We're young

If you wanna be a rapper tomorrow, do it.
If you wanna sell t-shirts tomorrow, do it.
If you wanna be a stylist tomorrow, do it.
Photographer? Do it.
etc..
etc...

We've got so much time ahead of us that it would make no sense not to try anything, right? Right.

Black Star Country

I have been stationed in Ghana since September 13th, 2010. I began my journey in a small village named Ofaakor 2 hours outside the capitol, Accra. No flushing toilets, No showers, eating the same not so tasty food all the time, but the people are happy. Over time it makes yo realize that there's no point in feeling bad for people when they are happy. There is an exchange of knowledge of how they live and how you live, which could either make you appreciate life more and/or realize that all the petty things in life that we complain about are stupid and irrelevant. I learned more than enough lessons from living in this village for 4 months, including robberies, arguments, lack of work, lack of food and misguided emotions.




I am currently stationed in a town 30 minutes outside of Kumasi named Tanoso. I visited Kumasi about 2 months before I moved here and the people here are much different than in the Accra region. The people are nicer and more understanding of not wanting to be bothered just because you are a foreigner. The School I am currently working at is alot more welcoming and the students arent stubborn and arrogant like the other school. I now have flushing toilets, internet access, showers(still no hot water) and my German friends also work and live here with me. Me and my German friend Stefano are now writing a album together and hes teaching me some guitar so im really enjoying this new place and feel alot more productive. More work gets done when you have less day to day stress on your shoulders and you can actually teach and actually help people.

On a final note, every time I look online and see the petty things that I once complained about and that people at home continue to make big deals out of, I shake my head. Its not your fault, just want to encourage people to get out of the big bubble called America that we were raised in. Theres so much in our society that can keep us busy that we dont look past it but we have to....

Headed to South Africa after this, then my trip across Europe maybe September...we will see :]

Samir S

The stylist idea didn't work out guys.

"What the fuck are you gonna do Nya?!"

Be a twenty something who writes poetry and wears clothes that have been sitting on the floor for the past week.

Sounds like a plan my man.

Let's not beat around the bush.

This is a poem about weed.

Maria, I can't escape you.
your presence never goes dully noted
Sweet summer Maria, I admit that I am devoted.
to you
and to anything you want to do.

Maria, let's go to the moon
You're the fire, I'm the ice.
I kiss your cheek and you burn my lungs, the way that I inhale you.
Don't wanna lose a trace of you-
to the atmosphere
I want you here,
to hold you dear.
So kiss my mouth,
I'm dreaming south of sanity.

Maria, you're the epitome of love,
immune to ego,
allergic to vanity.
You're what these other girls imitate but cannot be.
Cause I've found that this life is a scorching sun,
but Maria, you're my canopy
Though just your scent is key to the skies,
and so I'm flying handsomely,
or beautifully.
One word from your lips, and everything is new to me.

My eyes are glass, my stare deranged,
but that's just what you do to me.
So do to me what you might,
I won't fight, or bite back-
unless you'd like that.

Maria, I think it's time that-
we start moving just a little bit faster
ignore the storms that might ensue,
and just enjoy me and you.
Truth, sometimes it feels like we're the only ones really alive
As if you sensed the warmth in my eyes and went deeper inside,
to where my heart resides.

Maria, Maria,
Sweet Summer Maria.
The night is young,
so let me light you up.

OCD: Wake up

#Phillybuls

Godspeed OCD.

I love.

Peace.

Someone once told me that knowledge (like love) is in the atmosphere and it cannot be attained, for we have had it all along. That when we learn something we are merely discovering a truth that we already live and abide by. That what we call "attainning knowledge" is actually translating the truth into everyday means of communication. More specifically, Language.

Communication is a very interesting phenomenon. It is what brings us together, tears us apart, and shapes who we are even. If you've ever studied a language before, you've probably realized that the concept of language shapes how we all think fundamentally.

For instance:
Spanish language demonstrates male dominance in there use of nouns and pronouns. Spanish culture is also defined, in a way, by male dominance.

Chinese is a language that utulizes characters instead of words. The meanings and interpretations of certain phrases and words are based more on the strokes that make up each character. The chinese also read from right to left rather than from left to right; which requires more usage of the left brain.

There was a scene in Amistad where Roger Sherman Baldwin had to give Cinque the bad news that they had to try the case again after winning Cinque and his fellow Africans their freedom. Cinque and his interpreter, James Covey, responded, "You said that there would be a judgement, and if we won the judgement we go home free!"

