By Malice Intended

Today marks the 37^th anniversary of Bruce Lee’s passing. The volatile and potent energy once contained in Bruce Lee’s frame hasn’t died, but has simply changed form and redistributed itself around the earth. It continues to irrigate popular culture and to nourish the spirits of eager minds. Lee was the conduit for something greater than himself. That his physical form could contain such a vibrant presence was an amazing accomplishment itself.

The impact that Bruce Lee has had on world culture goes far beyond the scope of the martial arts or cinema. More than anything else, Lee’s attitude and determination together stood as a living, breathing manifestation of the American dream; made startling by a nation that refused to acknowledge his citizenship. Armed with a steely resolve, he chose to change hearts and minds on his own terms. By simply adhering to and presenting various aspects of Chinese culture to the world, he changed the perception of his people and created a place for them in the new age.

Lee revolutionized the world of martial arts by founding a style known as Jeet Kun Do, translated as “the way of the intercepting fist.” His disdain for the fixed positions and stiff, rehearsed movements in martial arts inspired him to deviate from the norm. Jeet Kun Do emphasized fluidity and improvisation, eschewing katas and set patterns while opting, instead, to adapt and overcome. This approach would become an essential element of “mixed martial arts,” in which styles and sensibilities are combined into the combat equivalent of an amoeba: formless and shapeless, yet not without purpose or discipline.

Lee had a keen understanding of image and fitness, as evidenced by his immaculately ripped physique. At a time when bodybuilders concentrated on muscle size, Bruce focused on shredding his musculature into an impenetrable map of cuts and striations. His latissimus dorsi muscles extended outward like the wings of an angel. Suddenly, definition mattered as much as size. Bruce might not have been the sole inspiration for this shift, but perhaps unknowingly he was one of its earliest practitioners.

Unable to achieve the desired level of stardom in the West, Bruce ventured to Hong Kong, determined to make it on his own terms. He cast his lot with producer Raymond Chow and his then-fledgling Golden Harvest studios and together, they churned out a trio of films that would make Bruce a star. The Big Boss and Fists of Fury gave him the visibility and clout to command the desired attention from Hollywood. It was then that he teamed with Warner Brothers pictures to make Enter The Dragon, and popular culture would never be the same. Enter the Dragon almost single handedly made martial arts cinema into a worldwide phenomenon. Even non martial arts related action films began to incorporate such elements into their fight scenes. Even today the ripple effect started by the film can be felt.

Way of the Dragonallowed Lee to truly flex his artistic muscles, as he was granted full creative control. He wrote, produced, directed, and starred in the project and even played the percussion instruments for the musical score. He also showcased the comedic side of his persona. Walker, Texas Ranger fans can also thank Lee for introducing the world to a young Karate champion by the name of Chuck Norris, who went on to have a very successful career in film and television.

Long before the American entertainment industry learned how to effectively package and mass produce the swagger of other cultures, Bruce emerged as swagger personified. He possessed a self-assuredness that was rarely identified with Asian-Americans. Lee’s unapologetic refusal to kowtow inspired awe, and such cultural pride, crossed with a keen sense of self promotion, endeared him to the hearts of people of color around the world. African-Americans especially were influenced by his image and touched by his message. You didn’t have to be white to be a superhero.

The historic block party that “gave birth” to Hip-Hop culture took place at 1520 Sedgwick Ave in the Bronx on August 11^th in 1973, less than month after Bruce’s passing. I would like to think that the spirit of the little dragon chose to reincarnate itself in a culture that would affect the world in much different way. It may seem like a stretch until you consider the artful yet undeniably self promotional and egotistical nature of Hip-Hop. The most revered rapper of all time, Tupac Shakur, was a huge Bruce Lee fan. One only has to look at the defiant, devilish smirk that Pac displayed on the cover of Rolling Stone as proof. Let’s not even get into the countless Bruce Lee references that have been a perpetual part of rap music from day one.

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By Jordan Forrester

When I was a small child, my older cousin put his father’s .45 in his mouth and pulled the trigger. He was a recent college graduate and a new father. He was also contending with mountains of debt and a horrifying bout of depression. His sons have never been able to reconcile the event with a bright future; they both deal with rabid addiction and depression. My aunt, a once beautiful and blissful young woman, is now solemn. She tries to fill her life with the word, spending several nights a week at church. She says that makes it better. I’m not sure if I believe her.

