It takes a real man toadmit when he'sbeen emotionallyscarred, and it takesgreat courage toshare his painwith the world.Rap star-DMXdid just that recently onVH1'sreality show -'Couples Therapy'.
Known for his hard 'thuggish-ruggish', bad to the bone [rap] flow and iconic 'dogg' style, when talking about his mother, DMX keeps it passionately "real".
"I used to always turn to drugs when I was feeling a certain way and now that I’m not doing that, sometimes the pressure builds up, I’ll call [someone] and say, I just wanted to say ‘Mommy.’ I wanted to say that word. Mommy. Not ‘My mother,’ you know, I wanted to say mommy. I just wanted to talk to her. I haven’t talked to her in years and I just wanted to be able to say ‘Hi, mommy. I love you.’ Never once did she [say she loved me.] …. [crying] …. You know what, I think people lose sight of the fact that no matter how strong you are, as a man, no matter how tough you are, we all need to be somebody’s baby." --DMX
Way to 'man-up', X! And don't even trip on loved-1 for showin' some thug passion for his moms...who wouldn't? Even the hardest of hearts break down when it comes to something so essential to a healthy life - love from moms. And we all know dudes front like sh#t don't matter, but even the illest menace to society
has a bleeding heart for the woman who gave him life.
Many young fans, especially those who find themselves living in foster homes or childcare facilities, for instance, will be blessed by DMX's example. Too many of these youngsters sincerely believe that no one wants them, especially their mothers'. Confronting and sharing childhood trauma will no doubt help those who also feel the pain of love's absence.
And above all, in spite of his ups-n-downs with the "industry", his career is [still] all-good, but never more important than confronting the source of his suffering.
"And judging from the show, DMX has rightfully acknowledged [the] turmoil and is clearing the way for better days and better ways. That's what's up." -T.F. Hodge
One love and keep shining, dogg!
"I
gotta make it out, or move quickly. Can't allow the past to restrict
me, bet this time around they won't skip me. I am the last hope."--DMX
Ever sinceKim Kardashianmentioned becoming Glendale, California's next mayor to her sister -Khloe,on the reality TV show -'Keeping up with the Kardashian's', the responses have been mostly laughable, to keep it "real". In other words, most people think it's just a publicity stunt. Local Glendale politicians don't believe that Kim could actually "lead", citing her lack of experience in public service as evidence. And although other celebrities (like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronald Reagan) have played roles as politicians, it doesn't mean that Kim would enjoy the same success, they add.
But what if... Kim is serious?
Judging from her ability to get what she wants, coupled with the main ingredient required in politics - 'skrilla', she couldn't be a worse leader than former California governor, Schwarzenegger.
She may want to brush-up on her demographics and a few other essentials before she officially takes the plunge, though; she thinks Armenian's make up the greatest number of residents. In reality, only 25% of the population are Armenian.
Miss Kardashian would also face two mandatory challenges:
1. first get elected to city council
2. receive vote(s) of confidence from city council members, who select the mayor.
We know you've got a hot-ass frame, but do you have a political brain and a heart to serve others, Miss Kardashian? Or, is this, in "reality", just you[r] making a political play after taking a page out ofSarah Palin'sbook of 'hustle & flow'?
What was expected to be an emotional night of celebration for outstanding achievement(s) in music, and remembrance in tribute to legendary music and entertainment industry icon - Whitney Houston (the queen of pop), this year's 2012 Grammy Awards show was, as many described, "distastefully stained" by [the] controversial and shocking performance of 'Roman Holiday', by female rap star - Nicki Minaj (aka: Barbie, Martha, and Roman).
Well known for her 'out-of-the-box', ultra-bizarre, flamboyant, highly provocative, and unorthodox style of [rap and entertainment] flow, many fans, award show attendees, and especially religious followers, were straight-up offended by the rappers untimely and perplexing display of "art".
No doubt, if Nicki's "Madonna-esque" premeditated 'game' was to piss-off the Catholic Church or garner more fame, fortune, attention and hyped-up buzz for her "brand", she definitely did that...and some!
So what did or will Nicki Minaj (or any of her alter-ego's) gain by taking a page out of Madonna's book of controversial performances? Obviously, she captured, although negatively, the attention and horror of thousands, if not millions, of viewers.
But will this sort of publicity increase [her] record sales and fan-base or turn people off?
We've witnessed many instances where controversy sells, but do consumer's, in the long run, support this sort of perceived "demonic" approach to free speech and artistic expression?
Although controversy, as well as sex, sells products - satanic controversy may not be the best approach to retaining and, moreover, increasing a fan-base. Unless Nicki is suddenly interested in attracting those in society who delve in the dark side of spirituality, in exchange for those [fans] who are opposed to it, she might consider explaining the situation with her own words -- if that will help any.
She did, in fact, explain her performance and related issues to 102.7 KIIS FM radio show host - Ryan Seacrest the day following her Grammy performance(click here to listen to full radio interview).
