Human: Being

It's Been A Good Run

2008-01-06T12:15:00.000-05:00

So, as I do with each new year, I'm taking this show on the road.

Catch me if you can!

Peace & Light

D. M. Gibson

I'm Baaaaaaaaack!

2007-12-11T00:41:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile, huh?

Well, life got real busy real quick and took me a little by surprise.

Remember when I told you about the job interview that gave me homework? Well, I got it! I'm now the Editorial Assistant for an international publishing house (can't tell you all my information). Actually, I've been working there almost four months now.

I actually feel like I live here now, not just bouncing from temp job to temp job and squatting (even though the living situation hasn't improved much since the last post).

Anywho, this is just a little placeholder until I start posting more. I haven't forgot about you guys!

D

Okay, So It's Been A Minute

2007-07-17T23:53:00.000-04:00

Life has been a little busy at the moment. I've had friends from Texas come up almost every single weekend except this past one, a job interview that gave me homework*, and I've even had to file a missing persons report (don't worry everything's fine with that). So, blogging has gotten just a bit scarce.

Not to fear, though, the bloggy goodness that I'm known for has returned! A new "New York Chronicle" tomorrow!

D

*I mean, really? What part of the game is that?

A Lil' Sumthin' To Tide You Over

2007-06-28T16:40:00.000-04:00

"Pound" by Evan Bernard

New Posts Soon Come!
D

New Posts Come Soon!

2007-06-28T00:13:00.000-04:00

Don't fret, I have many more stories to tell.

D

WTF! A "Gay" Bomb?!?!*

2007-06-14T21:54:00.000-04:00

In case you haven't heard about it, our government (yep, the good ol' U. S. of A) actually devoted time, effort and thought to this idea.

From cbs5.com:

As part of a military effort to develop non-lethal weapons, the proposal suggested, "One distasteful but completely non-lethal example would be strong aphrodisiacs, especially if the chemical also caused homosexual behavior."

The documents show the Air Force lab asked for $7.5 million to develop such a chemical weapon.

"The Ohio Air Force lab proposed that a bomb be developed that contained a chemical that would cause enemy soldiers to become gay, and to have their units break down because all their soldiers became irresistably attractive to one another," Hammond said after reviewing the documents.

"The notion was that a chemical that would probably be pleasant in the human body in low quantities could be identified, and by virtue of either breathing or having their skin exposed to this chemical, the notion was that soliders would become gay," explained Hammond.

So wait, let me get this *ahem* straight. They seriously thought that they could put together some type of bomb that would turn (out) soldiers from this to this in a matter of seconds?

Sounds like the plot of a really bad porno...

D

*picture removed

You've Probably Never Heard Of...: The Nepotism Edition

2007-06-11T22:02:00.000-04:00

In this edition of You've Probably Never Heard of..., I've decided to give some shine to some of my favorite folks who are making moves musically, kind of like Rappers I Know.

Phil Ford + Feel
First up is my homeboy Phil. Phil is known professionally by many names (producer Fresh Int'l and band Senza), but my favorite incarnation of him is one-man band PHIL FORD + FEEL.

Phil put together a collection of demos which beacame Delusions of Grandeur. At times deeply personal and highly political, Delusions is an album that immediately strikes a chord in you. Whether it be the jarring opening lines of "Fair Trade" (Quietly pay them muthaf**kers off/strike a deal no matter what the cost...) or the simple "Big Box Argument," Phil wears his classic rock and soul in his signature raspy drawl.

I love Phil's other endeavors, but this is where I think his heart and soul truly lies. Unfortunately, the recordings aren't available for purchase.

If only Phil could (or would) release this gem for the public. For now, preview full tracks on his MySpace profile, and if you like it, let him know what you think.

Liquid Bounce
Next up are my boys LIQUID BOUNCE. These guys are based in Denton and formed after meeting at The University of North Texas (*my* alma mater).

Though they might be reminiscent of groups like Digable Planets and A Tribe Called Quest, LB fuses jazz, rock and hip-hop for a sound all their own. Buoyed by the over-exuberant Kevin (aka Fiasco) and driven by Nick on drums, Ruben on bass and Dan on keys, they glide through songs like "Music By" from their Circles of Power EP, to the inventive and goofy "Scuba Dive Boo".

Their mainly known in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and their live shows are not to be missed. The boys (and sometimes girl) riff and run through their sets ferociously. Though they haven't officially released an album as of yet, be on the lookout for one sometime soon.

Before they blow up, here's a little something to tide you over:

"Scuba Dive Boo"

That's it for now, but keep coming back for more music that you probably never heard of (but just might end up liking).

D

I MAKE IT BURN !!!

2007-06-11T21:47:00.000-04:00

I've found one of my new favorite blogs guys! Check out THE MESSAGE.

Damn! Fifteeeens!

D

New York Chronicles Vol. 6: Don't Piss Off (or On) New York

2007-06-06T23:09:00.000-04:00

What's that ugly pink thing you ask? It's a citation from the friendly neighborhood NYPD.