That was twenty years ago, but the wounds simply haven’t healed. Suicide, short of harming your own kids, is the most unnatural of acts. We’re supposed to have this innate desire to live; a reflex that finds the weakest of humans displaying superhuman strength, mentally and physically, when they feel the walls of death closing in. It must take the absolute abyss of distress to short-circuit that type of hard-wired human impulse. It is also an act that leaves brutal devastation and confusion in its wake.

That leads me to view the trend of dejected celebrities, claiming that their melancholy led them down that dark path in the midst of some scandal, with a raised eye brow. Upon immediate inspection, it appears some of these people are banking on a claimed suicide attempt to explain their unreasonable behavior. These celeb suicide attempts are increasing in number to the point that they rival the other over-used pity producer, the press conference apology before going to rehab after they say something offensive in public.

I’m not suggesting that all celebrities are sprinkled with happy dust and they don’t have emotional issues and I’m not singling anyone out and calling them a liar. What I am suggesting is that using this horrible act as a cover for inappropriate behavior or for some pity-filled attention (and I’m sure there are some who have done this) is wrong.

Taking up the mantle of a group who struggle daily to find the courage to live, so you can appear human when the press is tearing you a new asshole for being an asshole, is reprehensible and leading folks astray in such a malicious manner should be grounds for some really shitty karma. If you are repulsed by the idea of taking your lumps in a public forum after doing something that engenders negative press, then maybe you are in the wrong line of work.

For those famous folks who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and are reaching out, I wish you well and hope you never find your only answer in that space between the barrel and your temple. For those who think it’s a quick fix and a way to beat a bad rap, maybe you can volunteer at a hot-line and experience that sort of misery first hand. Maybe you can speak to groups of young people who are most vulnerable to self hurt and find out what would possess someone to do such a horrible thing. Or maybe you can speak with my aunt and find out what living with the legacy of suicide truly means.

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It was during the early ‘80’s that the images started pouring in to living rooms across the world. Hungry, ill and dying residents of Ethiopia filled TV screens and crept into the psyches of millions of people who shook their heads with every image. There were a handful of folks who thought, maybe I can do something. Two in particular were Bob Geldof of The Boom Town Rats and Ultravox’s Midge Ure.

The original idea was a simple fund raiser. They struck during the Christmas season, when people were more apt to give, but instead of just asking for money, they offered a trade: you got a record for your donation; a song about the pain of hunger and the gift of giving. It was called, “Do They Know It’s Christmas.”

The song became Billboard’s #1 single and the fastest selling release in the history of the UK. It also prompted Harry Bellafonte to gather some U.S. musicians to create a charity song for Ethiopia on this side of the Atlantic. They called it “We Are the World.” Both singles sold like hot cakes. Geldof and Ure then said, “What else can we do?” The answer was Live Aid.

Ambitious didn’t being to describe it. There would be two simultaneous concerts in Philadelphia and London. Everyone who was anyone in the music biz would perform. It would be broadcast everywhere televisions existed and everyone who was able to watch would watch. It would be the largest telethon in the history of television. I’m sure Geldof and Ure received their fair share of snickers at the beginning, but damn if they didn’t make it happen.

They produced around 16 hours of live performance in front of over 170,000 fans in both venues. There were over 55 acts (some were groupings of solo artists or super-bands created just for the show) and over 400 million people tuned in. The final take was 245 million dollars. Even 25 years later, those numbers are staggering.

The aftermath of the event saw the creators both lauded and vilified. Geldof was knighted and also emulated via similar events like Farm Aid that followed. He laid down the blueprint for the global fundraiser and proved once again that the goal of few could change the lives of many.

Critics panned the control or lack thereof that his organization had of the money that was raised. Rebel factions in Ethiopia managed to get their hands on a portion of the proceeds to fund plans to hurt the country instead of help it. But even with the illegal siphoning that occurred, Geldof made his mark in Ethiopia and many of the life threatening problems the country faces were at least addressed because of him, according to the folks who keep the stats.

It’s been 25 years and Live Aid is still viewed as the event of a lifetime. Joan Baez said it was the Woodstock for the children of the 80’s, a party with a purpose. She was right and as romanticized as it sounds, the peanut gallery, the same folks who chose to shake their heads and change the channel all those years ago, can’t change the fact that Bob Geldof and Midge Ure did something.

