Top Five, Bruce Wayne, and Moses

Well I'll just make this quick.  When first hearing news of the new Chris Rock movie, Top Five, I knew I would go see it as soon as I got the chance.  I've always liked Chris Rock and the movie features a star studded cast of comedic geniuses.  The various interviews that he's participated in leading up to the film's release increased my anticipation to get a big bag of twizzlers, sit on my butt for a few hours, and get some hearty laughs.

I went to the nearest movie theater the week before Top Five came out to see The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (I read all the books and couldn't resist, it was okay).  However, this forced me to start planning my next trip to the movie theater and I realized there are no theaters near my home showing this film.  I live at the intersection of Pomona, La Verne, and Claremont, California.  Upon further research, I see that black people make up 7.5%, 3.4%, and 4.7% respectively in these cities.  I'm not really surprised by the figures but it helps understand why I won't be able to go see Chris Rock's new movie.


I'm just appalled that a movie that has garnered so much attention, wouldn't even make it to my local theater.  But it makes sense, during my daily adventures I rarely see black people unless it's on public transportation.  However, I wouldn't be telling the whole story without mentioning that all the nearby theaters are showing this Exodus bullshit with numerous time slots.  And that is America for you.  A place where a black man can't go see Chris Rock's new film at his local movie theater, but I have many opportunities watch some white people pretend that their Africans.  Never thought I'd see the day when Bruce Wayne and Moses were the same person.

If you don't understand white supremacy . . . Everything else will confuse you

A Day in the Life

Intro
Amidst the Eric Garners, Trayvon Martins, Mike Browns, and countless others, America still has no idea what the life of a black male consists of.  White supremacy has pervaded every level of society all over the world and it has systematically made us enemies in the subconscious of everyone, including our own people.  That being said, black males must learn and understand how the world views them in each and every possible situation that can occur in a given day.  Read on and I will detail the daily interactions I experience as a young, educated black male living in America.

Growing up with four older brothers, I have been conscious of how society views me for as long as I can remember.  I credit my parents, home life, personal experiences, and propensity for reading black literature, for helping me to see the world the way it is. Unfortunately, the bulk of young black men don't have a strong support system of brothers AND/OR a father figure to teach them how to navigate the proverbial cloud of white supremacy.  This causes a lack of knowledge that is essential to the SURVIVAL of black males in this country.

The Package
These days, I wear whatever clothes I want because I enjoy comfort while out running errands and whatnot.  Whether it's a tee shirt, polo shirt, jeans, khakis, or shorts, I make sure that my clothes fit properly and my pants aren't sagging. Why? Because if you look unkempt as a black male, people think you're a criminal.  Each day I have to be careful about the package that I present in public because otherwise, people will assume I'm just another "robbing, stealing, killing nigger."

I walk with a purpose, keep my head held high and I speak to all people using proper english because that's how I was raised.  I walk with my head up because I enjoy seeing the reactions of white folks and others when this skinny black guy is walking down the street.  Rarely do I see another black man during my ventures and if I do, they always get a hello or nod of recognition.  Others however, stare at the ground, clutch their purses tighter, walk faster, and my personal favorite, refuse to acknowledge your presence.  I see the looks and I know what they're thinking based on their facial and physical demeanor.  And these are just the cases of strangers whom I don't know and will never get to know.

These are just the little things that happen everyday that I notice.  There are always the store associates that follow me around the store, policeman shining their flashlights in my face whilst riding my bike home at night, the elementary school teacher that told me I'd never amount to anything, getting arrested and the cops letting my white friend go home free while me and two black dudes are sent off to jail, and the list goes on. . .

This is America
I don't let these things affect me anymore, because I expect it to happen.  This is America, a country founded on the backs of free labor and white supremacy.  They brought our ancestors here against their will, and now they don't want us here and will continue to kill and imprison us at every chance they get.  So black men, know that white supremacy exists and we are at the bottom of their hierarchy.

It's our job to survive and support our families, so don't even give them the opportunity to say they were "defending themselves" because as we know, it always ends with an acquittal or lack of indictment, and a dead black man.

