Whut? Thee Blog

Daily Activity

2008-07-23T10:04:00.004-04:00

See how many Blaxploitation, cult films, and classic album covers you can pick out in this DJ MURO + Martini jawn. Great fun to break up the mundaneness of a gloomy Wednesday morn...

And can someone tell me what these are gonna look like?! I need some red, black and green kicks to go with a shirt I got. Please and thanks!

Pro-Lestats Unite!

2008-07-22T16:52:00.005-04:00

Emerging from the hell that is the NYC subway during this current heatwave I encountered a group of "activists" handing out these buttons and signing people up to "protect Vampire rights" at Columbus Circle.

At first I thought it was just a group of eccentrics (or maybe students of an improv class) but after going to the site - conspicuously sponsored by HBO - I realized it was just a marketing ploy. Guess there's a new series or something coming up. I dunno. Still don't have cable. It was funnier and far more interesting before I knew HBO was involved but alas such is life. Full of disappointments. And sly marketing.

Strange (Ecological) Bedfellows?

2008-07-17T16:39:00.009-04:00

If the green movement made it's appeal more economic than moral it would certainly find itself in odd company but those alliances could prove essential to their cause. Take T-Boone. T. Boone Pickens is a good ol' boy, born in Oklahoma, raised in Amarillo, Texas, and an oil man through and through. Those are his words and the words of my director/friend whose family grew up with 'T-Boone' and had the fiscal prescience to invest in his company, Mesa Petroleum. (Early retirement is always a nice gift to get from friends. Hint, hint.)

Anyways, T-Boone is now pushing a new energy plan that incorporates wind and solar resources and diminishes the dependency on oil. What's the deal? Trust that it's not totally altruistic (he has invested significantly in wind and solar energy initiatives) but just because you can make money from it doesn't make it or you evil. His presentation may not be as exciting as out-takes from I survived a Japanese Game Show but if you sit still, and stay awake, long enough you may just learn something. And as nice as T-Boone may sound with his patented southern drawl, don't forget he practically invented the hostile takeover so don't make him strong-arm you into solar, son!

[Update: If you think modern wind turbines aren't attractive or aesthetically interesting, maybe we could rig these for energy instead of grain. I can definitely see them doting the countryside in Pennsylvania and maybe even a couple in Central Park. They can generate energy and serve as tourist attractions. And after all, the Dutch did pioneer settlement of the "New World" (historic architectural relevance), are experienced in harnessing wind power, and on another note, build better levees. Yes, I had to throw that in.]

iPhone mania

2008-07-10T10:50:00.003-04:00

And so it has begun...

I initially was gonna dead my Verizon contract and go iPhone too but the higher service rates (and, from what I hear, worse service) on AT&T, coupled with weaker battery issues and the fact that I'm NOT a line-stander - don't these people have JOBS? - is kind of killing the high.

I guess it will have to be a game time decision. If anyone does happen to get one manana, feel free to let me know how that works out. Please and thanks.

The Cake Nazi (or Don't Let Them Eat Cake!)

2008-06-25T17:33:00.012-04:00

Who ever heard of a bakery with empty shelves?

Ever since his appearance on FoodNetwork last summer, it's been increasingly difficult to snag a red velvet cake, slice, or even a cupcake @ Cakeman Raven's in BK. Now it seems you can't even get a sniff of the buttery smooth goodness. A colleague of mine drove to the shop to order a cake for a departing member of our team (just try calling that phone number they give you) and was not only told that she couldn't get the order she wanted BUT she can't even get a slice as they no longer bake on site and won't have any available until 6:30pm - and NO cupcakes! Anyone who's been there knows of the infamous hordes that can line up waiting for a slice. With limited supply and no on-site baking there's even a slimmer chance of you getting a taste.

Shrewd negotiator that she is, we did end up snagging a couple of 9" rounds for the event (instead of the sheet cake we wanted) but with all that effort we're thinking future endeavors may not even be worth the hassle. Yes, the cake is crack. But, as they say, CRACK IS WACK. Gotta kick the habit sometime. When you keep chasing a high with diminishing returns, well, that seems like the perfect time to quit.

