Quote Of The Day

"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth -- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up -- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had."

-Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Swiss-born psychiatrist, a pioneer in Near-death studies (July 8, 1926 – August 24, 2004)

Quote Of The Day

"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try."

-Unknown

Quote Of The Day

"I believe that I was lucky to have suffered. Some people don’t realize that in suffering there is great potential, because if you are deprived for any reason.. politically, financially, socially or otherwise.. and if you set your mind in the right direction, you will find that the only way to survive is for you to excel, by being better so you can be treated better."

-Talal Abu-Ghazaleh
Chairman and founder of the international Jordan-based organization, the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org). (born April 22, 1938)

Quote Of The Day

"Do not wait; the time will never be "just right'. Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along."

-Napoleon Hill
American author (October 26, 1883 – November 8, 1970)

Quote Of The Day

“Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.”

-W. Clement Stone
Businessman, philanthropist and self-help book author (May 4, 1902– September 3, 2002)

Quote Of The Day

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.”

-Gail Devers
Three-time Olympic 100 m champion in athletics for the US Olympic Team (born November 16, 1966)

Quote Of The Day

"Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul."


-Samuel Ullman
American businessman, poet, humanitarian (April 13, 1840 – March 21, 1924)

Quote Of The Day

"The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God."

- Eileen Elias Freeman

Quote Of The Day

"Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.”

-James Byron Dean
American film actor (February 8, 1931 – September 30, 1955)

Quote Of The Day

"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it."

-Julius Henry "Groucho" Marx
American comedian and film star (October 2, 1890 - August 19, 1977)

Quote Of The Day

“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death”

-Albert Einstein
Theoretical physicist, philosopher, and author (March 14, 1879 - April 18, 1955)

Quote Of The Day

Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.


-Dale Carnegie
American writer and lecturer (November 24, 1888 – November 1, 1955)

Quote Of The Day

"A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him."


-David McClure Brinkley
American newscaster (July 10, 1920 – June 11, 2003)

Quote Of The Day

When we forgive evil we do not excuse it, we do not tolerate it, we do not smother it. We look the evil full in the face, call it what it is, let its horror shock and stun and enrage us, and only then do we forgive it.


-Lewis B. Smedes
Christian author, ethicist, and professor of theology (1921 - December 19, 2002)

Friday Flashback: Jagged Edge "I Gotta Be"

Red deacon suits, check! Butter yellow leather peacoat, check! Floor length white fur coats, check! That's my definition of gangstah, yessir.

Aloe Blacc "I Need A Dollar"

Here is soul singer Aloe Blacc's "I Need A Dollar".  I am really feeling this song.  Shhhhhhhiiiittt, I think everyone I know can relate to this song's topic. Times are ruff and they ain't getting no better.  Check out the video which also features a snippet of another song from this artist.


Aloe Blacc - I Need A Dollar (Official Video) from Stones Throw on Vimeo.


The second song on the video reminds me of one of those bar closing, last call, not ready to go home, using your palms to warm that final glass of cognac moments.  You know, that last moment before you throw all common sense out the window and end up in a wrong place at the wrong time scenarios.  I'm in trouble, need bail money!

Nike Blazer AC - White/White

Summer is right around the corner and you already that means its officially time to pull out your white on white tennis.  With that being said, if you don't already have a pair of white kicks, hurry to go cope these Nike Blazer AC's.  The simple design of the shoe hosts the 3 strap lacing system.  These shoes will look real fly while chilling at those summer bbq's.

via {Sneakerobsession.com}

M.I.A "Born Free"

The latest video from British born singer/rapper M.I.A. is filled with explicit, violent and politically charged themes.  The video for the single entitled "Born Free" plays like a movie and brings to mind the modern day genocide that has occurred in places such as Darfur, Rwanda and Bosnia.  Some of us take for granted the liberties that we are granted because we haven't been subjected to this type of violence.

I am not really a fan of the song but the video makes for an interesting conversation piece.  Are you "Born Free"?  

*Warning NSFW*

M.I.A, Born Free from ROMAIN-GAVRAS on Vimeo.

Quote Of The Day

"It's not what's happening to you now or what has happened in your past that determines who you become. Rather, it's your decisions about what to focus on, what things mean to you, and what you're going to do about them that will determine your ultimate destiny."

-Anthony "Tony" Robbins
American self-help author and motivational speaker (born Feburary 22, 1960)

Bone Thugs N Harmony "See Me Shine"

Here is the latest video from Bone Thugs N Harmony.  This video features all five original members of the group.  This is a classic Bone Thugs N Harmony track, this will definitely please their old fans and probably grab them some new fans along the way.


