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