The "N" FL- Word Debate!

It's amazing to me that with all of the ills that plague the country that the NFL is seriously debating legislating the use of the N-Word during football games.  The 4 letter network ESPN even dedicated a 1 hour special this past Sunday to the use of the word.  The debate included hip-hop artist Common, and esteemed journalists Jason Whitlock, Michael Wilbon and Jemele Hill (all 3 of the journalists are employed by ESPN). 

The N-Word and it's use has long had monetary impacts on the economy especially with it's common use in the hip-hop community.  Many people may not realize that the hit song "My Hitta" by YG in it's clean form is really titled "My Nigga" in it's explicit version.  While the song has been cleaned up to generate airplay on mainstream radio, the cleanliness doesn't eliminate the nastiness of the song and the negative connotation that it truly represents.  "My Hitta" is presently the number 8 most popular song on the R&B/Hip-Hop Chart according to Billboard.  It's been as high as #2 on the overall airplay list with Beyonce's "Drunk In Love" dominating everything R&B right now.  "My Hitta" is a money maker bottom line and landed YG on the Arsenio Hall show for a performance of the song. 

The NFL can try to legislate the use of the N-Word all it wants, and it's a popular topic to discuss on television debate shows but until the powers that be in music first and foremost take a stand on it's use, any debate about the use of the word is futile.  It's cute for us to have an issue with Riley Cooper and Paula Deen using the word because they're of a different color.  It's sad for us not to have an issue with a song titled "My Nigga"!      

Da Brat Ordered to Pay $6.4 million in Damages!

Once relevant hip-hop artist Da Brat was ordered to pay $6.4 million by a Cobb County, Georgia jury today, resulting from a 2007 attack against Shayla Stevens at a club owned by Jermaine Dupri.  Da Brat, whose real name is Shawntae Harris has already served nearly 3 years of prison for the attack and remains on probation after hitting Stevens with a bottle and being convicted of aggravated assault. 

Da Brat had a once promising career as a rapper, but has been rendered into near obscurity since her release from prison.  Having a $6.4 million judgement attached to your reputation places even more negative attention on your brand.  While I'm not sure of what Brat's options will be to settle the judgement, all celebrities need to be careful when they're committing intentional acts that cause bodily injury.   

Dirty Money?

Diddy's latest musical concoction Dirty Money made an appearance on "Saturday Night Live" over the weekend performing "Coming Home" and some other song that used Swizz Beats as the hype man. The fact that the group didn't perform "Hello Good Morning" or "Loving You No More" is quite interesting. The group's debut CD "Last Train To Paris" will be released next week, but it seems as if Diddy has been promoting this record for a year. Already on at least the third single, it looks like the record will go "aluminum foil" as I like to state when a record bombs.

The group, which seems like Diddy and his back up singers, Dawn Richards and Kalenna Harper is another vehicle to promote the brand that is Diddy, which is a disservice to the two talented young women.

"Decoded"

Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z is releasing a new book titled "Decoded" on November 16. The book reads as a biography and decodes 36 of his classic songs. The New York Post previews the book, which appears to be fascinating and a must buy. The artist, aka Shawn Carter opens up about his past of dealing drugs, getting high with Biggie and getting the sample approval on "Hard Luck Life" from the Annie franchise.

Jay-Z is worth an estimated $450 million, and doesn't have to release a book recounting his life. His rags to riches story is a testament to hard work, maximizing talent and rising above adversity.

Trouble For Clifford Harris?

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports on possible issues for Mr. Clifford Harris, better known as hip-hop artist T.I.. The judge who sentenced Harris in his firearms conviction has signed an order for Harris to appear before a federal judge to explain why his probation shouldn't be revoked due to his arrest in California on September 1st. The embattled star is facing 3 possible probation violations: possession of Ecstasy, testing positive for opiates and associating with a convicted felon.

Perhaps Harris forgot that he has to follow the same rules as other people who are on probation or simply forgot his precarious legal situation. He's had to cancel a concert at Penn State later this month, so it's assumed that his travel privileges have been revoked. This is a perfect example of when "Keeping It Real" has gone wrong.

Purple Drank Quietly Destroying Lives!

The "Purple Drank" is a mixture of prescription strength cough syrup containing codeine, mixed with a soft drink such as 7Up and pieces of Jolly Rancher candy. It's been prevalent in the hip-hop community for years popularized by such artists as Lil Wayne and Three 6 Mafia. ESPN ran a segment recently highlighting it's impact on the athletic community, and with former #1 NFL draft pick JaMarcus Russell being arrested this week for possession of a controlled substance, the Purple Drank phenomenon now as a new audience.

Russell's career is likely over, and while he was clearly a bust after receiving a signing bonus of over $30 million, it's not out of the question to suspect that Purple Drank contributed to his demise. Just what we need, another vice to derail our community.

Kanye West Returns To Chicago For A Good Cause!

Superstar producer and hip-hop artist Kanye West returned from his self imposed exile with performances at 3 Chicago schools in which he recognized the students' improvement in the areas of grades, behavior and attendance as reported by the Chicago Tribune. The 3 schools:Farragut Career Academy, John Marshall Metropolitan and Percy L. Julian High School were also treated to performances by Chicago products Common and Lupe Fiasco.

The Kanye West Foundation's third annual Stay In School Event shows that Kanye West still has his head on straight, and the fact that he celebrated his 33rd birthday with the performances shows his humility.

Everyone Should Have Jay-Z's Problems!

The New York Post reports on Jay-Z's 99 problems highlighting the success and failures of the hip-hop stars business ventures. Interesting read, and needless to say everyone should have Jay-Z's problems.

