That Music Aint Free

RIAA says, 'GOTCHA'!

Okay, so what? I’ve download a couple of thousand songs off the internet. Who hasn’t? Who hasn’t?!

-Glen Whitmann, RIAA’s public enemy number 1, from Transformers

So recently it has hit the fan in terms of music downloads.  When I say recently I mean the last 4-5 years.  The RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) has won some large judgments against those sharing files across the internet.  To name a few Joel Tanenbaum, was hit with a $675,000 lawsuit (for 30 songs @ 22.500), and Jammie Thomas who was hit with a $1.9 MILLION (24 songs @ $80,000 per song) lawsuit.  I am not endorsing (by any means) file sharing over the internet but doesnt the RIAA think that is a little high for average citizens.  You get in less trouble for committing real crimes (murder, abuse, drunk driving, etc).

Here is my issue with the lawsuits.   The fine and attention is directed at the wrong person.  If the RIAA’s goal is the eradicated file sharing then the target should be the internet service provider or the actual file sharing program.  Last I heard most of file sharing sites are still in existence today.  As long as the sites are active the downloads will continue.

I did an impromtu interview with a person (a gentleman at a car wash) who told me that he never buys a cd because the internet is free.  While I don’t agree with never buying a cd , I had to agree with some of his comments about the lack of quality in a lot of music today.  Also he mentioned that technology leads to file sharing.  Why would someone need a hard drive that hold a terabyte of information?  Better yet an iPod that can hold over 30,000 songs?  A cell phone with 8GB of space?  Society always has us thinking bigger and better.  Same mentality hits us when we think of our technology needs.  I have almost my entire music collection on a 60GB iPod with over half empty even with hundreds of photos, home videos, and four movies.  He guaranteed me that if a cd exists he can find it on the internet in less than 5 minutes.  I laughed and thought it was impossible.  As I sat back I wrote the names of 7 albums on a piece of paper and handed them to him…they were;

Johnnie Taylor – Good Love

Kirk Franklin & The Family

Ludacris – The Red Light District

TLC – CrazySexyCool

Booby Brown – Don’t Be Cruel

Remy Shand – The Way I Feel

Juvenile -600 Degreez

As you can tell they are a little varied and one (600 Degreez) was never released in stores.  Guess what.  In less than a few minutes he had found all 7 and was starting to download the ENTIRE album for each.  I was flabbergasted…I knew albums were available online but not like this.  he downloaded Johnnie Taylor’s Good Love first and played each track…each one was flawless and in the order I remembered it.

I guess my question is this…How do we resist the temptation with the current generation of millennials and the “must have it now” mentality.  The RIAA has a point.  Money is being lost because of music downloads and there are some really interesting statistics.  I remember being in college and EVERYONE had a burned copy of thier favorite music.   Well nowadays if you want to live dangerously then download music.  I mean that new Maxwell jams, but its not worth $100,000.  Besides if you ask a few questions I am sure your favorite music is right under your nose.  Good luck and happy downloading.

Where my Banana-Eating Jungle Monkeys at?

Banana-Eating Jungle Monkey...

So the “Beer Summitt” is now over.  I am going to move on and let that die as has Officer Crowley and Dr. Gates have said they can agree to disagree on some things but both seem positive and ready to move forward.  I applaud the President for putting both parties in front of each other to discuss this situation and not let it linger.  Of course all the media outlets are covering the story releasing photos and other words about it so it will be in our ears for another few weeks.  But hey gotta love the media…

As I was watching CNN’s Larry King Live last night an interesting interview took place which left me speechless.  Larry King brought an Officer Justin Barrett on the show for a public apology.  Barrett in his own words is a former English teacher, writer, current Boston Police Officer, and military veteran.  Hey sounds like an upstanding citizen and someone we can look up to and be proud of…and then the interview starts.

(To do it justice I have to link the video)

As I listened to this I was floored.  I was angry, disappointed, and a rush of other emotions.  This is after some have said there is no racism in America.  This officer is sorry…sorry he was caught expressing some serious inner issues.  He even mentions that he has never used these words before, but prior to that there is a slight pause from him.  Are we really supposed to believe this?  If you have the “balls” to send this email to people you do not know (including fellow officers, members of the national guard and the Boston Globe); then what do you say behind closed doors?!?!

He never apologizes to Dr. Gates at all…he apologizes to his colleagues only.  Also to note his colleagues are the ones who turned him in because obviously they were insulted by his “poor choice of words”.  He mentions his family and how he has never had any work  related discipline.  In his apology, he says that he “treats everyone with dignity and respect”.  Next time I am looking to respect someone, I will make sure to call them a Banana-Eating Jungle Monkey.