Last night I had my first run-in with the local authorities (so I guess i can scratch that off my to do list). Let's start the story from the jump:

I went on a date thingy last nite (not really a date, but not a regular meet up either) and we ended up going to this great place called Maracas and had a blast (and a margarita or two, this info comes in handy later). After a couple of games of "Gringo Bingo," we decided to make our way to the pier and chill by the water.

Well, on the way there nature starts to call. Not usually a problem, except Mother Nature really wants to get through and she's dialing 9-1-1. One thing about a lot of businesses in NYC is that they won't let you use their facilities unless you are a paying customer. Unfortunately, I seldom ever carry cash on me and therefore was bouncing around from store to store (with my bladder swelling with each minute that passed). Finally, I could no longer take the pressure and found the nearest dark corner and...ummm...drained the lizard.

As I finished my leak, I noticed what appeared to be flashlights heading toward me. "Aw hell!" I said to myself as Officers Nice and Friendly* approached me and asked me what I think I'm doing. I kind of just looked at them because I figured it to be a rhetorical question. They then made me stand with my hands away from my sides as Officer Friendly took 30 minutes (yes, 30 minutes) to write a ticket (If their goal was to embarass me, it didn't work. When I have a choice between pissing on the sidewalk or in my pants, the sidewalk will win every time. Still, I took Chris' advice on the matter).

After he had undoubtedly dotted every "i" and crossed every "t" with care, he finally handed me the ticket (pictured) and warned me not to do it again.

In the meantime. three hookers down the street from where this scene was taking place are picked up by their respective johns (nice to know that the cops are dealing with the real crimes).

Anywho, I returned to my previously scheduled date (who was luckily a good sport) and continued on to our destination. All in all, it was a great date with a brief...intermission.

Thanks NYPD!

D

*not their real names

New York Chronicles Vol. 5: My First Broadway Experience

2007-06-05T00:32:00.000-04:00

Saturday was a big day in the world of D. Due to the fact that I have (extremely) good friends, I ended up getting tickets to see The Color Purple starring none other than FANTASIA!

Outside of The Broadway Theatre

Now, I'm not saying that I was excited about Fantasia really (I mean, did you see this hot, bubblin' mess?). I was actually kind of skeptical of the whole idea of casting a popular performer in a broadway show to bring in sales (a la Tony Danza in The Producers). However, 'Tasia seems to have been the perfect choice for the character.

Without giving away too many spoilers (for you poor, poor fools who haven't read the much-lauded book/seen the highly-acclaimed film...shame on you), the stage play pretty much follows the same story arc of the film with a little more added from the book (namely, you see a little bit further into just how *deep* Celie's relationship to Shug really was). The rest of the cast is also stellar, with Elizabeth Withers-Mendes' Shug Avery and NaTasha Yvette Williams' Sofia threatening to steal the show.

The cast takes a bow

A pleasant surprise for me was seeing Chaz Lamar Shepherd in the role of Harpo. One, I didn't know that Chaz could sing (although, according to the playbill, he once had a contract with Atlantic Records). Two, I mainly associate him as Jada Pinkett's little brother in Set It Off (in which you will probably find one of Queen Latifah's best cinematic performances).

All in all, it was a great show and I got to see it for FREE.99 (© Kanyeezie)! So thanks to my boy Alex for missing that flight and I'll catch you guys on the flip.

D

*Editor's Note*

In sadder news, Tony Thompson of 90's R&B group Hi-Five passed away Friday. Prayers are sent out to his family, friends and other loved ones. A full blog will appear later this week.

*cues up "I Like The Way (The Kissing Game)"*

R.I.P. Tony

Smile

2007-05-26T12:31:00.000-04:00

Things that have brought me joy today:

My little cousin graduating
A nice (if a little one-sided) conversation w/ my sis.
"The People" by Common
The Best Week Ever blog
Jackrabbits
The Essential Jacksons

Enjoy the day!

You've Probably Never Heard Of...Radio Citizen

2007-05-22T00:12:00.000-04:00

Radio Citizen's Berlin Serengeti

Ubiquity Records (home of Platinum Pied Pipers and the Rewind series) has done it yet again. I introduce to (most of) you RADIO CITIZEN!

Now, in a fair world, you guys would already know who RADIO CITIZEN is, but I'll give you a little background info. RADIO CITIZEN is the performing name of one the Germany-born and based Niko Schabel (and his sometimes collaborators, including vocalist Bajka). He released his debut, Berlin Serengeti, on Ubiquity last September. Yep, that's right...last September. So why haven't you heard of this guy?

Well, for starters, modern radio sucks. Unless you're greasing some palms or you just "happen" to be one of the 10 songs they decide to play for months at a time, you're pretty much screwed.