Brothers
In order to get a better understanding of self, I urge my brothers to read the books of the past by black male authors.  Their stories are just as relevant today, if not more so.  We have to get an appreciation for what they went through in order to find your path and figure out how you can make a positive impact.  Some must reads include: Native Son by Richard Wright, Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, Soul on Ice by Eldridge Cleaver, and The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X & Alex Haley just to name a few.

It's not about hating white people, it's about loving yourself and your people.  We define the culture.  Know that you have worth!!  Black is Beautiful!!

"The price of hating other human beings is loving oneself less." - Eldridge Cleaver, Soul on Ice

Peace
K. Plattinum

Summer Reading List: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Welcome back, scholars!

"You must understand that love never keeps a man from pursuing his destiny. If he abandons that pursuit, it's because it wasn't true love..."

Equipped with a mug of my favorite green tea, I stretched out on my sofa and lost myself in the journey that is 'The Alchemist'. I finished this adventure in less than 24 hours...I promise you, it was that good! 

The main character, whose name we never learn, is a young shepherd from Spain who possesses a burning desire to see and do things no other shepherd had ever done.  Simply by having the faith and courage to travel to foreign lands the young shepherd is able to learn invaluable lessons about sacrifice and the freedom that accompanies true love. 

The author, Paulo Coelho, knows all about sacrifice. The son of an engineer, Coelho constantly battled the expectation that he would be a straight-laced carbon copy of his father in the professional world. While his parents expected him to be a doctor or a lawyer, Coelho knew his destiny was to become a writer. Coelho holds no ill-will towards his parents despite their having him committed to a mental home because of his rebellious ways. In 'The Alchemist' Coelho imparts wisdom about true love, fear, and the urgency of following one's dreams.  Below are a couple takeaways from 'The Alchemist' I plan to use in my personal adventure.

1) Love Without  Ownership

"He tried to deal with the concept of love as distinct from possession, and couldn't separate them"

One of the dopest parts of this book was the love displayed for the main character by his love interest, the beautiful Fatima. In layman's terms, Fatima is "Ride or Die" personified! In spite of her desire to be married to the main character Fatima explains to him that marriage cannot precede him following his dream.  This quote from Fatima sums it all up: "If I am really apart of your dream, you'll come back one day....I want my husband to wander as as the wind...". Fatima's selflessness is amazing to me. She wanted to be with the main character and knew that all she had to do was tell him to stay and he would have with no questions asked! However, she knew the importance of fulfilling a dream. She displayed a truly unselfish love.

2) Fear

My takeaway? Fear has no place in the hearts of those who truly wish to fulfill their dreams. The fear of losing Fatima would have caused the main character to stay in her city completely putting off his desire to see the pyramids..content upon being her husband. However, as the alchemist later points out, this could drive a wedge in their relationship, with an unfulfilled husband on one hand and Fatima secretly blaming herself for her husband deciding not to pursue his dreams on the other. Always follow your heart! Only a self-serving love would require you put your dream on hold for them.

Coelho believes our dreams die young because we realize them at an early age, life gets in the way, and the next thing you know you're settled and nowhere near where you wished to be. The lesson here is to start pursuing your dream today! It's never too late to begin. The Alchemist is the perfect book for the transition into the Fall and I HIGHLY recommend it! Happy reading...

Photo Credit: http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/mar/17/paulo-coelho-manuscript-found-in-accra

You can follow myself and Paulo Coelho on Twitter at @Chief_Platt and @paulocoelho respectively

Yours Truly,

The Lonely Blogger 

Peace

New King Chip!! #LazyAndLucrative Summer Rap Tunes

You know how we feel about King Chip over here at brotherspl (Peep our 44108 Mixtape review). Today on twitter Chip blessed us with a new summer jam produced by Blended Babies...perfect tune for rolling up and vibing with the homies or your lady if you're lucky enough to have one. Follow the link, CLICK PLAY AND ENJOY!

King Chip - Lazy And Lucrative (Prod. By Blended Babies)

Summer Reading List: Song of Solomon

After Fall, Summer is my favorite season for a variety of reasons. The beer tastes fresher, the days are longer..and of course, beautiful brown bodies are decorated in sundresses.  The long days are great for kicking back with a book and a young woman recently recommended I dive into Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison.

