KaNyE wEsT TaKeS hIaTuS

Kanye West has taken a vow of silence and makes peace with corporate partners. Read here.

BoUnD 2 oR rEbOuNd 2?

As folks try to dissect the mind of Kanye West, it makes you wonder if the veteran rapper takes pleasure in the hoopla that he causes?

From his rant and rave antics which causes his audience to question his behavior, to the 'Bound 2' video most people still can't figure out, and with the latest headlines of Kanye

gifting his beloved Kim an expensive Hermes Birkin bag, hand-painted by world renowned artist George Condo, which displays 3 nude women and 1 male creature adorning the front of the forty thousand dollar leather product; it makes you wonder if Mr. West, is trying to make a point?

Instead of "life" happening to the Chicago native wherein art is created as a result, is Kanye trying to make "art" happen to life?

We live everyday as a result of what life has in store for us, and somethings you couldn't plan if you wanted to. But what if you did plot, plan, and use strategy, with the ending result being an execution through works of art transformed into real life? Using the power of the mind to create, in order to elicit a reaction.

It reminds me of Greek tragedies and how a play, film, TV program, or other narrative work, can portray or depict catastrophic events while having an unhappy but meaningful ending. For example: In ancient Greek culture, says philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, "there is a conflict between the plastic arts, namely the Apollonian, and non-plastic art of music, the Dionysian." 

"[...] These two instincts are so different they walk side by side, mostly in open conflict, stimolandosi each other to new and more stalwart reactions to perpetuate itself incessantly in the struggle of that conflict." ~The Birth of Tragedy

And if you look at KimYe in the sense of Apollonian and Dionysian, West's actions begin to make perfect sense. He of course is Apollo; one who suggests reason and the power of the mind, while Kim is Dionysus; one who suggests emotion, sensuality and chaotic action. Furthermore, the 'Bound 2' video makes even more sense as Kanye, used power of the mind to create the art form while Kim, added the features of sensuality and emotion. 

The original 'Bound' song spoke of taking notice of a female and falling in love with her. However, Yeezus' rendition of the song doesn't give you the "falling in love" feeling but instead insinuates plural sex, the fact that he's a "pimp" as he uses Jeromey Rome's name (who as a character is a pimp), all while telling his bride-to-be what position he wanted her in during sex and the special "spunk" drink he planned to give her afterwards -- which Kim seemed to agree with as she "play wiped" her mouth in the video. 

Dionysian is defined as: dissolved individuality, dissolution of all boundaries, excess, human being(s) as the work of art, destruction and non-logical. Would you say this is an accurate description of the reality star?

And that Hermes Birkin hand-painted bag! The art form itself depicts a foursome, as the 'Bound 2' song also suggests multiple sex partners. Dionysian also represents wine drinking and unconstrained sex; did you notice the glass of wine in the painting? 

Regarding the 'Bound 2' video Kanye explains, "I wanted to take white trash t-shirts and make it into a video. Yes. I wanted it to look as phony as possible. I wanted the clouds to go in one direction, the mountains to go in another, the horses to go over there, I wanted to show that this is the "Hunger Games" this is the type of imagery that's being presented to all of us, the only difference is there's a black dude in the middle of it."

We can argue with Kanye about what he meant when he used the term "white trash", we can ask him why he wanted the imagery to look fake and/or phony since he claims that's what Americans watch on TV, and we can even ask why his video represents the "Hunger Games" aka "every man for themselves"; but as you read this I'm sure you can begin to connect the dots.

"Art" happening to "life" makes more sense now doesn't it? 

2013 LA

 

GaBbY gEtS a RoCk

Successful actress and self-proclaimed former mean girl Gabrielle Union, finally received the proposal she'd been waiting for from her longtime basketball beau, Dwayne Wade. The Miami Heat guard gave his girl an early Christmas surprise and afterwards tweeted a picture displaying the HUGE rock he gifted Gabby.

Congrats to the happy couple!

2013 LA

WiLl KiMyE's EgO lEaD tO wReCk AnD rUiN?

When thinking of Hip Hop artist Kanye West and the E! Queen herself Kim Kardashian, what are your first initial thoughts of the couple? Are they perfect for each other? Are they bad for one another? Do you even care?

As the months continue to play out in a whirlwind dramedy of KimYe's recent engagement, many are wondering if the high profile couple will make it to the alter. Not because they can't afford it and not because they don't have the cojones, but because differences of opinion can begin to play a vital role in their covenant.

