Let’s Talk About Lauryn Hill’s Essay
Ms. Lauryn Hill decided to share some thoughts on all of the talk surrounding her late shows and many of the very pointed and incendiary comments and opinions shared by Robert Glasper earlier this month.
Like most folks, I’m a fan of ’90s Lauryn, or Ms. Hill as she prefers to be called (more on this later). But she lost me almost two decades ago for various reasons, though I will always appreciate what she brought to the table while always thinking about the big question of what I think she could have brought to the table.
Let’s break down some of this tome. I will skip a lot and only focus on the things that stand out to me because this joint is a legit 3,000 words and while I read the whole thing (and you probably did too), there’s no need for me to address everything she addressed by literally restating it all. This would end up being 5,000 words and ain’t nobody got time for that.
The Miseducation was the first time I worked with musicians outside of the Fugees who’s report and working relationship was clear. In an effort to create the same level of comfort, I may not have established the necessary boundaries and may have been more inviting than I should have been. In hindsight, I would have handled it differently for the removal of any confusion. And I have handled it differently since, I’m clear and I make clear before someone walks in the door what I am and am not looking for. I may have been inclusive, but these are my songs.
Misspelling “rapport” aside (which I only bring up because I saw others do it; I know what she meant so the communication was effective), I think she’s speaking to something very important here. She tried to create an environment like she’d been in prior and it ended up proving chaotic at times, according to various reports. Being the boss is different than being a worker in a situation. I’d chalk this up to a life lesson we could all heed. This foreshadows the “call me Ms. Hill” thing so many folks had an issue with. For the record, I do not have a problem with it.
-I have come across the occasional musician who thinks they already know what I want, feelings and egos can be easily bruised when you tell them they actually don’t. I am never trying to intentionally hurt anyone’s feelings btw, but when people insist that they know you and don’t, you may have to be equally as firm to demonstrate otherwise.
All artists are sensitive about their shit, her included. But she’s absolutely right about one thing (something we’ll get to later), if it’s her vision and her work, then its her law.
Article written by Panama Jackson, Read more via: Lauryn Hill Blavity
#ThrowbackThursday: JLo and Ja Rule
I vaguely remember growing up and hearing “Cuz I’m real, and I…”. About two years ago, a few celebrities started crying #AllLivesMatter, among them being Jennifer Lopez. After Ti did a video discussing this two years ago, she reminded me the song is called “I’m Real”.
After one of those stale award shows aired and JLo and Ja Rule performed their song I’m Real, I have been bumping it non-stop. And I soon after discovered Ain’t It Funny.
J Dilla “Still Shinining” Documentary
I feel like sharing J Dilla this week!! More on J Dilla on Tuesday!!
How J Dilla humanized his MPC3000
This week I’m going to feature one of J Dillas Albums!
Netflix all about the Washington’s
Rev. Run from the hip hop group RUN-DMC Has a new comedy show on Netflix called all about the Washington’s. Run stars as a retired hip-hop star turned stay at home dad with his three children while his wife played by his real life wife Justine Simmons takes on my career of her own . Streaming now on Netflix!
https://www.facebook.com/netflixus/videos/247381365866583/
Rapper Juelz Santana pleads guilty to gun charge, faces up to 20 years in prison
Rapper Juelz Santana admitted in court Thursday that he tried to get a gun onto a plane at a New York-area airport earlier this year.
Santana, whose real name is LaRon James, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and carrying a weapon on an aircraft. The 36-year-old Totowa resident faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced Dec. 12.
Santana was arrested in March after security staff at New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport found a loaded .38-caliber handgun and nonprescription oxycodone pills in a carry-on bag containing his identification on March 9.
Santana left the area, leaving two bags behind, but turned himself in three days later. He has been free on bail while awaiting trial.
In June, a judge modified his bail so that he could perform concerts in New Hampshire, Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. Among the conditions were that Santana’s mother accompany him on the trips, that he drive instead of fly and that he not travel with other members of the tour.
While on bail, Santana also was allowed by the court to tape an episode of the VH-1 show “Love and Hip Hop” in Hoboken and New York.
This month, a judge postponed Santana’s original trial date of Sept. 4 so the rapper and his attorneys could continue negotiations on a plea deal.
Article via: Rapper Juelz Santana pleads guilty to gun charge, faces up to 20 years in prison
Young Chicago heart patient hopes ‘KiKi Challenge’ video gets Drake’s attention
An 10-year-old awaiting a heart transplant at Lurie Children’s Hospital has two birthday wishes: to get a new heart, and to meet Drake.
So Sophia Sanchez of Downers Grove made a video of the “KiKi Challenge” from the hospital in hopes of getting Drake’s attention.
She says Drake is her idol, and she’s trying to meet him while town in town this weekend. He’s performing Friday and Saturday at the United Center.
And maybe for Sophia, he’ll be stopping by Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Sophia’s 11th birthday is Saturday, Aug. 18.
Article via: Young Chicago heart patient hopes ‘KiKi Challenge’ video gets Drake’s attention
Eric Benét on Ignorant Rappers & White Supremacy: You’re Being Used to Destroy Us!
Eric Benét is so right. White folks are geniuses they knew what made us tick. White folks are geniuses they knew what made us tick. We’ve been studied for generations on how they can control us how they can get what they want We as black people unconsciously have been programmed to do their every bidding it must be nice to have generational wealth. And they knew that there’d be some Uncle Tom’s that would follow along with their devious plan.
R&B crooner Eric Benét is the latest celeb to call out the more ignorant of hip hop artists for promoting negativity within the Black community and inadvertently supporting White supremacy.
The soul singer took to Instagram to share a scathing critique of MCs who rap about certain subjects, including murder, drug abuse, degrading Black women and materialism. According to the meme, these aren’t artists, but “a Blackface for White Supremacy.”
It goes on, “You are being USED to help destroy your own people.”
Benet didn’t create the meme, but confirmed his agreement with the caption, “Inconvenient truth to some of the rich and famous.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmHHW5Zh8_v/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1t7kq84mm736c
Although the meme didn’t call out all rappers, certain wordsmiths still took exception with its message. Young Money rapper Jae Millz responded with a jab at the “Spend My Life With You” singer’s past relationship with ex-wife, Halle Berry, according to Rolling Out.
“Eric Benét giving me rap advice is like me giving him advice on how he could’ve saved his marriage. And I’m not married. #payattentionitsfree.”
Wale argued that hip hop has always had a love for material objects, but that it doesn’t always equate to the artists themselves being problematic.
“Hip hop always had an affinity for material things. It’s apart of the very fabric (no pun) but does not define players IN said genre…but I’m 3xZ doe. He got a point but it’s not the only point (sic.)”
Do you agree with Benét?