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I'll give you some other (somewhat) less unbiased reasons. First, Ubiquity is an indie boutique label that is home to a few artists that are usually well beyond pop culture's radar (like the aforementioned PPP and the OKP litmus test otherwise known as Sa-Ra Creative Partners) and can't really afford to traditionally market its artists. Second, the expanse of genres that Radio Citizen covers makes it hard to place in most radio formats. Third, and the most important, people have shitty taste in music.
.
Anywho, for your listening pleasure I present two tracks for you.

The first is "The Hop" (which is the song that got me hooked). The second is "Everything" which has been added to my "Sunday Morning" rotation (the upper echelon of my music listening regimen).

If you like what you hear, then support the artist.

If you don't like it, well you must be one of those people who kick babies.

D

NYC Chronicles Vol. 4: SpringSummer Feeling*

2007-04-22T17:20:00.000-04:00

* Editor's Note: Volumes 1-3 can be found here.

Spring has finally come to New York. Though when I first arrived here New York was experiencing unseasonably warm sixty-five degree weather, it quickly chilled to a cold which I have no way to truly describe (except maybe a harsh "Damn!" or the sound of teeth-chattering).

Now that May is approaching, the weather has finally broken into a more sunny, breezy feeling that I can definitely agree with. My roomie and I decided to visit the famous - and infamous - Central Park yesterday and partake in some of the nice weather. I must say, I never knew that the park could be so alive (the few times I've been there I was simply passing through). Musicians set up shop giving impromptu concerts, children ran and played with gusto.

A couple busts a move in Central Park

As we moved close to the center of the park, we stumbled upon a group of roller skaters having what looked to be a block party. It was so fun to watch, I even got a few pictures. Sadly, because of the death of my previous camera and memory card, I was only able to take about one or two good ones.

Not too far away from that, a group of people started a drum circle that had almost the entire park rocking. Even I almost got out there to cut a little step or two.

Drum Circle in Central Park

I think we stayed there and watched for at least two hours. Well after the sun had set on the scene, we decided to make our way to Brooklyn and have a Blockbuster night. If this is what a little warm weather brings out up here, then I look forward to the rest of summer.

D

A Moment

2007-04-09T22:04:00.000-04:00

a flash fiction exercise

She took another long draw on her cigarette and exhaled a stream of smoke. Here she stood on the balcony, as she did everyday about this time, watching the day’s traffic pass by her small apartment. She’d glance back through the glass door to check on her kids as they watched T.V. and sat on the dingy brown carpet. She hated that carpet. She wanted some hardwood floors or at least something that wasn’t as hard to clean as that damned carpet. She resented its resilience, its ability to hold on to whatever substance it came into contact with.

In the corner of the living room was the mud that Joshua, her youngest, had tracked in after his first day in daycare. Over there, beneath that hand-me-down end table, was grape soda that Chris, her eldest, had spilled two years earlier, just after his first trip to the state fair. That spot just before you walked in the hallway? That was from when she was rushing out of the door for that secretary interview two months back and dropped her open compact - she didn’t get the job, though. Not enough experience. The red spot right next to her bed? That was her blood, drawn by one of here exes when he punched her full-out in the mouth. That carpet had seen a lot of the chapters in her life, and she hated it for that very reason.

She turned away from the door and took another drag on the cigarette. The wind was picking up outside, blowing the smoke quickly away from her instead of allowing it to linger and seep into her hair and clothes. She watched the traffic in front of her building. Lots of SUVs and sports cars ambled by, probably busy people running their afternoon errands. Then she spotted the stretch limousine in the distance.

She imagined life for the limo’s passengers. They were more than likely some musicians in town for a concert that night. She pictured being a part of their entourage, sipping champagne and wearing some diamond and platinum bangle bracelets. The rapper’s new hit would be blaring out of the speakers. They were on their way to the some kind of party - because rich folk partied whenever they felt like it.

But what if it were some movie star? She imagined being decked out to the nines in some fancy dress, the designer of which had a name she couldn’t pronounce. Her hair would be done in an upsweep and her shoes would be to die for. They would be on their way to some awards show, where she would be receiving her lifetime achievement award. Or…

“Mom! Josh won’t let me watch the T.V.!” her son yelled, shattering her train of thought.

She sighed long and deep and took a drag of her cigarette. Her fantasies would have to wait once again. She threw the still burning butt to the ground and stomped out its ember.

“Josh, what’d I tell you about sharing!” she screamed as she walked through the door and closed it with slight hesitation.

Human: Being v. 2.0

2007-04-08T14:31:00.001-04:00

Okay, okay...I know. Like so many of the things I start with perfectly good intentions, this blog has fallen by the wayside. I really meant to keep this thing updated and keep the funny, witty writings coming. But there was only one problem: Nobody, save for a few kind (read: bribed and/or obligated) souls, ever read this damned thing. I got more hits and views on my MySpace blog. And, even more shocking, people actually commented!

I don't say that to sound bitter. It was actually my fault that my blog wasn't getting the views that it should have. My posting was sporadic at best and I didn't really put the word out there. I also started spending a lot of time at my other site addictions: Okayplayer.com, MySpace.com, Adam...well...I think you get the point.