Baldwin was like, "Naw that's not what I said!"

Then Covey was like "Naw, you said that!"

Then Baldwin was like "Naw, I said 'If we win at the state level you can go home' an shit."

Covey was like "Yeah, that's what you said!"

Baldwin replied, "Okay okay!! I said it! But I shouldn't have!"

"Now, what I should've said..."

Covey interrupted, "Naw, I can't translate that. There's no word for should or shouldn't; either you do, or you don't."

In short, language kind of defines us and refines us to a world of barriers in so many ways. Each specific language makes people think a certain way. To me, that is a sad truth because all that means is that there are things that the American man or woman will never have the opportunity to realize. There are truths that our Language keeps away from in order to center us in on the English truth. There are Russians that will never have the insight of an African (and vice versa). And Christians that will forever be shaded from the enlightenment of Islam (and vice versa). All this means to me, is that we live in a capable world that holds itself back through segregation.

Why is it that the phrase, "I love." is considered a fragmented sentence in the English language? Why do I have to add a "you" or "him" or "her" for it to be grammatically correct? Why our we tought lies by our own language without even knowing that we are lying to ourselves?

I cannot say "I love you" truthfully. When the truth is that "I love." simple and plain. Why is love portrayed in the dictionairy as "a warm attachment...or devotion" when those two words represent bonds that require two seperate entities? Love is not shared, it is within. That is a truth that I have ALWAYS had and abided by. So why is it that my Language won't allow me to express that truth?

Along with others...

A lie can only be spoken, but never revealed. Nor lived, nor felt. Those sensations are reserved for the truth. Which is what we live, and never what we speak.

Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager Artwork

This looks like the Pursuit Of Happiness video..In one frame.

Kid Cudi: Erase me

Happy Friday

It's possible (factual actually) that there is more than a half an hour left until the blessed Friday, but why wait? What are the chances of a comet plummeting from the sky, through your roof, and unto your neatly coifed hair? Slim to none. But there's still a chance, right?

"I'm waiting until _____."

No! Don't you wait! You do whatever it is that you're planning right now. Life requires more urgency than what we give her. What's the chance that we'll regret not feeding her urgency when she leaves us?! A lot to a little.

Wake up! Tell that girl you love her, right now! give that man your heart, right now! Make those noodles, right now! Clean the bathroom, right now! Do what you have to do! What are you waiting for?!

Are you waiting for my man (above) to pass the blunt? It's not gonna happen! Never chump! So do what you have (or have the urge) to do!

Right now!



Cha heers.

Gilbere Forte: I'm so appalled

Video credit: Jerome White

Gilbere Forte' - I'm So Appalled (Official Music Video) from Jerome White on Vimeo.

There's a lot of talent in our pretty little city...So much that it can be overwhelming if you happen to stumble upon it all at one time. I'll do you a favor and introduce it gradually. I wouldn't want your death on my hands.

Gilbere Forte
"Lyin to the frats that you used to sell crack. Them pockets full of money from ya mama's income tax."

Cee lo Green: Fuck you

Cee Lo Green - Fuck You (Official Video) from acs92003 on Vimeo.

If you don't know this song by now than you should learn it. After you learn it, you take a look around you and pinpoint a girl who claims to be "fancy" ( Word to the wise: A true fancy girl would never actually claim to be). Once you find her, you hit her with the ____ you!

Do it for me.
Do it for you.
Do it for her own sake.

N.E.R.D album cover: Nothing

I think it'd be fair to say that we can expect a good funk from this album based on the cover.

Check out the new website.
(Hint, scroll your mouse over the three eyed monster for a quick thrill)

Via Earstyle

The Black Ivy

There are some days when I look around at the other members of my race and have to say, "The fuck is you doin?"

When in need of good music you can't turn on the radio anymore. My genuine belief is that whoever created Pandora was forced to sit and listen to Charlamagne in the morning for more than five minutes during their daily commute. What happened to music with substance? Idols with substance? Walking a block in the city is close to impossible without hearing a crack head reference (this is actually no different from a year ago but now the butts of the jokes aren't limited to crazy white females..Soulja Boy, Cudi, what?)