Have you ever heard the saying "to much of something can sometimes be bad for you?" 

Regarding Kimye I'd say this saying is about accurate as they both continue to push past the cracked glass ceiling, while using their enormous egos to do it. The duo seems to take great pride in using their extreme behavior to garner attention; one that uses brash words to make his point while the other uses her physical anatomy to stimulate -- well, not the mind we'll say. The two extremists will continue to make headlines as they commit to keep pushing their limit to "out-do" themselves -- which will eventually "over-do" themselves. 

Does it matter to fans that their idols' behavior is becoming increasingly extreme? 

As a fan of KimYe, I'd say yes. I LOVE Hip Hop and I LOVE Ye's music however, sometimes his rants and raves are weird and to the point that I wish someone would just give him a hug. Deciphering the Chicago natives rhetoric when he's speaking abruptly is usually easy, but there are other times when one stares in disbelief and total shock over his words. 

For example: when his now fiance Kim Kardashian posted a "selfie" of herself on Instagram, baring all her naked goodness to the world in an all white one piece bathing suit Kanye stated that, "There’s no way Kim Kardashian shouldn’t be on the cover of Vogue [The First Lady has graced the cover twice]. She’s like the most intriguing woman right now. She’s got Barbara Walters calling her like everyday,’ West said. “No one is looking at what [Barack Obama] is wearing. Michelle Obama cannot Instagram a pic like what my girl Instagrammed the other day.”

See what I mean? A total #Smh moment. 

Of course the First Lady can't Instagram a picture like Kim's -- SHE'S THE FIRST LADY! Mrs. O is on a whole other level from Kim, and the amount of money one has -- doesn't have anything to do with it. 

 Furthermore, we're use to seeing Kim K strut her infamous curves that keep our eyes glued to the television set however, I've noticed that the former brunette that we all came to know and drool over seems to be partaking in more cosmetic procedures which is in turn changing the look that originally made her famous. Yes, people do evolve as change is inevitable but there is such a thing as to many botox injections. It can make even the prettiest girl look like a freak show if they aren't careful. 

Kim and Kanye, is it true love?   

  

It seems to be infatuation more so than true love as Kanye seems obsessed with Kim's appearance; she's high profile enough to wear his fashions (as she had to throw away her clothes immediately when they became serious), and there's the likelihood of him extending his gene pool with beautiful babies. 

As for Kim, she seems turned on by Ye's power and A-list celebrity status -- because when it comes down to it the E! reality star won't reign forever, and eventually people will stop "Keeping up with the Kardashians" if no new storyline material emerges. And if the Yeezus rapper isn't careful he can easily be dethroned from the title of creative genius to commercialized character.

With recent word of Kanye's tour sales falling could it be a sign of the "Kardashian Kurse" beginning to take affect?

Will this couple stand the test of time, or crash and burn as quickly as Kim K's 72 day marriage?

2013 LA

LaMaR oDoM cOnFeSsEs To "DL" aCtIvItIeS

Apparently, the Lamar Odom train wreck just keeps getting worse with the latest controversy surrounding a newly leaked video tape, displaying the former Los Angeles Clippers power forward completely inebriated. Also making an appearance in the video is Odom's high school bestie Jaime, who was often seen on the reality show "Khloe and Lamar."

In the three minute tape Lamar and Jaime, incoherently "freestyle confess" about using drugs and cheating with LO slurring the words, "And when Khloe's out of town, I still be on the DL", while hinting that he smokes to "make the pain go away."

Usually when guys use the term "DL" it has a totally different meaning behind it, and normally it's referencing homosexual tendencies. Could this be the reason why Odom pointed to Jaime while stating in his video, "And my boy right here, I got good taste?"

Was it his "boy" that leaked this video? Seriously, I want to have sympathy for Lamar's situation but it's becoming increasingly difficult since he is responsible for his actions. After this entire fiasco dies down I'm sure Khloe Kardashian, will think long and hard before taking another trip down the aisle.

2013 LA

Lamar Odom Cracked Out Rap Video -- I Cheated on Khloe Kardashian - Watch More Celebrity Videos or Subscribe

KAnYe Is PeRmAnEnTlY "kEePiNg Up" WiTh KiM kArDaShIaN

America wondered if Kimye would ever make their bond official and on October 21st, at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California, Kanye rented out the stadium to propose to his baby mama and reality starlet, Kim Kardashian. The E! Queen was presented with a 15 carat Lorraine Schwartz diamond ring, which Kanye helped to design. They say diamonds are a girls' best friend and I'm sure Kim's 33rd birthday got a lot brighter after Kanye, slid that huge sparkler on her finger. 