Officer Barrett, I understand you messed up and now you have to suffer the consequences…the Boston Mayor has deemed you a cancer and said you will be fired.  I forgive you, but hope one day you will truly understand the depth of your words and how a person of your position should never have these thoughts.  When are people going to stand up and admit their true feeling and not mask or hide those inner ghosts.   Things like his email (see below) are what contribute to the problems in society.  Sigh…we still have a long way to go…

The email that was sent to Yvonne Abraham, a writer for the Boston Globe.  He was reponding to this article. See his response below.

Oh Hip Hop…

The Birth of Hip Hop...

While at a recent speaking engagement I was asked a question that left me speechless for a few moments.  A 14 year old high school freshman simply asked “Who is MC Hammer?”  A my moment of silence I begin to talk about MC Hammer in detail while he blankly stared at me.  After I was done his friend nudged him and mumbled “Told you!”  As I drove back home this had my mind spinning…with a variety of thoughts.  The first one being how old I am and how the landscape of hip hop or rap music has changed in the last 20 years.  As I thought about it on my own time I did find a great article on yahoo that talks about the Rap Pioneers.  It was a great read and really but into perspective some of the major changes in hip hop.  I also wanted to make mention of the importance of some of the history…artists like Rakim, Ice Cube, Ice-T and many others.  I personally think Master P paved the way for many of the hip hop inspired entrepreneurs of today.  Read up on him…he did have the independent record label, clothing line, cell phones, shoes, rims, direct to video movies and other items that are common place today in mainstream hip hop.

Maybe not "Da Last Don" but an influence no doubt!

Some of the most influential names to ever grace album covers are largely forgotten by today’s standards where gangster/street cred have taken over.  The mentality of “keeping it real” has gone to a whole new level.  But really who keeps it real…am I supposed to believe all the lyrics of today’s hip hop artists?  Artists today are doing more drugs, killing more people, and getting with more hoes than we can shake a stick at.  The problem…the youth of today think it is the way of life and how things should be.  I know that many of the good that most do in the community does get the media attention but we can and should demand such things!

My challenge is for many of the entertainers in the spotlight to step out of the shallowness and help to mold the future generations.  Also to respect the history of the genre.  If you are a true fan of hip hop (and old enough) how can you honesty say you didn’t listen to MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice, or Will Smith artists that many will say are “sell-outs”.  (Didn’t Will Smith win the first ever grammy for a rap artist?)  There are photos of N.W.A. wearing tight pants on their waist… a far cry from the gangsta image and the foolishness that is saggin!  LL Cool J had a model upbringing far from the image he has portrayed in the past.  The “rap god” in many people’s mind was 2Pac, who was a background dancer for Digital Underground before he got his chance to rap on a single.  Rick Ross was a correctional officer, 50 Cent getting rid of tattoos for movie deals, Lil Wayne was an honor student before he got his rap break, Ludacris, David Banner, Plies and more have some college and there are countless examples of those who are college educated who are in the entertainment game but that is never showcased.  Only the money, the cars, the girls seem to make the news or the media.

NWA 1987

I will contend that once you make a million the “real”, or “hood” in you has gone by the wayside.  You move to another neighborhood, drive a different car, experience life the way “the hood” never will.   There were no Bentley’s, Maybachs,  Range Rovers, or mansions where I grew up.  No one wearing 20,000 dollars worth of jewelry on their arm, around their neck,  or in their mouth.

Although I am not a fan of it the recent dance craze has brought some much needed entertainment into the rap game.  Heck…if I get a good beat my TBD single will be in stores in early 2010!

Race & Criminal Justice

A new advocate for civil rights?

Hmmmm…Does Racial Profiling still exist in Amercia?  One of the foremost thinkers and scholars in regards to race in culture in the United States  sure does think so.  A recent run-in with the Cambridge Police can help to mold these thought processes.

If you haven’t heard of Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. you will as some of these things continue to unfold.  My appreciation for him stems from one of my true loves, the study of history.  Dr. Gates is the director of Harvard University’s W.E.B. DuBois Institute for African and African American Research.  This in short means that he is very smart, articulate, and has access to unlimited resources when it comes to research and race.  As informaiton unfolded it was interesting to hear some of the facts.  Not only was he arrested in his own home after showing identification but it was in broad daylight.  I think most people can see the reason for anger from Gates in this situation.  Gates speaks about the entire ordeal his site www.theroot.com.

Now it is interesting that he mentions “I haven’t even come close to being arrested. I would have said it was impossible.” Maybe this will be a wake up call for the African American elite; and hopefully a call to action for many who may not have been compelled prior to this incident.

