis. When he was speaking about the about the horrific killing of Danroy Henry in his last album, were you listening? No. You were too worried about why he isn't talking about Trayvon Martin. Not to begrudge anyone for bringing light to a serious social issue, but let's keep it 100...some people are only doing it because it's the cool thing to do. When Danroy Henry died, not many people knew or cared and it's damn near the same EXACT thing as the Trayvon Martin case. In fact, the cop who killed Henry got an Office of the Year award.

Allow me to school thee. I'm sure you've heard, and probably believe Jay Z is a mason. He isn't, but even if he was, masons are not evil. Free Masons are not devil worshippers. Shaq, Duke Ellington, Ben Franklin, Clark Gable, Ray Robinson, Davie Crockett, Roy Rogers, Walter Chrysler, Charles Lindbergh, Winston Churchill, Bob Hope, Gen McArthur, Booker T Washington, W.E.B. DuBois, Lewis and Clark, Dave Thomas (the Wendy's guy), Nat King Cole, James Naismith, Louie Armstrong, Houdini, Count Bassie, Thurgood Marshall, All 7 Ringling Brothers and about 15 presidents... ALL MASONS! When you go around saying something as egregious as someone is a devil worshipper or promotes demonic practices, you are perpetuating a viscious cycle of irresponsible slander the media has continued to not be held accoutable for since the beginning of its existence.

[Allmenjoi8]

What? You're argument doesn't even make sense lol That's like saying " that girl has a pretty face, nice personality, a perfect ass and great tits, a good job and no baggage...but that's it." Saying a rapper is an excellent wordsmith and has 2 classic albums automatically keeps him out of the "lame" category in itself. Problem isn't whether he's using his platform to get his shit across. Problem is, ppl like you aren't listening. You've just regurgitated some Media Take Out/ Youtube comment screen BS. Saying he is "throwing up a demonic symbol" just shows you feed into the BS you hear in the media that has no basis. When he was speaking about the about the horrific killing of Danroy Henry in his last album, were you listening? No. You were too worried about why he isn't talking about Trayvon Martin. Not to begrudge anyone for bringing light to a serious social issue, but let's keep it 100...some people are only doing it because it's the cool thing to do. When Danroy Henry died, not many people knew or cared and it's damn near the same EXACT thing as the Trayvon Martin case. In fact, the cop who killed Henry got an Office of the Year award.

Allow me to school thee. I'm sure you've heard, and probably believe Jay Z is a mason. He isn't, but even if he was, masons are not evil. Free Masons are not devil worshippers. Shaq, Duke Ellington, Ben Franklin, Clark Gable, Ray Robinson, Davie Crockett, Roy Rogers, Walter Chrysler, Charles Lindbergh, Winston Churchill, Bob Hope, Gen McArthur, Booker T Washington, W.E.B. DuBois, Lewis and Clark, Dave Thomas (the Wendy's guy), Nat King Cole, James Naismith, Louie Armstrong, Houdini, Count Bassie, Thurgood Marshall, All 7 Ringling Brothers and about 15 presidents... ALL MASONS! When you go around saying something as egregious as someone is a devil worshipper or promotes demonic practices, you are perpetuating a viscious cycle of irresponsible slander the media has continued to not be held accoutable for since the beginning of its existence.

I can careless about Jay Z being a free mason or not and what does that have to do with anything? I know all about the secret society bs, most HBCUS are flooded with masons and OEAs I could careless. What I do have a problem with is Jay Z telling crowds of people to call him Hova and throwing his sign, too close to worshiping a human for me but to each his own. And if you read what I wrote I said he touches on some social issues but it isn't his platform. An Jay Z raps way too much about money and how great he is for me but to each his own. Many rappers are excellent wordsmiths Lil Wayne is in that category and so is Em, but they too are lame. Many preachers are great wordsmith but that don't make them righteous. It is like what Roger Mayweather said "speed don't mean shit if you don't know how to use it." Or maybe that was Floyd Sr. who said that. Same goes with rappers, yeah you can spit but what does that mean if you don't use it for something other than capital? And let me school thee: Most all presidents and world leaders are masons, they meet up at this place call Bohemian Groove in Northern California. They do weird shit there. Do I think there are under workings in the music industry? Yes! So yeah I think Jay Z along with a slue of others are on some other shit that I may never understand and agree with but they are happy with their life so great.

And that media bs that you mention has a basis if it didn't you and I would not be talking about. You chose to see things one way I chose to see things another. Somewhere in between the truth lies.

[Franchize]

I can careless about Jay Z being a free mason or not and what does that have to do with anything? I know all about the secret society bs, most HBCUS are flooded with masons and OEAs I could careless. What I do have a problem with is Jay Z telling crowds of people to call him Hova and throwing his sign, too close to worshiping a human for me but to each his own. And if you read what I wrote I said he touches on some social issues but it isn't his platform. An Jay Z raps way too much about money and how great he is for me but to each his own. Many rappers are excellent wordsmiths Lil Wayne is in that category and so is Em, but they too are lame. Many preachers are great wordsmith but that don't make them righteous. It is like what Roger Mayweather said "speed don't mean shit if you don't know how to use it." Or maybe that was Floyd Sr. who said that. Same goes with rappers, yeah you can spit but what does that mean if you don't use it for something other than capital? And let me school thee: Most all presidents and world leaders are masons, they meet up at this place call Bohemian Groove in Northern California. They do weird shit there. Do I think there are under workings in the music industry? Yes! So yeah I think Jay Z along with a slue of others are on some other shit that I may never understand and agree with but they are happy with their life so great.

