Just Another One of Those Girl Groups?

So what ever happened to those girl groups that we used to love? What happened to groups like SWV, Jade, TLC, En Vogue, Salt 'n' Pepa, 702 and so many more? I miss those days when I used to be able to see a handful of groups making their mark on the industry. Now adays we have Destiny's Child and...who else?

SWV was the jam back in the day. Lele was my favorite and I used to be so upset that she was never given her shine! I was indifferent about Taj and I grew to like Coko later on. I always liked her [Coko] voice though. She could really belt. Now adays she has a gospel album and is not coming with the heat like she used to. They should have never broke up. I think it was a dispute among taj and coko, but does it really matter!

Jade was a shock! One moment I'm listening to their songs and the next moment I heard they broke up. It was so crazy how they just disappeared. They didn't even have a VH-1 story to boot! I never really had a favorite, because I barely could tell their voices apart. I do know that they stole a TLC move in "Don't walk away" and their "One Woman" song sounded like the Karyn White ballad "Super Woman". Despite all that, I still liked them for their look and songs.

TLC was the Top of TOP jammers! They had the dances, the music and the style. There has never been better female group in my eyes! LeftEye was my favorite then I moved to Tboz and lastly Chilli (Though I love them all). Chilli has been the hottest body, sultry voice and moves in ways that inspire. Can you tell I like the girl? hahah. "Ain't Too Proud 2 Beg" was an anthem, as was "Creep" and "No Scrubs". They had many other tracks that were under-rated like "Take our time" by Chilli, "Turntables" with Tboz & Chilli to name a few.

En Vogue, should have never broke up. I can only say that I was really disappointed with this group. They would have been legends by this time. They should have volumes of dvds sold with their platinum name on it!!! Disappointed? Yes. Then again I don't know the full story. Dawn Robinson was my favorite. I liked them all and they all had their moments.

Salt'n'Pepa never broke up so nothing here!

702 - They broke up then got back together. Their very last album was the best one. "Stringing me along" was my favorite track. Meelah had the voice. She is one of the first girls to bring the cute sound to music in a female group setting.

Total -Kima, Keisha & Kima, please come back!!!

My horoscope to you: Make good in whatever you chose to do. People will appreciate it.

Can We Stop "Dumbing Down" Music?

Happy Sunday people. Whether you're just coming back from church or on your way to church (again) or you were just chillin all day ... Happy Sunday to you! I have to say that I had an interesting night to say the least yesterday. I went out with one of my friends to a club (that I shall not name) and it was horrible. I mean, it was an 80's/90's party and they barely played any tracks from that era. I was so disappointed with the dj's. My friends and I agreed that they needed to go back to Dj school (wherever that is!). I even came decked out in 80's inspired attire! What a waste of my time and clothes. I could have used this outfit for something else...hahah. On top of everything, I found myself bored on the dance floor. How is that possible? You want to know how? - Dj's who play for themselves and not for the masses. There are guranteed hits andthese djs did not play them.

I am so upset with the whole idea that Toronto has to find it's identity. It's so tiring. Yesterday, I heard some rappers that sounded like they were straight out of ATL, but the grew up in the Mississauga burbs...What is up with that?!!! There is no doubt that Toronto needs a sound that is original. Not just original, but good. Hiphop in Toronto always sounds like underground early 90's rap (at best). Toronto rappers are caught in a time warp and need to get something to call their own. The dudes I heard last night were so generic - cookie cut. They actually made me feel smarter, by the lyrics they sang. There is a definite "dumbing down" of the culture through music, that I find very offensive. These rappers sounded very 'slow' and un-educated and I'm sure that they graduated high school (I think). Outsiders - those who don't understand the culture or care for it, may take these artifacts as truths. We need to advertise ourselves as educated beings. Not these corner slanging hoes and pimps.

It's bad enough that we need a musical revolution. It's even worse that Toronto is not even competing well with what is currently out there on the market. We don't have many R'n'B singers making it into the mainstream and when they do, they disappear. They move to the states and no one ever hears about them until they come to do a MUCH Music special or appear at the Junos. It's unfortunate. We grow, export and they sell it back to us! Isn't that what Canada is reknown for doing with everything produced here. I am Canadian and I know there is a better way. I just need someone to listen...

One day people ... One day...

Horoscope for today: Learn an instrument. It will teach you more than you think.

Always spread love.

Mr. & Mrs. Right and Mr. & Mrs. Wrong...Do You Know Them?

I'm not dead! I'm alive ya'll...hahah. I know I've disappointed some of you...I apologize. I have been keepin life together and movin'. Sun is shining and the weather is nice. I think I'll have to get into some good trouble today!