The book mostly follows Macon Dead, known in his neighborhood as Milkman, for reasons that make me uncomfortable to think about. Milkman's pops is a well to-do negro who sees money and ownership of property as the great equalizer. Throughout the book Milkman struggles with this concept, even though he perpetuates his father's behavior which ultimately alienates him from his community and even his own sisters at one point.

The general insanity and jaw dropping scenarios (necrophiliac incest, hidden bodies..) make this a pretty fun book to read however, there were also some pretty interesting themes that can definitely be relevant to a lot of black lives out there...Below I touch on what I gained most from this book, which was the importance of oral tradition.

Regardless of what mainstream white america will have you believe the effects of The Trans-Atlantic slave trade still, yes in 2014, have blasted jarring holes in our culture, in our history. This book really highlights the importance of oral tradition.  Because the history books are always written from the perspective of the conquerors, conversation with our elders is the only way we can know where we truly come from. Just like Milkman, a conversation with my mom, dad or granddad really gives me a sense of pride. My history begins, as told by my mother in Georgia and South Carolina with slave great-grandparents and sharecropper grandparents. These are people who had no rights and ultimately chose to flee the hold of the south for a better chance at life in Philadelphia and New Jersey. It's up to me to give these stories to my future seeds. Milkman only got to hear mythical stories about his great grandfather who may have been a runaway slave, but the little he heard definitely inspired him. It made me wonder about what my sense of self would be had my great grandparents been able to pass stories down to my grandparents...which could have ultimately trickled down to me. The moral of the story...get those oral histories while you still can! And hold on to them like gold!

Deuces...

RetroHash Album Review

Early Beginnings

Asher Roth's sophomore LP came out in late April, so I've had about a month to listen to it thoroughly. This much anticipated release shows lots of growth from Roth since his 2008 party anthem I Love College and Asleep in the Bread Aisle, his debut album.  Since then, Asher has released a bevy of mixtapes and an EP with Virginia rapper/producer Nottz, which has only boosted his lyrical and song making abilities.  This earlier Asher Roth and Kid Cudi freestyle shows both artists exceptional skills when it comes to controlling the mic.

Mixtapes

Seared Foie Gras with Quince & Cranberry shows Roth freestyling over a number of classic productions including The Diplomats' I'm Ready and Cam'Ron's Down.  Pabst & Jazz has Asher taking a unique approach by flowing over heavily jazz inspired production via Chuck Inglish, Blended Babies, and others.  These two tapes are my personal favorites and RetroHash contains the best elements from both works.

RetroHash Favorites

Parties at the Disco starts this album with a smooth sound and Ash singing about feeling wishful and partying at the disco.  Dude brings the Blended Babies (they produced the majority of the album) back for another sick track with flawless worldplay also featuring Curren$y.  Spitta and Roth talk about being that dude in an industry where most people compromise themselves.  The album continues with hippy-like dance tracks Tangerine Girl and Pull It until my favorite song, Fast Life featuring Vic Mensa.  On this song, we hear Asher talk about getting caught up in the fast life and the troubles of trying to grow up too quickly.  Last of the Flohicans has Asher putting his lyricism on display with three great verses (just listen to them).  Be Right has Major Myjah on the hook where Asher spits about keys to finding happiness in life.  

Summary

RetroHash finishes up as quickly as it starts - it's only 10 songs and 41 minutes long. I may not have done the album justice with my analysis.  However, each song contains musical elements and lyrics that show Roth's growth as an artist.  Get your copy asap!

Why I Hate Kerry Washington and Scandal

Now before you jump to any outlandish conclusions, I was once a huge fan of Kerry Washington.  However, her antics as of late have really just pushed a nerve with me.  I was first introduced to her when I watched the Spike Lee film, She Hate Me, in which she plays a lesbian and love interest to Anthony Mackie.  No problems with me here, mostly because of the great romance scenes she has with Anthony Mackie and Dania Ramirez (MY GOD!!).