The life of Kim Kardashian has taken her on a public whirl wind of controversial events; from her exposed sex tape, to her exposed body parts, to her exposed 72 day 2nd marriage from hell. The negative backlash which ensued after Kardashian filed for divorce, appeared to leave her bewildered and vulnerable; enters Kanye West. He was there in her time of need when Kardashian fans felt betrayed by her jilted marriage, and unleashed their fury in comment sections on media outlets. 

The Hip Hop star may have been Kim's saving grace while she endured the tough times in her life and as a result, their bond seemed to be made stronger. West flipped the script on America and made their duo tighter with an "us against the world" type mentality. A fleeting romance emerged between the two highly profiled stars which eventually produced their beautiful 4 month old daughter, North West. 

Honestly, I thought it would take Kanye a lot longer to propose to Kim, since she's been married twice before and the creative genius seemed less inclined to getting his heart broken. But the Yeezus rapper is apparently sure of himself and Kim as well, since she accepted her boyfriend's marriage proposal. 

"[Marriage] is something I know that we both want in our future, but I don't have this sense of urgency about it," Kim herself said in the February 2013 issue of Cosmpolitan. "I have this best friend who understands me and helps me through all my tough experiences, and vice versa, you know? It just feels like this is it for me."

Well, there you have it! Congrats to the newly engaged couple!

2013 LA

HiGhLiGhTs oF tHe 2013 BeT hIp HoP aWaRdS

The host of this years BET Hip Hop Awards was Uncle Snoop, who graced the stage with his calm laid back demeanor and "O G" swag. The show opened with Snoop being interviewed by James Lipton, the host of Inside the Actor's Studio. Lipton was truly a team player using Snoop's one-of-a-kind Ebonics, to communicate with the veteran rapper. The comical video made light of the event which is usually known for its gritty, hard, and explicit artistry. The BET Hip Hop Awards isn't as commercialized as The Grammy's and doesn't give out as many awards, but it does stay focused on the craft of Hip Hop by introducing to the world up-and-coming rappers through metaphorical cyphers.

The political climate was thick at this years award show with rappers wearing hoodies that read, "Racially Profiled" and t-shirts with the "Illuminati pyramid" while referencing black activists like Huey P. Newton. Then uncle Snoop stepped his political game up with a parody video of 'The Butler' which showed him serving several presidents throughout the decades, with Snoop giving each president the proper "greetings" they deserved. The parody video ended with Snoop as the "butler" greeting President Obama, giving the commander-in-chief the down low of the streets while arranging a basketball date with the preezy!

It was a pleasant surprise the variety of cyphers this year with the "Real Husbands of Hollywood" actors, chiming in to contribute their comical cyphers that gave the BET audience a thrill. Most cyphers are serious business so the added comedy was a good balance. Veteran rappers Lil Kim and Joe Budden made cypher appearances but in all honesty, A$AP Mob and Kendrick Lamar stole the cypher show in my opinion. 

Diddy, French Montana, Snoop, and Rick Ross hit the stage giving an energetic performance that got everybody to their feet, with Diddy in the end "crowning" himself as king. Then Bone Thugs-N-Harmony took us back to the "crossroads" and the "first of the month", two singles that exploded within urban communities while proving timeless as the BET audience sang and swayed to the music. 

And of course the "I AM HIP HOP" award went to none other than MC Lyte! Lyte as a Rock! Gotta Get a Rough Neck! What!? The industry veteran took to the stage in her leather black and white outfit, and looked no older than 35 years old. As a person that grew up listening to MC Lyte, all I want to say is it's about time, and I want to personally thank the Hip Hop legend for defending women in her speech. 

The 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards was official.

2013 LA

RaNtInG aNd RaViNg: ThE pHiLoSoPhY tHaT iS kAnYe WeSt

                                     Kanye West; Jimmy Kimmel (NY Daily News)
October 9, 2013 - Hip Hop star Kanye West made an unexpected visit to the Jimmy Kimmel Live show, and it appears both men buried their twitter feud differences with one another; Kimmel apologized to Kanye at the beginning of the interview. During the sit-down which centered around a BBC interview Kanye had given previously, Kimmel did in fact admit he didn't listen to West's rhetoric in it's entirety. West sarcastically commented "Yea that's what I thought."