So I have been taking some time to do some introspective work and analyzing the choices made in the recent past - I think it's good to do that every so often. Sometimes the paths we make are not a matter of right or wrong but a matter of choice. Like, do I want to go out to the club tonight? or do I want to stay home and read a nice book? Obviously there are choices that are less trival then the one just mentioned; however the same ideology applies. This whole notion of right vs. wrong is the benefit and demise of our society. Would you not agree?

There is no dispute that killing another person is wrong; however if you place it in the context that this person has set out to maliciously harm you and your family, you are in the mist of a vicious struggle and the person dies at your hands...was it still wrong? What's funny is that there are always going to be "exceptions" to the rule. Why are there rules if they are going to be a accomodating for a few yet the masses must follow?

Right and wrong is all about control through guilt. If you do the wrong thing or make the wrong choice you repent because you feel guilty. If you do the right thing or make the right choice then you are in line with what society expects of you. Once again, I am not trying to say that this construct is bad or good.

I think sometimes when we use this whole notion of right vs. wrong as leverage, it becomes a serious problem. Where we believe that we are better than another person because we hold certain beliefs that are considered "right" by our standards.

Church plug: many people in certain churches do this even though they claim to not judge!

Using right and wrong to leverage is to create power differentials. It also works to measure the level of respect one group should be given vs. another.

Even people within the same group will use certain distinguishing features as reason to austricize a group (i.e. dark vs light complexion, religion, sexuality, gender,etc.). Some may feel cursed for having features that are looked down upon (the wrongs) versus the individuals who are born with desired features (the Rights).

Just a few things to think about...

Your Horoscope: Change is good...especially when it's your underwear. Start from within. Smile.

What Happened to Hot Tuesdays?!!!

This weekend was so beautiful! I am glad the weather is starting to show some sun and warmth on the charts. I had so much fun hanging out with my best friend and his aunt. Just a burst of energy and spiritual awareness. I love being in the company of people who open their minds, to the possibility of something more to what they are accustomed to.

So my "Slim'n'Eight" diet is going really well. I can already see the difference. If this keeps up I think I'm going to have to do one of those 'Billy Blank' videos and show people how it's done! I think I'll be ready to go on a vacation once this diet is done. You don't have to worry, I won't go binge like I used to! It's all about the balance. I may slip from time to time, but I'll always get back on track.

I briefly saw a caption on the TV today that said "Russell Simmons, vows to be more socially conscience in respect to Rap lyrics" . I must say that it's a start...no further comment.

So what happened to the days of Tuesday being the greatest day of the week. When artists would drop greatly anticipated albums and we would rush to have it first! I can't even remember the last sleepless night I had, thinking about a hot CD. Janet really let me down. That album hurt my feelings. Next time Janet...Next time. All I'll say to you Janet is, "Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis = HITS!". If you ever get a chance to listen to the album, listen to a track called "Take Care". The song helps to make me feel all is not lost (in respect to Janet's latest album!).

Horoscope: We are moving into Taurean stubborn energy. Love it because "We ain't movin'!".

So no picture today...I hope it doesn't throw people off...haha. I say that because I know it can. I thought I would just flow about things on my mind without the visualization.

Opt-Imus Prime vs. Decept-Icons...Who's Really Bad!

I know...It seems like I'm saying the same bit every time...apologizing for not keeping you in the "know", but from here on out, I am not going to make any promises I can't keep. It's been hectic around here and I can only say that I will do my best to keeping blogging and giving you your "fix" haha.

I've decided that I'm going to go on a serious 8 week diet/plan. The plan basically consists of me not eating a whole large pizza and guzzling a 2 litre bottle of Coke! Seriously. I am planning on reducing my carb and sugar intake. I need to look fly for the summer and that is not going to happen if I keep stretching my appetite the way I do. Trust me the way I eat is not flattering at all! So, I took a before picture and in 8 weeks I hope to take an after picture (just for myself of course). I'm just hoping to get myself back to the state where it felt good to walk around the house naked. I mean, right now...I'm trying to hide from myself because it's that bad...haha. Come June 18th, 2007, I'll be hot like fire!

So I just have to make my point in reference to this Imus vs. HipHop fiasco, because it is truly out of hand. I know that I could go on forever but I am going to summarize my points; keeping very concise. If you know me well, you know that I rarely do this. I dislike talking about topics overdone in the media...in any case here it goes:

1. Imus did not get that language from Caucasians/white people. We've been using that language on ourselves [black people] for a long time.

2. The whole Hip Hop culture is a product of how the black community is at odds with sexuality and identity. Proof is in the pudding. The fact that there is great unresolved pain and conflict is displayed in the media shows how we are unable to resolve this issue i.e. Black Church vs. Pimp glorification

3. Why is it that when someone (other than black) calls us a nigger we are offended but when we do it to each other its ok. There is an understanding about black people that results from this. Black people like to demean/degrade each other.

4. What he said was not anymore damaging then Howard Stern or David Chapelle saying the same thing. If he was headlined as a "Shock Jock" we would not be making noise.

