Home » Archives for January 2011

Introducing the Underground Girls of Hip-Hop

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

While most of the folks in our community are familiar with hip-hop as a form of entertainment, many of us are not aware that the strongest opportunities actually lie on the business side. We also know that on both sides of the mic, women are usually missing. Sure, there are great female artists like Nicki Minaj and spoken-word artist Madam Prezident. Those who establish the platforms, obtain financing and run the business operations that lie behind your favorite artist have access to both the power and financial benefits that come with the hip-hop music industry. So, hanging out in the booth may not be as valuable as going to business school when it comes to having real power in hip-hop. It is for that reason that Shylise "Shay Nutt" Simpson is today's Dr. Boyce Watkins Spotlight on AOL Black Voices:

1) What is your name and what do you do?
Shylise "Shay-Nutt" Simpson, Owner and operator of Undergroundgirlsofhiphop.com, 2010-2011 Female Hip Hop Honors Awards and Founder of the Power In Pink Mentoring Program.

Click to read.

Your Black News – 1/31/11b

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OBAMA MOVING AWAY FROM MUBARAK

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*As Egypt spirals out of control, President Obama “reiterated our focus on opposing violence and calling for restraint; supporting universal rights and supporting concrete steps that advance political reform within Egypt.”


This statement, coming at the end of Obama’s Saturday meeting on Egypt, combined with the fact that the administration has not repeated Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Vice President Joe Biden’s defenses of Mubarak as providing stability, have led observers to believe that the administration is preparing for the fall of Mubarak. The question is who will succeed him.

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CHRIS BROWN RISING BACK TO THE TOP

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*Chris Brown has been moving forward after a hellacious whirlwind of drama. From his latest success with mixtape “Deuces” – to his forthcoming album F.A.M.E. and three Grammy nominations – he’s really getting himself back where he needs to be.
Jive executive, Tom Carrabba shared some words about the singer/dancer:


“I think when he was a little bit younger he was still trying to find his way a little bit and fine-tune his craft, but I think over the last two years he’s absolutely developed a confidence and is very secure in his decision-making process.”

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DANNY GLOVER IS MEL GIBSON’S NIGGER: I MEAN FRIEND

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*Mel Gibson has seen the cold shoulder of the public after allegedly abusing his ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva and their daughter Lucia. In the recorded audiotapes, he hurled some pretty unforgivable remarks including the N-word. But his friend, Danny Glover is speaking out in defense of the wretched actor.

“I love Mel. That’s my friend,” Glover said of Gibson. “He’s had tough times. We’ve all had tough times.”
He added that the two recently saw each other at a Los Angeles memorial, where they greeting one another with a hug.

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NICKI MINAJ ON SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE

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*Saturday Night Live featured Nicki Minaj in a skit called “The Bride of Blackenstein.” Naturally the writers went there and took advantage of her world famous backside and made it even bigger … we think. And of course the bride showed mucho sassy sista attitude to boot. Can we say stereotype?

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MARY HARVEY SPEAKING OUT ABOUT STEVE HARVEY

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Mary Harvey

*Steve Harvey’s ex-wife Mary Harvey appeared on the Tom Joyner Morning Show today with the radio host attempting to squash the mess that has exploded between the two parties once and for all.

“I did not invite you to continue talking about your personal business. There are more things that are of paramount importance to our community,” Joyner said at the beginning. “We want to deal with this and move on.”

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“LET GO WHEN YOU HAVE NOTHING TO HOLD ON TO”

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In my Lauryn hill voice, “The sweetest thing I’ve ever known is like the kiss on the collar bone”. Yea, it use to be sweet; that feeling of new love. You know, when your body tingles at his touch, and your heart beats fast from his texts. (I remember the day)

How could the person you once loved so dearly, become a stranger to your pupil. The touch changes and your heart becomes heavy from his text, when it use to beat fast!

“Letting Go is so hard”, even when you’re left with nothing to hold on to. I don’t know why, but we hold on, and we hold on so tight to non-existing situations.

Ladies, do we hold on out of fear or hope?

I think we fear being lonely for the rest of our lives, or we hope that he changes! Well, I believe or shall I say that I’ve concluded that he ain’t going to change. I tell myself that I am going to change all the time, and then unconsciously I do things out of years of habit. I’m literally trying to change childhood habits as an adult. Although change is possible for a mate; your mate has to see something wrong with him/her in order to change. This is highly unlikely for a person to see their own selfishness, silliness, and immature behavior. “My ex- is pure perfection in his own eyes”.

We hold on tight, and we continue to hold on to an evident loss, just hoping that he changes. I’ve poured my heart out in letters, poems, and meaningless conversations, but nothing changed! Sometimes, my ex and I get a bite to eat after a 2 month separation, and I notice nothing has changed. One time we prayed together, cried out in a tearing prayer and the next day nothing changed! We stop talking for 5 months, no communication and when we began to speak again, I noticed a change, then we talked more, and more, and I noticed another change ‘nothing changed’.

I no-longer need him to change. I will take on the challenge and I WILL CHANGE. I’m changing how I treat him, how I respond to his text, how I respond to his company. I want him to tell his friends, “Man, she changed”!

