Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
UVA's Burd looks to brother for gridiron inspiration
The bonds that unite brothers aren't built overnight. For Kris and Nick Burd, it was something that happened every day.
After school the two would run over to Matoaca Park to play sports, the younger Kris tagging along with his brother and his friends, who were three years older.
Later in life, those bonds held the family together through tragedy and recovery.
Five years ago this week, Nick was in a car accident that left him paralyzed, with broken ribs and a broken neck. The diagnosis was bleak.
Three days later, Kris broke his collarbone playing football for Matoaca.
Thinking back to the time, their mother, Terry Burd, said it was "devastating."
With Nick, a college basketball prospect, confined to a wheelchair, it was up to Kris to keep the family name going.
So earlier this year, when coach Mike London asked his players to consider the question: "Who do you play for?" the answer was easy.
"I pretty much play for him," Kris said. "Knowing that he can't do it physically, so I'm just trying to put on a good effort for him."
Tomorrow afternoon, Nick will be watching from the stands, as he almost always does.
. . .
Growing up, Kris learned early on the athletic skills needed to run with an older crowd.
"Kris would always be playing with Nick and his friends," Terry said. "He would try to keep up with them."
He wasn't the only one. Of the group of about 15 that played regularly, three were younger, and all now play Division I sports. Kris is a wide receiver for the University of Virginia., Patrick Mills plays football at Norfolk State and Aaron Mitchell plays basketball at Longwood. Kris never saw himself as anything but a football player, though.
"Basketball was fun for me, and I could see myself, if I put the time into it, being able to figure that out," he said. "But I always had a love for football and knew growing up football was going to be my thing."
Meanwhile Nick became a basketball standout on the local AAU circuit and was headed to play at VMI when the accident happened. His brother took the news hard.
"Kris was just devastated," Terry said. "We all were, but especially Kris, because they were so close."
. . .
The lessons of life were learned the hard way in the Burd family, then passed down between brothers.
It started with the oldest brother, Dejuan Hutchins, who played football as well. He played for Liberty for a short time before being dismissed from the school.
"He didn't have a role model, or somebody before him to really build a path," Kris said. "So he used to tell me and my brother when we were younger, to go to college, stay focused, and that books come first."
Nick was next, but his career ended after his accident. That left Kris as the final prospect.
He credits his mom for creating a great home atmosphere. Terry works for the City of Hopewell.
"I love my mom," Burd said. "My dad has always been a figure in my life, and our bond never broke, but I spent most of my time with my mom."
For Terry, the memories from five years ago remain, but they've been replaced by happy moments since then -- a fundraising basketball game for Nick, and Kris getting a scholarship to play for Virginia.
He's having a standout junior season with 752 receiving yards and five touchdowns, both team highs. His season-long was a 76-yard touchdown catch against Florida State.
Nick has been at Scott Stadium cheering for all the home games from his wheelchair, while Terry has made it to all the road games, including a weekend trip to USC.
He's also returned to school at John Tyler Community College. He ultimately wants to be a teacher and basketball coach -- he hopes to work with a Petersburg AAU team this season.
And he's happy to take credit for his younger brother's success as he watches the family name live on at the collegiate level.
"I taught him everything he knows," Nick said with a laugh.
In the Burd family, that's what brothers do.
Article via Timesdispatch.com
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Artist of the Week: Bz
Name Bz
Current Town Glassmanor Maryland
How would you describe your art form? Hip hop/rap
How did you get your name??
well i used to bump young jeezys first cd which was a classic and byrd just stated calling me Bz the dro man for obvious reasons lol
How did you group come together??
we met in our neighborhood back in 96 so we have been together since we were children. as we came up we met some people with the same goals
What are the benefits/detriments of being in a group??
well i think the only problem is sometimes we all cant get together to sit down and write music. we email a lot of beats to each other lol
Favorite place you’ve performed??
so far i think at Saki in Adams morgan
What is your inspiration??
i have 2 daughters that i want to look out for and just the fact that if i wasnt doing this i would probably be in jail
What are your goals or what do you hope to accomplish with your art??
i want to produce more music i made 1 track on the first mixtape so i want to get back into that.
What is your favorite song you’ve done??
its a tie between "do it" from the first mixtape and "ill be home" off the new mixtape
Who is your favorite artist?? Underground and Professional
Kanye West and my man Wiz Khalifa but hes not underground anymore lol
Where can you be heard or seen??
we will be performing live at layla lounge on oct 13th and our mixtapes are on the web you can find all the links on our twitter page www.twitter.com@FLi_Ent
What are your upcoming projects??
I will be dropping 5 songs on 10/10/2010 i worked wit Tay and Jay Q from the group so far i have other features from Ms.Carrey shes from the dmv and my young dude DBlock
What is your favorite quote or quote you live by??
Family over everything, and Grind Pays
Message to fans
thanks for all the love, without yall we wouldnt be where we are now
Do you have a twitter, Facebook, or other way to be contacted??