Cake = $100
Gas = $4.03/gallon
Having to barter your way to PAY for a good including getting the manager's cell phone number to ensure delivery of product = WAY TOO MUCH B.S.

~RIP Red Velvet Cupcakes~

Guess I'll have to settle for the RV cupcakes @ Daisy May's BBQ. The cake isn't as moist but the icing is the divine. They're on the D.L. tho' so ask for them 'cause they're not on the menu.

Note: This was yet another reason to listen to New York I Love You and lament the good ol' days...

[UPDATE: Not only did my colleague not get a slice when she went back @ 6:30pm on Thursday but come Monday morning there was no fulfillment of her order. NO CAKE FOR YOU!!!]

The Tudors

2008-06-22T14:56:00.008-04:00

Starting last year when the ads started appearing all over subway stations, I vowed I would never watch The Tudors, as the posters seemed to depict some sort of period porn. That was easy enough as I don't have cable. But alas a few weeks ago I was chillin' in Jersey w/ the fam when my girl Doris got me hooked - on the season finale no less! This weekend I was again in "Joisie" (w/ no cell phone service) and managed to watch the entire season thanks to On Demand. I can now say that at least the ads weren't misleading. Intrigues, violence, and period porn. Some like it rough.

School's out for summer...

2008-06-19T15:00:00.016-04:00

Let the games, I mean grinds, begin.

For those who've been getting the mixtapes from me (a la megaupload), here's your chance to catch the homies Tanya Morgan live. They are now part of the Freshly Dipped lineup along w/ Hiero, et al. With plenty of dates all over the place I'm sure you can catch them somewhere between now and August. (Unless you're overseas. Gomen, Seiji!!!)
...

Mark your calendars NYC - 7/13 @ SOBs - ABM extraordinaire Che Greezy w/ Wale and Blu. Not familiar? Get familiar here.

Sample treat from the upcoming Everything's Good Ugly - Gift Wrap
...

One of my faves lately has been Dollar $ign Language by Spec Boogie (proof: check my lastfm charts). Get your free download from Digital Gravel now. Check the Lessondary show @ Knitting Factory NYC on Monday. Then tell me New York I Love You isn't the truth.
...

Donwill project w/ DJ suhBURB. Enigmatic. Unexpected. Eff a tracklist. Just download and enjoy.
...

With SupaFly down south getting those real estate g's (there's still some to be had if you convert to rental properties or sell them for Euros or RMBs), Saudade getting her garment district hustle on (T-shirts coming soon!), and Miss Harvey doing her Lois Lane thing @ the NY Post, I feel like I should be doing something other than writing this blog. Alas, here I am.

Happy Juneteenth, lest we forget. Wonder how that would have worked out in the age of the Internet...

Lessondary @ the Knitting Factory NYC

2008-06-17T14:49:00.003-04:00

That's right, kids. Only $7. That leaves plenty of leftover allowance for drinks and media purchases so don't be stingy. Come out and support!

Outdoor activities for G-fiers!

2008-06-17T11:24:00.013-04:00

According to Dictionary.com, the definition of the term gentrification indicates the displacement of lower-income people by middle- and upper-income people in a community. So how do we explain the G-fiers that have been camping out in the parking lot of the new BK IKEA for days to get a free Ektorp sofa that retails for only $399 to begin with? Let's just say they love the outdoors. And these types of activities bring people together. Let's here it for the G-fiers!

For more on the IKEA urban campsite, go here.

I wonder if anyone featured in the Sunday NY Times article They Heart (the New) BK is out there? Probably not. They have spots in places like 110 Livingston. What am I thinking???!?!?!

To quote BKMC Spec Boogie, "things ain't looking too good now that things ain't really that bad."

You said it, bruh...

P.S. - I likey the Loosie site. Pretty clever, guys ;-)

Adventures in design

2008-06-13T12:14:00.003-04:00

Stumbling across things like this both inspire me and make me wish I were a rich kid. Imagine growing up in a home where you have your very own built-in treasure hunt? Who needs TV or a PS3 or Nintendo DS?! Just roam around the house discovering stuff.