The apology was due to a parody video Kimmel made which portrayed the rapper as a child ranting West's BBC interview lines. The "Blood on the Leaves" rapper didn't appreciate the video and displayed his frustrations in a public twitter rant. Kimmel seemed to further soften his apology by sharing with the audience his personal experience hanging with West at a wedding, and showed a picture of Kanye with his dad. Kimmel painting a humane picture of West, gave the rapper permission to pick up where he left off from the BBC interview while pressing forward with his complaints of major designers within the fashion industry, who refuse to give him a chance to produce great products due to industry "status" he describes as classism.

After listening to West's BBC interview and watching him on Jimmy Kimmel, it's easy to understand how some people feel Kanye is on a rant rave. He hasn't mastered the art of controlling his passionate outbursts yet, or maybe he just doesn't care to. His aim is definitely to make you "feel" his words.

What do I think about Kanye's "rants"?

Honestly, his "rants" seem to be about discrimination and he appears hurt over the lack of diversity in industry areas of his interest. In his BBC interview West stated "I look around me, and there's no one around here in this space -- that looks like me. And if they are, they're quiet as f**k!" 

It would seem that West isn't a stranger to the hard knock life of discrimination, and chooses to use his powerful platform of artistry to make his frustrations known. His life experiences literally dictate the outcome of his artwork and he has cleverly found a way to mesh both worlds together; upsetting it, not upsetting it. There's a saying that "all publicity is good publicity" and Kanye, seems to take full advantage of this hypothetical.

In the BBC interview West stated, "I'm here to crack the pavement and make new grounds sonicly" and "I'm going to try to make something that jumps up and affects you." Like a slavery movie Kanye doesn't want to make you comfortable he wants to excite the nerves. 

Does Kanye West consider himself to be a new genre? 

In the philosophy that is Kanye West; is molding the world with his imagination the ultimate goal in life therefore unequivocally establishing himself as an "original" and not a carbon copy? It's obvious he's an original when it comes to music but what about other areas -- such as fashion? Will he prove himself to be a master of fashion, or allow himself to be held back by the resistance of others? I'm sure everyone knows the answer to the latter!

Side note: At the end of Jimmy Kimmel Live, did you hear the talk show host call Kim Kardashian Kanye's wife? Was it a stab or simply respect?

2013 LA

RiHaNnA gIvEs MiLeY cYrUs A tWeRkInG lEsSoN

A week ago sultry singer Rihanna set ablaze the music world with her SUPER sexy song titled, "Pour it up". The best way for me to describe Rihanna's new video; stripper meets carnival where Rihanna opens up wearing a blingy but revealing top, which she wore during carnival time back home on the beautiful island of Barbados.

The beat is a solid club banger, sure to get all party goers out of their seats and on the dance floor. Moreover, the music video lures you in with its acrobatic and exotic moves performed by Rihanna and video vixen extras. 

Was the video to revealing? Will some people argue that Rihanna's video is an exploitation of women's bodies? 

Maybe. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the music and the performances within the video and towards the end all I could think was, "Miley Cyrus now that's how you twerk!" 

2013 LA

LaMaR oDoM nEeDs A lIfT

NBA player Lamar Odom, enters the top ten trending list on Yahoo sadly yet again, receiving a DUI while driving and adding to his already chaotic week of media gossip. 

Those in the public eye have their lives on display -- constantly. We see the good, the bad, and the ugly and when the ugly gets to its ugliest form in life, life, can be extremely hard. The great thing about life, even when it gets hard, is knowing that it will get better again. Change is inevitable, and in knowing that alone should give us all joy, knowing that we too can start over again. 

People make mistakes. Lamar Odom you are not perfect, but guess what? Nobody is. Don't give up because life gets to ugly, and makes you feel like burying yourself in a dark hole. There are people in your life that love you, go to them, seek them out, and let them love you. Everybody gets weak every now and again, but at least when we get back up, we can help those that have fallen where we once fell. And we can help them up. 

I can only hope that "friends" of Lamar, especially those that he has helped up when they were down, gather to support him in his obvious time of need. Please let him talk and vent his burdens, so that he may find again peace within in his heart. He must make peace with himself, before he can make peace with others.