Twitter.com/FLiFamBz
www.facebook.com/BzOnTheTrack
BzFLiEnt@Gmail.com
Men In Black 3??
Production for a new Men In Black will begin in New York in November. The third movie of the Men In Black family will once again star Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones and be available in 3D
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Artist of the Week: Carmen Nedab
Name: Carmen "Carm" Nedab
Hometown: Sterling, VA
Current Town: Greensboro, NC
How would you describe your art form??
As a release. It's something to be said about someone who can make enough sense out of all the thoughts in their head, enough to construct a poem that expresses it better than a simple "I'm angry" or "I'm happy". This talent that I have makes me exercise the written language in ways that some might not have even thought about or had enough courage to express.
How did you get your name??
I currently don't have a stage name and just use my own, Carmen or just Carm. Maybe as I progress and do more, I might consider using a stage name but for now a black girl named Carmen seems unique enough for me.
How did you start??
I started "writing" when I was in middle school, just little poems here and there and some short stories. One of the ones I remember from back then was my interpretation of the Antoine Fisher poem "Who Will Cry For The Little Boy" called "Who Will Cry For The Little Girl". I think that was an indication that I actually had a thing for writing poetry because from there in high school, I started writing more and did a few performances for my church. I was still at the beginning stages of writing when I came to A&T. I still tried out for Couture Word the spring of my freshmen year and was shocked to say the least when I made it. Looking back on those old poems, I'll consider it a starting point for something much bigger.
Favorite place you’ve performed??
This is a tough one. I would have to say this past February 1 when I was asked along with 3 other poets to participate in the mock march and grand opening of the Civil Rights Museum downtown. The piece that I did, entitled "The Day The Earth Stood Still", was very emotional and talked about what it was like for someone to be marching down the streets back in the 1960s when we were trying to advocate for equal treatment. I really put a lot into that poem and it was so moving for me to know that so many people were really touched by my poem and it let me know that I really have a talent with this word.
What is your inspiration??
I have been motivated by the changing colors of the sky when the sunsets, a squirrel walking through my path, or a friend telling me gossip. Really any and everything inspires me to write. I suppose it has something to do with me being able to have a lot more time to devote to writing that I find myself coming up with random bars throughout my day sometimes. I made a joke with one of my fellow poets that I have all these pieces of fabric, but no thread to sew them together.
What are your goals or what do you hope to accomplish with your art??
I have no goals at the current moment. Im really still trying to process that I am good at spoken word. I'm so humbled by anyone recognizing my words that it's still difficult for me to grasp that I'm really that good at it. The way I see it, I'm only good at constructing my feelings or thoughts on an issue into a poem. I don't do spoken word for the recognition. I do it because that's what I love. Maybe in the future, I'll be more daring and enter a slam competition or go out further than Greensboro and perform. Who's to say what may be in the future for me and poetry.
What is your favorite piece you’ve done??
Up to date, my favorite piece is Jimmy Crack Corn which is about a drug dealer. I really imagined what it would be like to be that person that ends lives by holding death in their palms. I feel really vested in that poem even though it is as dark as it is and I am the complete opposite. Everyone that knows me knows that I'm goofy, bubbly, and naturally just a happy person so when I "switch gears" and do this poem or any of them for that matter, it's always strange for them to see that other side of me.
Who is your favorite artist?? Underground and Professional
Shihan, Shihan, Shihan. That could be due in part to me actually seeing him in person not to long ago at an event in Winston, but regardless, I was mesmerized by not only his poems, but what knowledge he offered us. It was so refreshing to see him just be a person and not act as a celebrity. He spoke to us about real things and real issues in a real way, not some fabricated speech that he thought about before hand. Also, even though he has been living off his words for this long, he still stumbled a few times which was another sign that he was actually human and that it was okay for you to mess up from time to time. One of the many moving statements he made that nights was "No one can teach you patience. You're just given a lot of opportunities to practice it."
Other than him, I admire the other poets that I know in the area, my loves in Word currently, SBE, my "Word-Parents" Meg and Bryan, Word alums such as Dom, everyone that has had a hand in my progress thus far direct or indirectly, I appreciate and love you.
Where can you be heard or seen??
I can be seen at most any Couture Word events at A&T, sporadic open mics at UNCG or WSSU, and a few events in the city of Greensboro when I've been asked to perform.
What are your upcoming projects??
Next week is A&T's Homecoming and I will be in the opening scene of the Couture Fashion Show on Wednesday October 6th.
What is your favorite quote or quote you live by??
"As long as you believe that your shit is the shit, spit it like it's THE shit."
Message to fans
Fans, that's an interesting concept.... Anyone that loves what I do, I appreciate you and just knowing that someone out there loves the messages that I try to bring in my poetry.
Do you have a twitter, Facebook, or other way to be contacted??