5. It's just another excuse for Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson to get more undue shine!

So there you have it. The Top 5.

I have to admit that the jokes coming out about Imus looking like the crypt keeper are hilarious!

There are bigger issues at hand and I think that there are many possible solutions. I feel they all should be given a shot. There is no point in trying one thing and then moving unto the next...we don't have forever!

Horoscope for you today is : Don't judge too quickly or you will make decisions you will later regret. Take even just one second to think about whether that cake is worth eating. Damn I hate diets.

Good Night.

I Had A Crusty Tasteless Crumb...

Whew, I'm tired. Yeah not exactly how I wanted to start this blog, but hey it's the truth. I tell you that work has got me busy and when I come home all I want to do is sleep. Not the writing of a dude who likes to keep physically fit, huh? I tried to go to the gym today but my body was telling me otherwise. I wanted to workout my legs and chest but I guess I'll have to do that on the weekend or next week for that matter. There are a ton of birthdays coming up (including my own) and I don't know if I'll make them all. Tomorrow I'm going to a friend's house for a get together so no gym tomorrow. Hmmm... Saturday. Yes, Saturday I'll go!

Have you ever had someone in your life that just drains everyone they meet? I have one of those and this heffa just don't stop. She is embarassing, loud and annoying and she just does not know when to stop! What bothers me more is that she is grown and she acts like a child. I'm not going to call her out because there would be some real Drama. I want to keep the peace. She's like a crazy person you see on the subway that you just don't make eye contact with! Except she always finds time to make eye contact with you - psycho.

Her lethal death energy... She lofts around and never does anything productive. Her idea of being productive is putting people down. She is so steady chasing the people she hates that she never gets a thing done! She loves to talk about herself and always shares too much information. I'm telling you, she is a pest and even RAID spray wouldn't make her flinch!

I am so-so-so glad she is not "directly" in my life, but she still haunts my friends. I wish I could tell her to leave them alone, but it's complicated. Whats even more complicated is that if she knew that we had a "beef", it would pull her into my life...and I (as Hell) do not want that! Once again, I wish I could go into specific detail about this c-u-n-t and what she does, but like I said it would only make my life a living Hell!

I just had to get a crusty crumb off my shoulder. She knows who she is and sadly she pretends she loves the way she is. Woman, we know you are hurting. Don't project unto others.

In other news...

Well there really wasn't much news....

Let's just get into the horoscope...

Your Horoscope: If you meet a woman, like I described above, feel free to "tell her about herself" without tact and/or with...send the mixed signal...unless of course the situation is complicated. If complicated you can let me know what to do!

Were You a Spelling Bee or Just Buzzin'? It's Not Too Late!!!

I'm sorry...So sorry, I made you wait! It's been crazy in my life, since I last blogged. To those who think it had something to do with Facebook...All I'll say is...Maybe...Hahah. "Crackbook" fo real!!! Seriously, I have missed you. Truthfully, I have been crazy busy working and going to school.

It's April (my birthday month) and I usually like the weather that comes with it, but it has been cold! I can't wait to get my shorts and tees on...you know, "flossin'" like I do (heheh). I remember one of my friends had the nerve to say that I had chicken legs. I almost broke his ass! It was enough to make me stop wearing shorts for a long time - years. Now, I hit the gym and work my legs, so they'll be ready for the "Summer Bunnies". You remember that track by R. Kelly, don't you? I never really got into it, but it was a hot track on the 12 play album. What an album! That was pre-charges, pre-in-the-closet. I am not even going to say "Poor Kelly" because people warned him from time. We all remember his marriage to Aaliyah. Uh huh.

So today, I finished another semester in my French program. I am so proud because I am that much closer to becoming bilingual. Once that is official, I wouldn't mind learning Spanish. It's good to keep learning in general. It's sad to hear people sound illiterate or very uneducated, especially when they were born and raised here. It just does not sound right. I am not talking about the occasional slang - to sound cute! I am talking about those people who think they are talking properly and are really screwing it up. They are the one who love to make up words and swear they read it in a scholarly journal.

And I quote:

"He done tried to mayonize the sandwich and I said I didn't want it"

"I was trying to happify you"

" I had heard dat dere was some awardments on my account"

If you hear anyone one (you know or don't know but are around them) say anything similar to the above statements...please...please, act as a thesaurus and help them out. No need for a full blown embarrassing reaction. Just simply state "You mean..." and if they retort "No! I meant...". You drop the bomb on them - " That is not a word!".

Just something on my mind. Education is important to me and if you feel you need it, there are places for you to go to get the help you need. I'm not trying to be condescending in anyway. So I hope some people do not take this the wrong way. Then again if your reading this, you really are not the one I'm concerned about.

Horoscope from 03/22/07 - 04/11/2007: Live life like your dreams and don't let someone wake you up. you are your shining star.