Of course after every clue has been uncovered and the puzzle solved you have to redesign it. But money spent on intriguing and interactive design is better than money spent on frumpish and rote DirectBuy showroom replications. Ah, the inhumanity...

Darian Dauchan

2008-05-29T16:18:00.008-04:00

We caught this man at the Nuyorican last Friday for a semi-final slam. Although we couldn't stay to the end - it was graduation weekend for the one and only Afton-Supafly-I-got-an-Ivy-League-Master's-Degree-BITCHES!-Snukka so lots of escapades going on - I really hope he won. I haven't laughed so hard at a spoken word joint in a while. I even bought his cd. (I support the brother BUT if you really want it, e-mail me and I'll hook you up with a copy since I can't find it for sale online.)

Side note: He even impressed the fabulously pertinacious, self-described poetry "hater" Mrs. B to the point of admitting to having a good time. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is not easy.

...

And finally, a BIG CONGRATS to the J-School crew! It was fantastic getting to hang with you guys and see you come through the whole process (a/k/a madness) together! Um I'm sure there are pics all over facebook and myspace of the post-grad shenanigans. Saudade, when you get back from the T(dot) we are hitting up SI for some Ralph's Icees and Brother's Pizza!

"Love's Gonna Getcha" (c) KRS-1

2008-05-19T15:05:00.010-04:00

As of late, one of my many obsessions has been trying to figure out why I buy only certain brands - sneakers (Nike, Adidas, or, occasionally, Asics in the form of Onitsuka Tigers), underwear (Vickie's), detergent (Tide). Am I just a brand whore? Or do I really feel that there is a significant difference in quality?

I tested out my strength this weekend by going into a Duane Reade & buying the store brand heavy duty foil instead of the Reynolds brand right next to it. Hey, I'm saving like a $1.50, right? That's a $1.50 more added to the 'I'm treating myself to dinner at Masa' fund. But I almost couldn't do it. At the register I had to fight my impulse to run back and exchange it for my trusted, familiar blue-metallic package with the pink corner (notice use of 'my'). After a brief struggle, frugality prevailed and I brought the "impostor" home but I can't comment on the quality as I haven't yet opened the package. I think I'm scared.

I'm also reading "Lovemarks" by marketing magnate Kevin Roberts, a very likable (lovable?) book about the future of brands or, rather beyond them. It's as much about Mr. Roberts' love affair with consumers as it is about marketing products and services and that's how it should be - there's a relationship there that needs to be examined. But maybe, like most relationships, we rely a little too much on packaging and "gut" feelings without examining our decisions. Do I really think Tide is the ONLY detergent that can get my clothes clean? Is it solely because my mother used Tide and therefore linked to feelings of nostalgia? Why do I sneer at my roommate (LOVE YOU!) when she dares to put a store brand, or merely a brand I don't use, in the cart? Why do I not trust anyone besides myself to go grocery shopping? (Again, LOVE YOU!!)

Dunno. Maybe it's just part of my OCD, I say to myself then I come across this in the NYT. The skinny: dead brands are being revived not only as items for consumption but as "pieces of Americana."

Fade in KRS-1 talking about "love with material items..."

I went to an LRG/Courvoisier event at Reed Space this past week, looked at their maxim "A positive social contagion" and wondered aloud (again), 'what's so positive about conspicuous consumption?'

Dunno. I'm sure it has something to do with perspective. Maybe I'll work this all out by the time I go down there today & pay way too much for a passport case I'll use sporadically and that matches nothing other than the inside of my HP bag, which I "love" but also paid way too much for.

Ah, another song pops into my head - "This is how you get got" (c) Mos.

This Week(end) in NYC...

2008-05-12T10:21:00.016-04:00

Lots of chillin' and inspiration this weekend....
My boy Wil, ever the lucky bastard, happened upon this De La Vega gem on the street -
disposed restaurant chairs turned street art on a random, rainy NYC night. Best in a series of rarities.
...

More inventive art in "Studio 54." A salvaged original by Beau, the renaissance man.
...

Apparently there's a politician running for office who throws mini-parades along B'way to rally support every weekend. The sound is anything BUT mini so, roused from bed by car horns and cheers this lazy Sunday morning, I decided to go out on the fire-escape and take some pics. Whoever he is, he'll literally kick corruption in the ass, or so the banner says.