Rise to Stardom

Since 2004, Washington has had unparalleled success by starring in numerous blockbuster films (including Ray, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Fantastic Four, The Last King of Scotland, I Think I Love My Wife, and several others).  I had to do some research and looked back at her older movies.  The Details (with Tobey Maguire), Lakeview Terrace (with Patrick Wilson), Fantastic Four (with whoever played The Thing), and The Last King of Scotland (with James McAvoy) were movies that contributed greatly to her success, where she just happens to be the love interest to some random white guy.

                                                      

Scandal

By 2012, Scandal comes out and she's the envy of women everywhere.  Starring in this television show, she's a "political fixer" who just happens to be having an affair with the President.  I watched the first season and enjoyed it . . . But the way she is portrayed in the show wouldn't allow me to continue watching the second season.  (I tried to watch the first episode and had to turn it off)  The show builds her up as this amazing, independent, smart black woman but for some reason she can't escape the grasp of the President. (Oh yeah, he's a white guy)

Recap
In conclusion, Washington is a huge star today, with young black women emulating her at every chance.  But as a black male, I just can't endorse the subliminal messages the show sends.  We criticize celebrities like Taye Diggs, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Kobe Bryant for their on and off camera interactions with white women, so how is it different for her?  . . . . 

P.S. I don't hate black women, I promise lol

Allen Iverson Video Tribute: BBZ10 StoryMaker

Growing up so close to Philadelphia we here at BrothersPL appreciate what Iverson did for the game. Checkout a sneak peak of a video tribute we have. COMING SOON with some of AI's greatest Highlights!!!

As Always,

The Lonely Blogger

44108 Murder Zone: March Madness Mixtape Special

In the first round of March Madness Dayton represented with an impressive win over Ohio State. King Chip's latest masterpiece "44108" represents another win for the state of Ohio. The Cleveland emcee's work ethic is impeccable as he blesses us with 19 tracks on topics ranging from getting top aka "Crown" from the finest of freaks all the way to getting revenge on a corrupt police officer on "Police in the Trunk".

"I OWN MY OWN NAME"

In a bold move a couple summers ago Chip changed his moniker from Chip the Ripper to King Chip, a fitting title for the new father to son, Cash (named after Johnny Cash) and one of the best to do it from Cleveland. With this classic body of work Chip solidifies his place on the throne.  Peep my 5 picks for the most influential and dopest tracks off #44108! 

Photo Credit: http://rapgenius.com/artists/King-chip

Download 44108 from LiveMixtapes at this link: http://www.livemixtapes.com/download/23455/king-chip-44108.html

1- Best Track to Ride To: 7AM on St. Clair ft. Ray Cash

Easily one of the smoothest tracks on this project. Play this during a trip to your shorty's house, or on the way to your local hoop spot for some pickup basketball. Guaranteed to have your swagger on a hundun. Chip enlists Cleveland vet Ray Cash for the smoothest guest feature on the entire mixtape.

2- Most Creative Track: Vortex ft. Kid Cudi and Pusha T

First of all the beat is CRAZY! King Chip and Cudi may be one of the best tag team duos when it comes to mixtape bangers (just look at Chip's features on Cudi's early mixtapes). Chip and Pusha T deliver some epic verses while Cudi sings to the ladies on the hook "I want to live in your Vortex, you knowin what's comin next!"

3- Best Track to Vibe to: Action Plan ft. Lorine Chia

"My legacy is way beyond my vital signs, I am a god!" Try not to bob your head to this joint. It's impossible. Lorine Chia's vocals set Chip up perfectly for some insightful verses. You can blaze a blunt to this joint and completely zone out.

4- Best Story: Police in the Trunk

This takes NWA's fuck the police to the next level! On this track Chip exacts revenge on an officer that killed one of his homies. If you're squeamish you probably won't want to listen to this track! The imagery is astounding as Chip raps about taking the officer's body to the butcher shop on some real Sopranos type shit. Also, the rock band type break at the end is extra dope.

5- Dopest Track: BLK on BLK 

I had to save the best for last. The production on this joint is flawless. Before each hook Chip raps "Black on black like Morpheus, pills on deck like Morpheus" as he takes listeners on a ride through the realest hoods in Cleveland. "Nigga my hood so crazy man this shit just like the Gaza Strip" pretty much sums it up. JUST WATCH THE VIDEO.