Email: CNedab@gmail.com
Twitter: @CarmesanCheese
Jimmy Crack Corn
They said my streets were on fire
And I was the one to set the flame
No other soul needs to carry that blame
I wear it proudly
Rwanda and Congo would be proud of me
Inflicting genocide all by corrupting my people’s mentality
Find me another man’s tears
Because God took that power away from me
I chose to use this life to sling death
Bring addiction with each breath
Bombs may cause destruction but corruption is more ruthless
Use this oil slick talk to slick talk them into handing me their souls
In exchange for mattress stuffing
Think you can watch a mother whither like the smoke she craves, you’re bluffing
She trades her baby for $5 and a hit from the blue-tailed fly
And to sail high above the smog of poverty she’s been choking on
Obsessing over the white sand paradise she’s smoking on
Stroking strong that glass dick making everyone lovers of that Lollipop
Hardly stop do hearty souls who become bones
And use stones to fill the holes that being a misguided soul has made
Turn to me when you’ve repented for all you’ve prayed
‘Cause Cane am I and Able am I to make
Prom queens become a bobbing weave
Sympathy lives two doors down next to weakness
I supply sin but it is you who choose to seek this
My tongue carries more heat
Than my waist band
Able to cease a pulse sooner than filling souls with lead and
Can kill dreams all by opening my hand
And handing over
What those fiends would die over
I would cry over my piles of green
If I wasn’t such a fiend for it
My lungs carry me through this life
Leaving us three steps backwards and two steps from Macbeth-ing our King
Too late
My brigade has taken the globe one Nino Brown at a time
In the meantime
I’ll be there to prey on those that life is deserting
And I'll hustle this Earth now and save blessings for the deserving
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Kanye West Album Finished
Reported via Kanye West twitter page his album is finished but lacks a release date or title. The previously reported title Good Ass Job is not official. Thought to be released on November 22, right around black Friday, it is now unknown when the album will be made available.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Artist of the Week: Khalisa Rae Williams
Name Khalisa Rae Williams
How would you describe your art form??
I consider myself a performing artist ( in runs thought my blood). I come from a long line of artists including my dad, sister, and brother. My parents swear I have been performing since kindergarten. When I was old enough to speak I started singing and since then I have trained in all the performing art genres. Spoken word, dancing, singing, acting, and the stage have always been my passion. I started writing and studying plays, books, and poetry when I was in middle school and have been in love ever since. In all my forms of expression my goal is to deliver a message and to impact someone else's life. I also strive to encourage other people, specifically women to be bold and speak out through art because I believe everyone has a story to tell.
How did you get your name??
The name I go by came from my parents. They nicknamed me Kelly when I was born and my middle name is Rae. Put the two together and you have Kelly Rae.
Kelly means warrior woman, aggressive, strong woman with a lively spirit. Rae means Doe or docile, feminine. These two name embody the two sides of me and represent who I am as I person. I try to include these character traits in my poetry and my versatility on stage in my performances.
How did you start??
I started performing when I was very young. I loved music and sang and performed at school, in church, and at home. I was always fascinated with movies, books, and story telling, so I began to write at a very young age as well. My dad and my siblings are artists so they encouraged me to express myself by putting me in every art class possible: drama, poetry, painting/pottery, dance, and choir. I never stopped performing through high school to college. The more I more I learned, practiced and got better the more people told me I was good at what I did and I decided to make it a career.
Favorite place you’ve performed??
Favorite place I performed on stage (in a play) was at UNCG for the production "For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Not Enough" Honestly I can say that is the most powerful production I've been in and that’s probably why Tyler Perry has decided to make it into a movie this fall. My favorite place I've performed poetry has been at the end of the semester show case with the most phenomenal poetry professor, my adviser, and friend, Dr. Ahmad at N.C.A&T this past spring. I performed the best I have in years and the crowd loved the show. I felt like I was super confident and connected so well with the audience.
What is your inspiration??
Honestly my biggest inspiration to write is music. I love music and it seems to give me so many ideas about topics to write about and the flow and style that I try to mimic is very musical. Artists such as Jill Scott, Floetry, and India Arie. My inspiration to perform are strong black women with morals in the entertainment business that stand for a purpose and a greater goal to make a difference in the lives of their viewers. My motivation to make this a life career is my sister. She has accomplished things some young black people will never dream of. One of the youngest and only black women to work for Dream Works, Paramount Pictures, and Nickelodeon. I aspire to accomplish what she has at such a young age.
What are your goals or what do you hope to accomplish with your art??
My goals are to have my written worked published in the forms of books and cds. My goals is to be a stage/film performer. I also hope to use my spoken word to speak nationally about serious topics such as women empowerment and African American social issues. My biggest aspiration is to have my own art organization and under that company give back to the community in many ways.
What is your favorite piece you’ve done??
My favorite piece is the piece I dedicated to my Grandfather that has passed away and I hope to expand this piece even more. It is dedicated to his love of jazz music and is called "Let me be the history of Jazz"
Who is your favorite artist??
