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HIDE YO CRAZY! …. Something’s Been Said Intro

“Something’s been said,” is a quote used by members of my extended, Southern family. Although I was raised in the Midwest, I’d heard this phrase every time something suspicious happened within our clan. It means that there is something definitely wrong, unexplainable, off-putting, or weird going on with a family member, friend or associate but no one knows how to explain it or wants to expose the real issues. Details are often missing or simply don’t add up. No one could evaluate a situation with clarity or objectivity in an environment where hidden secrets and lies existed. As a child, I instinctively knew when a story didn’t make sense, and my facial expression often reflected it.

After moving south, a native North Carolinian told me that her grandmother told her to “hide yo crazy”. The statement made me laugh out loud because it reminded me of the stories we often share that provide half the facts that simply do not add up. It’s another way of saying “something’s been said“. Most people don’t internally question what they hear. Too few are willing to investigate, research or debate a topic before making a decision. There is an even smaller group who will allow room for a presumption of innocence until proof has been obtained.

In the late 70’s and early 80’s, a show called “Different Strokes” was a favorite in my household. I particularly loved the young son, played by former child actor Gary Coleman, who would question information that didn’t make sense to him…. something would have been said for sure!

In this section of Hide Yo Crazy …. Something’s Been Said, we’ll examine cultural, familial, relational, and current events, and provide a platform to examine and perhaps debate these matters in terms of appropriateness, accuracy, and relevancy. Guest writers will also participate to allow for different perspectives on subjects. I am hopeful that we will be able to unveil some of the different viewpoints and allow us to gain a better understanding of what may really be happening within our own minds as well as relationships. Come back soon …check out this video until we chat again.

i·con·o·clast

i·con·o·clast: We are all critics of sorts … at least those of us who think independently and question the information bombarding our senses from every direction every single day. It can be a form of dissension to question our institutions, friends, families and government in order to better understand who we are and where we stand in this world. The purest “agent provocateur” is not always understood but often respected in the long run. TrUth is unveiled… eventually.

*** *** ***

Gimme My Grammy!

People practicing REVISIONIST HISTORY is nothing new. It happens in everyday life whether it be in one’s personal or professional life. We even see our political leaders doing it – – regularly. This type of behavior is extremely UN-fair and UN-becoming since the mere act of denying your own actions – whether positive or negative – stymies human development. The lack of self awareness is profoundly visible for those with the eyes to see and it leaves that individual with limited opportunities for change or growth. They become stuck in a tragic cycle of denial, fear and anger while wearing a permanent mask. The individuals gaslighted by people who practice this tactic are impacted negatively too. Denying factual events or someone’s actions does not mean you can energetically erase the trUth. Since the behavior is very short sighted, all involved will be a part of a karmic cycle that ultimately balances out in the end.

“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”

George Orwell aka Eric Arthur Blair – English Novelist, Poet, Essayist, Journalist and Critic

So why am I writing about this now? Recently, I was denied acknowledgement and credit on something very important to me. The person who did it had no idea how insulting they were (or perhaps they did) while discussing a past shared experience. This same person denied aspects of both my and their actions even to the extent of claiming selective amnesia and outrage during the major crisis encounter. I was initially caught off guard attempting to trigger their memory about certain events and challenges including reminding them about specific locations. My “colleague” resorted to outright lying – – TALKING but saying nothing of substance. It was quite UN-believable to the point where I almost doubted my own memory. It was at that moment, however, that it occurred to me why this was happening. My recent contact with them was based on me potentially receiving an earned “reward” due to my efforts. Could they be jealous or envious to the point of minimizing me because they believed I didn’t deserve the acknowledgement? Not THIS person who relied on my support and help during their time of need!!! I cannot tell you how many instances in which their crisis became my crisis with me helping, fixing or offering strategies to resolve various matters. Again, their reaction was UN-believable and quite disappointing. I may never view this person the same way nor will I ever help them (ok maybe not so freely ever again). I value my time too much now and CHARACTER matters immensely to me.

Photo by Tamara Gak on Unsplash

Why you just TALKING …saying nothing trUthful? Don’t you wanna just bless me?

My sharing this with you in no way means that I haven’t had less than spectacular performances. I am simply asserting that my hard&black trUth is one that I acknowledge in my bones (good or bad) which is why it still shocks me when others resort to creating false narratives attempting to practice REVISIONIST HISTORY. I almost expect it in certain toxic people because emotions often cloud their ability to see themselves and their behavior clearly. But, this individual threw me for loop especially since the culprit was a fellow comrade and soldier.

“Just in life, you gotta keep showing up. Just keep showing up. Forget the GRAMMYs, you gotta keep showing up until they give you all those accolades you feel you deserve. Until they call you chairman, until they call you a genius, until they call you the greatest of all time. Feel me?”