We are fearful of loneliness, but we should fear being with someone and still being lonely. Then we have the issue of hope. When we don’t completely let go, we have an ounce of hope in our hearts. Hoping he will change, hoping the two of you will get back together, but do you know that small ounce of hope will kill you. Be hopeless to the possibility of love, and let go.

My ex pissed me off this weekend. Left another dent in my heart, but I know this is a result of “Holding on”; Holding on to nothing. This is a result of allowing an undeserving person in my space. This week, I’m working on letting go. I have no hope in my heart for my past situation and I don’t need him to change on my behalf, I will gladly change on my own!

Sincerely,

 

A person that’s letting go

Madam Prezident

 

 

 

MISPLACED

I’ve misplace it

Looked under the bed

Behind the mirror/ nightstand/

Under the table/ and TV

Pulled everything out the closet

Checked the bathroom/ medicine cabinet

Underneath the sink

Even went to the car

Checked the trunk

Came back inside

Checked the kitchen/refrigerator/cabinet

Then I checked in between the couch

Around it/beside it/under it

I looked all over

I’ve retraced all MY STEPS

AND I STILL CAN’T FIND ME!!!

 

By: Madam Prezident

 

DJ Henry Shooting: Family Files $120 Lawsuit

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

The shooting of Pace University football player DJ Henry has set off a great deal of controversy in the town of Pleasantville, New York, where Henry was shot outside a nightclub. According to police, Henry drove his car toward one of the officers, who claims that he had to fire on the athlete in order to save his own life. Accounts of what happened that night are varying, and DJ's family has filed a $120 million lawsuit against the Pleasantville Police Department over the incident. Attorney Charles Oglegree from Harvard University is representing the family of Brandon Cox, a friend of Henry's who was also shot that night.


The incident began on the night of October 17, when police were called to investigate a disturbance outside a bar in the suburb of Thornwood, which is located right near the Pace University campus.

 

Click to read.

48-Year Old Herschel Walker Dominates In His Amazing Athletic Comeback

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University 

He came, he saw, and he conquered. Herschel Walker, the man who was once known for being a jack of all trades, dominated his first opponent in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competition. The fight was against Scott Carson, the poor guy that Walker obliterated with a left hook in the first minute of fighting. After knocking Carson to the ground, Walker continued to pound away on him until the referee stopped the fight.


Walker's return to public competition at the age of 48 is nothing short of inspirational. The man who once said "My body is like an army" has proven it to the public by doing what many thought would be impossible. In addition to MMA fighting, Herschel has excelled in quite a few other sports as well: Walker is the only college football player in NCAA history to be listed in the top three in Heisman voting for all three years he was in college. He finished 7th in the 1992 Winter Olympics in the two-man bobsled. He nearly made the Olympic team as a sprinter. He is a fifth-degree black belt. He even did ballet.

 

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TNT Apologizes for Tracy Morgan’s Remarks About Sarah Palin

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

Turner Network Television took the interesting step of apologizing for lewd remarks on the network made by comedian/actor Tracy Morgan.  During an interesting back and forth with Charles Barkley in which they were debating the “hotness” of Sarah Palin, Morgan said the following:

"Now let me tell you something about Sarah Palin man, she's good masturbation material. The glasses and all that? Great masturbation material."

Of course my own jaw dropped when I heard what Morgan said, and you could see the white guy on the scene, Ernie Johnson, rushing to get Morgan off-camera.  Everyone was clearly nervous after Morgan’s remarks, for good reason.  A lot of jobs were on the line as the words leaked out of his mouth.

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Happy Birthday Oprah!!!!

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Happy Birthday Oprah Winfrey

Happy Birthday Oprah Winfrey

Mo'Nique Shaves Hairy Legs

Mo'Nique Shaves Hairy Legs

Ugandan Gay Rights Activist Beaten to Death

Ugandan Gay Rights Activist Beaten to Death

Photo Credit: Everett / WireImage / Getty ImagesAP

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Why Would Terry McMillan Attack Will Smith’s Children?

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

I was surprised to see the esteemed author Terry McMillan slip to an all-time low by attacking the children of Hollywood power couple Will and Jada Smith. Using Twitter as her forum of choice, McMillan expressed her concern that the Smith kids were being "pimped and exploited" by their parents in their acting and singing careers. "It feels like the Smith children are being pimped and exploited. Or, they're already hungry for fame. What about 4th grade?" said McMillan
McMillan then went on to write the following:
"The Smith children already act like child stars. There's an arrogance in their demeanor and behavior. I find it incredibly sad."
Of course the entire world spread McMillan's words quicker than wildfire. That then led to an apology from McMillan:
"I apologize for using the word pimp and exploit in referring to the Smith children. It was insensitive of me and wrong."

Click to read.

Michael Vick Gets His First Endorsement Deal: He’s Back in the Mix

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

Embattled Philadelphia Eagles star Michael Vick has finally signed his first endorsement deal. The player signed a two-year contract with Unequal Technologies, a companies that provides the football pads Vick wore throughout the season. Terms of the deal are not disclosed, but both parties are excited.
"We're real excited about it," said Unequal's chief executive officer Rob Vito.