Ask the majority of African American females what their ideal partner is like, but don't expect more than two words (Trey Songz). This isn't an attempt to throw shade at the musically inclined or physically gifted either, but, what about the Cory Booker's of the world? Does anyone else desire an educated man? Give Nicki Minaj's dick a break for a moment, and think about the Carol Moselely Braun's out there, pushing for a better tomorrow.
Does anyone remember 2008? We were all fueled by the Obama excitement, talking politics and ambitions? Do you remember how for a week everyone wanted a Barack or a Michelle in their lives? Now it's 2010 and it seems that some of us have forgotten what reading the newspaper feels like (this applies to me too, holding the newspaper requires a little bit more energy than what I would like to give). It sucks but, it seems like we don't value or desire educated and motivated idols as much as we should.

A lot of African Americans in the immediate spotlight these days portray us to be just as ignorant and "promisedlandless" as we were before offered education and opportunity. It sucks, but there's hope in the different breed out there; The educated African American.

Some of us thirst for success while others are thirsting to get rich quick by any means necessary. I've done it. You might contemplate selling, stealing, and doing anything possible to appear successful in the eyes of your peers. It sucks. I forgot (maybe you forgot too) that there's a route that promises success if you promise it your all. This route is called education.

Education isn't necessarily obtained in a classroom. One could learn more in a day by interning than by sitting at a desk and "learning" about Neuroscience. At least that's the go to argument against paying for education, but how does one get the internship? Cliche' though it might sound, an education is the key to a building with many, many open doors. Get yours.

The Black Ivy from Street Etiquette on Vimeo.

As of 2010 there are 105 historically black colleges and universities. While none of the top ranked colleges and universities in the United States are historically black,
could you learn more as a person at an HBCU? If you've never attended an all black college than you probably will never understand the feeling that is to be described within these next two paragraphs. Actually you probably won't understand at all. You have no chance at understanding. You'll say, "That's not the real world." True, but I've been to the "real" world, and I prefer the reality that HBCU's offer.

Despite the chaos of the financial process, despite the weaves and hair extensions that are sure to be in every bathroom sink, and despite the list of complaints that I was able to come up with during my freshmen year..I've never felt more at home than when surrounded by 2,400 other African American strangers.

Rushing to class at 7:57 am and looking over your shoulder to see another five or so black students doing the same exact thing is empowering. Why? It's nice to know that other people run on CP time. No, but really, there's something about knowing that we've all made the decision to be in the same place, surrounded by faces like ours, that I might never be able to explain. Fried Chicken Wednesdays, Step shows, Black teachers (but let's not forget the occasional language challenged Immigrant teacher), the yard, running into folks that you knew from your Jack & Jill days. Black faces pursuing a better life by means of an education, every which way that you turn. There is nothing like it.

HBCU's were established in the face of segregation and blah blah blah but over time they've turned into something more than the second choice for the genius boy who couldn't go to an Ivy league school because of his race. Everyone chooses the HBCU for a different reason. I chose it for a change of scenery, my sister chose Spelman because she too wanted a change of scenery (along with a chance at sisterhood other than ours). Some have never known an education without black faces, and other's have never known an education with black faces.

But that's the beauty of it all! Educated black faces holding themselves to a higher standard.

"Pledging to learn for eternity, never allowing negativity to define me. Session one, year one, classic beginnings with Black Ivy."

Now, you watch that video up there. Who do you want to be? Where do you want to learn to be that person?

Chiddy Bang: Good life

These two gentlemen have come a long way. Do you remember when this was posted a little over a year ago? No itunes, no download links in sight..Just Chiddy Bang on Imeem (which has since plummeted into the 30 second clip world. Boo hoo.)

Here we are two or three videos later. And while this video isn't the most interesting or amusing thing I've seen most recently, something could still be said for the drumming on the garbage can. Right? If not we will just have to take the sound into consideration. Yeah,there are no "smile along with Ye'" puns or tupac-esque verses, but the sound that they've managed to create here is refreshing all the same.

Enjoy.

Crevices of the mind: Something

This should be pretty self explanatory for those of you with brains and hearts.



Ease with love won't exist for me.

I'm plagued with the bad lucks, or bad fucks.

The "Sit down and shut ups."

So honestly I'm fed up-

cause I work too hard for a heart this soft,

and for a bitch to be nagging me this often.

I'm bitchin' but this bitch of a thought is nagging me often.

Over time do all hearts crumble rather than soften?