Sean Carter’s aka Jay-Z — 2024 Grammy’s Acceptance Speech for the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award

If you ever encounter a situation like this, please call your energy back, re-state the facts and show up for self no matter the disagreement. I think one has to allow your inner conviction and trUth to speak for you. There are also several things one can know and confirm for sure just by asking yourself questions. Did you perform the work whether they want to give credit or not? Were your gifts and talents helpful in this situation? Did you make a difference? In no way does this line of questioning diminish the contributions of others. This is just a reminder that it is okay to justly praise oneself even if no one else acknowledges you. It is unfortunate that some, due to politics, jealousy or insecurity, choose to discount someone else’s efforts. They attempt to practice REVISIONIST HISTORY in the hopes that you and others won’t remember or know for sure what happened and by whom (TALKING but saying nothing). While it might be triggering, I’ll tell you something else important to remember as well tribe. The universe that governs us all keeps records f-o-r-e-v-e-r. It will amaze you and them when the trUth is unveiled.

Out of the mouth of babes …

Tell Them North West!!! They just “TALKING” y’all … practicing REVISIONIST HISTORY because the trUth ain’t in them.

Not Like Us

Psst, I see dead people
Mustard on the beat, h*

Aye, Mustard on the beat, h*
Deebo any rap, n***a, he a free throw
Man down
Call an ambulance, tell him, “Breath, bro”
Nail a n***a to the cross, he walk around like Teezo
What’s up with these jabroni a** n***as tryna see Compton?
The industry can hate me, f**k ’em all and they mama
How many opps you really got? I mean, it’s too many options
I’m finna pass on this body, I’m John Stockton

Beat your a*s and hide the Bible if God watchin’
Sometimes you gotta pop out and show n***as
Certified boogeyman, I’m the one they up the score with ’em
Walk him down, whole time I know he got some h* in him
Pole on him, extort s**t, bully the ’fro on him
Say Drake, I hear you like ’em young
You better not ever go to cell block one
To any b***h that talk to him and they in love
Just make sure you hide your little sister from him
They tell me Chubbs the only one that get your hand-me-downs
Then party at the party playin’ with his nose now
And Baka got a weird case, why is he around?
Certified lover boy, certified pedophile
Wop, wop, wop, wop, wop, Dot f**k ’em up
Wop, wop, wop, wop, wop, I’ma do my stuff
Why he trollin’ like a b***h? Ain’t you tired?
Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A-Minorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

They not like us
They not like us
They not like us
They not like us
They not like us
They not like us

You think the Bay gon’ let you disrespect ’Pac, n***a?
I think that Oakland show gon’ be your last stop, n***a
Did Cole foul, I don’t know why you still pretending
What is the owl? Bird n***as and bird b**ches, go
The audience not dumb
Shape the stories how you want, hey Drake, they not slow
Rabbit hole is still deep, I can go further, I promise
Ain’t that something, B stand for b***h and you Malibu most wanted
Ain’t no law, you’re a ball boy, fetch Gatorade or something
Since 2009, I had this b***h jumping
You n***as get a wedgie, be flipped over your boxers
What OVO for? The other vaginal option? P***y
N***a better straighten they posture
Got famous all up in Compton
Might write this for the doctrine
Tell the pop star, “Quit hiding”
F**k a caption, want action
No accident and I’m hands-on, he f**k around and get polished
F**ked on Wayne girl while he was in jail, that’s conniving
Then get his face tatted like a b***h apologizin’
I’m glad D-Rose came home, y’all didn’t deserve him neither
From Alondra down to Central, n***a better not speak on Serena
And your homeboy need subpoena
That predators move in flocks
That name gotta be registered and placed on neighborhood watch
I lean on you n***as like another line of Wock
Yeah, it’s all eyes on me and I’m a send it up to ’Pac
Aye, put the whole label on me, I’ma get him dropped
Aye, sweet chin music and I won’t pass the aux, aye
How many stocks do I really have in stock? Aye
One, two, three, four, five, plus five, aye
Devil is a lie, he a 69 God, aye
Freaky a*s n***as need to stay they a*s inside, aye
Throw they a*s up like a fresh pack of za, aye
City is back up, it’s a must we outside, aye

They not like us
They not like us
They not like us
They not like us
They not like us
They not like us

Once upon a time, all of us was in chains
Homie still double down callin’ us some slaves
Atlanta was the Mecca, building railroads and trains
Bear with me for a second, let me put y’all on game
The settlers was usin’ town folk to make ’em richer
Fast-forward 2024 you got the same agenda
You run to Atlanta when you need a check balance
Let me break it down for you, this the real n***a challenge
You called Future when you didn’t see the club
Lil Baby help you get your lingo up
21 gave you false street cred
Thug made you feel like you a slime in your head
Quavo said you can be from Northside (what?)
2Chainz say you good, but he lied
You run to Atlanta when you need a few dollars
No you not a colleague, you a f**kin’ colonizer
The family matter and the truth of the matter, it was God’s plans to show you the liar

Mmm, Mmhmm
He a fan, he a fan, he a fan, hmm
He a fan, he a fan, he a
Freaky-a*s n***a, he a 69 God
Freaky-a*s n***a, he a 69 God
Hey, hey, hey, hey, run for your life
Hey, hey, hey, hey, run for your life
Freaky-a*s n***a, he a 69 God
Freaky-a*s n***a, he a 69 God
Hey, hey, hey, hey, run for your life
Hey, hey, hey, hey, run for your life

Let me hear you say, OV-H*
OV-H*
Say, OV-H*
OV-H*
Then step this way
Step that way
Then step this way
Step that way

Are you my friend
Are we locked in?
Then step this way
Step that way
Then step this way
Step that way

Song By Kendrick Lamar

This is awesome!!!