All that being said, I think Human: Being's resurrection has been long overdue. I'm not only going to try my best to make this a blog truly representative of me, but also keep it a little lighter on the personal front (that's what a MySpace blog should be for). Somedays you'll get a micro-fiction piece that I've decided to work on. Others, you'll get my opinion on the world around me. And those weird, dark, quirky days...who knows what you'll be able to expect.

In the meantime, though, enjoy this little tidbit (it's something that has been fueling my travels through this new & strange place I've been in).

D

I'm Just Confessin'

2006-06-24T02:07:00.000-04:00

Here are a few things I thought I'd get off my chest:

1. I'm enjoying being single. There's a certain freedom that I had lost and now I'm just letting things flow.

2. I can't drive. I don't have a license and I've only been behind the wheel of a car maybe 5 times in my entire life.

2a. I also can't ride a bike. (but I can swim, bitches!)

3. I can't dance (to an extent). Not necessarily a bad thing considering that people don't dance no mo' © Goodie Mob.

4. My middle name is M***** (haha, you thought I was gonna tell you that?!)

5. I'm afraid of heights. Sounds laughable? Stand on top of something and imagine that distance from a foot-and-a-half above. That's my perspective.

6. Though many have loved me, I've only been truly in love with one special person.

7. You wouldn't like me when I'm drunk (unless you like getting hit on, felt up and indecently proposed to).

8. I pretend to be oblivious in many situations when I always know exactly what's going on.

What you think about that?!!!

D

When Black Turns to Grey

2006-06-21T04:15:00.000-04:00

Dammit! Life is stressin' me out too early!

While I was getting ready for work yesterday afternoon, I happened to glance in the mirror a little too closely. There, on my right side near my forehead in between my twists were two silvery strands.

GREY HAIR, PEOPLE, GREY HAIR!!!!!!!!!!!

I haven't even hit a quarter-century yet (hell, I won't be 24 until September). I'm too young for grey hair. I haven't lived enough yet. If I'm not careful, I'll end up with a head full of salt-and-pepper.

*Sigh* Getting older sucks sometimes.

D

"Self Love, Self Preservation" © Jaguar Wright

2006-06-15T13:20:00.000-04:00

This one is inspired by the usual things that inspire this post ever so often (here's looking at you...) and some other questions within myself (here's looking at me...).

Why is it so easy for we as human beings to love someone else, but we value ourselves so little?

I myself went through this in my younger days. I had absolutely no self esteem whatsoever. I used to dream about ways of committing suicide, to end all the pain I was feeling. You see, my life has not always been an easy one and I've had several traumatic experiences early on (Hell, I'm only 23 at the moment).

I've been asked often what I did or what moment pushed me to the realization that made me who I am today. Truthfully, I just got sick of the bullshit. I'd spent countless years living my life so that others would think highly of me, would accept me, would love me. Then, when I was fifteen, I hit the lowest point of my life. I stopped believing in God, I had no friends, I was out and out miserable. I painted on this smile so that no one would suspect that beneath it all I was the wreck that I was.

At that point, a crisis happened within my family that forced me to look at the bigger picture. After all the dust settled, a new me was born. This one vowed to never fall into the people pleasing pattern that I had relied upon before. This me loved himself for who he was and not for what other people thought.

I had to ask myself a few questions: What do I really gain by hating who I am, by trying to conform to an ideal that nobody reaches? Why do I care what someone else thinks of me? Why can't I love myself for who I am?

After my period of soul searching, I can honestly say that I've come a long way from who I was and I still have a long way to go. Every now and again he shows up, insecure as ever and scared. The difference is that now I've learned that fear and uncertainty come with the territory of self-discovery. We must learn to embrace them, but not let them control who we are.

D

Procrastination: The Bane of My Existence

2006-06-05T13:12:00.000-04:00

It's been a long time, and I've left without without a dope blog to....umm, okay, so that didn't work. But it's been a while, nevertheless. I didn't mean to leave my many, many (read: 3) faithful readers hanging so long, but you get caught up in life sometimes and it leaves little time to do much else.

It seems like everytime I do get a little free time here and there, I'm no where near a computer (usually because I'm a little twisted from a cocktail or two).

Anyway, all that was written to get to this point:

My name is Donté and I, friends, am a chronic procrastinator (or -er, or however the hell you spell it). I first realized this dilemma when I was but a young chap in grade school. Though I've always been an exceptional student (Mama wouldn't have it any other way), I never did homework until the morning before class. Unknowingly, I was setting up a pattern that has only gotten worse as time has progressed.

Junior high: the same pattern.

High School, I cheated myself out several colleges and scholarships.

College: it cost me internships, scholarships (it lead to one getting snatched), my first D (which was followed by my first two F's)

Now, this is not to say that I don't get things done, because come hell or high water I like to finish what I start. However, it has caused me to miss deadlines and personal goals.