These days I worry that I should cough and-

Have a piece of my passion come up

staring at me like "ha ha. You fucked up!

by even trying the shit."


Well, shit. Damn bitch.

And I never really used the world until shown the true meaning of it.

So, DAMN. BITCH.

Now she it, and she it, and she it.

Aww sheeeeeit.

Because I warned me about this

yet somehow I'm back to where it all begins..


I'm sitting, smitten, rhyming word ends with how that smile makes me get.

Now she's got my fire lit,

and my intentions scorched with less than innocence.

Well, in a sense, on a nice day, when the nay-says see things my way..

This isn't wrong at all.

Cause I've got nothing, but you have got it all.

without even knowing it.


My mind, like trees, you're blowing it.

My soul's like, "At ease. You're showing it."

So the little things break me down in a large way

and my heart say,

"Fuck it. We weren't tryin' to feel this way anyway."

In seconds the beauty of it becomes aggressive and hectic.

Please tell me, where is this headed?

Come take this ache from my heart and release it where my head is.


And if you can't..I mean,

just show me the guillotine.

Cause I would rather be headless and dead than-

running around with an organ sore for time spent out of friendship.

I want more.

Fuck morals.

See my morals say, "Fuck this friendshit cause your heart's already in this."

I wish to end this.


On the other hand, I wouldn't even trade this for the Moon

that I value so dearly.

Queen of my dreams.

Might I see you soon?


If not sleep, than this high deep will place you near me.

So this is what it is.

Don't fear me, just hear me.

Though emotionally illiterate I read this so clearly.

"Don't chase what's not running. It won't be for nothing if it is something."

In other words, "Don't fuck it up though you wanna."


I want it,

but less than lust would tell me.

And though this cotton heart compels me

it might be best to just stand here, wonderin'.

Cream of The Planet

I am fully aware that life is worth living.

You will be missed. Don't come back till you learned something kid!

Sassytahn, photogenic ass. haha

Chin Whaddup!

Stencil shit.
Fuck Security.
Certain things make me want to use as little focus as possible. It leaves the mind in search of more detail. That's how I be lookin' at life.
Now, tell me Q'doba ain't got it. Then keep a straight face, fooh.

Peeeaaace. We didn't get to build with them as much as we wished. But meeting them was definately an experience.

...I'm on the patch.

The fall of an empire.

I will be completely honest. The lyrics to Kanye's "Power" makes me sick to my stomache. But this preview to the music video that I spotted at Frank151 is a little more involved on an intellectual level than the actual song is. I guess to respect Kanye as an artist, one has to realize that he is an ARTIST and not a rapper.

Mind-poluting lyrics sell records.
Mind-Blowing artistry...blows minds.

Words to live by, rappers.

peeeaaace.

A life story...

Once upon a time, there was this kid who went to all the parties and lived the college life. Every night that he partied (which wasn't every night, but plenty out of the week), he learned something new about lif, love, sincerity and other things of that sort. Some nights, he would spend sweeping a girl right off of her feet. Starting conversation just to make her feel comfortable; Asking her to dance to join her in her comfort; Swaying her heart from side to side, up to down, anywhere it could never imagine going. Then, he would take her outside, hold her hands, look into her eyes, and whatever happened from there...happened. What most didn't understand though - between the ones that gossip, the ones that just notice and the ones that simply fall victim - was that each girl was just a different girl, and each night a different night.

Some nights he spent alone on a chair or on a couch with just a red cup to keep him company; Just watching the party go on from behind the glass wall he constructed in his head. He watched people flirt, saw others argue, heard people reconnect with one another; basically witnessed love in several forms and enjoyed every minute of it. And to him, this was no better or worse than the nights he encountered love on his own. Each night was the same. They all started at different times and ended in different fashions, but all in all...each night, each girl, each happening were all equally as special. Just in their own different ways.

peaeaeace.

The Bill Cosby Experience

"Yooo I checked out your blog. Good read good vibes. I dunno if you like electro stuff but I just dropped this compilation of mixes today. Cosby's all up in it." -DJ Sylo

Haha, Word.

I haven't heard a mix with references so versaitile that sounds so good. The whole thing was ILL! from the Kanye/N.A.S.A. bit, to the little two cents from Bill Cosby in between songs. I even heard some Rob Base towards the end. Nice.

This shit does the pudding pop.

Download HERE

I appreciate the love & the good mix as well.

-peeeaaace