...

Which led to going on the roof and making a new friend...
His name is Waldo.

...

Ending on a good note, Beau, Afton and I watched Sordid Lives. No describing it. Just watch it. And yes, that is Jeff Bridges in a bra with Delta Burke looking on.

Colbert v. Rain Dance-Off

2008-05-06T16:19:00.000-04:00

Enjoy.

Green pill, please.

2008-05-05T14:37:00.005-04:00

I give up. I want to be stupid and happy like the rest of the morons out there eating up everything being served to them - whether it's a debate over whether or not Obama was discretely flipping off Clinton (above), complete with 3 news correspondents debating the "gesture" while repeatedly slowing down the clip, or a gas-tax holiday proposal with as much legs as the No Child Left Behind Act (remember that one?!). It's got to be good with such a sensational, unbelievable title! Or how about paying farmers to grow food for fuel and NOT consumption, as both food and fuel prices continue to rise and people are starving. Now even drinks with High Fructose Corn Syrup are gonna cost more. I WANT OUT!

If, when someone tells you "I want the oil companies to pay the taxes this summer" and you shout "YAY!" without thinking (in the least) about what happens when the summer's over, please tell me what Kool-Aid you were drinking. 'Cause I want some. And I'm not even going to be picky about it. Grape, orange, kiwi-strawberry, red...I don't care. Just give it to me and give it to me NOW!

When one of our politicians can say, without fear of castigation, that they would "obliterate" another sovereign nation on actions it isn't even capable of, much less taken, but that country's president can't even come here and participate in an academic forum to which they were INVITED without meeting with demonstrations, threats, and an inhospitable, possibly antagonistic, introduction for making remarks that may or may not have had military intent (albeit they were definitely about LAND but whether of actions or origins is what is debated), is more than a bit disingenuous. It wreaks of the ignorance toward national and foreign policy, the meaning of diplomacy, history, context, objectivity, critical thinking, and, well just about any form of rational behavior known in human existence. But it is indicative of one thing that is VERY human: SELFISHNESS.

My best friend and I were actually having a conversation about this last week. He was a bit despondent about his job - not the work he's doing but the lack of work and concern conspicuously displayed by his colleagues. He decided that if he could adopt a more cavalier or selfish attitude, then he could be "happy" too. Of course, he's not going to change his work ethic or reconfigure his moral compass to become a different person but there it was. The answer to at least not being angry, if not happiness, was to adopt a similar attitude as those around you. Or to lower your expectations. For some reason we felt that we just couldn't do it.

At the end of "Twinkle" on Erykah Badu's latest New AmErykah Part One: 4th World War, there's a powerfully reverberating interpretation of Peter Finch's Network monologue and I'm not sure if it's Keith David or not (sounds like him to me), but when he says "you've got to get MAD!" I think, well, I've been mad but if everyone else around me stays happy, then what good does that do? That, in turn, make me more upset. Someone asked me what I wanted from people. Simply this - read, think, analyze, act accordingly. Maybe if we took the time out on an individual level to do this there wouldn't be much need for group civil disobedience in the way of protests and demonstrations. Or maybe there would be but it would be organized, sensible, and have clear and distinct purpose and value.

And, lastly, I want my sanity back. And if I have to get that by swallowing (pause) the green pill, then at this point, I might just do it.

*PS - back to the whole Gas Tax Holiday thing - if you can't find ONE economist to publicly back something that aims to be essentially a type of "economic stimulus" plan (even by PAYING them), then your proposal REALLY sucks. Just an FYI...

(Oh no!) More Retro...

2008-05-01T10:31:00.006-04:00

I know, or I think I know, that this is prolly more of a poke at himself, the forces of image and the impact of pop culture on well, everything hence the term, but it's still scary.

I've heard Mr. Mayer is very tongue-in-cheeky but I hope this "project" doesn't last long; the consequences of reintroducing such an accessible style could be pandemic! For those of us who grew up in the '80s, I feel I can safely say the hair of that decade is definitely one mode we don't want to revisit. I mean, what's next? The return of big hair and the crimper a la Taylor Dayne?! Oh wait, Fergie already tried.