See Me Shine (Official Video)

Bone Thugs N Harmony | MySpace Music Videos

Friday Flashback: Bell Biv Devoe "Something In Your Eyes"

"I'll take you to the peak, I'll make you wanna scream, and like a lion you'll hear my body roar and roar and roar and roar and roooooaaaaaaarrrrrr"   Red and black stripped blazer, yellow t-shirt and a lion cub, what!?!?!? 

R.I.P. - Guru (July 17, 1966 - April 19, 2010

Rap artist, Guru, has passed away as of April 19, 2010.  Earlier this year Guru, half of the hip-hop duo Gang Starr, had suffered a cardiac arrest and days later after surgery; Guru slipped into a coma.  Guru was born Keith Elam in the Boston neighborhood of Roxbury.  The name Guru is a backronym that stands for Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal and the less often used God is Universal; he is the Ruler Universal, which are both references to the teachings of the Nation of Gods and Earths.


Guru, along with DJ Premier, released six albums as the group Gang Starr.  Their first album being released in 1989.  Guru also released a series of solo rap/jazz albums entitled Jazzmatazz volumes 1 - 4, making him the first artist to blend rap with live jazz. 
 
Guru was 43 years old at the time of his passing.
 

 
{source}

Lil Wayne "I'm Single"

Here is a new video from Lil Wayne.  Its one of the many videos he recorded right before went to prison. 

Lil Wayne
MTV Music

Quote Of The Day

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome."

-Booker T. Washington
American political leader, educator, orator and author (April 5, 1856 - November 14, 1915)

Friday Flashback: Zhane "Sending My Love"

Drake "Over"

Quote Of The Day

"A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life."

-Charles Darwin
English naturalist (February 12, 1809 - April 19, 1882)

Friday Flashback: Jodeci "Stay"

"Tonight we can start our love again, tonight we can be more than just friends. The suuuuuuuuuunnnnnnn is going down, so baby won't you stay for a little while!"




A grown ass woman on a rocking horse?!?!!? *Kanye shrug*

Quote Of The Day

"You only have to do a very few things right in your life so long as you don't do too many things wrong." 

-Warrent Buffett
American businessman, investor, and philanthropist (Born August 30, 1930)

Friday Flashback: Lauryn Hill "Sweetest Thing"

Waka Flacka Flame "O Let's Do It" ft. Diddy and Rick Ross

What's really hood?

Janelle Monae "Tightrope" ft. Big Boi

Wooden Watch

Casio has just created a wooden version of their popular G-Shock watch, called Wood Shock.  The wooden bezel are 100% hand and laser crafted.  The watch comes with all of the features that you would expect from a G-Shock.  It has an auto-calendar, backlight, alarm multi-function, stopwatch and a countdown timer.  The watches are made to order.  Although not as sturdy as the G-Shock, this watch is must have for any collector.

Via Freshnessmag

Fabolous "Body Ya"

Off of Fabolous latest mixtape, No Competion 2 The Funeral Service.

Quote Of The Day

"A word to the wise aint necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice."

-William Henry "Bill" Cosby, Jr.
American comedian, actor, author, television producer, educator, musician and activist  (born July 12, 1937)

Erykah Badu's "Window Seat" Official Video

Here is the official video for Erykah Badu's "Window Seat".

Friday Flashback: Jon B "Don't Talk"

Kidz In The Hall "Fresh Academy"

Fresh Academy - Kidz in the Hall feat. Chip Tha Ripper and Donnis from Davy Greenberg on Vimeo.

Dope Track!

via: soulbounce

New Music: Jimmie Reign "All On Me"

Here is a new track from Bay Area recording artist, Jimmie Reign.  This singer/songwriter has been hard on her grind. It's evident from all of the shows she performed, songs she has recorded, collaborations with other artists and her "Go Girl" mixtape.  This young lady is definitely one to watch.

via: Paper.Beatz.Rock

Futura x Nike Air Force 1 - Syracuse Bespoke

Graffiti artist and clothing designer, Futura 2000, got together with Nike to design this Air Force 1.  The shoe's colorway was inspired by the Syracuse Orangemen.

via: Kicksonfire

Aston Martin Limited Edition Carbon Black Series

Automaker Aston Martin is preparing to release a set of limited edition Carbon Black cars.  The cars will feature a matte black finish, obsidian leather seats, and anodized black tread plates.  This car is straight sexy, for real.