Revisionist History

Revisionist History refers to framing a historical figure, event or narrative in a distorted and dishonest way in order to advance a particular political or social agenda. Evidence is often ignored, minimized or erased that would prove or disprove an argument. Those invested in Revisionist History often claim they are defending history from people who are trying to weaponize it.

Erasing facts in real time!

Photo by Kim Gorga on Unsplash

Revisionist History does not just limit itself to the past. Individuals can be accused of this act if they consciously attempt to frame, erase or make statements about people, places and events differently than they actually appear. These bad actors – aka liars – play very fast and loose with facts and the trUth.

Liar, Liar … pants on fire!!!
*
*
This is how we feel about individuals who practice Revisionist History.

Crossover

Whatever you want (uh, uh)

Whatever you need (ayy, hey, hey)

I wanna do it for you, I do

Whatever you want (uh, uh)

Whatever you need (ayy, hey, hey)

I wanna do it for you, I do

Erick Sermon’s in the house (ooh wa-tah)

Let’s get up, let’s get down

Roll with the hardcore funk, the hardcore sound

Let’s get wit this, mackadocious funk material

So simple, when I rock wit’ the instrumental

Who am I? (E-D the Green Eyed Bandit)

Control my career so I can never get stranded

But the rest are gettin’ Brand Nubian

Changed up they style, from jeans to suits and

Thinking about a pop record, somethin’ made for the station

For a whole new relation (yeah)

Ship of a new type of scene

To go platinum and clock mad green

AKA, a sellout, the rap definition

Get off that boy, change your mission

Come back around the block

Pump Color Me Badd to the ah, tick tock

Let them know your logo, not a black thing

My background sing, my background sing for the crossover

Whatever you want (uh, uh)

Whatever you need (ayy, hey, hey)

I wanna do it for you, I do (the crossover)

Whatever you want (uh, uh)

Whatever you need (ayy, hey, hey)

I wanna do it for you, I do

The rap era’s outta control, brother’s sellin’ their soul

To go gold, going, going, gone, another rapper sold

(To who) To pop and R&B, not the MD

I’m strictly hip-hop, I’ll stick to Kid Capri

Funk mode, yeah, kid, that’s how the Squad rolls

I know your head is bobbin’ ’cause the neck knows

(Unlike other rappers) frontin’ on they fans, they ill

Trying to chill, saying, “Damn, it be great to sell a mill”

That’s when the mind switch to the pop tip

(Kid, you’re gonna be large)

Yeah right, that’s what the company kicks

Forget the black crowds, you’re wack now

In a zoot suit, frontin’ black lookin’ mad foul

I speak for the hardcore (rough, rugged and raw)

I’m outta here, catch me chillin’ on my next tour

From the US to the white cliffs of Dover

Strictly underground funk, keep the crossover

Whatever you want (uh, uh)

Whatever you need (ayy, hey, hey)

I wanna do it for you, I do (the crossover)

Whatever you want (uh, uh)

Whatever you need (ayy, hey, hey)

I wanna do it for you, I do

You wanna go pop goes the weasel

You know you should be rocking the fans wit’ something diesel

But you insist to piss me off black

So I flex the biceps so I can push ’em back

So real hardcore hip-hop continue wreck it

And all sucker MCs duck down and get the message

So ban the crossover, yo, who’s wit’ me

(Hit Squad) yea, P, hit me

Another megablast funky dope style from cross yonder

(So help me Wanda, help, help me Wanda)

(Yo, from what) the crossover, yeah crossing you over

Outta here, gone, peace, nice to know ya (see ya)

What a way to go out, no clout is what the fans will shout

‘Cause you got gassed and took the wrong route

Came on the scene, chillin’, freakin’ a funky dope line

But when they finish wit you (beep) flatline

Some say there’s no business like show business

But if this the truth, please explain why is this

Rappers been around long, makin’ mad noise you see

Still I haven’t seen one rapper livin’ comfortably

No time to pick and wish on a four leaf clover

I stick to underground, keep the crossover

Whatever you want (uh, uh)

Whatever you need (ayy, hey, hey)

I wanna do it for you, I do (the crossover)

Whatever you want (uh, uh)

Whatever you need (ayy, hey, hey)

I wanna do it for you, I do

***

Song by EMPD

***

What happens when Hip-Hop crosses over and the “industry” takes over?
*
Revisionist history in real time ya’ll.