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By Odeisel

Last week, the hopes of millions of Knick fans were dashed when Lebron James “took his talents to South Beach.” Back in 1973, however, we got the one that mattered when Cleveland’s own George Steinbrenner purchased the New York Yankees from CBS for ten million dollars. 37 years later the franchise value, following 11 pennants and 7 World Championships, stands at well over a billion.

 Steinbrenner died this morning of a heart attack at his home, following a prolonged deterioration of his health. The Boss held on long enough to close the House That Ruth Built with an All-Star Game and open up the house that George built with its 27^th title, an unparalleled accomplishment.

Before he departed Cleveland for the South, South Bronx, Steinbrenner was a true blue Ohioan, revitalizing the Cleveland-based family shipping business and taking ownership in the old ABL (American Basketball League) Cleveland Pipers. George hired the first Black coach of a professional basketball team, beating out Bill Russell and the Celtics by five years. The man who won more than Khaled secured the league’s only championship in 1962. In a similar way with Lebron, The Boss failed in his attempt to buy the Cleveland Indians and sought his victory elsewhere. That’s when the opportunity to purchase the Yankees presented itself.

Steinbrenner had mellowed in his later years; ceding principal of the Yankees to his sons, Hal and Hank, and GM Brian Cashman.  He had become a revered figure in his decline but during his heyday he enjoyed a love/hate relationship with both his city and employees.  There was the tumultuous relationship with skipper Billy Martin, as well has Steinbrenner’s notoriously short fuse with managers. In his time with the Yanks, George went through 20 managers and 11 general managers; an extraordinary rate of turnover.

Mr. Steinbrenner’s aggressive nature led him down the wrong path several times, including two extended periods of banning, once for illegal contributions to the campaign of disgraced President Richard Nixon, the other, for dealing with convicted sports gambler Howie Spira.

The second of these bans brought about a change in George, and once he was let back in, he let his people make the decisions with regards to the game. The Boss, famous for going after free agents in a maniacal attempt to win, allowed the team to raise homegrown talent and after a decade long drought in the 80s, began another dynasty beginning in 1996. Players like Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams and Andy Pettitte powered the run, all products of the Yankee farm system.

In a world of talk, George Steinbrenner was one of the few owners who had the guts to back it up.  There are many who say they want to win, but hide behind curtains like the Wizard of Oz when it comes to owning that responsibility. George stood front and center, occasionally to a fault in showing his desire to bring titles and uphold the Yankee legacy. Imagine going to work every day for an employer who actually listened to your requirements and supported what you prescribed as solutions to the needs of the company. Sure you may get yelled at when things don’t work out, but you would know that your company was committed to excellence. Imagine the economy with a nation of bosses that thought that way.

From ten million to 1.5 billion is quite an investment over the course of 30 years. And there were long periods of failure and humbling incidents along the way. Through it all though, for a city that waited 40 years for a Rangers hockey win, over 30 for a New York Knicks title, and a decade before the Giants and the Mets held us down in the 80s, The Boss added the “Empire” to New York State. When the Bronx was burning, and everyone else fled, George stayed and formed the hub for the present revitalization of the borough. Once again, Cleveland’s greatness was to the benefit of someone else. God Bless the city of Cleveland. Long live the Yankees and Rest In Peace to the greatest Boss there ever was.

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By Odeisel

Dear Tea Bag Party,

We know you feel that the government is against you. I’m sure on some levels there is an element of race involved no matter how much you deny it. On a certain level it probably doesn’t make sense to you, with all the things done to Black people that if one got in charge he wouldn’t seek some kind of revenge. You’re mistaken. Most of us aren’t wired like that.

You feel the government is raising your taxes and spending on your behalf and mortgaging your children’s futures with outrageous spending, trying to take away your guns, etc. That’s not government being against you it’s just bad government fostered by years of voter apathy, lawyers masquerading as politicians and general poor policy driven ineptitude.

Imagine just for a second, if your child was going out as they have so many times before to celebrate New Year’s Eve; trading last year’s mistakes for the promise of a clean slate. Imagine him being stopped by policemen paid by taxes you begrudgingly surrender. Imagine for a second that in the middle of a crowded train station the situation escalates, even though your son is complying with the police. In a mater of minutes he’s gone from reveler to roustabout and is in handcuffs, for reasons that aren’t readily apparent.