On Be(ing) a Nigger

2008-04-25T10:59:00.006-04:00

Wish I had video from the show last night @ Bowery Poetry Club where Kasim Allah performed the above poem that sparked an impromptu exchange between myself and Autumn Marie (of The AM Group and more) juxtaposing it with Nas' "Be A Nigger Too".

Though brief, you always learn something in the exchange process. She commented about the need for more comprehensive dialogue on the subject - an inclusive discourse ranging from Dick Gregory to Randall Kennedy. I definitely agree that any discussion needs to incorporate contextual understanding, historical and social analysis as well as a basic understanding of relationships between collective memory and language, especially the American lexicon, historical (re)imagination, identity politics and what it reveals about how much we actually understand our past and present.

I also think (read: wish) at times that the debate would go away. Somewhere between the "burial" of the word and the glittering embossed matching outfits worn by Nas & Kelis, I became completely disengaged. In all honesty there really are much more important things to talk about.

But since it's not going away sometimes I indulge myself in the convo and run into refreshing perspectives. I mean, my boy B @ The Liberator thinks Nas "ripped it" and Autumn suggests another listen. I must admit, I did "cringe" when I heard it but I'm sure I'll listen to it again; living in NYC and having several Nas fans as friends, I'll damn sure HEAR it again. I'll let you know when/if the "cringe" factor changes.

One thing that won't change no matter how many times I hear it - my deep appreciation for Kasim's representation. If I were to ever co-sign forwarding anything, this video is definitely one of them.

I wonder...

2008-04-25T09:41:00.008-04:00

what makes people so damn morally and ethically callous, ignorant, and selfish that they think they can replace one person's life with another's? Random comment made to a friend regarding the verdict in the Sean Bell case (paraphrased):

Friend: I don't believe they were completely exonerated.
White Guy: Finally getting them back for O.J.
Friend: How many Black men do you have to kill to get us back for O.J.?!

Not only was WG's assessment reckless and irrelevant but I would like to know what made him feel so personally vindicated when two of the three officers being charged weren't even white? Was it simply the fact that a Black man was killed and the killers were viewed as being part of a superior social strata, one which WG obviously identifies with?

Questions that probably can't ever be sensibly answered yet asked anyway...on anti-humanism.

On Anti-intellectualism:

RIP Sean Bell

Thinking Retro? Say No Go! (c) De La Soul

2008-04-21T18:01:00.023-04:00

All things come and go in cycles but I must say - ENOUGH ALREADY! I don't know who you want to blame for the retro movement in Hip-Hop - hipsters, Kanye, a combination of both or just a lack of imagination in general - but it's gone too far. While I am happy to see the appreciation shown to throwback music and style in general, it's just too damn kitschy now with all the fake dooky-ropes, TIGHT pantalones, and neon colors walking around. I thought the high-top fades kids are sporting (again) were the worst of it until this weekend. It seems this retro thing is now making headway in...FACIAL HAIR!

The above is an ACTUAL person, in an ACTUAL place, with ACTUAL mutton chops. (Don't believe me? Just ask AG.) There have also been recent sightings of:

HANDLEBAR MOUSTACHES
Strictly for cartoon villains and older gentlemen of British lineage. Unless your name is Snidely Whiplash or Dick Dastardly, or you belong to this club, shave it off, off, off, off!*

DESIGNER EYEBROWS
"Three cuts in your eyebrows/tryna wil' out" (c) Jay-z
Wasn't cute then, isn't cute now. Looks like some sort of pattern-obsessed hair mites took chunks out of them.

JHERI CURLS
It's all fun and games until somebody gets some Activator Gel(TM) in their eye. And although I wasn't able to get an actual picture of current violators, I've seen several running a muck over the past few months. In each case, if I was indeed too close, I crossed the street, walked briskly by, or dipped into the closest Starbucks/Pinkberry/bodega to avoid Jheri Curl juice-related injury. This is just a hazard to furniture and the environment in general and should be made illegal.

So the next time you think about bringing back a style - a mullet or Charlie Chaplin moustache for example - watch this episode of Scrubs first, then think "how could this possibly affect society?"