Why do we procrastinate? Is it because we are trying to avoid reality? Is it because we're always pressed against time and physical capability? Is it because we are simply lazy as all hell?

I say yes. It's because of all those things and more. Genetics, nurturing, and I-Don't-Give-A-Damn-Itis...all major factors. Maybe if we can cure these things within ourselves, than we can cure this harmful disease.

Until that day comes and a cure is found, I guess I'll be a procrastinator. As a matter of fact, I'm writing this as I'm supposed to be getting ready for another joyous day at my job! Guess I'd better go.

Peace,

D

The Road Less Traveled

2006-04-16T00:55:00.000-04:00

I am not like you at all and I cannot pretend...

-- Cee-Lo

In fourth grade, during the Reading is Fundamental (R.I.F.) campaign of the early nineties, I came across a book that unwittingly changed my life. That book was The Selected Poems of Robert Frost. This is not that I am a fan of Frost (I sometimes find his work a bit simplistic) or that the book led me to want to write (that credit went to another poet, Langston Hughes). However, one particular poem in that collection has been etched in my conciousness ever since that day: "The Road Not Taken."

Perhaps one of Frost's most known poems, it speaks of making your own way in life and not following the well-trodden pasts of others. For me, it has always related to that individualistic streak in me. Though I'm not always original (and indeed nothing is new under the sun, as the cliché so goes), I've always felt as though there could never be any path that I chose but my own. I've never been a follower (or leader for that matter) and that is something that I have prided myself on over the years.

A recent conversation with a good friend of mine caused me to think about the different paths that are laid before us in life and the many opportunities afforded to take each one. However, I also think that there are certain pivotal decisions that you make in life that determine the paths you get to chooser for the remainder of your life.

That's why it bothers me that a lot of people are jumping on bandwagons these days. Kids are nothing but carbon copies of each other (who are carbon copies of whoever is hot at the moment) and few people have their own original ideas. It seems like individuality is a four-letter word. We are being taught to sell ourselves wholesale in exchange for recognition or some kinship that never existed to begin with.

Life is too short to worry about what others are gonna say or think. If you live your life like that, you are forever trapped in someone else's image of you. We should all be ready and willing to take that road less traveled, because like Frost said, it makes "all the difference."

DMW

DMW In D Minor

2006-04-04T04:40:00.000-04:00

Right now, I want to talk about my life. Now, if you know me (or even if you've read a lil' of this blog) you know the big role that music plays in my life.

It's funny how you can love something so much, so all encompassing without regards to anything else. For me a good song is like a good lover (maybe even better). It transcends anything physical that you could ever imagine and somehow nestles itself inside your soul and makes a home there. From there, it blossoms throughout...spreading from your ears to your mind, to you heart, to your fingers and your toes until it has you.

Best of all, that feeling never gets old. It's a thrill that can be replicated simply by hearing a few stray lyrics or the opening notes.

That feeling is how I want to feel about my life. I want those thousands of moments where everything just feels right. There are no conflicts, you are just living in that moment and that moment alone for an eternity.

Unfortunately, I feel so blocked in the space that I am in right now. I actually find myself missing the college days because at least then I still felt a freedom that I long for now. I've put myself through so many rigors since then just trying to live out a dream when I knew all along that I couldn't achieve my dream here. There are too many outside sources who have too strong a pull on my life and what they feel that it should be. That's why I've decided to do something that I've been trying to do for the longest: I'm moving to NYC.

Now this announcement should come as no shock to those around me. I've been threatening to do so for at least the past four years, if not longer. However, i think that timing and opportunity (not to mention a little determination) have finally coincided and have given me the ability to finally make this move (and on my own terms, too). I leave this October, right after my sister's wedding and just enough time to get somewhat accustomed to the winter weather that will surely come.

Every time I've visited NYC it always felt like home. That's rare for me to say (I've never felt like I've had a place inside this world, which is a whole completely different blog topic). The city just gives me that feeling, and I want to be around it and bask in the glow of it all.

I've already been called crazy by some who don't get it, but you know what...this is my song and they don't have to get it.

i bid you all adieu for now,
DMW*

*This post was inspired by Brother ?uest's MySpace profile and the beautifully enchanting "Be Still My Beating Heart."

Think I'm Lying? #2: The Gospel Truth About Madea

2006-02-28T03:31:00.000-05:00

Okay, okay...I know I said this thing would be weekly. I lied, sue me (not really, I'm in debt to my eyeballs). However, about the following topic I am telling you the *ahem* gospel truth. Well, actually, I'm giving you my opinion about something that spawned from the gospel tradition (there, you happy now?).

First, the good news: your boy Tyler Perry's made his mark on the box-office his second movie re-hash of one of his hit stage plays, Madea's Family Reunion. The film cashed in to the tune of $30 million it's opening weekend. I want to celebrate the success of a Black man and a Black-oriented movie in Hollywood's Old Boy's Club. Unfortunately, I actually saw the movie.