The questions I pose to all…How would you feel if the police showed up at your home and arrested you?  Was this all about race or is there more to it?

Learning from Steve McNair…

Thank you for the lesson Steve...

Steve McNair…

I have followed your career and remember everyone saying that a product of an HBCU (Alcorn State) would not be able to produce at the NFL level.  I thank you for proving so many people wrong and having the type of career that many would have dreamed of.  I thank you for the tough character, and never say die attitude.  On the field you were a winner.

Now you have left the physical sense of the world.  There will be questions that will be asked and many of which we may never know the answer to.  You may have been a great football player, good man…but you did fail in regards to your commitment to your wife and kids.

I wonder when the mass media will address that aspect of the whole investigation.  Yes we know what Steve did on the field but I think this whole murder-suicide can be used to educate the men of the world on the possible dangers of infidelity.

Men…lets admire Steve for what he did on the field but most importantly lets learn from his mistakes and make our lives, marriages, and relationships with our kids better.  Now is the time to correct ourselves before it is too late.

-CB

A Pioneer in his own right…

Just like the title of one of your albums you were "Off The Wall".

So I am thinking about all the hoopla surrounding Michael Jackson and felt compelled to write.  I have a problem with the majority of this that have happened and will say what most will not. We (Black America) are getting a little carried away.  MJ was the greatest entertainer to ever live…HANDS DOWN.

I know he was the first African American artist on MTV in 1983.

I know that Thriller is the best selling album of all time.

I know that he with the Jacksons are one of the most influential musical families ever.

I know that Thriller won 8 (EIGHT) Grammys!

If it’s Michael for the most part I KNOW it…why because I am a fan of his music.  I grew up on Michael.  I remember performing the dances moves on Thriller; listening to my Dad’s Bad CD (one of our first CDs in the house), moon walking in shoes on the tile floor, wanting the him to be innocent in the trial.

But some things that I just don’t understand:

1. During the memorial Al Sharpton mentioned that he has helped but Barack Obama in the White House…My question would be was that by political contribution?  Was Michael even living in the United States?  Did he actually vote?
2. Today after plugging in my iPod to listen to Maxwell’s latest I click on iTunes.  I noticed that 3 MJ songs are in the top 10 singles (Man in the Mirror, Will You Be There, and Billie Jean) and 3 MJ albums are in the top 10 (Essential Collection, Number Ones, and Thriller).  Why after someone is gone that we start to appreciate them?  I have most every album since Off the Wall and the Jackson 5 Greatest Hits and have had them for years.  It shouldn’t take for someone to leave us for me to appreciate him.
3. Some are putting him in the same breath as Jesus Christ…just look at some comments across the internet, television media, or some of your friends.  Somewhere I read he is the King of Kings…after that I almost fell out of my chair.  There is only one King…let us all remember that.  I personally can’t remember any public instances of Michael mentioning his faith (aside from the random and very common award speech).  Did he attend a church, tithe, watch a service on television?  Brooke Shields mentioned him sitting on the tip of a crescent moon…I don’t think she made a heaven reference at all.
4. When Mike was on trial I don’t remember much public support of Michael.  I hoped it wasn’t true but the Martin Brashir interview didn’t help his cause when MJ mentioned the most loving thing to do is “Share your bed”.  Even when Michael came out and described having to take all of the photos for the investigation there was still no public outcry.
5. What happens to the debt?  I don’t understand how you, Michael Jackson have 400 MILLION in debt?!?!?
6. Vitiligo and the denials of plastic surgery…

I could go on and on.  The intriuge, the mystic, the magic is all there.  My only comment now is let the man rest…wherever he may be.  Michael RIP.

White Privilege is, the problem…

While searching the internet I found an interesting read.  I saw parts of this a while back but ran across it and a web site.  Here are a few links from Tim Wise discussing White Privilege.  I thought they were brilliant!

This is your Nation on White Privilege.

There was also a follow up to this article.  You can read it here.

I also found a video of Mr. Wise…providing us with a history lesson.  WOW!

To see more on Tim Wise, visit his blog or website.

Barack Obama vs. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Does Barack replace Martin?

Does Barack replace Martin?  That is the question I pose to all.

Seriously lets think about it… recent generations of African Americans have had someone to point to as the savior of their generation…

Frederick Douglass was a prominent voice for the population in the 1800′s,,, after he faded there were a few leaders to mention as leaders in the early to late  20th century (a few would include Booker T. Washington, WEB Dubois, and Malcolm X).  Of course there were more in the 20th century with the rise of Civil Rights movement but those are bigger names that I mentioned.  I think most would agree that none of these names have ascended to the level  that Martin Luther King, Jr. has.  He is the mantle of the African American community.  Think about it, he has his own government holiday, postage stamps, memorials, Community Centers, streets (the bad one in your city) and whatever else you can think of.  You may not know much about Martin the man, but you have seen his name and you know that he had a dream to accomplish something large.