Please and thanks.

*For you young OGs, yes, that's another De La reference. 10 Kool Aid points if you can guess the album.

Colbert in Philly

2008-04-17T17:59:00.003-04:00

Big show for the Roots? Or Biggest show EVER for the Roots??!

[Is Thought on the run for stompin' that white dude in 75 Bars?]

I like her. I really like her. She didn't need that much volume in the 'do but she'd be a hell of a better presence in the White House than Mizz Rice.

Duet #2. Guess it's official. The new MJ and Paul McCartney...

This Week in NYC...

2008-04-15T10:05:00.016-04:00

Checked out the homies Tanya Morgan @ Knitting Factory on Thursday where DonDub showed everyone how to walk his way.

Had some of this too...

"It'll get you DRUNK!" (c) Samuel L. Jackson

Ironically, due to technical difficulties (read: too much drunken debauchery and my overbearing moral compass), I missed Tha Alkaholiks. I'm still sick over that. But at least Jay Smooth cared enough to share some footage of Jeru w/ Tha Liks.

...

1st Saturday's @ the BK Museum last week was PACKED. I mean it was absolutely the most non-museum type crowd in a museum I've ever been in the midst of. I think I still have bruises...

Reasons: a) it was free, b) the Murakami exhibit just opened, and c) DJ Muro was on the ones-and-twos. He got there late so while Saudade and I were waiting we did get a little bored -

but once he got on, he managed to play what, to my recollection, was the best 3 1/2 minute Jackson 5 set I've ever heard. He also brought along veteran MC Twigy, who peppered his JapanEnglish with plenty of 'Mutha fuckas' for the crowd to enjoy. All this before they blew the power. But it was still clear - Muro loves the kids. And the kids love Muro.

It's Spring Again (c) tha Biz

2008-04-03T10:00:00.007-04:00

Well at least in Japan. Sakura pics compliments of my boy Seiji...

This Week in NYC...

2008-03-27T19:13:00.020-04:00

It was a mob scene for real @ the NYC listening party for The Roots' Rising Down. If you look closely you may be able to see Mel D. Cole w/ the serious tight face on as the door people wouldn't even let the OKP photographer in! (Hint: right hand side, white hat.) Eventually the cops came and shut down the door.

Which led to drinks and discussions elsewhere w/ Gooch a/k/a tha Renaissance Man and Afton Supafly Snukka.
We talked about everything from the industry to China. And when you think about it, what conversation that begins with industry talk DOESN'T end up being about China???

(Mo' was busy admiring his kicks.)

Luckily I was still full from Soba Totto. Who knew buckwheat noodles could be so tasty???

...

The Shibata Zeshin exhibit opened @ the Japan Society this week. I would have taken more pictures but the gallery police were extra cranky. My favorite was Lacquer Panel with Waves and Crayfish. The detail, textures, and patterns are just amazing.

...

Planet B-Boy opened for a limited screening @ the Sunshine theatre. My boy Ricky and I were discussing comparisons to the seminal Hip-Hop doc Style Wars. Very well done and highly recommended.

And for the record, dude from Ichigeki w/ the crazy tick moves was my favorite...

Aaron McGruder, you're my hero. (c) Cameron Frye

2008-03-19T19:23:00.002-04:00

This is "banned" but South Park is untouchable...???

Table Tennis, anyone?

2008-03-19T16:00:00.012-04:00

Don and Von of Tanya Morgan hardcore @ the PT3 Tourney...(???)

Table Tennis pandemonium @ Powerhouse. I was surprised Don was there given his general disdain for events that could easily be part of the Hipster Olympics. But he had fun w/ bike & beer(below).

Normally I woulda dismissed this myself but my daddy plays table tennis. He started playing as a Marine in Vietnam so I KNOW real men play it too. [Note: he's 65 and STILL coulda whooped most of those hips...I mean players off the tables. He's retired but still breaks out the table every week.]

All in all, it was good times - and GREAT chicken satay skewers! - plus I got to see D&V before they embarked on their tour. Check out dates near you on their myspace and download the mixtape HERE.

I even met Jesus but that's another blog (Waiting for the Resurrection...?!)