Sadly, unlike the more tolerable Diary of a Mad Black Woman (though I hate that damn melodramatic title), there is no freshness brought here, It's straight leftovers served in a fancier dish and with some garnish. The film is highly predictable and has so many extremes it goes beyond anything you can bring yourself to believe.

Oh, and before I go any further....SPOILER ALERT!!! (DON'T SAY I DIDN'T WARN YOU)

Was that wedding not the most gosh darn, tackiest, most god-awful bunch of bullshit you've ever seen in your life? A replica of the Eiffel Tower made from Christmas lights!? People dressed like angels hanging from the ceiling!?!? Was that Lil' Kim (you'll see what I'm talking about)!?!? Maya Angelou reading a poem at a wedding while emphasizing the words "in and out" repeatedly!?! Oh, and for added measure a peculiarly lip-gloss free Johnny Gill (I'll hold my comments).

For characters who were supposed to be rich and bourgeois, that shit was hideous. Really, that whole wedding scene revoked the pass i was willing to give the movie for the moving (but heavy-handed) speech from Cicely Tyson.

So let's recap, shall we?

A Black man is successful in Hollywood for a shitty movie wtih shitty writing that grossly under utilizes it's all-star cast. (On a side note, why is it that for Black movies to get some shine, they seem to always have to have almost every single damn working Black actor in it? We can't have just one or two of us, it's gotta be every single friggin' one of us? But that's another blog).

Like I said, I like the support of black film, but when will Blacks go out and support some of their own films with more depth than a kiddie pool. Even the more recent Something New (which got a lot of flack for having a interacial love affair) was far better written and acted. It seems blacks only accept only accept other blacks in the same old roles or as part of an almost all white ensemble.

*Sigh*

Well, at least TVOne's been showing Crooklyn

2006-02-16T01:00:00.000-05:00

This is not a post to complain about how hard life is or my day-to-day struggles. It's simply a question I'm posing to myself (or anyone who wants to answer).

I have a decent-paying job in my field that I enjoy doing (after a year and a half of not much). I have a pretty dependable paycheck and enough money to save for future goals and still have extra. I have some of the greatest friends and family in the world.

Still, I'm not happy.

I'm not depressed or sad, either (because I know you and what you guys automatically jump to). I'm just not happy. I feel like I'm close to it, but just not quite there. Just below the surface, if you will.

What's not right? What am I missing? Will it ever be right?

Maybe it's years of always expecting the worst (and with good reason to). Maybe there are higher goals that I am neglecting and my sub-conscious is nagging me to get them on track.

Maybe I'm just like my mother, she's never satisfied -- wait, wasn't that was Prince's problem?

Eh, this is just one of the things that have been keeping me up at night.

DMW

SLY MUTHAF**KIN' STONE (Oh Yeah, and the Grammys, Too) *

2006-02-11T17:42:00.000-05:00

Ahh, the Grammys. One of the few awards shows that I look forward to every year. Though they have been pretty lackluster in recent memory, this year's show was actually worth watching. It even caused me to miss my usual doses of American Idol (I only enjoy the audition portion for the sheer unintentional comedy that ensues) and Veronica Mars (don't sleep) in order to tune in.

This year's was especially hyped, because not only did we get the Kanye/Mariah/John Legend triple-header, we also got hushed rumors of the real artists of the hour:

MUTHAF**KIN' SLY AND THE MUTHAF**KIN' FAMILY STONE!!!

So, as you can see, I was psyched. I sit through some of the schlock (which, by the way...did anyone else noticed that almost all of the "urban" oriented awards were pushed back to the pre-show...didn't we protest about this years ago?). It all was actually quite entertaining. Madonna came out looking like she did 20+ years ago (how does she do it?!). John Legend and Mariah (at least the second portion of her performance) proved why they got their nominations. And Kanye and Jamie Foxx delivered the showstopper!

Finally, as the night wore down, the tribute was commenced by the appearance of another elusive brother, Dave Chappelle. They had the usual medley with folks from the tribute album, including Fantasia, Steve Tyler, Van Hunt, Joss Stone and even *ahem* Ciara. And then, the man of the hour arrived (along with the Family Stone, though for some strange reason they weren't mentioned during the telecast).

Now, it is at this point that the haters (or should I say the Okayplayerhaters © Talib Kweli) start their hating. As you can see in the picture to the left, Sly was looking a little unconventional (okay, okay...downright strange) and he left the stage abruptly. Now, this would be completely off-putting if not for a few choice reasons:

1. IT'S MUTHAF**KIN' SLY STONE!!!

2. Sly Stone is known precisely for his sporadic behavior and eccentric style (when has one ever seen Sly dress in a normal fashion?).

3. IT'S SLY MUTHAF**KIN' STONE!!!

4. He showed the f**k up! He showed the f**k up! He showed the f**k up! And, oh, he showed the f**k up! (Anyone who knows the history of Sly knows that him simply showing up is a miracle in and of itself.)