Gucci Mane Released!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports on the release this morning of rapper Gucci Mane. Gucci Mane was released from jail after serving 6 months on a probation violation from a 2005 assault charge. Upon his release, the rapper made the following statement:

"I have made some mistakes in my life that have hurt a lot of people who care about me. I have worked very hard to get past them, but those mistakes have brought me to where I am today, and they will not be repeated. These past six months have been a difficult time, but fortunately I have learned a great deal from my experience. I was able to do a great deal of soul searching; I am coming out with a new attitude towards life."

Gucci Mane states that he's about to hit the recording studio and will be releasing a new album in the summer. Hopefully he'll stay out of trouble as well.

Lil Wayne Begins His Time In Jail!

Rapper Lil Wayne finally began his time in jail yesterday when he was taken to Rikers Island where he'll serve a maximum of one year in jail for a conviction on gun charges. Lil Wayne is the most prolific rapper in the business, and while he'll be missed by his fans there won't be a shortage of music or videos for his fans to experience his genius.

Is Lil Wayne Ready For Jail?

Rapper Lil Wayne will begin his stint in jail tomorrow. While I'm sure he never anticipated spending time in jail for gun charges, hopefully he's prepared for it. If he's on good behavior, Lil Wayne will spend 8 months in jail. The seclusion will give him nothing but time to keep the creative juices flowing.

Waka Flocka Flame Shot In Suburban Atlanta!

Violence appears never to be far away from performers in the hip-hop community. Atlanta area rapper Waka Flocka Flame was shot yesterday while washing his car at a College Park, GA car wash. The apparent motive for the shooting was robbery, with the alleged assailant still at large. Atlanta area DJ Greg Street told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that the rapper is going to be fine. Hopefully this brush with violence will not be a regular occurrence for Waka Flocka Flame.

Gucci Mane Violates Probation, Back In Jail!

Rapper Gucci Mane is sitting in an Atlanta jail today for violating terms of his probation according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Mane's probation violation isn't clear, but what is clear is that he's behind bars until at least May 2010. Mane, whose real name is Radric Davis originally went afoul of the law in 2005 when he hit a club promoter over the head with a pool stick. Last year he failed to complete his community service requirements associated with that case.

Being a hip-hop artist shouldn't be a hazardous occupation, but these talented entrepreneurs always seem to be in trouble with the law even after they've achieved a level of fame and fortune. Maybe one day they'll realize that have the fortune doesn't preclude anyone from following the basic laws of society.

Ludacris Gives Away 20 Cars To Those In Need!

The hip-hop community is fast to be criticized for doing the wrong thing, but rapper/actor Ludacris took time out to help 20 people in need by giving away 20 used cars at a Morrow, GA car dealership near Atlanta on Sunday. Recipients of the cars had to write an essay to Ludaris' foundation explaining their need for the car, which comes with 30 days of free gas. While recipients are responsible for taxes, registration and insurance for the cars, Ludacris did remove the burden of having a car payment to the lucky winners. Thanks to the New York Daily News for showing "Luda" some love.

Rapper Baatin Memoralized!

Rapper Baatin was memorialized today in a Detroit church in a service attended by about 200 mourners according to the Detroit Free Press. Baatin's body was found on a Detroit street on August 1, and the cause of death is still undetermined. Baatin had suffered from mental health issues prior to his death.

50 Cent's Costly Purchase!

Rapper 50 Cent purchased Mike Tyson's former home in 2003 under the assumption that it would take $500,000 to repair the home according to BVH Integrated Services, the engineering firm he hired to inspect the home. It wound up costing $6 million, and 50 wants $3 million as he testified in court yesterday according to the New York Daily News. He put the home up for sale in 2007, but had no takers for it.

DMX Released From Jail!

Rapper DMX was released from a Phoenix jail after serving a 90 day sentence on felony convictions according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons still faces additional charges added while incarcerated for allegedly throwing a tray at a jail officer. DMX needs to get his life together, he has a teenage son who's really tired of his father's juvenile antics.

Kid Cudi!

Being a lover of music sometimes puts you in touch with songs which are just very infectious. Kin Cudi has delivered one of those songs with his single "Day 'N' Niight" which sits at #3 on the Billboard 100 charts. A Kanye West protege, Cudi's cd will be released in August. He's also a burgeoning actor, appearing in a Mark Wahlberg-produced show for HBO called "How to Make It in America."

Eminem's "Relapse"

The album cover for Eminem's new cd "Relapse" has been released. Ever the controversial one, Eminem is apparently reflective about his past battles with prescription drugs according to the Detroit Free Press. The wording at the bottom of the cover is as follows:

On the bottom right-hand corner of the image is a parental advisory sticker, a frequent sight on the covers of albums with profane material. On the bottom left-hand corner is a prescription-inspired tag “RELAPSE” with a backwards “E” at the end and an “X” under the “R” for a drug-related “RX.”

Other language on the image:
“Mathers, Marshall – 8 Mile Road, Detroit. Take 1 tablet(s) one time(s) daily at 3 a.m.”
“Refills: 05-19-09” — which is the album’s release date.
And, of course, “Prescribed by Dr. Dre” — Eminem’s executive producer.

Eminem's been away awhile. Looking forward to the May 19th release date.

Mary J. Blige and Big Boi Helping With Foreclosures!

Mary J. Blige and Big Boi assisted with the "Bringing Hope Tour" as they sat in on a workshop intended to assist people facing foreclosure in Atlanta. A good gesture by the two superstars, as foreclosures are very prevalent in our community. The phone number to call is 888-995-HOPE for anyone needing assistance. Thanks to the Atlanta Journal Constitution for the article.