Black Dynamite

Black Dynamite is a movie I have had the pleasure of viewing recently. And I love it. The film is a satire on several 70s Blaxploitation movies such as Shaft and Dolomite. It stars Michael Jai White of Spawn and Tyler Perry films, along with several other well known black actors and comedians. The film is just flat out funny. From the beginning to the end credits, I was in tears of laughter. The film has several overly sexual messages and comedic but entertaining action, and a plot that is confusing, but in a good way. I completely suggest you was this film, especially if you are a fan of Blaxploitation films. Also, if you have no idea what that genre is, be sure to check the film's website, which gives a good history. Cheap line: "Can you dig it?"

Image Source: Theater of Mine

Jade - So Fresh

Jade is an artists I have had the pleasure of meeting twice and seeing live once. She is signed to GFC New York, who boast other artists Mickey Factz and Fki. When I was first introduced to Jade, I was told she was likened to Nelly Furtado, which would keep her from achieving more popular status. After listening to her, I couldn't disagree more. Jade has a certain soulful appeal to her music, and a stage presence all her own. I mean, how many R&B/Soul artists you know do stage dives? Her recent track So Fresh is has a jazz lounge feel to it, with a nice spin on a classic Outkast track. Be sure to check out Jade at her myspace page, and the rest of the GFC New York crew. It's good to hear good music, and even doper that I have met an artist like Jade.

Image Source: myspace.com/jadeismusic

Michael Vick

As an Eagles fan with a blog, I feel it is important to discuss the Michael Vick situation. I'll start with why this is a situation. I do not condone what Vick did. No one walking on earth should. But he does deserve a second chance. Michael Vick lied, he was caught in his lie, he was sentenced to prison and served his time. He lost his endorsements, his huge contract, and 2 years of his professional career, and personal life. He has done all the necessary things that anyone in his position would do, no? They have him being an advocate for ending dogfighting, and he has literally one chance left in his life. There was a false report he was in a strip club after being released and all hell almost broke loose. I pose the question how long his probation (and not his legal probation) will be? When will those protesters outside of Eagles camp finally allow him to move on with his life? Will they ever?

My stance is this. Michael Vick did wrong. He was punished for his crime. Give him his second chance. There will always be those who will never forgive him, but the majority of us should in time. If he messes up again, so be it, all us second chance believer are wrong. But let him move on. Stop judging this man because you love dogs. Stop acting like you are so perfect. Stop acting like you would do better in his position, because like the rest of us, he is human. He served his time, let him go out there and prove to us he has changed. But fool us twice, shame on us indeed Michael Vick.

District 9 Review

While this blog will focus mainly on music, there will be other topics I wish to discuss. Movies is a favorite hobby of mine, and I had a chance to view District 9 over the weekend. I didn't know what to expect going into the movie, because the trailer left so much to the imagination. The general idea I took from the trailer was that these aliens were being held against their will, and one reporter ends up being affected by liquid device. I won't ruin the movie for anyone, but I was off, not far off, but off. This movie has several social undertones that one wouldn't expect from an alien movie, but they were there and made you think for the first quarter of the movie. The cinematography (if that is what it's called) was brilliant, with the film switching from a Cops live action camera, to a documentary, and then a regular film. The highlight of the movie would be the effects. They never felt forced upon, and CGI was present, but you could accept it. The movie did reach a point where the story was slow and seemed to be very long, however it picked up by the end. I would recommend you go see this film if you enjoy a good story and some solid action.

Image Source: WildAboutMovies.com

Walk the Moon

Walk the Moon is an indie rock band from Cincinnati, OH which I have had the pleasure of seeing live twice this summer. I was introduced to the band by lead guitarist, Nick Lerangis, who is an old high school chum, as he would probably say. To make a long story short: THIS BAND IS AMAZING! When I first heard them I thought they sounded like The Killers with more of an edge to them. After seeing them at Arlene's Grocery in NYC, I am convinced that Walk the Moon could be the next big thing. The band consist of Lerangis, Nick Petricca on Keys, Adam Reifsnyder on bass, and Adrian Galvin on drums. All members of the band sing vocals with Nick as the lead. For the record, props to Adrian for singing and drumming at the same time! That is difficult to do in my eyes. They are currently heading back to Cincinnati, and will be an opening act for Ryan Cabrera in Covington, Kentucky on the 14th. Please check them out at the band website as well as on their MySpace page and be sure to download "The Anthem EP" on iTunes.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

Today is the day of Michael Jackson's memorial service in L.A. I can already imagine the hundreds of thousands of fans who will be surrounding the Staples Center, remembering this music icon. I haven't been very vocal in my thoughts on Michael Jackson. I think that it may be due to denial of his passing. I remember running out of the room whenever my brothers were watching the Thriller video. I remember when my Dad gave me the HIStory album, and playing it on his sound system when he wasn't around. I also remember the joy I felt when I saw that my Dad had the Thriller LP. MJ was to me what James Brown was to my Dad. The guy you imitated. The dancer we all which we could be. But he also had his troubles. I can't help but think about when Katt Williams gave his two cents on MJ in Pimp Chronicles Pt. 1. I think constantly about the jokes we made, and some still make in regards to MJ and little boys. But now that he has passed, we all seemed to forget about those issues. The same media that Michael disliked and scarred his name are the same ones quick to praise his talent and accomplishments. It's always interesting how death can unite people. Michael Jackson spent roughly 40 years entertaining the world, and we all were so quick to ridcule the odd things he did. But three things has surpassed all this, and that is his videos, his performances, and his music. There will never be another Michael Jackson, nor will anyone come close to his presence. He will live on forever, because that is what music does, what it allows.

I guess in the end, I just wanna say that I hope Michael is finally at peace, and he is appreciating the love that people have shown him. R.I.P. Michael Jackson, and thank you, for everything.

The Dunk

So I was looking through my favorite Youtube videos, and I came across this dunk that Jonny Flynn had against Rutgers guard Mike Rosario. His reaction: "That's why I don't take charges".