Outraged critics described the rappers performance as "terribly shocking", "hideous", "grotesque", "disrespectful", "insulting", "offensive", "highly satanic", "like Frankenstein", "hellish", "untimely", "sad", "inappropriate", and so on. While many upset viewers and critics question the appropriateness of her "train wreck" performance, especially considering the shocking news of Whitney Houston's sudden death the night before the Grammy's, religious practitioners, among others, wasted no time dissing Nicki and those responsible for scheduling her performance.
"None of this was by accident, and all of it was approved by The
Recording Academy, which puts on the Grammy's. Whether Minaj is possessed
is surely an open question, but what is not in doubt is the
irresponsibility of The Recording Academy. Never would they allow an
artist to insult Judaism or Islam."
While many have taken offense to Minaj's performance, the controversial rapper suggests that her loyal fans, and those who follow the evolution of her alter egos, get where she's coming from and therefore understood the, arguably tasteless, metaphoric message demonstrated in her 'Exorcism of Roman' performance.
Call it 'game', demonic possession, or just plain insane, Nicki Minaj and Grammy Award show shot-callers may have succeeded, intentionally or not, in casting a dark shadow over a musical moment in history (that should have highlighted the beautiful tribute to Whitney Houston by R&B vocalist - Jennifer Hudson), but the love and admiration for Miss Whitney Houston will shine far beyond this gross misstep of unfortunate, untimely and distasteful circumstances.
As for Miss Nicki Minaj (the female Weezee) - don't let smooth taste and alter egos fool you. Although she may rub some people the wrong way, she's gettin' her [self] pimpin' on. And as long as she continues to find and create ways to widen her sphere of influence and popularity, by promoting her movement, brand and style of 'hustle & flow', she remains the baddest bitch in the [rap] game...
...like, love, hate her or not -- she may not be darling, but she is Nicki Minaj!
creator and conductor of hit show - 'Soul Train' ___________________________
For millions of, primarily, African American consumers, and hundreds if not thousands of performers, musicians and celebrities who have enjoyed viewing and dancing to weekday afternoon ("Soul Train premiered on WCIU-TV on August 17, 1970, as a live show airing weekday afternoons") and Saturday morning 'get-downs', from 1970 to present date, on the Soul Train, the news of the shows legendary creator, writer, executive producer, and host - Don Cornelius' tragic death, allegedly by suicide according to police detectives, came as a shocking and sad pronouncement.
Although preliminary reports suggest that cause of death leans toward [the] likelihood that Cornelius died due to self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, the Los Angeles Police Department, along with the L.A. County coroner's office, will conduct and complete a thorough investigation.
So what happened, DC? If you did take yourself out the game, why, bro? If your life was taken against your will, however, then who did it?
These are obvious big "if" questions that no one but Mr. Cornelius can truthfully answer, but unfortunately he can't communicate an answer to us -- fans, admirers, friends, associates and loved ones. Once the official police investigation and coroner's cause of death is determined and made public, rumors surrounding foul play or suicide can and should be put to rest - hopefully.
Aside from wondering "why", "how" and "when" - fans and celebrities have continued to voice their fond memories and well wishes to the iconic legacy of Don Cornelius, and his family.
As mentioned earlier, noted for his historic hit show - 'Soul Train',
the production holds the record for years on television, and "will continue to hold the honor of the longest, continuously running
first-run syndicated program in television history until at least 2016".
Long before talent and showcase entertainment programs like MTV, America's Got Talent, The X Factor, American Idol and others captured the imagination of pop culture -- 'Don C' envisioned what would years later become this televised genre's original blue-print! "In its 35-year history, the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul, and hip-hop artists, although funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists have also appeared." Of the multitude of guest entertainers who have performed on America's original 'band stand' -- it was incredible talents like Marvin Gaye, and many others, who benefited from Cornelius' hit show.
So in celebration of the life, times, and going-forward of former back-up disc jockey (DJ), news reader, sports reporter, touring (MC) emcee, promoter, producer, show host, writer, and television executive with O.G. swagg status - Don Cornelius; here's to you and the train of souls who, in your memory, continue to claim the boogie, want the funk, show the love...and pass the peace!
World Famous
'Soul Train'
Line_________________________________
and the
"He quit his day job to take a three-month broadcasting course in 1966 despite being married with two sons and only $400 in his bank account."
Check DC's 'funky-fly' wardrobe: tight sun-shaped afro, pinky rings (yes, two of them), fat silk tie, and crush velvet jacket -- big swagg 'Soul Train' conductor gettin' it in!
'The Don' even showed love to local youngsters who possessed new, innovative and unusual talents, like 'locking', rapping, and similar artistic forms of expression, which paved the way for future generations.
And without the vision, daring hustle, and business acumen of Don Cornelius, we would not be enjoying annual televised showcased talent, on the'Soul Train Music Awards',
which recognizes and honors outstanding achievements in Black music and entertainment.
"Past hosts for the show include such R&B luminaries as Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle, Will Smith, Vanessa Williams, Cedric The Entertainer, Gladys Knight" and countless others. The show gives out many awards to worthy recipients, but none have overshadowed the accomplishments, and more importantly, contributions of the award show's pioneering architect. Among many well deserved acknowledgements, 'The Don' has been nominated and honored by the industry he served with velvet flava.