I enjoyed most of the tribute and was just so happy to see Sly on stage (though he did resemble Denver the Last Dinosaur).

Other than the performances I previously listed (and a few exceptions), the rest were a bubblin', sh*tty mess. Mary (and God knows I love me some Mary) sounded HOR-RI-BLE singing "One" with U2 and Paul McCartney nearly put me out for the night.

Overall, the Grammys didn't disappoint and hopefully they'll bring it even better next year and make it the-show-I-live-to-see-every-year once again and not the drivel it once was. And maybe they'll give some more negros awards during the telecast, too.

DMW

*edited for more sensitive audiences

The Death of an Underground Legend

2006-02-10T21:41:00.000-05:00

James "J Dilla" Yancey | 1974-2006

*Sigh* This post was going to be a review of the the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, however, upon coming home this evening I learned some rather sad news:

Hip-Hop producer and performer J Dilla (also known as Jay Dee) is no longer with us. He passed this morning at 8:00 a.m. EST of unknown health problems (though his troubles with his kidneys have been documented recently).

The saddest part is that most of those who will read this have no idea who this man is. For those that don't know, he was one of the greatest producers in hip-hop point blank. He is the man responsible for albums like Common's Like Water For Chocolate and was once a part of the Ummah (the production team for legends A Tribe Called Quest). Dilla was also the force behind Janet Jackson's lead single from The Velvet Rope, "Got 'Til It's Gone." Dilla was perhaps best known as a member and producer for the group Slum Village.

Dilla's creative force meant so much to an industry saturated with copycat producers and lackluster hitmakers. He was a producer's producer whose love of his craft sometimes caused him to risk his own health.

I pray that God blesses the lives of all he touched. He will surely be missed.

DMW

A-Side/B-Side: J*Davey/The "N-Word"

2006-02-06T23:52:00.000-05:00

As mentioned in the previous entry about Heavy, I have a set list of artists that I am riding for in the '06. Today, we are going speak on the union of Jack Davey and Brook D'Leau (I'll let you guess who's who) other wise known as J*Davey.

Quite simply, J*Davey is the shit. Their style blurs the lines between rock, funk, soul, new wave and pop and comes up with something that oddly sounds nothing like anything you've ever heard before. Take the ultra-sexy come on that is "Mr. Mister." In the song, which was recently featured on an episode of CSI, Jack purrs over an electro-synth groove so thick and rich you'd swear it was molasses (and you can't help but shake ya ass to it). By the time the song reaches its fever pitch, you're ensnared.

Then, there are songs like "Division of Joy," "Let It Bleed," and "No More" which feature clever (and kinky) wordplay that are pure confection. "No More, " which is the first song that exposed me to the duo, is so soft and slinky and the perfect compliment to the rasp in Jack's voice as she sings about letting her lover take control. The drums slowly lock you into her rhythm and you can't help but hang on every word she says.

J*Davey is a group that you should watch out for in the coming months (they have been touring and even logged some studio time with The Roots' and OKP's own Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson in Philly). They are sure to take the industry by storm, so when it happens, remember that you read it here first (or second or third or whatever...)!

Check out their site and their MySpace page for updates, news and to listen to a few songs (their MySpace page features an exclusive remix of "Mr. Mister").

Be sure to come back and tell me what you think.

*flips tape over*

As with most things so far on this blog, this portion of the entry was inspired by a post on OkayPlayer.

Apparently, an advanced placement English teacher in Kentucky (why does this place keep popping back up in my life?) felt that it was okay to call one of his students "nigga." Even more outrageous, this fool was still able to keep his job after the incident!

Personally, I despise the word "nigger" and any of its variations ("nigga," "niggah," etc.) and I think that there's no way that we can embrace or use the word that would make it acceptable. Just watching the video and hearing the teacher try to defend his actions had me seething mad.

Really, this whole topic deserves its own post (or 50) where I can branch into specifics, but I'm tired right now and I am not in the mood for that much typing. So, just click the link above to find the link to the video and read some comments from the Okayplayer community.

*smh*

DMW

Think I'm Lying?* #1: You Ever Meet Your Alter Ego?

2006-02-01T23:46:00.001-05:00

You know that person that you've always wanted to be? The one who has all their shit together? The one who does everything you want to do?

Yep, that's the one.

Well, that person exists. I'm not talking about some figurative, flowery, "be-the-you-that-you-want-to-be" b.s., either. I mean that person is literally living and breathing on this very planet that we like to call Earth.

This person is out there living your life. They are having more fun than you, getting more done than you, living better than you...Hell, they even get more ass than you.

Think I'm lying?

Take moi for example. I know, I know...you're thinking, "Who can be better than Donté?" Sadly folks, I've found that person who is living my dreams. For those that don't know, when you create a profile on this site, it asks you for personal preferences. It's the usual stuff: music, movies, books, brand of condom and other stuff that nobody will ever read about. Once you enter said information, it hotlinks your preferences to searches for other Blogger™ members who share the same interests.