Revisionist History in Real Time

***

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn. ”

Alvin Toffler – – American Writer, Futurist, and Businessman

***

The freedom to read – – learn, unlearn and relearn – – about new people, places, ideas and concepts – – is under assault in the United States of America in recent years. States like Florida, under Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, has led the charge in challenging public schools and its teachers on what can and should be available for students to discover. For example, over 3,300 instances of books were banned in public school classrooms and libraries across the country between 2022-2023. Over 40 percent of all book bans occurred in school districts in Florida. The authors most frequently targeted were people of color, women and individuals from the LGBTQ+ community. This shocking NU normal should be triggering for ALL in the land of the free, home of the brave since the United States of America was founded on the principles and ideals promoting freedom of speech, thought and the pursuit of happiness. How is it that WE, the people, are now allowing those in political power to limit this freedom in an attempt to control access to information, ideas and concepts about what it means to be an American and a free thinking human?

***

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison was an important book for me during my childhood. It resonated immensely with my experiences as those like me. It is one of the books on the ban list.

***

At this point, I must state the obvious. I am absolutely against these efforts to ban books in public schools or any institution of higher learning. Our educational environments have represented the one place where young people and others were exposed to a range of new ideas and concepts. They had the freedom to explore issues of identity, historical facts, people, places and things. Those who are trying to prevent access to subjects and authors they deem taboo are making biased judgements based upon their limiting beliefs and false notions of who we are as – – not only as Americans but as individuals. Denying the range of human experiences does not mean that they don’t exist nor does it undermine the fact that we have different human stories that are equally important to share and explore. This does not mean we should not have discussions about the age appropriateness of certain content and subject matters. Educators and parents have always done this.

“Your education system has left you terribly ignorant. If you are going to take pride in your ignorance, don’t pretend like you know something.”

VC@circusfaery33 – legendary free-thinker & agent provocateur

In addition, one of the most concerning points for me is that some of the subjects under scrutiny (banned books) focus on historical facts in these Americas. Some would like to re-write history in real time denying students the ability to assess our country’s past as well as current events. It feels very disingenuous and restricting forcing one to have a false sense of trUth. They are using propaganda and word salad verbiage to describe events to create a different narrative than what our brain interprets and eyes can see. Our leadership appears to be establishing the foundation for the new American indoctrination erasing recent and past historical facts. American history was not always as accurate as it could have been but now some are trying to completely deny that certain events and experiences ever happened. Oh my …

***

Beginning in 1933, members of Germany’s Adolph Hitler’s Youth regularly burned books written by leftist, liberal prominent Jewish writers. (Photo: World History Archive / Alamy Stock Photo, dated 1938)

***

Many may wonder why you need to be concerned about this topic. If you don’t read (social media dominates how young people get their information), as some have professed, who cares if some books are not readily available? This sentiment is very naive sense those who think this way are not understanding the infringement on freedom of expression. There are serious red flags being raised when our leadership tries to stifle individual thought. It signals the beginning of a society more dangerous than most could even imagine (think communist China, Russia, Germany during WWII etc.) Perhaps we’re heading towards a black out of sorts – totalitarian world – where our way of life or even the illusions we’ve had about it will be permanently limited. It reminds me of one of my favorite books by author George Orwell, Animal Farm, which really focussed on a society where a select few were able to limit free thought and expression while they kept all the power and opportunities. Those in charge used propaganda to limit the ideas, opportunities and access shared with those less powerful. It is staggering what happens when the powerless realize the hypocrisy and injustice being perpetrated by the powerful elites. Let’s not forget that revisionist history begins with erasing the past and present.

***

BANNED

“History becomes far more interesting to study when the veil of racism is removed.”

Unknown

***

Dear Americans – – we’re all in danger of losing something very valuable. Most countries and their governments have a goal to indoctrinate its populous according to its worldview, norms and cultural identity. The formal educational system is used to administer this indoctrination on the highest level. Yet, the content of the indoctrination and its accuracy in relation to trUth is another thing. The problem we’re facing now is that many don’t see the crisis coming. Book banning is a serious red flag signaling we’re on the precipice of the un-imaginable. There is no time to think about it. A collective reaction if warranted in order to thwart this extermination of free speech and thought. Otherwise, one day our children will wake up with no understanding of our history or who they are as human beings in this diverse world. The new American Indoctrination program would have done its job – well.

***

Black History is American History. It cannot be erased but they are definitely trying.

Burn Hollywood Burn

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

***

Burn Hollywood burn, I smell a riot

Goin’ on, first they’re guilty, now they’re gone

Yeah, I’ll check out a movie

But it’ll take a Black one to move me

Get me the hell away from this T.V

All this news and views are beneath me

So all I hear about is shots ringing out

About gangs putting each other’s head out

So I rather kick some slang out

All right fellas, let’s go hang out

Hollywood or would they not

Make us all look bad like I know they had

But some things I’ll never forget, yeah

So step and fetch this shit

For all the years we looked like clowns

The joke is over, smell the smoke from all around

Burn Hollywood, burn

Ice Cube is down with the P.E

Now every single b*tch wanna see me

Big Daddy is smooth, word to mother

Let’s check out a flick that exploits the color

Roaming through Hollywood late at night

Red and blue lights what a common sight

Pulled to the curb, getting played like a sucker

Don’t fight the power, the motherf*cker

As I walk the streets of Hollywood Boulevard

Thinking how hard it was to those that starred

In the movies portraying the roles

Of butlers and maids, slaves and h*es

Many intelligent Black men seemed

To look uncivilized when on the screen

Like, I guess I figure you to play some jigaboo

On the plantation, what else can a ni**a do?

