We MUST do BETTER.

There are a lot of things that I don’t understand, but I have learned that you should never question God and His plan.  That knowledge however, does not always ease the immediate pain that an unexpected and untimely death

brings, especially one in a senseless manner.

I met Jonathan “shoota mac” Johnson several times through a mutual associate growing up in Houston. And although I did not know him as WELL as others, I could recognize something kindred about him. As a talented visual artist, Jonathan was always about his business. I respected his grind & hustle with his involvement with the clothing line basik art. Not without fault, he had spent some time in “juvi”, and come out a different man, walking with God.

Shoota, A father, a boyfriend, a son, a brother & a friend, was shot twice in the back and killed early Thursday morning while changing a tire at a gas station. I found out through text several hours later. Once again,  my facebook & twitter timelines were filled with the acronym I have grown to despise, “R.I.P.”

Black & Gold in the SUPERBOWL!

We’re about 24 hours away from the big game, and I know plenty of people are getting ready for what should be an exciting game between the Saints & the Colts.

I’m pulling for the #whoDat nation this time around, and will be wearing black and gold in honor of the big event. For those that cant be in Miami or even down on Bourbon Street, check out these #whoDat New Orleans bounce mixes courtesy of Rob G. from Houston’s KBXX 97.9 The Box. They will set off your Superbowl Party and keep the morale high while you’re cheering for the good guys!

WhoDat Mix Part 1

WhoDat Mix Part 2

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

New Music: BeyGaGa & Erykah Badu

I love music. Allow me to share two totally different tracks with you.

Beyonce (@Beyonce) & Lady GaGa (@LadyGaGa) have teamed up once again for the second single from GaGa’s album “The Fame Monster.” The track, entitled “Telephone (Remix)”  was produced by State of Emergency. The video has been filmed and is currently in post, and is said to be highly conceptual. I know it will be a sight to see if the visual for their last collaboration is any indication…*blank stare* Expect this track to be on heavy rotation for a while, it’s definitely one that we won’t be escaping anytime soon!

The fans have been patiently waiting, and finally Erykah Badu is back!

Where is the Diversity in Hollywood?

Vanity Fair’s March Hollywood Issue features 2010’s rising actresses in a “New Hollywood” cover story. Take a look at this picture, and tell me what’s missing:

…COLOR.

Now I don’t fault Vanity Fair at all. The photos in this spread were shot by world renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, and feature 9 of the most promising actresses in Hollywood. (In my opinion Zoe Saldana could have been added to this list after appearing in two mainstream blockbuster films “Star Trek” and “Avatar”…. but that’s water under the bridge.)

This issue was brought to my attention after reading an article on Yahoo. In it, the writer attacks Vanity Fair for not including any women of color, but the fact of the matter is, that the women they chose ARE the new faces of Hollywood. So where does the blame lie?

Watch This: {The Black List: Volume 3}

Last year around this time, I got a chance to check out HBO’s Documentary Series “The Black List” Volumes 1 and 2.  Needless to say, I was inspired. Shot as an intimate conversation with prominent African Americans, the documentary explores the black experience and philosophies on societal improvements. Volume 3 features Whoopi Goldberg, Hill Harper, John Legend, and Beverly Johnson among others. Make sure you check it out when it premieres on HBO Monday February 8th at 8:30 PM EST.  For more information about The Black List Project, visit their website.

Official ‘Why Did I Get Married Too?’ Trailer

Check out the Official Trailer For Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married Too” which will land in theaters April 2nd. It looks interesting and dramatic to say the least! The entire original cast is back, along with the legendary Cicely Tyson and Lou Gossett, Jr. The film’s predecessor, “Why Did I Get Married” was one of my favorites from Perry, so I’m hoping the sequel will not disappoint!

more about “Official ‘Why Did I Get Married Too?’…“, posted with vodpod

The Grammy’s…MY PICKS!

ALRIGHT! 2010 Grammy’s air tomorrow at 8p EST on CBS…I took the official ballot and made my picks. Items circled in red are my choice for who I THINK will win, items circled in blue are who I WANT to win…check it out and let me know if we match up!

Make sure you follow ME and The Grammy’s on Twitter. I’ll be live blogging the show tomorrow, and The Grammy’s will keep you updated on all of the happenings leading up to, and throughout the show!

Haiti, We can see your halo…

The global telethon “Hope for Haiti Now” just wrapped, and it was truly an awesome show. For those of you who may have missed it live, all of the performances are available on iTunes for download, with all proceeds going directly to Haiti relief efforts. You can still call, and visit the website to donate. Below, you can check out Beyonce and Chris Martin of Coldplay performing a special rendition of the hit song “Halo.”

“Haiti will Rise from the ashes” – Wyclef Jean

He’s a REAL “Smart Guy”

While most 13 year old boys are in 8th grade wondering what it’s like to be in high school…Stephen Stafford is TRIPLE majoring in Pre-Med, Math, and Computer Science at Morehouse College…and has been since he was 11. That is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. Wouldn’t you be impressed if a more “traditional” college student said that they were a triple major? That’s what makes this story that much more incredible. Stephen’s an exceptional young man, and should be celebrated, so why isn’t this story on the news?

Do you still believe in “Change?”

One year ago today, I was in Washington DC baring cold temperatures on the National Mall for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the historic inauguration of the first African-American President of The United States, Barack Obama. Morale was high, people were unified and filled with hope for a brighter American future.

But as I type this, one year into the future & President Obama’s first term, the momentum and excitement has dramatically decreased. For many Americans, reality has set in. Unemployment is still setting record lows. Gas prices are still high, and we have yet to come to a consensus on the issue of health care reform.