One of my favorite writers is Ntozake Shange she is the author of "For Colored Girls" which infuses poetry and play writing . My favorite contemporary poet, writer,actress and singer would have to be Jill Scott. I am one of her biggest supporters because she is so talented and such a beautiful role model.
Where can you be heard or seen??
I perform all over the triad area, which includes Greensboro , Winston Salem, and High Point at open mics, show cases, and poetry slams. My writing can be seen on Facebook, on my blog, poet.she7@tumblr.com, and on the online magazines www.thegingerfly.com and www.examiner.com/greensboro. My poetry can be found on facebook.com under Kelly Rae.
What are your upcoming projects??
My latest projects are a poetry cd I am recording which infuses singing and poetry . It is my ode to all the things I love, jazz, my home town, and family. I am also creating a poetry book to be published and go along with my cd. I just recently started a group called POET.SHE that is a budding organization for female writers, vocal artists, and spoken words artists. Our mission is serve as an umbrella for all the female artists in the area to highlight their talent and showcase local artists by throwing creative events. We also strive to inform the community about local art events taking place so that all the art endeavors can be supported.
What is your favorite quote or quote you live by??
Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.
Pamela Vaull Starr
Message to fans
INSPIRE.CREATE.DREAM.
Please contact me via email and Facebook if you would like to share poetry or be involved in any of the projects or local events I have mentioned.
Do you have a twitter, Facebook, or other way to be contacted??
Kelly Rae- Facebook
Lisaraexoxo - Twitter
email : amateuractress@yahoo.com
Let Me Be The History of Jazz
I am Billie Holiday's diaphragm expanding and releasing sweet harmonic notes dipped in honey
I am the microphone that catches the refrains and countless bridges of Ella Fitzgerald
inside me lives the secret to her effortless sound
I am wet lips wrapped around Dizzie's Gilespie's trumpet, triumphant groans, whining and beckoning you to stay
I am the misty quick breaths of Nat King Cole, seeping into your parted lips reviving your spirit, breathing life into your motionless chest
I will be the space between Louis Armstrong's cheeks push me out and make me his hypnotic bellows that slap you across the face
I am the commanding tones of Duke Ellington choking your collar, shortening your air, backing you into a corner with no where to run
I am the sinking chords of B.B. King's blues, forcing you to down beneath the surface of bad memories and love lost
I am the bruised fingertips of Coltrane pounding D Flat, A minor, F sharp, with every punch of the key, I sacrifice and am in pain to give you dreamy nights of slumber
Can I be Miles Davis and you be Scott Joplin and we take too imperfect harmonies and blend them into something extraordinary?
Together we make history.....
Let me
Monday, September 27, 2010
Nick Cannon vs Eminem Charity Boxing Match
Nick Cannon suggest that he and Eminem have a charity boxing match. The two have been feuding for about a year since Eminem released his song The Warning. Nick Cannon was quoted as saying "He was disrespectful, as a man, so lets meet man-to-man and do it old school, just get back to a prize fight. Let's get it! In the ring!" I doubt this fight will ever actually take place but I would love to see it.
Kid Cudi Sentence to Community Service
Cleveland, Ohio rapper/actor Kid Cudi has pleaded guilty to drug possession charges, after he was busted with liquid cocaine in X.
According to TMZ.com, Kid Cudi, born Scott Mescudi pled guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree, on Friday (September 24th) in court.
The rapper was sentenced to two days of community service and must avoid any trouble for the next six months.
Kid Cudi, who is signed to Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music, was busted in June after an altercation with a woman in New York.
Police responded to calls after Kid Cudi allegedly destroyed the woman's phone during the incident and kicked down her door. Arriving officers searched the rapper and found him to be in possession of liquid cocaine.
"I had a new found respect for T.I. and Wayne," Kid Cudi told Spin in a recent interview. "I only spent 15 hours in there! I was scared straight, going through the shakes, having no food, being held captive. It didn’t matter who I was in the world.”
Mike Vick is Back
I for one am very happen to see how well Mike Vick has played this season. I can't say that I was sure we would ever see him play at this level again. I just hope he can stay healthy through the season and put the pressure on the Eagles at the end of the season to make a decision between Vick and Kevin Kolb.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
MC Hammer vs Jay-Z
Apparently MC Hammer is upset with Jay-Z because of Jay-Z's verse on Kanye West's song So Appalled. Go as far to say he will be making a response said to be coming out sometime in October. I'm confused as to what upset MC Hammer about Jay-Z's verse. Maybe MC Hammer didn't hear the whole song Rick Ross had talking about him.