Via: Brocolicity.com

Quote Of The Day

"A leader has the vision and conviction that a dream can be achieved.  He inspires the power and energy to get it done."

-Ralph Nader
American attorney, author, lecturer, and political activist (born February 27, 1934)

Rae Rosero "Splash"

Here is some new music from Bay Area recording artist, Rae Rosero.  The title of the track is called "Splash".  This dude has been quietly releasing tracks for download for quite some time now.  He may be one of the most slept on artist in the Bay Area.  If you ever get a chance to download any of his other tracks or check out one of his shows, do it.  His music is definitely worth a listen.

via: Brillancemakesbillions

Friday Flashback: The System "Don't Disturb This Groove"

Just felt like taking it back to the 80's today.  Enjoy. 

Fabolous x Signature Magazine

Rap artist Fabolous will be featured in pages of Signature magazine.  Here are some flicks from his spread.

The rapper talks about his music, fashion and career in the magazine.

via: TheYBF.com

Quote Of The Day

"Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact."

-William James
American pyschologist and philospher (January 11, 1842 - August 26, 1910)

Just Wright - Official trailer

"Just Wright" stars Queen Latifah and Common in this romantic comedy about a physical therapist who begins to fall for an NBA player after he suffers a career threatening injury.



Love and Basketball Part 2? I'm just saying. C'mon, you know you were thinking the same thing.

LaLa Vazquez x Latina Magazine

LaLa Vazquez covers the April 2010 issue of Latina.  In the magazine, the 30 year old Boriqua talks about her relationship with NBA star Carmelo Anthony.

The T.V. personality and her fiance just recently purchased a 2 million dollar 4 bedroom home in Los Angeles, where she does most of her work.

{Source}

Friday Flashback: Tony Toni Tone "Slow Wine"

This Friday's Flashback is another Bay Area classic.  Off of their 1993 album Sons of Soul, Tony Toni Tone's "Slow Wine" is a nice mellow track that will help you ease out of the stress of the work week and into your weekend. 

HAPPY BLACK GIRL DAY!!!!!!

Happy Black Girl Day, originated by Sister Toldja over at The Beautiful Struggler, was created as a day for black women to have something to be happy about. (y'all deserve it!) So today, in honor of HBGD, I would like to thank all of the black women who have had made a positive impact on my life.  Thank you! Thank you!

This song is dedicated to all of my "soul sistas" celebrating HBGD.



Spread the word that today is HBGD. 

Kid Cudi "Pursuit of Happiness" ft. MGMT

This video is a trip!

Quote Of The Day

"It requires wisdom to understand wisdom; the music is nothing if the audience is deaf."

-Walter Lippmann
American writer, reporter & political commentator (September 23, 1889 - December 14, 1974)

Friday Flashback: Maxwell "Fortunate"

Another work week down and I feel fortunate that the weekend is finally here. Enjoy.

Sade Lets Her Hair Down

Sade is featured in Ebony's April 2010 issue. Check out the magazine's cover that features the Nigerian born, British singer below.

If this is what being 51 years old looks like, I aint even mad.

{source}

Lisa Raye Photoshoot

Actress Lisa Raye is gracing the pages of Black Men Magazine's current issue.  The 42 year old actress currently has her own reality show "The Real McCoy".  Here are a few flicks from her spread for the magazine.

It's been 12 years since the actress starred in Ice Cube's cult classic "The Player's Club".



via Blogxilla

Wall Of Sound

Do you really want to hear your music?  Maybe you should try out the new Wall Of Sound (WOS).  This massive speaker for your ipod is the most powerful ipod speaker on the market.  With 28 speaker elements hidden behind a minimalistic black grill, the Wall Of Sound offers a frequency response of 40Hz - 20,000 kHz.  The 3' x 4' WOS weighs in at around 225 lbs and sells for $4,500.  You can order one at http://www.thewosexperience.com/.


{Source}

Quote Of The Day

"The truth is that there is nothing noble in being superior to somebody else.  The only real nobility is in being superior to your former self."

-Whitney Young
American Civil Rights Leader (July 31, 1921 - March 11, 1971)

The Man Your Man Could Smell Like

This Old Spice commercial starring ex-footballer, Isaiah Mustafah, is from their "Manliest Man" ad campaign.  I saw this commercial and decided to post it.  Its a little corny but still funny.  Check it.   



Funny thing, who actually wears or likes the smell of Old Spice?  