Crowds are gathering. Your son finds himself in handcuffs, face down on the concrete, still in compliance with the police. Now there is a knee in his back and your son, who is a threat to no one lies helpless. Flashes of light and thunderous booms occurs  and your son is lifeless, murdered at the hands of public servants for no reason.

You weep. But this is America, the land of justice. The incident was wholly captured on tape. Surely justice will be served. And you get to trial. Even with memories of similar cases going the other way, this was a well lit train station with hundreds of witnesses. Right? Shooting an unarmed man in the back, while in handcuffs? That’s murder…right? After a year of anguish, a child is fatherless, you buried your child, surely justice will be served. The death of your son rates less than whether some primadonna signs a basketball contract, but that’s how society is.

You sit in that courtroom. Listening to testimony. Hearing the details of the day you lost your child. Watching the video with 12 jurors one judge and half a chance. And then they deliberate. Your palms are sweaty as you think about Sean Bell. As you think about Rodney King. The jury returns. Johannes Mehserle, your son’s murderer will get no more than four years and potentially parole alone. How do you feel now?

Have you been in that position? Do you have to sit with your children and have to tell them to prostrate themselves before a seemingly untouchable police force that is supposed to be there for their protection unless they want to risk death? Black people do. For every generation of our children since we’ve been in this country. We don’t pay hyphenated taxes for being African -Americans. We shouldn’t have to feel like prisoners in place that we pay taxes to enjoy. We shouldn’t have to fear the ones who are paid to protect us. With all due respect, you have no idea what it’s like to truly have the government against you. Unfortunately, the family of Oscar Grant does. Trust me, there is nothing to party about. R.I.P. Oscar Grant.

By Malice Intended

50 Cent’s rapidly evolving campaign against P Diddy has gone from taunts and name calling to accusations of the worst sort.  50 has launched an online petition to stop Diddy from exploiting the memory and catalog of the Notorious B.I.G.  The petition itself was supposedly spurred by a recent behind the scenes video clip of Jay Electronica and Diddy performing “The Ghost of Christopher Wallace.”

50’s accusations are not completely unfounded.  The legacy of Christopher Wallace has proven quite profitable for Mr. Combs.  It has facilitated everything from posthumous releases to a heavily-hyped biopic.  Diddy has been directly involved in all of these ventures.  Many find the sincerity of these tributes questionable.  “The Ghost of Christopher Wallace” only adds more fuel to that fire; making it seem as if Diddy can’t go too long without invoking B.I.G’s name and image. 

This would be an open and shut case if not for 50’s own penchant for attention whoring.  His recent admonishment of Diddy’s diva like tendencies, while admittedly funny, is also tinged with a bit of irony.  50 has always been the embodiment of the old adage “all publicity is good publicity.”  Beefs and character assassination have always been par for the course.  He, too, craves the spotlight. He just goes about it in a different way.  Instead of exploiting the death of a colleague, he exploited a failed attempt on his own life.

50’s motivations become even more questionable when you take into account Diddy’s recent association with Rick Ross.  As 50’s star has faded, Ross’s career remains firmly on course and even appears to be picking up momentum in some regards.  His alignment with Diddy can only strengthen his rise.  50’s campaign against Diddy could be seen as yet another tactic to defame Rick.  50’s tendency to never let his enemies rest really hurts him in this regard, making his statements seem disingenuous.

50 is a strategist and a tactician.  He knows that many people see Diddy’s endorsement of Rick as sacrilege in light of all the comparisons between Rick and B.I.G, thus making it the perfect weapon to turn the tide of public opinion against his enemies.  Diddy has recently stated that there is only one Notorious B.I.G in an effort to silence the background chatter.  Rick, perhaps having become accustomed to 50’s antics, has chosen to remain silent. 

The idea that the B.I.G legacy has not been respected by its chief handler is a legitimate one, but in this case the messenger clearly has an axe to grind.  What’s more is that 50 has no personal stake in the matter.  It could be argued that he is just speaking his mind, but starting an online petition takes things a step further.  50 actions probably won’t do much to change Diddy’s behavior, but they will start a much needed debate about how Hip-Hop’s fallen heroes should be honored.