Nike 1/2 Cent Eggplant & Cranberry
Eggplant will be available Oct 30th
Cranberry will be available Dec 18th
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
NBA Finals: Lakers vs. Celtics
As much as I would like to say they I feel comfortable the Laker's will when the series I'm a little afraid. I do believe the Laker's are in a much better position this year having Ron Artest and Andrew Bynum available but the key match up will be if Pau Gasol can avoid being bullied by Kevin Garnett. If Pau can play like an all star i'll take the Laker's in 6. If not the series will be a 7 game nail biter. The Laker's will also have to play more Shannon Brown at the point to try to contend with Rondo. Many questions will be answered when the game kicks off at 9.
King Mez x Commissioner Gordon- The Paraplegics
New Mixtape Good Music Out of NC
http://www.djbooth.net/index/mixtapes/entry/king-mez-commissioner-gordon-the-paraplegics/
Artist of the Week: Tequila Thompson
Name Tequila Thompson (DanniGyrl)
Hometown Pontiac Michigan
Current Town Chester VA
How would you describe your art form??
Depending on my mood, i like to draw objects that i see and include the word "Love" in every sketch. It allows me to express my emotions even though I'm not in "Love". It's kind of weird but its a word that many often use and it always turns into "Pain". Art makes me fall in Love with myself and my creations keep me driven by my goals.
How did you start??
DanniGyrl T-Shirts were thought of out of the blue..... My Middle name is Danielle and my father/bothers name is Danny and i have boy tendencies something like a "TomBoy" wink wink which is why i decided DANNIGYRL. I was going for a more Bashful, Drunkin thoughts, stereotypical quotes about myself. Which, some are true and some are false. So I decided to take the rumors I've HEARD n turn them into something I'm passionate about. ; ).I Did a couple designs off the top of my head, along with a Photo shoot i did wit a close friend Loany G the photographer and created my Tee's. I received positive feedback from hella friends which motivated me to keep going and to network wit other upcoming designers.
What is your inspiration??
When i was younger Betsey Johnson Inspired me with her funky designs but now I inspire myself with my sense of style.. Also i have a few homegyrls i admire and i always tell them I'm gonna steal their wardrobes ; )... not only them but the ones who like to talk shit that clearly never set down n had a positive conversation wit me...
What are your goals or what do you hope to accomplish with your art??
I have Short term Goals and Long term goals, Short term: create more designs along wit a website where orders can be made, as well as sending a few samples to boutiques to get my work out there and doing a couple of fashion shows ; ) (Fashion show with "Members Only" in October) Long term goals: Short term goals will lead to my long term goals... Getting out of Virginia Freelancing as a wardrobe stylist... eventually opening up a boutique and running my own business.
What is your favorite piece you've done??
"Smoke Til Im Happy" T-Shirt more in LOVE wit the photo shoot then anything... The photoshoot describes me, a side that many don't see. I've heard from several people that if they didn't know me they would think i was booji and uptight (negative)...Im down to earth and i drink and hate to say it smoke as well not booji at all real chill laid back type of chic that knows what i want outta life n my life is not PERFECT and will never be.. so wit all the bullshit I've been through dealin wit relationship/friendship i rather smoke an "L"(not a smoker shh) until the sunshines and I'm HAPPY.....
Who is your favorite Designer??
I've been on some expensive shit lately why?...not sure.....but I'm loving Patrizio Di Marco (Gucci) I would spend my whole check in that store if i didn't have any responsibilities.
Where can your art be seen??
Check me out on Facebook Danni Gyrl follow me on twitter @DanniGyrl1 and also i have a Blog Dannigyrl1.blogspot.com
What are your upcoming projects??
My shirts will be featured in a fashion show sponsored by "Members Only" in October will be giving more details soon!
What is your favorite quote or quote you live by??
"Be urself regardless of what people think".. "Have ur own style never follow the crowd".."Create ur own Trend and see who follows"...Danni Gyrl <3
Message to fans
Loyalty is something I live By...regardless of BUSINESS and FRIENDSHIP my word is always BOND if i say it i mean it and DO it ; )....
Do you have a twitter facebook or other way you can be contacted??
Facebook- Danni Gyrl
Twitter- @Dannigyrl1
Email- DanniGyrl1@gmail.com
Make sure u hit me up if ur interested in any SHIRTS!!!!!!!
--
DanniGyrl <3
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
50 Cent's Weight Lost For Movie
50 Cent lost a lot of weight to be in the movie "Things Fall Apart". This is not a good look for 50. He looks like a fiend.
Kat Stack Get Slapped
So i never blogged about Kat Stacks because I didn't feel like she deserved my time or energy but I had to post this video.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Artist of the Week: Blade Brown
Name: Blade Brown
Hometown: Long Island, NY
Current Town: Atlanta, GA
How would you describe your art form??
I guess you'd call me a Poet.
Typically, I prefer to write about anything dealing with unbalanced emotions –and not that nursery rhyme shit, either. I mean real shit that people go through on a daily basis. Love lost, annoying ass children, wanting to kill your dog because he pissed on your carpet one too many times this week—shit like that. The catch is that I’m usually referring to an internal conflict or something that has an ulterior meaning. Not necessarily MY conflict, but a conflict that someone has faced or will soon face. Perhaps, killing the dog represents destroying an ego that continues to shit on any relationship you try to build—the relationship being the carpet, aka foundation. I dunno—that’as just an example.