We need you on the court Odom. Let's go, two-time NBA champion and Sixth Man of the Year Award winner! Let's go husband! Let's go friend! Let's go role model! Let's go Father! Let's go teacher, as you will most surely teach others from your experiences.

I prescribe space, time, and love. And Iyanla Vanzant!

2013 LA

KaRmA oF tHe KaRdAsHiAn OdOm MaRrIaGe?

Over the past two weeks Khloe Kardashian and her baller husband Lamar Odom, have become a media spectacle as everyone fishes to unveil the secrecy surrounding their marriage. 

When first reading the tabloids about this power couple immediately I chalked it up to rumors, as is always the case when a person is high profile. But weeks have crept on with new information surfacing everyday and now with the latest pics of Khloe's best friend Malika Haqq dropping off luggage to Lamar at a gas station; something definitely is strange in the water.

From the beginning Lamar's insincerity seemed apparent towards Khloe, because he was so readable just by his actions and body language. 

Lamar had A LOT going on before he met Khloe, and it wasn't fully discovered until his ex-girlfriend Liza Morales and baby mama of his three kids, voiced her side of a disturbing story on her now cancelled TLC reality show, Starter Wives Confidential.

After listening to her story and reading her open letter to Lamar and the public, my heart went out to her and their children. Ms. Morales spoke on how she hadn't a clue that her and Lamar were broken up, until she heard he was engaged to Khloe Kardashian. 

Allegedly, Lamar left his high school sweetheart immediately after the crib death of his son Jayden, who was in Lamar's care while Ms. Morales was away from the home. Then Lamar left her shortly after, without trying to work things out and without allowing time to heal their wounds.

My immediate thoughts were that Lamar was running away from his problems but in hindsight, marrying Khloe and a camera exposed and amplified his problems while bringing his truths back to haunt him. And instead of trying to fix what was broken with his ex-girl, he ran into the arms of another woman completely gullible to his background. 

Then he marries Khloe within 30 days of meeting each other, maybe feeling as if he were starting over again? 

But you can't start over EVER until closure has taken place. Because Lamar left his ex-girlfriend so abruptly and married Khloe so quickly, it made you wonder if he had really fallen out of love with Ms. Morales? How can you marry somebody you don't know, over the woman you built a life with since high school?

Moreover, it also appeared as if Lamar was battling bi-sexuality?

After watching episodes of Khloe and Lamar, and seeing how Lamar interacted with Khloe's brother Rob Kardashian as

well as other men previously on the show, it made one question whether he was being 100 percent honest with Khloe about his sexuality. 

And with the recent exposure of anal douches being purchased by Khloe on the KUWTK show, wouldn't you say it's easy to connect the dots? 

Furthermore, I'm fully aware that heterosexual couples may partake in anal sex however, never had I witnessed male affection the way Lamar and Rob, and Rob and Scott Disick had displayed it on television; well, except between two gay men that is. 

Then allegedly it was reported that Lamar had cheated on Khloe multiple times, as if he were purposely trying to end their almost 4 year marriage -- thus running away from his problems again?

Look, I'm not judging, well -- maybe I am? But all I'm saying is that it was pretty obvious this marriage wasn't going to pan out well, due to previous situations that were still left untouched. And the fact that Lamar wanted Khloe to have his baby so badly -- it definitely triggered a red alert. 

I'm sure Khloe is SUPER happy that she didn't get pregnant, as I always felt Lamar wouldn't be blessed with another angel until he had cleaned up the mess he made. And I also felt that if Khloe were to be with someone else, having a baby wouldn't be as difficult. 

If the couple works it out great, but if they separate I hope both fare well separately. Is this "unbreakable" couple broken?

2013 LA

BaBy NoRtH wEsT fInAlLy ReVeAlEd!

On the season finale of 'Kris' special guest and father of her grandchild Kanye West, came bearing a precious gift to share with the world -- a first picture of baby North West! 

The Kanye that appeared on TV seemed to be a different Kanye, a calmer and  non-aggressive Kanye, much different from what we're use to witnessing. But honestly, this Kanye seems happy, at peace, complete. He was absolutely beaming while sharing with the world the joy and love that is his new found family. 

This jett-setting artist took it a step further and referenced his ignorance, when interrupting singer Taylor Swift during her award acceptance speech. West stated "Even at my lowest points, the last thing I would want to happen to my daughter is some crazy, drunk black guy in a leather shirt to come up and cut her off at an award show, right?"