Ready To Die and Life After Deathrank among the greatest rap albums ever recorded, and B.I.G among the greatest rappers ever.  Diddy should be both proud and thankful that he had a direct hand in introducing such a tremendous talent to the world.  Out of respect for himself and the memory of Christopher Wallace, it’s time for him to leave well enough alone.  B.I.G’s small but substantial catalog not only speaks for itself, but for an entire region and an entire era.  The best way to further his legacy would be to make sure that his works are always available to future generations, rather than shrewd attempts at invoking his “ghost.”

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By Malice Intended

50 Cent is often at his most entertaining when he simply speaks his mind.  Interview snippets of him giving his perspective on rivals and enemies are often funnier and more potent than even his most vitriolic diss records.  Fif’s tendency to run off at the mouth has always been a substantial part of his persona.  Pity the poor soul who ends up in 50’s crosshairs, for he will receive no rest.  Never underestimate the entertainment value of watching a dead horse get beat into a bloody pulp.

Alas, every novelty has a shelf life.  Since the relatively disappointing sales of his latest album Before I Self Destruct, there has been a hint of desperation in 50’s bullying tactics that was not there before.  His tirades, regardless of how funny, seem like a bid to maintain relevance.  His latest comments about Diddy on G-Unit radio only serve to further the notion that 50’s antics are now old hat.

During a call-in segment, 50 refers to Diddy as a bitch numerous times.  50 then goes further, saying that Diddy’s craving for male attention rivals that of the women he surrounds himself with.  His smoke obscured performance at the BET awards is severely lampooned.  For the grand finale, 50 makes light of Diddy’s alleged affections for Cassie.  50 claims to have compromising pictures of her in his possession and that Diddy enthusiastically thanked him for not making them public.

*Comments begin at the 6:25 mark

This kind of rumor mongering and gossip played well in earlier eras, when a rapper’s popularity was dictated by his street cred.  It was essential that fans believed you were exactly what you claimed to be.  Your integrity should never come into question.  50 was keenly aware of this, and used it to great effect in his early battles with rivals.  Just about all who drew his ire were subjected to relentless clowning that impacted public perception to varying degrees.

Times have changed drastically.  Lil Wayne, currently the most popular rapper in the world, ascended to that status after pictures of him kissing another male on the mouth had been widely circulated.  In 2008 Rick Ross was literally caught in a lie, vehemently denying his past as a correction officer.  That didn’t stop Deeper Than Rap from debuting at #1 and nearly attaining gold status.

Today’s fans, quite frankly, could care less about the perceived authenticity of their favorite stars.  They are much more enamored by the quality of the music and the levels of success attained by the artist.  Any attempt by another party to affect their perception of said artist is written off as hate, regardless of how true it may be.  Why be so concerned with the next man, especially if his success does not impede yours?  In today’s climate, any legal hustle that reaps great financial rewards is seen as legit.

50 is fighting with an antiquated battle plan and needs to switch it up.  Whereas beef was once a valuable marketing tool, it is now seen as a distraction.  In this case, 50’s detractors see it as proof positive that 50’s success was built not on a catalog of solid music, but on a series of manufactured feuds.  50 should save his comments for the issues and instances that really count.  His recent comments seem uncalled for and unprompted.  Diddy has weathered gay rumors, brushes with the law and the murder of his greatest artist.  When measured against that, a few nude photos of his current love interest seem like the tabloid fodder they are.

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By shelz.

The 4^th of July is the day that the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress.  The holiday is all about sovereignty.  It’s about a group of people who wanted to shake misery and move on to greener pastures.  It’s about insurrection and self-reliance, determining your own path and then putting a plan in motion to make a journey down that conduit possible.

Of course, the revolution we celebrate today has to do with the dudes who founded this Nation.  However, mini-battles present themselves regularly.  We have personal revolutions going on around us at all times and music captures much of it.  So no, were not going get all Francis Scott Key with it today, but we will present to you some calls to arms, sonic agents of change and celebratory tunes marking the break from the proverbial chains.

