August 08…
Hovi’s Home: The Makings of a Blueprint 3
For those who know me, know that I’m a diehard Jay-Z fan. I’ve brought all of his albums at least twice, because I play them so much they get damaged. So you could imagine how I felt when I heard the Swag Man was in the studio recording Blueprint 3 — bouncing off the walls. Thanl God for Ipods and I Tunes, because I don’t think I can be duplicating my sales on these next ten albums he’s planning to release…Gas is high!!
Jay-Z
Blueprint 3 will be Jay’s last with Def Jam and then he will begin recording with Live Nation— yeah, that $150 million deal he closed in May.
There’s this joint called “Jockin Jay-Z,” produced by Kanye West, that Jay started rapping on at Ye’s concert at Madison Square Garden last Wednesday, that is likely to appear on his CD. One of the lines he dropped was:
“ That bloke from Oasis said I couldn’t play guitar/
somebody shoulda told him I’m a f*cking rock star/
today is gonna be the day that I’m gonna throw it back to you…’
Mr. Carter was blasting on Oasis’ front man Noel Gallagher, who had protested the his invitation to headline the Glastonbury Festival, an annual rock event.
According to Memphis Bleek, there will be other Kanye West-produced tracks on Blueprint 2, which does not yet have a release date.
Bleek told Billboard.com:
“Kanye just brought him a new beat called “Brooklyn. You know Jay though, he’s always changing his mind. It’s going to be a masterpiece though…”
Can’t wait. I’m going to start preparing my interview questions — just in case I get my dream to share the same room with this man comes true this time around… If not this time, that’s OK, I’ve got 10 more albums to go!!!
–AFRO FLY GIRL
Jay-Z
John Legend
His performance was infectious, as usual. He sang some cuts of the new album, slated for release in October. Watch out for that cut “Green Light” with Andre 3000. It’s so flyyyyyyyy. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXvCR96Fnfs&feature=related.
Anyway, back to off the hook fashion show I almost missed. Supermodels Alek Wek, Tyson Beckford and Liya Kebede were in the building, strutting their stuff. Every time they stepped on the runway, I thought the roof would blow off the building from all the roaring coming from the audience.
Alek Wek Tyson
Move over Paris, London, Tokyo and New York. “The Black Continent” is commencing on a fashion takeover, — and for real, it’s about darn time. For so long Africa has exported fine fabrics, made mostly by the women in the villages of Nigeria, to fulfill the visions of European designers. Now taking full advantage of their own resources, Nigeria introduces explosive designs to the rest of the world.
For Fati Asibelua, creative director Momo designs, being able to share her vision on runways across the globe is “a dream come true.”
“There is no life without fashion,” said the Nigerian native, whose inspiration is rooted in Africa’s marketplace.
“We have a lot going on, here. I’m inspired by mats, global coins, baskets and cowries — a little bit of everything,” said Asinelua.
INSERT PICTURES HERE
Deola Sagoe’s fashions were also featured at the show. Known for flawless color combinations, attention to detail, perfect finish and finesse, Sagoe has given 21st century African fashion some of the most radical expression imaginable.
“I am inspired by Massai’ [bedtime stories],” said Sagoe. “ As a child, I was told fairy tales and stories of Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland…I am also inspired by the Victorian era.”
Oh, but fabrics weren’t the only thing on display at the show. Chris Aire, a Nigerian born, California-based jeweler, illuminated the runway with a custom-made $20 million dress. This dress came with it’s own security, outside of the security of the rest of the designs, which arrived at the Kennedy Center in an armored truck. Word was there two security guards outside the model’s dressing room, who escorted her to and from the runway, counting and making sure every diamond was in place.
Twenty million for a dress? I still can’t get over that!
2 Awesome International, Aire’s jewelry and watch company, caters to a celebrity clientele. Move over Jacob. You’ve had your shot. The Black boy is blingin’ now, lol.
Chirs Aire and Nduke Obaigbena
On another note: The mission of THISDAY, Africa’s leading media source, through this star-studded, international event, is to revolutionize the way awareness is raised for African issues. Nduuka Obaigbena said of the event:
Right now the international community seems to be dealing with the symptoms, not the problems, of Africa. This initiative is to highlight the need to focus substantial solutions on the problems through massive investment in infrastructure and microfinance in order to rebuild Africa from the ground up. Europe is what it is today because after World War II, the ‘Marshall Plan’ took hold. It did not deal with poverty, it focused on rebuilding Europe.”
…Now that’s real talk. I’m out on that note.
–AFRO FLY GIRL
Who said hip-hop was dead? If I remember correctly, it was Nas who felt this sentiment so deeply he titled his last album just that.