Barack Obama has done something most Americans (note I did not say African Americans) did not think was possible.  He won the Presidential election (and lets be honest he kicked a**).  Does he replace the most  prominent figure in the African American community; that being Martin Luther King, Jr.?  Just imagine that 2 or so weeks in grade school spent on Black History; for the upcoming group of adolescents.  They may never see or learn much about Martin Luther King, Jr.  In the 80s-90s when I was in grade school; I don’t remember seeing much about other leaders in the African American community.  It was Martin and Malcolm and you had to take the initiative to read and learn about other leaders and their sacrifices.

As a race we are quick to forget our past and we look to the future.  I am excited on the election of Barack Obama (and I am praying for his family and their safety) as President of the United States.  In my humble opinion he was the most qualified of the candidates and deserved this opportunity at the White House.  I have typed this to ask…Does Barack replace Martin?

Comments and emails are welcome…watch for a later entry about my thoughts on Barack Obama and how he relates to the current state of Black America.  Be blessed.

12 Things…

12 Things The Negro Must Do For Himself by Nannie Helen Burroughs*

(Circa Early 1900′s)

1.  The Negro Must Learn To Put First Things First.  The First Things Are:  Education; Development of Character Traits; A Trade and Home Ownership. 

2.  The Negro Must Stop Expecting God and White Folk To Do For Him What He Can Do For Himself. 

3.  The Negro Must Keep Himself, His Children And His Home Clean And Make The Surroundings In Which He Lives Comfortable and Attractive. 

4.  The Negro Must Learn To Dress More Appropriately For Work And For Leisure.

5.  The Negro Must Make His Religion An Everyday Practice And Not Just A Sunday-Go-To-Meeting Emotional Affair.

6.  The Negro Must Highly Resolve To Wipe Out Mass Ignorance.  

7.  The Negro Must Stop Charging His Failures Up To His “Color” And To White People’s Attitude.

8.  The Negro Must Overcome His Bad Job Habits.

9.  He Must Improve His Conduct In Public Places.

10.  The Negro Must Learn How To Operate Business For People–Not For Negro People, Only.

11.  The Average So-Called Educated Negro Will Have To Come Down Out Of The Air.  He Is Too Inflated Over Nothing.  He Needs An Experience Similar To The One That Ezekiel Had–(Ezekiel 3:14-19).  And He Must Do What Ezekiel Did

 12.  The Negro Must Stop Forgetting His Friends.  “Remember.”

       Nannie Helen Burroughs* (1879–1961) was an educator, orator, religious leader and businesswoman who moved to Washington, D.C., as a young woman to take advantage of the city’s superior educational opportunities.  While living in Washington she decided to open a school for African American girls to prepare them for a productive adult life. Burroughs was an active member of her church, where she organized a women’s club that conducted evening classes in useful skills such as typewriting, bookkeeping, cooking, and sewing.  Her responsibilities within the church increased when she became secretary of the Women’s Auxiliary of the National Baptist Convention, which supported missionary work and educational societies in Baptist churches throughout the nation. Burroughs’s dream lifelong dream was realized when she opened the National Training School for Women and Girls in Washington, D.C., in 1909.

 

Animal Cruelty?

Tripp Isenhour is being charged with cruelty to animals.  The funny thing about this whole case is that this probably would not be a big deal if it wasn’t for everyone’s favorite ex Falcon Michael Vick.  Reading the ESPN story I will say that Tripp is indeed tripping, but a maximum 14 month jail sentence and and fine seems a bit extreme for running fowl (excues the pun).  In no way do I condone the intent to kill the bird (a red-shouldered hawk) just saying that this is only a big deal because of the recent Vick controversy.  I will mention that the bird is on the endangered species list. 

Digging deeper into this, I think that I need to take up golf and to understand the skill that these professionals are displaying.  The story mentions he was aiming at this bird from 300 yards away!  He actually hit the bird when it moved to 75 yards.  I don’t think many people can throw a ball and hit something like this from 75 yards but a golfer with his club can.  Amazing!

In closing I just want to warn everyone before you act…be wary of roadkill or any form of animal cruelty.  PETA and the Humane society are out to get you.  I know the next time that I look to step on a roach or think of killing an office rat I will think twice.  They almost have as many rights if not more than people do.