And Black women in this profession

As for playing a lawyer, out of the question

For what they play Aunt Jemima is the perfect term

Even if now she got a perm

So let’s make our own movies like Spike Lee

‘Cause the roles being offered don’t strike me

As nothing that the black man could use to earn

Burn Hollywood, burn

“Now we’re considering you for a part in our new production

How do you feel about playing a controversial negro?”

“Yeah, I’m wid it

You mean somebody like Huey P. Newton or H. Rap Brown, right?”

“Well, it’s a servant character that chuckles a little bit, and sings”

“Yo, man, what? That’s bullsh*t”

“Hey Cube, Kane, Flav, listen

I hope you ain’t wastin’ my time

You know how I feel about givin’ these movies my money

Know what I’m sayin’? I work hard for it”

“Yo, man, it’s gonna be dope, man”

“Chill, man”

“Hey, I’m chill chill, but you know what I’m sayin’

I just don’t wanna, I can’t go for this Steel Magnolia shit, know what I’m sayin’?”

“Come on, man, it’s cool”

Ladies and gentlemen, today’s feature presentation, Driving Miss Daisy

“No, no, no”

“Bullshi*t, just what I’m talkin’ about, all this Terms of Endearment sh*t

I’m outta here, man, it’s bullshit”

“Yo, check it out, man I got Black Caesar at the crib, man, y’all want to go check that out?”

“That’s the idea, we could have rolled with that from the get-go!”

“F*ck Hollywood, man”

***

Song by Public Enemy

***

The Story of O.J.

Skin is, skin, is

Skin black, my skin is black

My, black, my skin is yellow

Light ni**a, dark ni**a, faux ni**a, real ni**a

Rich ni**a, poor ni**a, house ni**a, field ni**a

Still ni**a, still ni**a

I like that second one

Light ni**a, dark ni**a, faux ni**a, real ni**a

Rich ni**a, poor ni**a, house ni**a, field ni**a

Still ni**a, still ni**a

O.J. like, “I’m not black, I’m O.J.” …okay

House ni**a, don’t fuck with me

I’m a field ni**a, go shine cutlery

Go play the quarters where the butlers be

I’ma play the corners where the hustlers be

I told him, “Please don’t die over the neighborhood

That your mama rentin’

Take your drug money and buy the neighborhood

That’s how you rinse it”

I bought every V12 engine

Wish I could take it back to the beginnin’

I coulda bought a place in Dumbo before it was Dumbo

For like 2 million

That same building today is worth 25 million

Guess how I’m feelin’? Dumbo

Light ni**a, dark ni**a, faux ni**a, real ni**a

Rich ni**a, poor ni**a, house ni**a, field ni**a

Still ni**a, still ni**a

Light ni**a, dark ni**a, faux ni**a, real ni**a

Rich ni**a, poor ni**a, house ni**a, field ni**a

Still ni**a, still ni**a

You wanna know what’s more important than throwin’ away money at a strip club? Credit

You ever wonder why Jewish people own all the property in America?

This how they did it

Financial freedom my only hope

Fuck livin’ rich and dyin’ broke

I bought some artwork for one million

Two years later, that shit worth two million

Few years later, that shit worth eight million

I can’t wait to give this shit to my children

Y’all think it’s bougie, I’m like, it’s fine

But I’m tryin’ to give you a million dollars worth of game for $9.99

I turned that 2 to a 4, 4 to an 8

I turned my life into a nice first week release date

Y’all out here still takin’ advances, huh?

Me and my ni**as takin’ real chances, uh

Y’all on the ‘Gram holdin’ money to your ear

There’s a disconnect, we don’t call that money over here, yeah

Light ni**a, dark ni**a, faux ni**a, real ni**a

Rich ni**a, poor ni**a, house ni**a, field ni**a

Still ni**a, still ni**a

Light ni**a, dark ni**a, faux ni**a, real ni**a

Rich ni**a, poor ni**a, house ni**a, field ni**a

Still ni**a, still ni**a

***

Song by Shawn Carter aka Jay-Z

***

RIP OJ Simpson (1947-2024)

Where have ya’ll been?

Hello Tribe. I guess some of you been wondering where I’ve been, Let’s just say life been lifing. Changes in home. Changes in health. Changes in family. Changes in perspective. Events have not been boring or ordinary to say the least but I’m back and ready to experience something new.