But despite the drop in album sales over the last few years, and the lackluster lyrics being given the most the most airplay these days, I would say hip-hop is still holding on — with a tight grip too.
And I bet Nas isn’t singing that morbid tune anymore, because his new Untitled album comes in at No. 8 on the Top 200 Album Sales chart for the week ending in 8/27 after reigning in at No.1 the week before.
NAS
And who knows, maybe the fiery LP “Sly Fox” has something to with it. But hey, whatever works. On this track he unleashes his frustration with the media’s slanted news coverage — especially of this historical presidential campaign.
“Watch what you watching/Fox keep feeding us toxins/Stop sleeping and start thinking outside of the box/ and unplug from the matrix doctrine/ But watch what you say cause Fox 5 is watching.”
Yesssss. Nas takes it there. Putting Fox on blast in a major way, calling it “visual cancer” and “digital satan.”
Nas starts lyrically murdering Fox from the very beginning, no bars held:
What’s a Fox characteristic?
Slick sh#t
Sensin’
Misinformation
Pimp the station
Over stimulation
Reception
Deception…
That Fox has a bushy tail
And Bush tells
Lies and Foxtrots
So I don’t know what’s real
And true he’s not saying anything that hasn’t been said before, but what makes his message so strong is the audience he’s reaching. Hip-hop, like Fox News has an impact on just about everyone, whether through the airwaves or advertising— people are tuning in. Not to mention the rousing among the young people this has caused, and that’s where it counts.
With the backing of 620,000 signatures Colorofchange.org and MoveOn.org, Nas issued a petition to Fox News demanding they but a stop to the “patterns of racist attacks” on Blacks and Barack Obama regularly spewed through the tube.
This is major for hip-hop. This puts youngsters on point, giving them a perspective from a source they respect — a green light to start being more aware of the information they consume.
“Ya’ll exploit rap culture, then ya’ll flip on us/ Ya’ll own the post, and ya’ll sh#t on us…”
Truth… I am so feeling this track, cause so many of my peers need to hear it. Too many don’t expose themselves to political commentary outside of hip-hop, so for this to make it through censorship — and not be labeled “conscious rap” or confined to the underground like the lyrics of MC greats like Mos Def, Tribe Called Quest, Little Brother and others — is big. This reaches the masses in a powerfully, intellectual way. It brings balance to the rift raft in hip-hop, holding true to hip-hop’s original mission: To be the voice of the young people.
Nas really did his thing on this. And the record sales are just the proof in the pudding. It’s amazing what artists can do when they stop moaning and groaning about everything hip-hop is not, and pick up the mic and start saying something.
Honestly though, putting out an album talking about hip-hop is dead, does no justice for the game. And personally, I couldn’t get into Nas’s last album anyway, because the content was too inconsistent with what he’s put in the past. And I understand, every artist is entitled to their BF moments. I’m just glad it’s over. Now back to the business of empowering the people and making hits.
But this here, this Untitled album — which by the way was suppose to be titled Nigger— is the knowledge kicking Nas I’m use to. It’s not another It Was Written or Illmatic, but it’ll do.
During the Rock The Bells Concert, featuring A Tribe Called Quest and Jay-Z, in New York this past Sunday, Nas basically said the Black leaders of today are ineffective and irrelevant and that’s he’s willing to step up to the plate and carry the torch for his community.
“Jesse Jackson, I love you, but his a*% is outta here. Al Sharpton, his a*& is outta here,” Nas said to a concert goers.
NAZ and Jay-Z
And I got to give props the other artists making contribution the political conversation in America like Puffy, who’s has been pushing the “Rock the Vote,” now the Barack the Vote” campaign, for the past four years. And Jay-Z, who while on tour has devoted a substantial amount of time during his sold-out shows to campaigning for Barack Obama and shining light on George Bush, “The Idiot,” and his lack of compassion for Black folk.
T.I.
And T.I., who came to D.C. in effort to increase voter registration. Now I don’t know if that was really something he wanted to do, or something he had to do because of his community service obligations and all— but hey, whatever works.
And Luda is out there campaigning too. Even though he went hard by bashing Hilary, saying: “Hilary hated on you/ so that b#%ch is irrelevant.”
In my opinion that was a rather low blow. Shame on you Luda. But that’s hip-hop for ya!
…And I’m leave it at that.
Until next time…Stay Fly
Peace, Love and Hip-Hop Forever
Oh yeah, I almost forgot, check out the lyrics to Nas’ “Sly Fox” in their entirety on http://www.metrolyrics.com/sly-fox-lyrics-nas.html.
Now I’m gone for real this time.
