Wednesday, June 26, 2013

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






Tuesday, June 25, 2013

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

Saturday, June 22, 2013

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

Friday, June 21, 2013

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

Thursday, June 20, 2013

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

Monday, June 17, 2013

ReGgIe BuSh ShOws OfF hIs BaBy GiRl!

Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush, has released this adorable first photo of himself holding his precious baby girl, Briseis! This picture release comes one day after the official announcement of his ex-girlfriend's birth, Kim Kardashian.

"I always wish her well," Bush told Us, acknowledging that they're no longer in contact. "Always."

Gushing about his new love who entered the world on May 6, Reggie commented, "She's amazing. "She's so beautiful. I love her to death. It's just been an amazing experience so far so I'm very excited – just being a father."

Congrats to the happy papa!

2013 LA

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

BrOdY jEnNeR uNlEaShEs On SeAsOn 8 Of KuWtK!

"Keeping Up With The Kardashians" season eight has turned into "Keeping Up With The Jenners", as Brody Jenner (Bruce Jenner's son from a previous marriage) unleashed on his dad for not being there during his childhood, on Sunday night's new episode.

Brody Jenner was extremely bothered by his dad's affection shown to his two youngest step-sisters Kendall and Kylie, while publicly wondering why he never received such affection and attention from his dad. 

Bruce Jenner seemed very stand-offish about the situation brewing with his son Brody. Bruce's biological son Brandon and step-son Rob, both suggested that Bruce reach out to Brody and have a talk once and for all. Bruce made a comment that Brody is almost 30 years old and should be over the issue, but the comment felt like a cop out for being embarrassed about his absence from his children's lives. 

Finally, Bruce listened to his kids and decided to have a talk with Brody, which proved to be a successful conversation. All this time all they needed to do was communicate, in order to put the horrid past behind them. Communication is very powerful. And just because Bruce's son Brandon chose not to be as vocal as his brother Brody, a parent should never think all is in the past because you don't bring it up. 

The past will always be there just as hurt will always be there, it's not something that can be covered with dirt and forgotten. Because when there is unfinished business from the past, it always makes its way back to the surface -- always!

Great show! I was always curious about the Jenner brood and why they were never filmed, I guess now I see why. Good luck with your renewed relationship guys and I hope all works out for the best.

2013 LA

Monday, June 10, 2013

MaRrIeD tO mEdIcInE rEvIeW

Have you seen the newest reality show titled "Married to Medicine?"

I was intrigued by the concept of the show, although I crave a reality show with politicians wives -- I felt doctor's wives could be interesting. And interesting it was, in particular, because the show included doctor's wives and wives that are doctors.

Breakdown of characters:

1. Mariah - who introduced all the ladies on the show, is married to an ER doctor and they have two children. Mariah's language, outfits and make-up reflect her personality; colorful, dramatic and sassy. Although Mariah is well off she exudes the "girl next door" attitude, while making it blatantly clear who the "Queen B" is. 

2. Quad (Quadriyyah)  - is Mariah's BFF, Ace Boon Coon or Sister from another mister (this is how tight they are.) Quad is married to a psychiatrist and have no children, although she refers to her two dogs (Chloe and Kary) as her children. Her style of dress is most often professional but because her curves go on for days -- her "professional" look to some can be regarded as sexy. Quad is known to be very reserved and classy until you get on her bad side, that is.

3. Kari - is English, and she makes it her point to remind you. With her English accent being the obvious difference from the other five women, Kari is married to a neurosurgeon with whom she has two children. Kari doesn't fare to well on the show since she's gridlocked in an argument with Mariah and Quad! Kari may not like physical conflict, but she sure knows how to take a dig at people behind their backs. She's actually pretty funny! Especially when she tried mimicking Mariah's signature two-liner "Yeeeees honey' and side-eye look! Have to give her props for trying.

4. Toya - knew Mariah first, and proceeded to get to know the other women quickly. She's married to an ER doctor, with whom she has two children. Toya always seemed like she meant well; making strides to befriend the ladies while working ferociously at her entrepreneurial endeavors. She's a hard ass that knows what she wants but appears to be a bit controlling at times, and as displayed on the show her "behind the back talking" got her caught up in a fight with Mariah and Quad! Toya and Mariah fist fought, well, maybe "pulling hair" fought, and Quad blasted on Toya about her DUI record! Yea, it get's nasty. I will say to Toya, that throwing Mariah's christening gift in the fire was pretty mean, and watching your husband call Mariah the "b" word was very disappointing. I'd hate to be your enemy!

5. Dr. Simone - delivered Mariah's baby, which is how she was brought in to the circle. Dr. Simone is comical, compassionate, tough, blunt and a WHOLE LOT OF FUN! It's like, should you ever meet her she'll say to you, "I am who I am, take me or leave me, now pass the vodka." She doesn't want any conflicts or drama, but doesn't mind partaking in conversation about the other ladies to solve their problems -- of course. Dr. Simone is married with two children and often expresses on camera, how she wishes she had more time for her kids. I would imagine running your own practice is time consuming, but from what I see she's an amazing doctor with an infectious personality. 

6. Dr. Jackie - is friend's with Dr. Simone and their practices are next door to one another, which means lunch dates and lots of interesting conversation. These two are like night and day, yet they work well with each other. Dr. Jackie is a cancer survivor and has publicly admitted that the illness took away her ability to conceive, and it also took away her adoption options. She commits herself to good health by eating healthy and exercising, and often appears to be the "mother" or "mediator" of the group of women. She believes women should act like ladies while portraying wisdom and maturity. Dr. Jackie is married with one step child. She appears to be a great doctor, mother and wife.

And when you combine all these different personalities together what do you get? A rubik's cube of confusion!

Check your On Demand listings for past episodes if it sounds interesting, the network is Bravo!

2013 LA