^^^

^^^

I’m not sure what new topics to cover at the moment but I feel compelled to leave this initial message to you. Whenever one finally believes and loves who they were born to be and accepts themselves completely (strengths and flaws alike), everything CHANGES. Why you ask? Perhaps it is all orchestrated by divine order. It’s a test of spirit to see if you’re ready, if you mean what you say, if you’ve earned the right to move on. I could tell you that I received an A+ on all my test scores but that would not be the trUth. I passed ya’ll but barely at times. Growth does not happen the way we expect or want but CHANGE remains constant. “I live my truth so that you can’t use it against me” said AA. I get it! If you are lucky, you’ve gained the WISDOM and knowledge of self to re-invent and un-veil the new you and possibly help others on their journey.

^^^

“The true worth of a race must be measured by the character of its womanhood.”

Mary McLeod Bethune – American educator, philanthropist, humanitarian, womanist, and civil rights activist

^^^

So salute to our fellowship today. You’ve wondered about my absence and I’ve wondered about yours. This all comes to an end as we reopen the dialogue to see what resonates for us now.

^^^

Where have ya’ll been? I pray that you are well.

Hip-Hop … The End Of A Legacy Is Here

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Hip-hop, the music of the streets born in the Bronx NY, took the world by storm and has become the dominant music genre of our times. It recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary on August 11, 2023 with old and new artists coming together in fellowship to toast their success as well as the music that has helped so many to achieve the American dream. The impact of hip-hop cannot be understated. With its core rooted in poetry, street reporting, rebellion, social justice, gang/street culture and self expression, this music has had a tremendous impact on our culture not just American but globally. Most old school hip-hop artists acknowledge their naiveté and ignorance on the future impact of this music. Yet no one denies the compelling nature of its energy. This is why it saddens me today, however, to ponder whether this incredible music has hit a seemingly brick wall leading me to question whether the end of its legacy is near.

“The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There’s also a negative side.“
Hunter S. Thompson – American journalist and author of Hell’s Angels and counterculture icon

In the past couple of years, some of the greatest innovators of hip-hop have come under fire for actions so unbelievably criminal (grooming and sexual assault against men and women, human and drug trafficking, money laundering, murder etc.), fans have been forced to reevaluate the music and those who produced it. Countless rappers (Young Dolph – Memphis, Nipsey Hussey – LA, Pop Smoke – Brooklyn – NY etc.) died tragically from gun shots due to encounters and beefs within their own communities. Female rappers are not excluded from this list. Who can forget hip-hop star Meagan the Stallion who was shot in the foot by her alleged boyfriend Canadian rapper Tory Lanez in 2020. He was ultimately convicted and sentenced for 10 years in December 2023. Let’s not forget Russell Simmons, American entrepreneur, writer and co-founder of the hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings, is living in Bali as a result of sexual abuse allegations. Bali has no extradition to the US. Most recently, Sean “Diddy “ Combs, entrepreneur and founder of Bad Boy Records, has recently been accused of sexual assault and battery by his former girlfriend and singer Cassie Ventura. Diddy settled the civil case out of court in one day for an undisclosed amount (some speculate upwards of $30 million). He has subsequently had additional civil lawsuits from both women and men lodged against him. Several of his homes were also recently raided by Home Land Security as allegations of sex trafficking swirl. WOW!

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“Diddy” do it or naw?

Update 5-18-24: Naw He did that sh!t!

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There are too many other incidents and allegations against Diddy to name as fear permeates the hip-hop community and the artists affiliated with him. The majority of the hip-hop community and the friends of Diddy have remained virtually silent. Some might be aware of the their fellow artist’s infractions while many others may have actually participated in similar activities. The silence is both loud and deafening. Something is definitely being said about hip-hop at this time.

Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash

“We will always support law enforcement when it seeks to prosecute those that have violated the law. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible for his depraved conduct.”
Attorney Douglas Wigdor., attorney for Cassie Ventura – CBSNews.com

No one should expect artists to be perfect humans especially since they only reflect our flawed world. But it has become painfully clear that some have achieved their success using criminal tactics mimicking and also going beyond the lyrics used in their music. The alleged crimes against humanity are what disturb me the most. Perhaps it is because of this that my sensibilities have been so triggered that I now also feel saddened by events as well as disillusioned. Hip-hop, the music of rebellion contained a real trUth that was sometimes painfully raw about society’s underbelly or economically disadvantaged and also based on the artists experience. The lyrics mattered immensely painting a graphic picture about their struggles and aspirations. In no way, however, should artistry excuse anyone clearly demonstrating poor judgement or a limited/nonexistent moral compass for what is right or wrong to do to other humans. Misogyny. Murder. Drug Trafficking. Grooming underaged girls and boys. Robbery. Violence. Human Trafficking. S*xual Harassment and Abuse. S*x Trafficking. Blackmail. Rape. Torture. Extortion. Drugging and Videotaping without consent.