I feel like, with poetry, because it is so under-appreciated, you have to draw people in and make them feel as if they understand. If your delivery is massive, they’ll remember it. They may not get the deeper meaning at that point, but eventually, they’ll have that “Ooooh, that’s what he meant” moment.
Metaphors and Personification are my right-hand men, so, with them, I can make anyone feel as if they can relate.
How'd you get your name??
Ha! Blade Brown came about one spring break when some friends and I were just sitting around. I don’t remember the exact conversation but I do remember from that day forward it kind of just... stuck? The funny thing is it actually fit perfectly. The original Blade Brown (Class Act) was an aggressive guy. He didn’t take shit from anyone and he had this confidence about him that, even if he was wrong, it would make you think he’s right. That’s exactly how my (performance) poetry comes across--Really aggressive and hostile, even at times where it shouldn’t be. It can come off as pain or hostility; depending on the piece.
How did you start??
Wow… I started writing back in the 6th grade. I remember sneaking into my cousin’s room, sitting on the floor, and reading her Diary. The shit she wrote was far too hilarious to keep to myself so, in an attempt to mock and make fun of her I wrote some bullshit of a poem about her boyfriend kissing her. I don’t remember the damn thing—but I’m sure it was some “roses are red” type of shit. Real wack. The funny thing is, she loved it! Then she told me “you should start writing more poetry” Haha!
So, the joke was on me but it birthed something new.
Favorite place you've performed??
I don’t think I have a favorite place—I don’t think I’ve been around enough to claim a favorite or least favorite.
What is your inspiration??
Umm… I guess Pain is my inspiration. I feel like it pulls out your inner Super Hero …or Psycho. Through pain, you can see how far a person will really go. You see who they really are and what they’re willing to do to end it. Pain can manipulate, destroy, or rebuild—it’s some powerful shit.
What are your goals or what do you hope to accomplish with your art??
Well, I guess I’d first have to get back into the swing of writing. That’d be my first goal. Long term: I want to write one piece that captivates the masses. I don’t want to be an acclaimed poet or compete in Slams worldwide. That shit doesn’t interest me—I just want to write ONE piece that travels on it’s own, regionally or nationally. I mean, obviously, I’d have to put it out there—maybe I’ll do a Youtube video or some shit like that, I dunno.
What is your favorite piece you've done??
Let’s see… MY favorite piece would have to be “Bottled In” only because when I wrote it, I was going through so many different emotions and the only way to let them out were to either kill someone, or write about it. Obviously, I chose the latter. The reason I love it so much is because it captivates EVERYTHING I wanted to say and EVERYTHING I felt. Usually, when you write under an emotional pressure, you’re not able to spill out everything the way you want to—your mind is racing so fast that you miss shit. With “Bottled In” I hit the nail on the head.
Most people, who’ve heard it, don’t really understand it-- and that’s okay. I’m fine with that. The persons who needed to hear it got it.
On the flip side, I really dig the reception I get whenever I perform “Dodge-Ball”. It’s about me seeking revenge against bad ass kids in a “friendly” game of Dodge Ball. It’s a bit cynical but mostly humorous. I love kids... haha!
Who is your favorite artist?? Underground and Professional
I can’t say that I have a favorite artist. Everyone has a different approach when they’re on stage. I appreciate anyone who has control over their art. However, that whole “I-am-A-bird (pause) IN-the-WIND…” approach, I can’t fuck with. If you know poetry, you know what I’m talking about--
Where can you be heard and/or seen??
Umm.. Twitter? Or catch me in Atlanta. I’ve been meaning to check out the open mics here but I haven’t gotten around to it just yet--
What are your upcoming projects?
Well, I do have an online publication and blog that’s doing pretty well—it focuses on Indie music and art. Phresh Mentality Blogazine—It’s a monthly online magazine and a daily blog all housed under the www.PMBlogazine.com url. Check it out!
What is your favorite quote or quote you live by??
“Success is simple enough for a child to achieve, yet too complex for some minds to perceive.” --I came up with that quote in High School. It was supposed to be for my Senior Quote… I ended up using something else instead.
It stuck with me because it’s fuckin’ true. It’s so easy to misconstrue success by means of monetary value or recognition. And for that, people will lead lives never knowing how successful they truly are. I don’t live my life for recognition. If it’s something I’m passionate about, I just hope it impacts the lives of others—whether 200 or 2 million.
Message to fans
I have fans?? Lol! –No but seriously, to anyone who supports my artistry “Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!” It means a lot when people look forward to you sharing your life experiences.
Do you have a twitter facebook or other way you can be contacted??
Twitter.com/theeBladeBrown --I have a Facebook but, I’m never on it.
Young :
Trust strangled by your manic lies
Dangling hopelessly from the peaks of my frustrations.