—AFRO FLY GIRL
August 11, 2008
Temporary Utopia
I got up Saturday morning thirsty for a sense of euphoria, even if only for a little while. So I took a cruise down I-70 to this spot I stumbled on last September that gives hour trail rides on horseback for $25. Misty Manor is what it’s called. I remember last time I was going through some things — my Boo was acting crazy, job was crazy, feeling a little depressed, stressed out, to say the least — and I said to myself, “You know what? To hell with every body and everything. Right now. I’m going to do me.” So I did. I decided to do something I’d always wanted to do — go horseback riding.
At Misty Manor
I found that experience to be more than just checking off the next thing on my “Things I Gotta Do Before I Die” list. It was invigorating. It restored a sense of peace and equilibrium, which I had been longing for a while. And after one ride, I was addicted.
Having another creature guide me on nature’s path to no where in particular, and no where fast, while I just sat back and enjoyed the scenery and sounds of birds chirping to their own tune of life and the water tustling with the rocks in the creek nearby, not having to worry about stop lights or sirens, cell phones or emails — just me, nature and the horse — was like heaven on Earth. The breeze was gentle and it felt like the sun poked its way through the trees just to shine a little light on me.
See, it helps to get away from city life, if only for a little while, because every now and then your spirit needs to be quieted so you can revel in just how good life really is —without technology, money and all that other stuff we think makes life complete.
This time I took up with a horse by the name of Sonny. They all have very distinct personalities and are really fun to interact with once you warm up to them — and they to you. I could tell Sonny was one-of-a-kind before we even set off on the trail. He didn’t want to share the water with the other horses. Instead, he waited for everyone to get a drink before he did. And every time another horse dipped his head in the pale, he would stop drinking, grunt a little and wait until they moved before he’d drink again. This made us late to the gate, where everyone was waiting to get going. But Sonny didn’t care. He took his sweet time catching up. And when the trail guide called for him, he grunted at her too. It was hysterical. And the funny part about it was his personality was a little like mine. Not the one to go with the crowd and doesn’t do to well with taking orders. We like to make our own rules. So, we had a lot to talk about on the trail. (Horses like it when you talk to them, and they are responsive, too.) I learned that you’re supposed to say “Whoa” when you want them to stop. And you don’t have to pull so hard on the reigns because they understand.
When we got down to the creek, he stopped dead in his tracks. He didn’t want to get in. I gave him a kick, and another, and another. He wouldn’t budge. He was obviously not a horse on whose bad side I would want to venture, but I needed to catch up with the rest of the riders. I gave another kick —this time harder — and he shook his head, as if to say “This is some bull*&%” and reluctantly trudged through the water — intentionally splashing all the way through. He wet me up something terrible. But it was all good.
All in all, it was fun. I had a chance to just sit back, ride and reflect. That is when Sonny was minding his manners and not biting the butt of the horse in front of him, or daring to take his own route through the trail.
Horseback riding is a wonderful stress reliever, I try to do it whenever I can. It’s cheap and it’s close to home (20 minutes to be exact) and it also helps now that I’m on this new workout plan— it’s good on the abs and effortlessly burns 360 calories an hour.
Try it. You’ll see what I mean.
— AFRO FLY GIRL
Rick Ross
I mean, really. First Rick Ross’ past employment as a correctional officer is exposed. And Plies lies about is criminal record. Is it really that important to not be yourself these days?
Is it that serious?
Now Rick Ross has been in the media heavy lately, trying to clear his name. In an interview with DonDiva magazine he told his critics that what they see and here from him is all real.
According hiphopdx he denied the validity of a photo published by, saying: “My life is 100 percent real. These online hackers putting a picture of my face when I was a teenager in high school on other people’s body. If this shit was real don’t you think they would have more specifics, like dates and everything else? I’m in the entertainment business and a lot of people like to hate because I’m on top of my game. Like I said before my life is 100 percent real.“
And if TheSmokingGun.com’s report of Rick Ross’, I mean, William Roberts’ social security number matching that of a William Roberts who graduated from the Florida Department of Corrections Academy is false —which I strongly doubt, because it’s been confirmed all over the place by now— or the documents that reveal that at 19, Ross was given a job in December 1995 aren’t real, my thing is this: You’re still a fake if you use someone else’s name to build up your “bad boy” persona in the hip-hop game— and without permission at that. Where’s the integrity in that, better yet where’s the originality?
If William Roberts was the H.N.I.C. in his hood back in MIA like he claims, then why ride someone else’s hood status to fame? According toAllHipHop.com, the original “Freeway” Rick Ross, a former LA drug king pin now who locked up with the FEDS told AllHipHop.com:
“No, I never told him it was okay to use my name. I told him I wasn’t trippin’ but we needed to sit down and talk. Cause I would never be involved with a Millie Vanilli. I built this name to what it is today to where I can go to any prison in this country and get saluted.”