“Sean “Puffy” Combs propositioned one of my male family members who was an intern about 10-12 years ago.” The family member claimed that, Puff had said, “Come home, stay the night with me, or the internship is over.” It ended abruptly when the intern family member said “Absolutely not!”
Journalist and cultural critic Touré Neblett – guest appearance on Joy Reid’s “The ReidOut” on MSNBC

Hip Hop is not the only genre in the entrainment industry with individuals who have questionable ethics or committed criminal acts. A recent documentary about Nickelodeon, “Quiet on Set:The Dark Side of Kids TV,” recounts the stories of young underaged child actors being sexually abused. Hollywood (aka Hollyweird) is also known for having a different set of alleged rules on how many have achieved their success whether it is the “casting couch” or other forms of payment required in addition to raw talent. Infamous producer Harvey Weinstein was convicted of a criminal sex act for forcibly performing o*al sex on a TV and film production assistant in 2006 and rape in the third degree for an attack on an aspiring actress in 2013. His alleged behavior was an open secret in Hollyweird. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison. Rock & Roll great, Elvis Presley, was involved with an underaged Pricilla Presley back in the 50s without the glare or judgement of the media or public on them. Let’s not forget financier and accused sex trafficker, Jeffry Epstein’s famous Epstein island the alleged playground for celebrities, politicians, billionaires and even scientists. Epstein was eventually arrested and thrown in jail in July 2019 on charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking. All of these examples proves that no entertainment executive or celebrity should be worshiped or idolized as many have possibly committed moral and heinous acts. We truly do not know what they’ve done to make it. If we did, perhaps many would feel let down a bit as the cost of success might not measure up to the highest ethical standards. Our fantasies about such celebrities and others would indeed be shattered.

Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay

“I gotta protect my integrity and that virgin hole I’ve been telling you about. P. Diddy be wanting to party and you gotta tell him no.”
Comedian Katt Williams on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast

All I can say to you now is that the glorification of hip-hop and its artists has diminished significantly in the court of public opinion. I personally loved hip-hop the first time I ever heard it growing up in the midwest. The beat was infectious. The lyrics were clever and motivational with stories describing the artists’ world view. They were shocking yet therapeutic in some cases as the trauma expressed by the artists resonated with me and others in my community. My home life was different but their stories of the ghetto thug life was also intriguing and compelling. The black experience is not monolithic – – not every person of color has the ghetto experience – – but we all have some understanding of historical past struggles and the effort it has taken to succeed. Yet as now I listen and look at those who produced the music, I also feel disappointed that some who have used their POWER to abuse others. They’ve tarnished hip-hop’s legacy by their actions. Maybe this is why the music has changed so much with a progressive decline into more base content elevating artists entrenched in “city girl” culture (304) and promoting unabashed materialism, fake lifestyles and superficial aspirational goals void of understanding trUe authentic wealth, social and economic mobility. There was more of a balance in hip-hop when I fell in love with it (thug street life, social commentary & justice, party rap etc.).

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“It’s a bad day for hip-hop…for the culture…Black people, because if one looks bad, we all look bad. That’s definitely not nothing to cheer about. But I’ll tell you what, Puffy: your life is in danger. Diddy knows “the secrets” and because of that, “they gonna get you if they can.”
Suge Knight, Incarcerated Death Row Records co-founder – Collect Call podcast with Dave Mays

At this point, I must disclose that I briefly held a few jobs in the entertainment industry in mid 2000’s. Whenever I tried to tell people about my own experiences, suspicions and observations (2 times fired and quit once), I was often met with blank or incriminating stares. I was the common denominator so it must be her right? So what did I see during my time in the entertainment industry? Intellectual property theft. Workplace sabotage. Sexual harassment. Listening devices in my office and phone. Intimidation and humiliation tactics used to force compliance. Incompetence/cheating rewarded while competence based on talent was destroyed. I was around some of the most brilliant and most psychotic, narcissistic people I had ever seen previously in my professional working career as a crisis management publicist in the private and public sectors. I had to learn very quickly how to protect my work, navigate the traps and pitfalls of the business, avoid the saboteurs and suspected deviants and to maintain my personal integrity. I was miserable during my stints in the entertainment business (record company, radio network, broadcast media) but I forced myself to continue because I had worked so hard to get there.

As some of you read this, you too might wonder if I just wasn’t good enough like others speculated at the time. I was traumatized by the responses I received back then but now I understand why no one could relate. Most rational minds and even my haters alike would find it hard to believe that these types of people and that workplace culture was allowed to thrive. The glitter of celebrity culture often blinds us to the real trUths of what lies beneath the surface. There really are evil and monstrous people in the world. I told people this whenever I talked about the entertainment industry in general and speculated like the rest of you on events happening in the business after I left.

Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash

I am still surprised, however, about what is being uncovered and and the depth of depravity but there are definitely two sides to the entertainment story including:

Not all alleged victims are victims. Some (both women and men) willingly compromise their integrity and participate in the extra curricular activities and games in order to succeed in the business. I often wondered how many were forced to make a difficult choice or were they so already morally bankrupt to begin with so it didn’t matter to them. This statement sounds judgmental but we all have our own boundaries and one soon learns that not everyone thinks or processes their actions or non actions the same way you do. Yet there are clearly ethical and moral choice we make everyday. Obviously children should be excluded from any type of judgement.