I've witnessed you murder my interests in anything Happily linked
to Romance.
I thought I had figured out your smile
but it seems you've sold me a Decoy to keep me from recognizing that
this
was just another ploy.
Have you ever ran into what you knew was a trap?
Perhaps I'd seen the Acid bubbling at the bottom of your Wish-Me Well
but I fell freely with no regards to what was soon to burn.
I think I had convinced myself that If I allowed my eyes to rain long enough
I could dilute your worst--
but instead
the mixture only created something much more fiery.
--Flashback
You signed off on "miss u" text messages
as promissory notes in exchange for my affection
but obviously
I wasn't the only lender in which you were applying.
Now silly me,
left with no interest to even
bother collecting something I ultimately never had.
nothing but subtle eviction notices
stapled to midnight kisses
assuring you that you have 30 days to get out of my care
So,
this is where we end.
I'll move on vowing to "never again"
and you'll continue on
counting it as nothing but life experiences.
You're just a Wild Young Heart
Beating from the lusts flowing through your veins.
A Young Warrior
Fighting to make every silly mistake you possibly can
with the hopes of one day saying ''ah, i remember when.."
You're a Youngin with no regards to giving me time and keeping your Space
You
are just
a Young
Buck.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Lil Kim Signs With Roc Nation
According to sources Lil Kim has signed with Roc Nation and her album will be produced by Jay-Z
Lil Romeo to Transfer from USC
Percy 'Romeo' Miller has decided to transfer from USC after two seasons where he totaled 19 minutes and 5 points. All along I beleived the signing of Romeo was a stunt to get his close friend Demar DeRozan to come to USC.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
22 Year Old Posing as 16 year Old High School "Star"
Jerry Joseph was simply living the American dream—lying about his age so that he could go back to high school and relive his glory days as the big man on campus. Didn't Bob Dylan sing about this?
Be honest—we've all had that dream of returning to our old high school so that we might use the wisdom and acne-free skin of our early 20s (or 30s) to dominate athletic teams and order around the cheerleaders who used to ignore us. We never act on that, of course, because that would be ... wrong? I guess? (Yes. Definitely wrong.) Joseph didn't see it that way, however. He enrolled at Nimitz Junior High school in Texas last year, claiming to be a 15-year-old orphan from Haiti. Last fall, he moved up to Permian High School—yes, that's Buzz's old stomping ground—where he played on the varsity team as a high school sophomore.
However, officials discovered this week that Joseph is actually Guerdwich Montimere, a 22-year-old nationalized citizen who graduated from a Fort Lauderdale high school in 2007.
Montimere led his old high school hoops team to the state semifinal before giving college ball a brief shot (at Highland Community College in Illinois.) When that didn't pan out, he dropped out of college and life ... until emerging in Odessa under a new name. He claimed to be parent-less and living with a half-brother—who was actually an old high school teammate. When the "brother" moved away, Permian head coach Danny Wright became his legal guardian, moving Montimere into his home. Because he was an immigrant, no one questioned his lack of school records or foreign birth certificate. It was the perfect plan.
Or it was until Montimere's old AAU coaches from Florida noticed "Jerry Joesph" playing at a tournament in Arkansas and realized it was the same kid. They tipped off authorities in Texas, but even federal immigration investigators concluded that Joseph and Montimere were two different people. However, even though "Joseph" didn't really exist he was in danger of being deported, so when confronted with his deception, Montimere confessed. Now everyone in the district is left scratching their heads.
I'm just not sure who to feel worse for—the duped community or the guy who can't let go. Playing high school basketball was the one thing Montimere did better than anything else, so why shouldn't he be allowed to do that forever? How can you be expected to get a real job when prom was the greatest night of your life? Why can't we hold on to our youth forever?
Oh, right. It's creepy and against the law. Always forget that part.
Story via deadspin.com
Artist of the Week: Miss Brown Herself
Name Cherrell Eunique Brown
Hometown Laurinburg, NC
Current Town Greensboro NC
How would you describe your art form??
Art is a way of arranging elements in a way that to affect the senses and emotions. My art form is painting, or sculpting- I craft words rather to paint pictures or to address issues or convey my emotions. Its often very raw because its directly pulled from an experience. I use words to convey that experience and create my spoken word.
How'd you get your name??
I got my name (Miss Brown Herself) after I took a break from writing for awhile. I took the break because I began to write poems for family members, for either weddings, birthdays and a lot of funerals. So my passion became associated with something that was an obligation and i shied away form it. When I came back to it, I had an epiphany- "who am I writing for" and my answer was Miss Brown Herself, and that's it- at the end of the day. I hope others gain from it, but its essentially my release.
How did you start??
I started in the 1st grade. Its funny because I was just getting into the concept of "homework" and I hated it. So sometimes Id try to be slick and in lue of doing assignments I'd write a poem or story instead, because that's what I liked. It was not till the 3rd grade when a teacher saw the potential in my writing.