Friday Flashback: Digital Underground "Kiss You Back"

This Friday's Flashback is another Bay Area classic by the group Digital Underground.  The video which was shot at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park features a brief cameo from Tupac Shakur at the 4:09 mark. 

Vogue Black

Vogue Italia has just launched a new website that will gear towards blacks in the fashion industry.  To check out the website click here.

Photoshoot - Sade

The following photos are from a photoshoot that Sade took. The 51 year old singer, along with her band, currently holds the #1 spot on the charts for the second week straight. Peep the photos below

{Source}

Does The Music Industry Have An Obsession With Complexion?

Here is part 1 of a short documentary entitled "Complexion Obsession".  The documentary was put together by Joy Daily.tv.  The video explores the mindset of some rappers, the women who star in their videos and why most music videos only feature light skin women?  What are your thoughts on the documentary?

Air Max 90 - Orange Blaze/White

So if you are a follower of this blog, you probably have already picked up on my affinity for Air Max.  New for Spring 2010 is this Air Max 90 in Orange Blaze/White.  This shoe may be too bright for some, but I'm feeling these joints.  These kicks remind me of a creamsicle.

Dope!

{Source}

Bape Spring/Summer 2010

A Bathing Ape has just released its newest Bape Sta Mid shoe in three new colorways.  The shoe will be available in burgundy, black and navy.  All three colors feature leather uppers with a gum rubber sole.

The rear tag reads "ape shall never kill ape".

{source}

Quote Of The Day

"Life is what you make of it. Always has been, always will be."

-Anna Mary Robertson Moses
American folk artist better known as "Grandma Moses" (September 7, 1860 - December 13, 1961)

Friday Flashback: Guy "Groove Me"

I bet this one use to get the party started back in the days.  So lets use it to get our weekend started. 

Joel S. Randell Photoshoot

In an attempt to redeem myself with my female readers, I am going to try again with the male photos.  This time the photos are of Joel S. Randell.  This reporter, researcher, and writer can currently be seen on VH1's "Lets Talk About Pep" as one of the men that Jacque Reid is pursuing.  After serving time in prison, Randell graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in journalism.  The 39 year old is currently working on writing his first memoir "a coming of age prison story".  

Via {Sandrarose and Essence}

Solange performs Groove Theory's "Tell Me"

While attending the a party at the Ace Hotel, Solange Knowles took the stage to perform with the Dirty Projectors.  They did a cover of Groove Theory's 1995 hit "Tell Me".   The party was for the opening of a new store at the Ace Hotel. 

 

Tyrese Treats 14 Single Mothers on Valentine's Day

Singer/actor Tyrese Gibson held a contest over twitter where he awarded 14 single mothers to a special Valentine's Day.  The winners of the contest were treated to an afternoon at a spa in Beverly Hills. 

Kobe Bryant x GQ Magazine

Los Angeles Laker, Kobe Bryant is featured in the March 2010 issue of GQ magazine.  In the magazine the NBA baller talks about his relationship with his wife and Shaq.  Here are some of the photos from the shoot he did for the magazine. 

Did anybody else know that this dude commutes to work in a helicopter? 

{Images via GQ}

Erykah Badu - "Jump Up In The Air (Stay There)" ft. Lil Wayne

Here is another single off of Erykah Badu's upcoming album New Amerykah Part II: Return of the Ankh. The single entitled "Jump Up In The Air (Stay There)" features a verse from Lil Wayne. Check the video below.

Jumping The Broom (Black History Cont.)

This past weekend I attended a wedding.  It was a small ceremony wherein after the marrying couple said their "I do's", the bridal party attended Sunday service together.  At the conclusion of church, the newlyweds completed their ceremony by jumping over a broomstick.  An African-American tradition that dates back to the 19th century (some believe that it may date back as far as the 17th century).

In many African-American wedding ceremonies, the marrying couple will jump over a broomstick to symbolize their union. During the times of slavery, unions between African-American slaves were not recognized and formal marriages were not permitted.  In the absence of formal ceremonies, jumping the broom became the open declaration for a marriage-like union.  Jumping the broom was always done before witnesses as a public announcement to other members of the slave community that a couple had joined in union.

Other ethnic groups also celebrate traditions similar to jumping the broom.

Quote Of The Day

"You will never find time for anything.  If you want time you must make it."

-Charles Buxton
English brewer, philanthropist, writer and Member of Parliament (November 18, 1823 - August 10, 1871)

Happy Valentine's Day

Just wanted to take this time to wish everyone a safe and happy Valentine's Day.