X-Clan – “Funkin Lesson”

We all know someone who isn’t down with the whole “The U.S. is the best nation on earth” thing.  Attempting to create a nation within a nation for African-Americans has been discussed by more than one black leader.  However, talking people into that isn’t easy. Pamphlets are written, speeches are given and films are produced.  However, nothing says black people unite (and secede) better than an X-Clan song, sisssssssy.

The Cranberries – “Zombie”

“Zombie” is more of a rattling of chains than a break from them, but every good revolution starts with an instigator. The song was an outcry to the feuding Unionist and Nationalist groups living in Northern Ireland that regularly employed violence. However, the hostility between the two factions allegedly ended in 1998, a mere four years after “Zombie” was released.  Coincidence?  Maybe, maybe not.

Pink – “Sober”

Knowing is half the battle according to some, but most addicts know. They just don’t want to admit it. This song presents that step from knowing to admitting a change needs to be made and that is more than half the battle.  If you are celebrating sobriety, whether it’s a day or a decade, congrats.  That is a revolution that will last a lifetime.

Goodie Mob – “The Experience”

Ceelo has never been sharper and I couldn’t have said it better.  The personal revolution discussed in this song is about education of self and there are a lot of people who need to take that class.  Listen and learn folks.

Saul Williams – “List of Demands”

I fux with Niggy Tardust.  Not only because he has the best alias in the history of music, but because he managed to sneak the very contentious “List of Demands” into a Nike commercial. So his revolution pretty much entailed breaking away from all the art purists who thought he sold out, as if you would tell Nike no.  Whatever.  Anyone with a list of demands has something pretty serious planned if you ask me.

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By shelz.

The most apt title of all Hip-Hop releases this year has to be Teflon Don.  Rick Ross has taken more shots in the past two years than a birthday boy on St. Patrick’s Day between Officer Ross allegations, the XXL fake shades fiasco and 50 Cent promoting homemade porn and books from Rauce’s baby mama.  

Even with all the skeletons (or lack thereof really) rolling out of his closet, he has managed to sail through with a huge fan base still in tow.  The accusations he faced have killed lesser careers, but Ross is not unique in his ability to brush it off his shoulder. There are others who have through determination and bravado managed to silence the critics and give a finger to the haters in similar Big Willie fashion. Planet Ill is going to present some of them to you today, so sit back and enjoy our salute to those who rise above the alleged lies they tell, eye brow raising situations they are involved in and people they do dirty to still shine as our favorite emcees.

Jay-Z

I always wonder who buys Hov’s music (besides me) considering no one seems to have love for this dude anymore.  He moved on from Jaz, hooked up with Dame, then left Dame and the majority of the Roc-A-Fella family pissed off.

Who hasn’t blamed him of pulling the rug out from under their careers? Folks have accused him of stealing flows, stealing lyrics, stealing women and even worshiping the devil. He’s been relegated to the Hip-Hop retirement home over and over again with co-signs from other top 40 rappers, but does any of this diminish Jigga’s bottom line? Nope. Still solid as a Roc.

Lil Wayne

Hip-Hoppers accept open drug use and fathering a flock ‘o lil ones out of wedlock, don’t we?  However, I’m not sure if there is any cardinal rule short of snitching that is viewed as more detrimental to a Hip-Hop career if broken than being gay.  The explanations range from no one can relate to the lyrics, to God don’t like gay people. (But he likes drug dealing murderers? Sure.)

Regardless of the thought process, folks end up at the same conclusion.  And no I’m not calling Wayne gay, but that picture of him kissing Baby on the mouth was a shocker to the Hip-Hop community and seen as crossing the hetero line.  Then Da Drought 3 came out and it was water under the bridge.

Nicki Minaj

Poor Baby.  If it can be said, it has been said.  Let’s see.  She doesn’t write.  She’s a lesbian.  She has a fake booty.  She’s a style thief and she lip-synched at the BET awards.  Yo.  This chick doesn’t even have an album yet, let her breathe.  Geesh.

Anyway, the haracujo Barbie fans are still supporting. It won’t be until her album goes triple cotton that we all realize that she’s a product of the hype factory and her padded ass is of no consequence.

T.I.

Even though T.I. is currently dealing with his own arrested career, he’s talking about Jay and his ummm… oldness.  There are all sorts of rumor and innuendo floating around about T.I. and that short vacation of his.  I don’t know what’s true and what isn’t.