Favorite place you've performed??
My favorite place to perform is always at my "home", and when I say home I mean at UNCG where my group Well Versed Xpressions was formed. I feel most comfortable because they are like family.
What is your inspiration??
My inspiration comes from different sources, but essentially myself. I don't mean that in an "arrogant "i inspire myself" type thing, but I feel like for my work to be effective and mean something to me- they have to be inspired by events that go on in *my* life- now that may come from experiences *with* people like my grandparents or my nieces or something going on in the world- but how it affects me shapes whether I am compelled to write on it.
What is your favorite piece you've done??
My favorite piece that I've performed is probably My Testimony, because its an expression of my short battle with cancer, and I never opened up about it- ever until I performed that piece. It was very lethargic.
Who is your favorite artist?? Underground and Professional
Well assuming that you mean poetically, I will have to go with Queen and B Yung, both from BNV...and more mainstream I'd go with Mayda Del Valle- she is a beautiful poet from Def Poetry Jam. Locally I am a big fan of The Original LP a duo with Dr. Love Crossling and Ms. Paula Latham- they are bomb poets and wonderful mentors of mine.
Where can you be heard and/or seen??
Well I've been taking an active role in community organizing lately, however when I'm spitting I can be seen/heard at any Open Mics thrown by WVX, i also have some poems on my facebook (Cherrell Eunique) and on youtube.
What are your upcoming projects??
Upcoming projects include some possible endeavors with a group of talented young ladies in a group called "Poet She". Its an all ladies slam teams planning to travel and put on events to get the community involved in poetry. I have also several pieces in the works that echo a lot o the political/community stuff I'm involved with. Its been heavy on my heart and mind for so long, and I'm excited to get it on paper, and hopefully performed.
What is your favorite quote or quote you live by??
My favorite quote..well I was just arrested for an act of civil disobedience lately and a supporter said to me after my release "thank you for not waiting for a revolution" and that resonated with me because we often wait for someone else to initiate change. we can start it, whether its through civil disobedience or our poetry. Change in communities start with change in self.
Do you have a twitter facebook or other way you can be contacted??
I have a facebook (Cherrell Eunique) and a twitter (EuniqueBrown)
THIS IS MY INTRODUCTION
The only daughter, materialization of your dreams
Never wore the same size, but I inherited your jeans
And
Your nightmares, because somewhere with your eyes and nose
Embedded inherently on the x-chromosome; was a vagrant- set back in black
Its impatience, turning me into a patient
Encaged in a prison of my self’s making
Turning neighbors into stranger
Inscribing hieroglyphics with its print less imprints
That my body doesn’t fully comprehend
And, I guess this is when I stand in group and introduce myself to you:
Hello my name is Cherrell, and I’m living with cancer
Living with like it’s the second signer on a lease
Well it only signs a second birth in me, cuz cancer don’t live here
M.R.I.’s and it always gets caught in sepia colored picture that my doctors photo crops
Faith filled I say “watch how my God photo shops”
But they’re not getting the bigger picture, trying to concoct the picture perfect elixir
But my medicinal faith isn’t prescription filled; it’s more like scripture reeled
THIS IS AUTOGIGRAPHY
See I was already born a miracle child, 1988 2 ounces shy of 2 pounds
Doctor said Mrs. Brown I’m sorry, but your daughter probably won’t make it past the first month
20 years later excuse me if I just laugh
Cuz my hearts already 841,518,380, beats past your last forecast
So excuse me if I cast out what you foresee in me now
THIS IS MY FIGHT SONG, MY-NO I WONT GO QUIET INTO THE NIGHT SONG
Because I can’t seem to wrap my head around the concept of wearing head wraps,
Or becoming complacent with steroid filled needles punctuating my 20 year statement
So I inject steroids into even sicker words, hoping they become bigger
Bigger than this illness
Transcending the blank canvass from which they came,
Transcending this temporary shell to dispel disbeliefs
Cuz time only moves forward, it doesn’t rewind
And even if it did who’s to say I wouldn’t be on this same life line
So I’m kneeling to phone a friend, because there’s a 50/50 chance that
I won’t make it past my mom 50th or my niece’s first dance
But my contentment doesn’t lie in hospital issued linens
I will grow cold in defiance, before I get comfortable with dying
Part II
THIS IS MY VICTORY SPEECH- THAT MY GOD PRE-WRITTEN FOR ME
See this is where my verse ends, and I passed my God the pen
And he precluded "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?"
And he began in reverse erasing imperfections like accidental stray marks
Putting his stamp on everything like postcards and scribe scriptures on my DNA ribbons
So every part of me is testimony, so even in sin I’m living holy
And it’s quite comforting to know my God has humor,
See he began to confuse doctors, playing peek-a-boo with tumors
Till no radiation, the only thing I’d radiating is his glory
July 22, 2009- HE’LL PEN THIS CHAPTER REMISSION
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