 

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Study Says NFL Players More Likely to Misuse Pain Killers

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins – The Athlete Liberation Academic Reform Movement (ALARM)

According to a new study in a scientific journal, retired NFL players misuse opioid pain medication at a rate that is four times greater than the general public. The study goes on to connect the abuse to the number of pain killers athletes take during their playing days in the NFL. The results were published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, a peer-reviewed academic journal.
The study was conducted by scholars at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. It is also the first study conducted on pain killer misuse by former players. Linda Cottler, a professor of Epidemiology in the school's Department of Psychiatry led the study and it was also commissioned by ESPN.

 

Click to read.

More Black News – 1/28/11

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Bishop Eddie Long Does His First Interview Since the Allegations

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

Bishop Eddie Long has returned to the public eye. In his first interview since thesexual misconduct allegations were levied against him, Long spoke with Channel 2 News in Atlanta. Of course the media was told that Long would not answer questions about the allegations, but hearing him speak in public was a media attraction nonetheless.
The event was the Trumpet Awards prayer breakfast at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta. When answering questions, Long only spoke about hope, the future and other relatively vague, light-hearted issues. The mood appeared to be positive, as Long was given an optimistic reception from those in the audience, as well as Corey "CoCo Brother" Condrey, the radio personality who
introduced Bishop Long to the crowd.

 

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Madam Prezident: Don’t Let Facebook Ruin Your Relationship

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Morning ladies, I’m listening to Beyonce’s “Dangerously in Love Cd”. You already know, B and sparked some stuff right up out of me for next week, but I’ve been thinking about today’s post for some time now.

I know Facebook is the world’s newest fad, but there is one thing Facebook has no business doing, and that is “RUINING YOUR RELATIONSHIP”.

Facebook is a social network, which I happen to love because of the intermediate connection and personable sensation. Although when you are in a relationship I find Facebook to be a little bit of a headache, but it shouldn’t be.

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HOW DO YOU HAVE A MAN & YOU SCARED TO ASK HIM FOR MONEY???

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Thank God it’s Friday! This morning I’m listening to the Isley brothers.  This that good music!!! (In my Kanye West voice)

Last night I was talking to a friend, and she began to tell me about her financial instability. I listened to her thoroughly, and she went on & on. Now let me tell you, I don’t have any friends with a “Trust Fund” that I know of. I understand the financial struggle of black people, or all of America.

As she explained her financial burdens, I asked her, “Did you ask your man for any money”? She said, “No”. Then she said, “I don’t feel comfortable asking him for any money”.

The truth of the matter is, a man shouldn’t feel comfortable watching you struggle!!!

I’m not talking about making sure you in Gucci, and gold. I’m talking about lights, gas, and rent; the required necessities to live.

A real man that loves his woman does not want her to ask her friends for money, nor does he want to see her struggle. A real man knows how to provide, but ladies you cannot be afraid to ask your man for things that you need. I’m very sure when he is horny he has NO PROBLEM letting you know.

My grandma says, “Even a fool know what to do with that ass”. If you with a man, that can’t help you financially in your time of need, but he can put rims on his car, stay in the latest fashion, and travels. 

Now you work and go to school, but he can’t help you the “few” times you need help. I’m sorry to inform you “YOU AIN’T GOT NO MAN”.

I’m not approving gold digging, however if you can’t ask someone for something who you share your thoughts, secrets, and body; then you are obviously with the wrong man.

I can assure you the right man; you won’t even have to ask for anything. He knows when your times are hard. He calls you, and says, “Here is the hair money, nail money, book money, here is a grand on tuition”.

Remember these words; “Love and care are two different things”. You don’t want to be in love with a person who doesn’t CARE about you and your well being.

And like your mother use to say “caring is sharing”!!! (Wink)

Happy Friday

Madam Prezident

 

Black News – 1/28/11

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Did N.Y.C. Police Walk Black Man to Death?

Did N.Y.C. Police Walk Black Man to Death?

Woman Blames Diddy for 9/11?

Woman Blames Diddy for 9/11?

'Housewives' Star Opens Up About Marriage

'Housewives' Star Opens Up About Marriage

Photo Credit: ABC 7

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Boyce Watkins Discusses Kelly Williams-Bolar Case on AC360: Plans to Rally with Al Sharpton

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Click to watch Dr. Watkins on AC360 discussing the case of Kelly Williams-Bolar, the black mother sent to jail for sending her kids to the wrong school district

TARAJI P HENSON GOES NUDE FOR PETA

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*Actress and all around hot mama, Taraji P. Henson, has joined the crowd stripped bucky naked for PETA.

Like Nia Long, Eva Mendes, Chad Ochocinco and other celebs, Henson decided to endorse PETA’s “I’d Rather go Naked” anti-fur campaign. Her ad will be officially unveiled at PETA’S New York Fashion Week party on February 10.

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1ST LADY AND OPRAH DISCUSS MILITARY FAMILIES

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*First Lady Michelle Obama made an appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” on Thursday to salute America’s military families.
On the show she describe how “months go by where birthdays are missed” because military families have multiple deployments.

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