Oh yes, fatherhood wears Kanye well and it appears to have heightened his maturity. Personal growth is always a great thing! Congrats to the happy couple and your baby girl is absolutely adorbs!

2013 LA

KiM kArDaShIaN dIsSeS kAtIe CoUrIc

Kim Kardashian candidly dismissed talk show host Katie Couric, for apparently being phony. Couric gifted an outfit for baby North West, along with a note that read, "Dear Kim and Kanye, Congratulations on the birth of your baby girl! As the moth And may I humbly suggest you continue the K tradition for no Fondly, Katie Couric."  

To which Kim replied, "#IHateFakeMediaFriends #MayIHumblySuggestYouNotSendGiftsThenTalkShit."

Did Ms. Couric not get the memo that Kim and Kanye, specifically stated they weren't receiving any gifts for the baby?  And did Couric purposely misspell certain words in the card, or did the gift not exactly come from her? During an In Touch interview with Ms. Couric, she had some rather choice words for the Kardashian brood stating, "I don’t understand – why are they so famous? I think it’s mostly teenage girls that are interested.”

I can understand how Kim might feel a bit perturbed by Courics' comment, which is probably the reason she publicly dissed her to cease further communication! If Ms. Couric really wants to know why the Kardashian's are so famous, I'll let her know.

First, people fell in love with Kim Kardashian's curves. As always, we love being entertained by attractive people. 

Second, we discovered that Kim has an attractive family as well, which also helps!

Third, the KUWTK reality show displayed their fun family antics, that are both entertaining and at times jaw dropping.

Fourth, their lavish lifestyle is usually admired by those that are less fortunate. 

Fifth, the family's famous friends are incorporated into the show, which means not only the Kardashian fan base is following, but so are her famous celebrity friends' fans.

Sixth, people love the Kardashian's brand of clothing and accessories, which also keeps them very paid!

As the saying goes, "don't hate the player, hate the game." The Kardashians are famous because people love them and love to hate them, period. And personally I'm not a teenager, which Couric stated is the overall fan base of the Kardashians; but I've been following them from the very beginning based on the six examples I wrote. 

Yes, their privileged and famous, but they also seem very hardworking and about their business which I commend. And I'm loving this fiercer side of Kim, maybe Kanye is rubbing off on her?

#ImNotHatingImCongratulating

2013 LA

 

WhY dId KaNyE wEsT mOcK kRiS jEnNeR?

The new "Yeezus" album is number one on the Billboard charts in the US and the UK! Lyrical genius Kanye West has done it again with his 5th album shooting straight to the top! West was adamant about corporate America not having any parts of this particular project, and he solidified it with his reprimanding lyrics.

The 36 year old superstar has much to celebrate these days with a number one album and the birth of baby North West, whom he shares with the beautiful mother of his child Kim Kardashian.

Commotion will surround the power couple for months to come, or until they release baby pics that is. It'll be interesting to see the merging of the West and Kardashian-Jenner clans, unless Kanye West has other ideas, because OMG online states that West doesn't necessarily get along with his soon-to-be mother-in-law Kris Jenner.

According to OMG, when West was in Paris working on his newest album "Yeezus", writer Christopher Bagley of W magazine joined him for an interview. Bagley was there to talk about the album, but instead discovered that the relationship between Kanye and Kris, was in fact tense.

Bagley wrote about Kris Jenner dropping by West's Parisian apartment, offering up compliments on what she saw. Then there was an awkwardness when Jenner proceeded to compliment Kanye, on some unfinished music he played for her. 

"Great job," says Kris regarding Kanye's work, who didn't seem to take the compliment so well. Bagley wrote that Kanye proceeded to mock Kris Jenner, repeating her words and turning it into a stand up comedy. Toasting with his champagne glass he says, "Great job, Baccarat, for making a glass that can hold liquid!" He looks down at his waist, "Great job, belt loops, for keeping my pants up!'" 

At first I was shocked that Kanye would mock Kim's mother, because it seemed as if it were a form of disrespect. But as I thought about what she said and then what he said, I began to understand where he was coming from.

As an artist you covet your work. You're so passionate about it that another person's opinion of your work (especially if you find the opinion to be minuscule) can in fact be unflattering. When Jenner commented "Great job" to West, he may have felt it to be to light and airy and somewhat detached from the work itself. 

