A Black Man's Blues by MJeanious

Haiti

The past week has been an emotional one as the earthquake in Haiti has taken the lives of tens of thousands of my people. As a proud Haitian-American, the feeling of helplessness that I experienced while watching CNN's very real coverage on the disaster was overwhelming. I'm very thankful that all my family in Haiti is ok and accounted for for the most part but it's still tough because many friends of my parents have died in the quake. As heartbreaking as it has been, seeing the way the world has reacted to the tragedy was beyond incredible. So many people have been willing to do so much for the victims and to see people react like this on such a large scale for a country like Haiti surprises me. Given the history of the United States, France, and other powers of the world simply not giving a damn about Haiti ever since they became the first Black nation to become independent from slavery. I commend the people of the world. They have given me hope. They have showed me that maybe, in a world that seems so evil at times, there is still plenty of love and compassion amongst humanity. That is all.

Booty Pop Panties.. A man's worse nightmare

You might as well just lie to my face woman!

Album Review: Wale's Attention Deficit

In a year that brought about the emergence of a large freshman class in the hip hop industry, the genre's true fans have been given what many are calling a "breathe of fresh air." Hip hop's new comers have brought a new energy and "swag" to the game that makes even Nas rethink his statments on the livelihood of the art form. While the clear favorite for "Rookie of the Year" is the multitalented sensation, Drake, a strong candidate for runner up is a young D.C. native by the name of Wale. Although his popularity in the mainstream is still a work in progress, Wale's mixtape and underground notoriety is more than legit. With 3 strong mixtape projects in the past 3 years, those who've followed the young rapper knew what to expect from his debut album Attention Deficit.

Attention Deficit dropped this past November after Wale decided to push back the album's release date to go on tour with Jay-Z. With features including fellow rappers Bun-B, Gucci Mane, J-Cole, and K'naan and R & B vocals from Jazmine Sullivan, Chrisette Michelle, Marsha Ambrosius (Floetry), and Melanie Fiona, Attention Deficit gives listeners a wide variety of musical style. Pop star Lady Gaga even holds down the chorus for the album's first single "Chillin."

The LP's introduction opens up with a strong assortment of horns over a hard beat that Wale holds his own on. It's a solid intro to the album both lyrically and with his delivery. The production duo, Best Kept Secret who have produced many of Wale's hottest mixtape tracks give Wale four tracks on the collection including the CDs 2nd single "Pretty Girls." Because of their unique "Go-go" sound, B.K.S. are the perfect compliment to Wale's D.C. vernacular and style, allowing him to maintain his geographical roots. British producer and Wale's boss at Allido Records, Mark Ronson, as well the duo of Cool and Dre each have two songs on the record while the Neptunes bless him with one.

The lyrical content of Attention Deficit is above par in nearly every way possible. Songs like "Shades" "90210" and "Contemplate" tackle serious issues while maintaining strong word play and raw lyrics. Lighter songs like "Chillin" and "Pretty Girls" help balance the mood of the album while songs like "Mirrors" "TV in the Radio" and "Prescription" show a side of Wale that is confident in who he is and what he represents.

For fans of lyrics and quality music, Wale's Attention Deficit should be that breathe of fresh air that many have been talking about. His lyrical content is reminiscent of Lupe Fiasco in the sense that a lot of what he says goes over the heads of most, but if you appreciate wordplay that makes you rewind a couple times and think, you'll love this album. Some of Wale's critics don't like him for various reasons but if you can get over the fact that he talks a little different and has a unique style, you should be able to appreciate the young man's talent. Wale won't be at the top of the charts, and he won't sell a million records nor will he be as popular as some other rappers out there, but if he continues to stay as true to himself as he has with his debut, he'll have a long successful career.

Artists Who Have Fallen Off

There are a lot of celebrities and musicians who have fallen off in the past couple of years... no no no, I dont mean that they're no longer successful (though with some of them that is indeed the case as well). What I'm referring to is all of the classic occurances in which an artist did their best to maintain balance on stage while performing but end up spilling it. If it were still autumn I'd so have a corny joke about "Fall" but.. ok you get the point. So, who has had the worst fall thus far??? Judge for yourself.. I know who I'm voting for.. lol

Random Thought...: Reebok Easytone Sneakers

So um.. I saw this commercial for these new Reebok Easytone sneakers for women and the shoes are supposed to make a woman's "legs and butt look better." As a man, I appreciate the intent of the shoe's concept but uh.. the chick in the commercial got no ass... just saying..

This Fool....

When I heard about Sammy Sosa changing his skin complextion, I expected to see him a shade or two lighter but this right here is simply ridiculous. I'm sure Sammy was a little upset about all of the steroid allegations and such but when his friends told him to lighten up, I doubt this is what they meant.. If you want to totally tarnish your chances at the hall of fame due to bizzar press then job well done Mr. Sosa. Who knows, all you steroid shooting guys may get mercy one day and get a chance to be inducted but I'm not too sure if you get this sort of press that you're chances are increased whatsoever.. You look ridiculous! Anyway, I don't want to talk about this too much but I'm sure someone somewhere will say "Marce, how can you be so hard on Sammy Sosa while Michael Jackson is your favorite entertainer ever?" and to that person I say this: shut up! its not the same... that is all. Later folks..