For the books section, I was very specific. One of my favorite books of all-time is a collection of poetry by late, great literary giant Langston Hughes (whom is the very reason I decided to put pen to paper) entitled The Weary Blues. Out of sheer curiosity, I decided to click this particular hotlink. The search yielded two bloggers: myself and one Frank León Roberts.

Now, Mr. Roberts is an interesting fellow. He's 23 (my age), attending NYU (the school that was my first choice), has written for major publications (what I hope to do in my career), lives in New York (where I've been trying to move for the past 4 years)....anybody seeing a pattern here?

Is he exactly like me? No. Not at all. There's only one Donté, and he is I and I am him. I'll let you guys figure out the differences. Still, it feels kind of weird seeing someone who is your age and is doing what you dream of doing with your life.

Who knows...maybe Frank and I will meet and realize we are indeed the same person and our meeting will cause a rift in the space-time continuum and catapult us all into some parrallel dimension where the sun revolves around the earth and seconds are really hours...

...or maybe he's just some random guy who happens to be similar to (but not exactly like) yours truly.

You be the judge.

DMW

*Look for Think I'm Lying? to become a weekly installment in "Human: Being" in the coming weeks (if the author feels like continuing it in a timely manner).

A-Side/B-Side: "Wonderlove"/ Life In A Standstill

2006-02-01T00:31:00.000-05:00

How many of you guys have heard of Heavy? Nah, I'm not talking about the (formerly) overweight lover, I'm talking about the soulful sounds of Nicky Guiland and Casey Benjamin. They are one of the many musical discoveries I have stumbled upon through the boards at OkayPlayer. I must say I really enjoy their EP (and I hope that they'll be performing stateside sometime soon).

Right now, I've had their song "Wonderlove" on constant play on my stereo, computer and CD player (I don't have an iPod yet). Everytime I hear this song, I fall in love with it all over again. The lush vocals, the string and horn arrangements, the subtle piano...It's just so perfect. It's their tribute to Minnie Riperton, done in her signature style (and i'll be damned if it doesn't sound like her singing this).

Because of this song, Heavy has been added to the list of artists that I will support and for whom i will unofficially street team. So, check out CD Baby for some of their stuff and also visit their website and see when they'll be coming somewhere near you.

*flips tape over*

Traffic here in Dallas is so very shitty. "But Donté," you say, "You don't even drive!" To which I reply, Mind your bidness! Anyway, every morning there is a brand new wreck backing up miles upon miles of roadway all because some dumbass was talking on the damn phone/drinking coffee/putting on make-up or whatever the hell they were doing to cause a ten-car pile up.

It's frustrating. I've been late twice because i was trapped in that stagnant cesspool called I-175. I've started to develop road rage before I've even gotten behind the wheel. How sad is that?

Move, B****h...Get out the way!

DMW

What's In a (Middle) Name?

2006-01-28T01:33:00.000-05:00

Those who know me know three main things about me:

1. I'm a vegetarian (I've been one for four years)

2. I'm tall (some would say freakishly tall).

3. I abhor my middle name.

It is this third trait that I would like to discuss at this ungodly hour. Why? Because I'm bored to tears and my media player has decided to play some introspective music (Sorrow, Tears & Blood by Fela Kuti for those who would like to know). So, let's get to it, shall we?

First, I must tell you to not get your hopes up. That moniker which sits betwixt my strong and creative first and strong, somewhat generic last names will not be revealed in this post. If you really want to know what it is, you have approximately 20 minutes from the time of this post to high-tail it to MySpace and see it before I change my screenname (HURRY! HURRY! HUR-RAY!).

Okay, back on task. My middle name pretty much sucks. As the story goes, my sister and I's first names were chosen by my mother the day we were born. My father, away at Prairie View A&M University when she went into labor, then gained the right to choose our middle names. We already had the dreaded curse of our names rhyming (my name being Donté and hers being Shonté), so it wasn't looking to much in our favor.

After some deliberation, my dad comes up with the names (as stated before, the names will not be divulged in this post, however, I will provide you with a clue: My middle name starts with an "M" and is derived from a foreign language). It was days before these middle names were thought up. Days! Everytime I think about that, I get a little angry. it took days, and that dreaded name was all that he could come up with?! (Note to future parents: Please think about the ramifications a name will have upon the child that it is bestowed upon.)

This name has since become the stuff of parent/older relative legend. The dreaded full name call? I have had it. The snickers and smirks when friends learn what it is? I've been there, too.

I'm now learning to embrace it some 23 years later. I even appreciate its uniqueness. So I guess you can say my middle name has went from lonely, outcast street urchin to bastard/red-headed stepchild status. Now that's progress! And I also discoverd it could've been worse. If my dad had had his way, my sister and I would have been named Tiffany and Timothy, respectively. So, it's not nearly as bad as that.

Well anyway, It's getting late (or early, depending on your point of view), so I shall bid you adieu.

Until next time,

DMW