You can follow King Chip on Twitter @Chip216 for word on his much anticipated #CleveLAfornia. The fans are patiently waiting!

Quinoa: SUPER-FOOD of the Week

In our first edition of SUPER-FOOD of the week we bring a grain that is steadily growing in popularity. Quinoa pronounced keen-wa, not queeno like the Eagles fan in the video below seems to think, can be an incredible addition to your new 2014 diet. Read on for some benefits of this amazing food!

Packed with protein

24g in one cup. This is an unbelievable amount of protein. As a toxicologist in training I can't help but wonder why people take supplements when you can get your needs from natural foods. This high protein content makes Quinoa an excellent choice for a post workout meal.

Easy to Cook
As young professionals, the last thing we want to do when we get home is cook. Quinoa eases the pain of post work cooking. Just boil, then cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes. As Future Hendrix would say "Wala, maaagic"

Customizable
It's always fun to put your own twist on things! One of my favorite things about Quinoa is it's customizability (I think I just created a new word). Pair it with barbecue chicken, or add it to some pico de gallo. The possibilities are endless!

We here at Brothers encourage all our readers to give this food a try. How do you plan to customize this protein packed treat?

More benefits at the link below:
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4994/7-Benefits-of-Quinoa-The-Supergrain-of-the-Future.html

Signing off,

TheLonelyBlogger

Bainbridge, GA: The worst place in America

I moved around alot as a kid. In Delaware alone I've lived in Dover, Camden, and Frederica. Following high school I lived in Atlanta and lived in Savannah for 5 years while completing college. My dad is a pastor in the AME church which moves it's pastors around as much as any military family. This is how I came to live in the worst place in America...Bainbridge, Georgia.

At first I brushed off the rumors around town of the place being cursed by voodoo http://bainbridgega.com/news/publish/101810voodoo.shtml, but after spending a summer there between semesters it's clear this place is cursed! Check out this list of reasons why Bainbridge is the worst place in America!

1- Killer Gnats

Okay, maybe I exaggerated a little, but these little fuckers are enough to make Bainbridge the worst place in America by themselves!! Imagine being swarmed by gnats EVERY waking second you spend outside! It's insane. Anytime it's over 65 degrees (which is the majority of the year) you can expect to be met by these unpleasant fellows as soon as you step outside.  They're relentless!




2- Crazy Drug Scene


For a sleepy town of less than 13,000 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bainbridge,_Georgia the drug scene is alive and well in Bainbridge. Now this could be a result of being so close to Tallahassee but either way major drug busts seem to be a common theme while I was there. Check out the links below about a couple federal drug stings that took place in Bainbridge.
http://bainbridgega.com/news/publish/031711cocaine.shtml
http://www.thepostsearchlight.com/2012/11/29/five-arrested-during-thursday-drug-bust/

3- General Craziness

If you can stand the gnats and yearly drug busts, the relative craziness of this town will surely do you in. I wish I had a dollar for each time I was threatened by vicious stray dogs while walking to the store.  Once on a trip to CVS I tried my best not to make eye contact with a man walking down the street in a trenchcoat (in the blazing heat of the Georgia summer) who also had a HOOK for a hand! No BS. Trying to escape Bainbridge, if only in my mind, I took a trip to the liquor store across the street. I took my whiskey to the counter only to find out they don't accept debit cards of any kind! FUCK! This place is like Georgia Bizarro world.

If you don't believe me you can always take a trip to this godforsaken place. But be careful! You may not even make it there due to the corrupt police in the adjacent towns. There's a saying about Homerville, a town where I was illegally stopped and searched myself, which is an hour or two away from Bainbridge. "Come on vacation, leave on probation!" So maybe it's best you just take my word for it.

As always,

The Lonely Blogger

PEACE

Iowa State University - Where BEER Happens: Pint Night Exclusive

As a black grad student in Ames there really isn't much to enjoy as far as the nightlife is concerned. This ALL changes on Wednesday nights, also known as Pint Night to beer lovers across the city.