However, telling children to put down the guns, suggesting you have turned over a new leaf and then releasing a barrage of trap material is just well… a little unsettling to Hip-Hop’s thinking minority.  Since we are in the minority though, Mr. Harris will probably remain unblemished.

Puffy

I really, honestly can’t keep up with what he calls himself, so if that’s old, pardon moi. What I did keep up with though were the squadrons of rap fans who felt a certain way about Shyne sitting in jail for almost a decade and Diddy being less than available for visits. Yeah.  If it’s true, it sucks.  That didn’t stop anyone and everyone from shitting on Shyne when he started releasing music again and it’s not going to stop you from shaking your little booty to “Hello, Good Morning” while you sip on some she-she Ciroc cocktail in your Sean John bathrobe either either.

Birds of a feather?  Who knows.

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By Odeisel

When Rick Ross came under fire last year during the Officer Ross fiasco, the one thing that allowed him to weather the storm and to stay in position was that he stayed in the studio and kept banging out heat.  Ray Lewis erased the memory of a murder trial with an NFL title and all-time performance. Two more rings and the greatest Air interpretation have made the memories of Colorado shrink in the rear view mirror for the Black Mamba and Ron Artest’s media darling status is light years away from the images of the Malice At The Palace. Bottom line, sometimes when you’re famous and in deep trouble, it’s best to do what you do and let the fans love you for it.

Chris Brown has been going through it the past year and change, following the auto ass whuppin he gave Rihanna. While his diehard fans supported him, many others were not at all amused with the level of violence involved, especially after TMZ leaked those photos. There were rumors of Awards show black balling by Rihanna benefactor Jay-Z and no one but Juelz Santana wanted to connect themselves with Brown.

Bad management didn’t help him any. They didn’t get on top of the problem, they didn’t prepare him for the media scrutiny, and I’m not even going to go in on those two video statements with the orange Star Trek sweater, and the powder blue Pee Wee Herman bow tie on the Larry King interview. He lost his endorsements and was headed rapidly for rock bottom so soon after reaching his apex. It got ugly.

Last night, we got a chance to see why Brown was on the verge of pushing Usher out of his spot. After being universally panned for their trash tribute to the King last year, BET finally got the light bulb and pulled out the big gun that had saved a few lackluster award shows for them: Chris motherf**king Brown. You remember the back flip off the stage a few years ago, and his coming out party the year before that. For whatever reason, Jigga, bad press or otherwise, he was excluded from last year’s show. This year, we were treated to perhaps the best tribute this side of Jackson’s funeral.

Appearing in silhouette and bursting out on stage dressed as Michael from “The Way You Make Me Feel” (blue button up with rolled up sleeves, wife beater black pants, and penny loafers) Brown lit up the stage with incredible energy and dynamism that no one, including the aforementioned Mr. Raymond is capable of matching at this point. Brown went through a medley of sets, including the “Billy Jean” set featuring the Moonwalk and other slick moves from “Remember The Time.” Laser lights, the abandoned car from “Black or White” and set pieces from “Smooth Criminal” added to the flavor.

The highlight of the performance was on one hand, an emotional meltdown, but on the other the culmination of the release of a year of being shunned and finally getting the spotlight back; along with honoring a major influence in his showmanship and music and the performance of a highly emotional song (Man In The Mirror). Brown was so full of emotion he burst into tears and was unable to perform the song. The moment was brilliant in its simplicity and seemingly natural in effect: there wasn’t a dry eye in the audience and I’m sure a few at home were tearing up as well. Somewhere, Trey Songz is sweating his ass off.

Don’t get it twisted. Crying was probably the best thing to happen as he wouldn’t have been able to nail that, and you knew nobody would be able to get through that song in the first place. On the other hand, with all the blunders his team made in the wake of his incident, it’s hard to imagine them being savvy enough to pull this off artificially.

Regardless of whether you believe in his sincerity, Brown’s performance last night was nothing short of riveting. Whether you feel a certain way about him, you have to know that you’ll probably look like an ass talking down on him now. So now if you were calling for his banning, you have to come to grips with how much you want to take a stand on this. In the end, all it really comes down to in the world of flashing lights is whether you can produce. Now that Brown has reminded the world of his sublime performing talents, it would seem that the road back to grace is lined with the tears of a Brown.

*(AP Photo/Matt Sayles)