After reading some touring various blogs and reading comments on this matter, I found that people were a little agitated with the real Ross’ comment, saying he’s glorifying the street life by flaunting his hood stardom in the penal system. But I don’t think it’s that at all. Here you have someone making money off of who you are (or were, for that matter), looking like you, with the beard and all—basically imulating you. That’s just wrong. It’s phony. It’s wack. Here you have a grown man, who still doesn’t know who or what he want to be when he grows up— a rapper or a king pin.
“After seeing all the stuff that has been going on with the Correctional Officer (William Roberts) that stole my name, [it] makes me think back to a year and a half ago when we spoke,” Ross explained to AllHipHop.com. “I tried to talk to him like a big brother and let him know to be you, and that he couldn’t be me. And that if he wanted to rap the lifestyle that he couldn’t frame it based on my life.
How different his life would have been if he would have taken my advice,” Ross reflected. “You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all the people all the time.”
That’s for sure, because William’s (I’m going to use the government now, because at least that’s one thing for sure) album sales have taken a dive since all mess leaked. Miami’s “bad boy” dropped over 20 spot on the Top 200 Album Sales chart last week, landing in on #74.
“When it all…it all falls down” like the boy Ye said, it comes down. But that’s what happens when you try to keep up with the Jones’ of the rap game.
Ross’ career is through. Finished. There’s no coming back after that.
The real Ross, who was sentenced to life in prison, is now anticipating an early release slated for 2010 for good behavior and is expecting to move forward with his ventures in book publishing and the music business. Go figure.
This now makes me wary of the ROC’s Freeway. He’s got the name and the look of someone else too. What’s up with that?
This is too much dram for me. Hip-hop doesn’t need this. Not now. Not ever.
I’m signing off…
—AFRO Fly Girl
Without a doubt, K-Swift was a lot of things to a lot of people. As the first and only female DJ on 92Q’s roster, she left behind a tough act to follow. People will miss everything about her, from her infectious personality to the undeniable talent and skill she displayed on the “ones and twos” on night shows like “Off Da Hook Radio” or when broadcasting live from Club Choices. Even if you weren’t planning on spending you Saturday night down on Charles Street, you still tuned into K-Swift to get pumped up and ready to party, wherever you destination.
Singer K. Swift
But aside from leading an impactful and successful career — like being responsible for putting Baltimore club music on the map, breaking down barriers for female DJs to boldly and confidently do their thing on the turntables, embarking on tours overseas, heading an entertainment and management company and hustling CDs on a national scale – K-Swift was, in her own unique way, an advocate and role model for the youth in Baltimore. And I don’t feel that the impact of her absence on the Baltimore scene will really be felt until around late August, early September, when it’s time for those teen-only back-to-school parties, where youth are provided a safe, age-appropriate venue to party and bid summer good-bye with all their friends from around the city. Or around Christmas or New Year’s when there are various free activities, sponsored by K-Swift, that youth can get into while out on winter break. Parties hosted by K-Swift at the Paradox on Friday nights gave those youngsters not yet 21 a place to party.
When Easter rolls around and K-Swift is not filling commercial segments promoting a kiddie disco or Easter after party she’s sponsoring, then I think people will really start to feel it.
Swift was about the kids. Even if she wasn’t the one throwing the party, she would attach her name to it just for the cause. I really don’t think people have fully contemplated what the effects of this loss in our community will have. Because of K-Swift, young people had an outlet to socialize in safe environments. They had the opportunity to be a part of the happenings in Baltimore even if they didn’t have a lot of money, because were moderately priced, if not free. In K-Swift, Baltimore’s youth had a role model. In her they saw someone who nurtured her dream of becoming a DJ from the tender age of 11 and saw it all the way through to fruition at 29. They saw in her strength, integrity and character – someone who hadn’t given up on them. She gave a lot of her time to the community and all the appreciation of her efforts was shown last Monday the prayer vigil at the radio station. There were so many young people in attendance; you would’ve thought it was the first day of school, or a T.I. concert or something. But know, it was all for Swift. The parking lot was packed. People came out to Woodlawn from as far as east Baltimore and Cherry Hill, by bus, in 95 degree weather to pay their respects. I just hope the youth will not be discouraged or taken off track by this sudden loss, but use it as inspiration to continue reach for their dreams and aspirations as Swift would’ve wished.
K-Swift touched the lives of many, including those like myself, who never formerly met her but had genuine respect for her hustle and her positive contributions to the community.
Much love to K-Swift, the Edgerton and 92Q family and her young fans. Keep your head up.
…And this is AFRO FLY GIRL signing off.
Until next time, stay fly.