There's much work that goes into creating a song, a beat, an album, a performance, art; it's way deep. Which is why he referenced objects/products, things that we take for granted everyday like a glass or our belt loops, if we didn't have these things we would soon understand that we needed them and then work to create them. Kanye West, has staked his claim as an artist whose work is necessary.

Some can argue that Jenner couldn't have known that West, would be offended by her compliment. True. But others can argue that Jenner has been a manager of a girl group and on her famous reality show 'KUWTK', she was seen working with the legendary Kenny 'Babyface' Edmonds. 

So, technically, you can say she could have given Kanye more of an artistic response to his work? Or maybe it wouldn't matter anyway, as Kanye is known for his arrogant, cocky and at times sarcastic rhetoric and actions, so maybe it was only a matter of time before he went head to head with Kim's momager?

Moreover, because there is tension between the West and Jenner duo, she could be nervous about saying to much to him and would rather just be nice to clear the air. But who knows! Only time will tell how the West and Kardashian-Jenner clan will fare, but we intend to keep a watchful eye.

2013 LA

ThE iNfAmOuS "N" WoRd TaKeS cEnTeR sTaGe...AgAiN

The infamous "N" word takes center stage yet again in light of the controversial remarks made by former Food Network star, Paula Deen.

Deens' blatant use of the "N" word brought into question, who bears the right to use the infamous "N" word? Some repetitive comments I've heard over the past week is that, "Rappers use the word all the time. If rappers can use it and if Hollywood can use it, then how come other people can't?"

This comment in particular was made on the day time talk show 'The View' when guest Rachel Campos-Duffy, wife of Republican Congressman Sean Duffy, decided to chime in her opinion on why people should be able to use the "N" word, since rappers use it; and if "Black" America is so outraged when white people use the word, then why use it at all?

Mrs. Duffy's questions were valid. I did find it interesting that she JUMPED at the opportunity to defend Paula Deen using the infamous "N" word as if she herself, or others in her private circle frequent the word, but I digress.

Whoopi's take on the infamous "N" word: "If you decide to use it, just know there are consequences."

Sherri's take on the infamous "N" word: "Yes, our culture uses it and no, White America can't."

My take on the infamous "N" word?

Black people OWN the word, as it was taken from its original creators and reinvented. "Nigger" became "Nigga"; it is still used in a negative connotation that means ignorant, however, it can also be used as a term of endearment which sometimes perplexes people -- and understandably so. But in Black culture because the meaning of the word is already understood when it's said with regards to the tone, no offense is taken.

However, if a white person uses the infamous "N" word -- black people are immediately on guard because the original creators of the word were white; it's like being in a crowded noisy room of people, and as soon as a white person uses the infamous "N" word the music is stopped, people are no longer talking, and the silence is so deafening that you could hear a pin drop. Did I paint a clear enough picture?

Black America understands that people of all races use the infamous "N" word, however, we also understand that due to the sensitive nature of the word -- empathy from other races should be a given. Paula Deen's issue is that she spoke her truth trusting that those around her would accept her race baiting language, but to the contrary it back fired on her. 

She literally wanted to recreate a period in time when millions suffered and died by the hands of their oppressors, which in fact she admitted that her ancestors owned at least 35 slaves! 

The infamous "N" word represents a human holocaust that was only recently acknowledged by our government 6 years ago, when Barack Obama began running for the presidency. Republicans didn't want to acknowledge an apology for slavery because they felt that black America would rightfully ask for well over due reparations. If the American government paid out reparations to Jewish holocaust survivors and to Japanese Vietnam survivors (which both atrocities didn't even take place in America), why is it so hard for the American government to address reparations for the human holocaust that took place for over 500 centuries right here on American soil?

Can we blame Paula Deen for how she was raised?

No we can't but as we become adults, we also become responsible for our words. And although Deen's family owned slaves that she claims were like family to her, it doesn't change the fact that in all these decades gone by she should've learned from first hand experience that using the infamous "N" word was indeed inappropriate.
  
My advice to white America? 

Think twice before using the infamous "N" word.

2013 LA

BaBy NoRtH wEsT: iS tHe NaMe OfFiCiAl?

This Saturday officially makes Kimye's baby one week old, and although reality TV star Kim Kardashian and rap artist Kanye West have yet to publicly announce it themselves, through the grapevine the new bundle of joy is named, North West!

The media was set abuzz last week wondering if the power couple would continue their "K" legacy. Some people guessed Kaidence or Kai, while others thought Kanye's moms name would be fitting. But the couple completely took the world by surprise with their unique, and I believe non-existent name choice! 