And that media bs that you mention has a basis if it didn't you and I would not be talking about. You chose to see things one way I chose to see things another. Somewhere in between the truth lies.

The whole "demonic symbol" came from the notion that he's a devil worshipping free mason. The name Hova came from a lyric in which he said he's a God MC call me "Jay Hova". It's just a play on the word Jehovah. It was also a stab at Nas who used to call himself God Son. In NY, especially in the 90's, when you outwitted somebody or played them.. we would say you son'd them. Just because Masonry is something you don't understand, doesn't give you the right to call someone demonic.

The fact that you called Lil Wayne and excellent wordsmith speaks volumes about your idea of real "hip hop. How can you like Immortal Technique and say something like that? Lil Wayne uses 2nd grade similes and metaphors. That's clever to you?

And why do you have to be "righteous" to be a hip hop artist? And how exactly does Jay Z only spit to gain revenue? #1 Isnt that the point #2 He's given multiple sold out concerts and gave the entire proceeds to 9/11 victims. I'd say that his music does a lot more than you give him credit for. The man is the 1st rapper to grace the stage of Glastonbury; thus opening up a HUGE door for African American artists, especially rappers. Jay Z has influenced music like a modern day Run DMC...and this is coming from a guy who grew up in Hollis, Queens!

Rapping about money doesn't automatically mean your music is commercial; which is what it seems like you're trying to suggest. Listen to his Grammy Family Freestyle, which eventually became part of his song with Chris Martin called Most Kings. Not only is he speaking on the evil of money and the corporate warfare taking place right in front of our face, he's also bringing to light art that most inner city kids don't even know about. The song is based on a painting by the late great Jean Michel Basquiat. Jay Z and Swizz Beatz have been avid art collecters and often advocate schools to enlighten young kids on the importance of art in the classroom. Once again, as a said before, if you're going to judge the man, school yourself on his entirety, then hack away.

[Allmenjoi8]

The whole "demonic symbol" came from the notion that he's a devil worshipping free mason. The name Hova came from a lyric in which he said he's a God MC call me "Jay Hova". It's just a play on the word Jehovah. It was also a stab at Nas who used to call himself God Son. In NY, especially in the 90's, when you outwitted somebody or played them.. we would say you son'd them. Just because Masonry is something you don't understand, doesn't give you the right to call someone demonic.

The fact that you called Lil Wayne and excellent wordsmith speaks volumes about your idea of real "hip hop. How can you like Immortal Technique and say something like that? Lil Wayne uses 2nd grade similes and metaphors. That's clever to you?

And why do you have to be "righteous" to be a hip hop artist? And how exactly does Jay Z only spit to gain revenue? #1 Isnt that the point #2 He's given multiple sold out concerts and gave the entire proceeds to 9/11 victims. I'd say that his music does a lot more than you give him credit for. The man is the 1st rapper to grace the stage of Glastonbury; thus opening up a HUGE door for African American artists, especially rappers. Jay Z has influenced music like a modern day Run DMC...and this is coming from a guy who grew up in Hollis, Queens!

Rapping about money doesn't automatically mean your music is commercial; which is what it seems like you're trying to suggest. Listen to his Grammy Family Freestyle, which eventually became part of his song with Chris Martin called Most Kings. Not only is he speaking on the evil of money and the corporate warfare taking place right in front of our face, he's also bringing to light art that most inner city kids don't even know about. The song is based on a painting by the late great Jean Michel Basquiat. Jay Z and Swizz Beatz have been avid art collecters and often advocate schools to enlighten young kids on the importance of art in the classroom. Once again, as a said before, if you're going to judge the man, school yourself on his entirety, then hack away.

If you heard Lil Wayne before he became the fuckery he is now, he is impressive. I would no way rank him in my top 50. Immortal Tech is my guy and Chino XL and some other cats. If the only thing you rap about is money then yes you are commercial. I have not heard a Jay Z album since his Black Album and I know how Jay got his name. I did not say you had to be righteous to be a hip hop star but when the only thing you talk about is money sex, and bling it becomes nauseating. I was never a RUN DMC fan but I get where you are coming from. I would not compare Jay Z to those guy, they were innovative I don't see innovation with Jay I really don't.

Free style fellowship the cats out of the Bay Area and Los Angeles I went to a few of their cyphers and I have to say I was blown away by the rawness in their rhymes, yes they spoke about sex, the fly chic, and all that comes with being an MC but that was not the only thing that they rapped about and that is what I am saying is the problem with artist today they only speak about one subject and the shit is a bore. Jay Z from beginning to end has not changed and it sucks. When Nas came out with Nastradamus I was so pissed, because he went commercial to the core. As an artist has some fucking dignity. You did not hear Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Herbie Mane give into the bullshit that is new age jazz. They would tell Kenny G and David Koz (my mother listen to the bs) to go straight to hell with their electric instruments.

J Dilla did not compromise. Jay Z maybe the greatest guy in the world, he may be the nicest most giving son of gun in all of NY, but he is still lame and so is his over exposed wife. This is the same guy who stuffed Biggie's style and that comment that he said about being a better MC than Biggie is a laughable. In a battle Christopher Wallace would demolish this cat.