3 Words to describe Pint Night? "One. Dollar. Beer" And
this ain't no PBR, my friends. Olde Main, the local brewery in Ames has a sick selection of beer on tap for whatever your palate may be, and once again THEY ARE ALL ONE DOLLAR.

I spent the majority of my time as an undergrad in Savannah binge drinking the night away (yes on school nights) taking shots of E and J (also known as Erk and Jerk/Easy Jesus in the black community) and playing beer pong with the fellas, so believe me when I say my tolerance is pretty impressive for a guy my size. With that being said two stouts from Olde Main are good enough for a decent buzz!

Here are my three go-to beers at Olde Main's Pint Night:

1- Dinkey Wheat:

 A nice warm up beer. The sweetness makes this one very female-friendly, and it's also one of my favorites. Taste? Think Blue Moon, but for one dollar...can't beat it.

2- Sodbuster:

Stout!! My Turkish friend really loves this beer, as a matter of fact he put me on to Pint Night in the first place. Think of it like this, if Guinness is LeBron, Sodbuster is KD! 2nd place, Yes. But still a force to be reckoned with. It has a creamy, coffee like flavor and the foam is delicious. 3 or 4 of these and you may start sending unsolicited "sexts" so be cautious!

3- Off Kilter:

Finally, MY FAVORITE. Another sturdy stout, not for beginners. I'm not entirely sure there isn't any whiskey in this beer. Olde Main rumor has it the brewmaster actually wears a kilt when he brews this delight, and we all know the Irish like to get fucked up!
Start off with two of these and a shot of your favorite liquor for a night you probably won't remember.

Well ladies and gents, I've gotta get ready for pint night! So if you're not in Ames hit up your local brewery and enjoy a beer in my honor!

Yours Truly,

The Lonely Blogger

Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon

Last night Kid Cudi, a huge favorite here at Brothers delivered his fourth studio album. It's always good to have some great music in rotation.

Dopeness

Some knowledge brought to you by Nas and Damian Marley from their album Distant Relatives . . . Nah mean

Next stop...Colorado!!: Marijuana Legalization

Trailblazers...
Colorado just got a whole lot more interesting.  This January Colorado became the first state to legalize marijuana for recreational use. This is a bold move by Colorado as marijuana is still illegal to possess even in small amounts by the federal government.

Regulations
As expected counties that legalize marijuana for recreational purposes have added some guidelines on sales.

•  Buyers must be 21 and over
• Colorado residents may purchase no more than 1 oz./visit
• Out of State residents may purchase no more than 1/4 oz./visit
• Marijuana may not be smoked publicly
• One may not operate a vehicle when high on marijuana

Money Talks

Opposition to marijuana legalization may be a trend now, but as the economic benefits become apparent more politicians may change their view.  It's estimated that Colorado is set to gain $587 million from the sale of marijuana in 2014.  In addition "marijuana tourism" could potentially be an untapped economic venture with a promising future.

So where do you stand on the issue? Enjoy this dope video for the song "Marijuana" by our favorite at Brothers Blog, Kid Cudi!!

Greatest Movie of All Time

I spent more of my childhood than I'd like to admit watching All That and Kenan and Kel on Nickelodeon.  Good Burger came out in 1997 and I saw it in theaters and received the VHS tape for my birthday when it became available.  We still have the movie at home and my little brother (who wasn't born until 2002) enjoys it just as much as I do.  If you've never seen this movie, have a productive day and watch it on Netflix as soon as you get the chance.  I can guarantee you'll laugh from beginning to end.  Below is the trailer and some hilarious scenes from the movie.

Shaq Cameo

"You mess with Kurt, and you go into the grinder"

Daily Top 10

King James catches a crazy oop from DWade to take the number 1 spot on the NBA top 10

Laugh of the Day

It's the first Tuesday of the year 2014 and temperatures across the country have dropped tremendously. So, if you're not warm, you can warm your soul with some laughs courtesy of Celebrity Boxing highlights.  Dustin Diamond aka Screech gives this old man a beatdown for the ages . . . Enjoy