There are real victims too. In fact, I generally believe all the alleged victims until proven otherwise because the POWER held by abusers in the entertainment industry has been ABSOLUTE. No one would believe alleged victims (even involving minor infractions) and they were often vilified and careers destroyed for speaking out and driven away as if they had done something wrong. This is just how UN-fair and UN-balanced it has been.

Fortunately for me, I had more professional work experience and was resolute in my boundaries during my stint in the business. Yet, it still left an emotional scar due to some of the traumatic encounters and mind f*ckery. I walked away with my integrity, sanity and without compromising my WOMANHOOD but my reputation was in tatters since that is the only way one can leave the POWERFUL (the smear campaigns and black listing is real). Thankfully, my intuition and protective instincts compelled me to document e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. I only had to use my evidence once to prove my case (too private to reveal) but trust me – – I WON.

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“These guys get drunk with power, allegedly — Diddy has said that these allegations are false — but they get drunk with power and all of a sudden they lose their balance and what’s right and what’s wrong, and they’re insulated, and they get everybody telling them they’re great.”
Chris Hansen, the former host of “To Catch A Predator” – Fox News

Hip-hop’s legacy is being destroyed. The next several years will see the tragic decline of one of America’s greatest exports but it’s not just the music industry. The entertainment business, as a whole, is ripe with some of the most prolific abusers in our society whether it be in film, radio, sports and music. I hope you can tell by now that I’ve deliberately tried to avoid getting into all of the specific salacious details of events currently happening. Supporting the alleged victims in their pursuit of justice interests me the most. Yet, there is one lingering question that stands out for me now as well. What will we, the masses, do with this information? Will we continue to blindly idolize and worship celebrity culture or prop them up as heroes? Hopefully, those with eyes to see will view beyond the illusions presented about the superiority of such artists. We can all appreciate their gifts but they must be held accountable for actions that break the law particularly crimes against humanity. Since hip-hop has to be more than the actions of one, two or three etc. bad deeds of artists and others, redemption is still possible but only after full accountability.

Perhaps the future of hip-hop is one that empowers its artists and those representing them to express their highest level of creativity and still maintain some social and moral authority with personal accountability. Expressing one’s creative trUth need not mean sacrificing one’s integrity for FAME, harming the innocents or enabling anyone to abuse, extort or un-alive a person in the name of POWER and SUCCESS. Is it too idealistic to expect a more just work environment in a ruthless industry that operates closer to an “organized crime ring” with “street rules and justice” ? What about the higher ups on the food chain who supported and enabled these music executives and artists to commit such alleged heinous acts? Is this an effort to bring down hip-hop or black men after it celebrated its 50th year anniversary as some have asserted? Many of those being accused are some of hip-hops biggest champions of the music and culture. One is still innocent until proven guilty but the preponderance of rumors and stories about alleged infractions committed by them is very compelling, It’s all too much for me to process and definitively make any final judgements but trUst me the rabbit hole probably goes much deeper to include every unbelievable conspiracy theory imaginable. For now, however, I’m sitting back waiting for the next “incriminating lyrical bar” to drop in real time.

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50 Cent, American rapper, actor, television producer, and businessman, once playfully told us “How to Rob” in a song.

Now we are learning that some rappers, executives and others
were allegedly grooming underaged girls and boys, committing
drug and human trafficking, blackmailing and videotaping without
consent, raping and torturing women and men, extorting in real life too, etc. Whew … wtf!?!

*** This blog post is dedicated to MC Justice – Lawyer * Rapper * Philanthropist * Mentor * Husband * Friend * Farmer ***

RIP 2024

Update 5-19-24:

Sean “Diddy” Combs issued a public apology for his behavior after video footage from a Los Angeles hotel was leaked showing him brutally assaulting his ex girlfriend Cassie Ventura.

I will not post the video or his apology.

Here is why …

Most people think that accountability means admitting one’s mistake(s) even after committing every infraction (big & small) or crime possible. Issuing an apology is just the beginning of accountability especially if the abuser committed heinous crimes or slandered the alleged victim in an attempt to make themselves seem innocent. Full accountability ends with CONSEQUENCES for said actions. This is often when true repentance happens for some. They resort to REVISIONIST HISTORY and can often dish out pain but cannot take it.

In addItion, whatever HIGHER AUTHORITY you serve or not is fair in delivering CONSEQUENCES whether we receive it immediately or later. Those bringing up forgiveness often want to move from CONSEQUENCES to avoid true repentance and restitution.

I know the difference between an AUTHENTIC versus a PUBLIC RELATIONS apology. So does the Universe… And I make these statements not simply being judgmental but acknowledging the lessons I have observed, learned and experienced in my own life.

Take what resonates. Reject what does not. I respect your decision either way.

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