In 1974, Cornelius was nominated for the 'Daytime Emmy' award, for best writing for a talk, service or variety program. Trumping his nomination in 1974, he won the 'Pop Culture' award for his hit show - 'Soul Train' in 2005. And to top it off, in 1997, O.G. - 'Don C' received, for the category of television, a star on the 'Walk of Fame' in Hollywood, California, located at 7060 Hollywood Blvd.
No question, the king of hustle has made his legendary mark on American pop culture, music and entertainment. Thanks for the ride, 'DC'!
Rest in Peace (RIP):
Donald Cortez "Don" Cornelius
(September 27, 1936 – February 1, 2012)
"Bet your last money, it's all gonna be a stone gas, honey! I'm Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!" ~Don Cornelius
Fans and celebrities react to death of Don Cornelius - TV's 'Black King of Hustle':
"Don Cornelius was a pioneer & a trailblazer. He was the first
African-American to create, produce, host and more importantly OWN his
own show." — Earvin "Magic" Johnson
"God bless him for the solid good and wholesome foundation he provided
for young adults worldwide, and the unity and brotherhood he
single handedly brought about with his most memorable creation of 'Soul
Train.'" — Aretha Franklin
"We all have a great debt. His work in the 60s and 70s helped us to see,
again, that human beings, we're more alike than we were unalike and the
music and the people he showed allowed us to see. Showed us how the
music, the gifts of the African American, to this country and to the
world were great gifts and belonged to everybody all the time." — Maya
Angelou
"I am shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden passing of my friend,
colleague, and business partner Don Cornelius. Don was a visionary
pioneer and a giant in our business. Before MTV there was 'Soul Train,'
that will be the great legacy of Don Cornelius. His contributions to
television, music and our culture as a whole will never be matched. My
heart goes out to Don's family and loved ones." — Quincy Jones
"The Soul Train legacy will show you how great this man was. And Soul
Train became such a great icon, not only did black people want to be on
Soul Train, but you had Elton John, you had The Bee Gees, you had ever
white artists wanting to be on. Soul Train became the thing to do. Don
Cornelius didn't do pop artists the way that a lot of the shows did
black artists; he included everybody on his show." — songwriter Kenny
Gamble
"I have known him since I was19-years-old and James Brown had me speak
on 'Soul Train.' He brought soul music and dance to the world in a way
that it had never been shown and he was a cultural game changer on a
global level." — The Rev. Al Sharpton
"So sad! A great guy & happy memories from Solid Gold & StarSearch: (hash)RIP" — Robin Leach
"Sad to hear about the passing of Don Cornelius of Soul Train fame.
Grateful to him that he turned me on to so much great music."
— musician
Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins
"Sad to hear of passing of Don Cornelius, creator of Soul Train. He was a
super nice man. Had many nice talks w/ him at the golf range. RIP"
—
comedian Jon Lovitz
"RIP don cornelius. A legend, a pioneer, a genius. In your immortal
words "love peace & soul" make God boogie & Jesus do the Robot."
— Marlon Wayans
"RIP Don Cornelius. LOVE PEACE AND SOOOOUUULLLL 4eva"
— Snoop Dogg
"Don Cornelius was a pioneer & a trailblazer. He was the first
African-American to create, produce, host and more importantly OWN his
own show." — Earvin "Magic" Johnson
As far as NFL Superbowl halftime performances go, this year's 2012 show promises to be 'superswagged-out'!
No doubt, pop star - lady Madonnawill bring her unique taste, talent and creativity to the stage, as expected, and all the swagg and extraordinary 'fantabulism', embodied in the personification of Cee Lo Green,
could make for one of the most interesting and entertaining halftime performances, by a duo, in NFL history. Why?
While it's not an unusual thing to witness performances by a duo during halftime shows, Superbowl XLVI promises to deliver "one of the biggest musical milestones this year!"
Although hundreds of millions of viewers will witness America's biggest show on February 5, 2012 - this will be the first time the NFL's halftime production promises to be the "hype"; it will be imagined by Cirque du Soleil and Jamie King (Madonna's career choreographer).
And with a venue as large and accommodating as the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, besides the New York Giants and New England Patriots, Madonna, Cee Lo, and Cirque du Soleil will display quite an exciting, memorable, and spectacular array of talent.
Oh, and by the way...if you have any complaints about the show or wish to express your satisfaction, feel free to 'holla-atcha-boy' -- comedian, actor, and this year's 2K12 NFL-SB ambassador
Mike Epps (OA) Official Ambassador - Super Bowl XLVI
When it comes to swagg, say no more. Big Snoop Dogg and young Wiz Khalifa (with a lil' help from The Roots) put it down before a live studio audience, but received average rating. Regardless of what critics think or say, most of which have never picked up a mic in their lives in the first place, this new 'collabo' promises to 'do-what-it-do' when it comes to street love garnered from millions of fans and swagg-happy listeners!