Not sure I've ever known anyone named North, have you? It's definitely an artsy name, something that a rock star would possess. Knowing Kanye, it probably had a political statement behind it but who knows, I've heard of weirder names.

Congrats to the new parents of baby North West! I wonder if North's middle name is Noelle, like her mom?

2013 LA

MiAmI hEaT wInS bAcK tO bAcK cHaMpIoNsHiPs

The Miami Heat has done it again with back to back championships, winning their bout against the San Antonio Spurs 95-88.

It was a eye popping, jaw dropping, orgasmic having kind of game where all your emotions got jumbled up and you couldn't seem to control your body movements!

The anxiousness is over! The champions are here!

King James was asked how he felt about "all the negativity he faces from critics and folks off the court", and James responded:

"I can't worry about what everybody says. I'm LeBron James from Akron, Ohio, from the inner city, and I'm not even supposed to be here. That's enough. Every time I walk into the locker room I see a #6 with James on the back, I'm blessed. I aint got no worries!"

Congrats to the MVP for the second time, Lebron James, and congrats to the whole Miami Heat team!

2013 LA

PaUlA dEeN dRiPs WiTh RaCiSt BuTtEr

                                  Paula Deen                    

America's grandmother from the South, who captured television viewers' hearts with her southern drawl and infamous one liner hey ya'll -- has truly bitten off more butter than she can chew!

Food Network favorite Paula Deen has the Internet abuzz, over her controversial use of the "N" word. Published passages from a video deposition printed in the National Enquirer, showed Paula admitting to using the "N" word while making racist jokes.

According to The Huffington Post, the deposition was held on May 17 as part of a court case brought forth by former Paula Deen Enterprises employee Lisa Jackson, against Deen and her brother Earl “Bubba” Hiers. In the suit Lisa claimed there were several instances of sexual and racial workplace discrimination.

For example: Lisa was asked to plan a wedding for Paula's son Bubba. Lisa claims Paula said she wanted to do a slave style wedding. In Paula's words, "I want a true Southern-plantation style wedding. Well what I would really like is a bunch of little niggers to wear long-sleeve white shirts, black shorts and black bow ties, you know in the Shirley Temple days, they used to tap dance around.  Now that would be a true Southern wedding wouldn't it?"

The deposition goes on to claim that black workers at 'Uncle Bubba's Restaurant', were required to use the back entrance to pick up their checks and were all required to use the same bathroom at the back of the restaurant; white employees could use the customer's restrooms. Black employees that worked in the back of the restaurant weren't allowed in the front of the eatery.  

Lisa proceeded in quoting Deens' brother Bubba as saying things like, "I wish I could put all those n****** (in the kitchen) on a boat back to Africa," and allegedly, "They should send President Obama to the oil spill in the Gulf Of Mexico so he could n*****-rig it." 

Below are direct passages from the interview with Paula Deen and attorneys on her usage of the "N" word: 

Lawyer: Have you ever used the N-word yourself?

Deen: Yes, of course.
 

Lawyer: Okay. In what context?     

Deen: Well, it was probably when a black man burst into the bank that I was working at and put a gun to my head.

Lawyer: Okay. And what did you say?

  

Deen: Well, I don't remember, but the gun was dancing all around my temple ... I didn't -- I didn't feel real favorable towards him.
 

Lawyer: Okay. Well, did you use the N-word to him as he pointed a gun in your head at your face?

  

Deen: Absolutely not.
 

Lawyer: Well, then, when did you use it?

Deen: Probably in telling my husband. 

On Deens' brothers behavior:

Lawyer: Are you aware of Mr. Hiers admitting that he engaged in racially and sexually inappropriate behavior in the workplace?
 

Deen: I guess.
 

Lawyer: Okay. Well, have you done anything about what you heard him admit to doing?
   

Deen: My brother and I have had conversations. My brother is not a bad person. Do humans behave inappropriately? At times, yes. I don't know one person that has not. My brother is a good man. Have we told jokes? Have we said things that we should not have said, that -- yes, we all have. We all have done that, every one of us.

In a carefully worded statement Deens' attorney defended her honor: 

"Contrary to media reports, Ms. Deen does not condone or find the use of racial epithets acceptable. She is looking forward to her day in court." 

Kudos to Lisa Jackson, for being courageous enough to stand up for what is morally correct. 

Read the FULL deposition here.

2013 LA