THE SOCIAL EXPERIMENT.......(NETWORKING THAT IS!!)

Poke me! No really...go on Facebook and Poke me! If you are my friend you will do it. Maybe I'll poke you back! I think out of all the features in the phenomenon we call Facebook that is the only Accessory that I don't understand...So poke me...Please!

Some, well probably all of you have asked me why or how I come up with my blogs. Intro explanation! Well, I write my blog entries every day. Ha...Not physically putting a pen to the pad, or even typing anything, but my mind is taking notes on each of my daily interactions. This way I can blog the way I enjoy, which is once I start writing, I cannot save and come back another day. Everything has to be finished in one sitting. That way I won't forget a thing. So basically what I'm saying is that in one way or the other, all of ya'll are apart of my blog whether it from a conversation we had or any other interactions.

With that being said, it is 5:43am and I can't sleep. Why? Well that's how it is when I have thoughts in my head. Since I've started back(yes started back) writing I know exactly when It's time for a blog. Usually every dream, daydream or thought in my head is a paragraph and eventually if I don't let it all out, my night is shot...so hear I am.

As ya'll can see....well I think most of ya'll can read, the title of my blog is The Social Experiment...Networking that is! Communication, Technology, and just the ways we interact with each other. These days it's almost like we can physically live in each others lives with the click of a button. And most of us do! I mean where else can I keep up with my old classmates that I haven't seen in over 15 years, find an old boo, or keep up with the crazy times that my friends are having in different cities all in the span of 5 minutes? Crazy isn't it! Though it sounds fun...and I could dive into that topic deeper, that's not really what my Social Experiment is about. For ya'll that don't know....this is my blog...so obviously it's about me...DUUUHHHHH!! Geez people...Get with the program.

The Social Experiment is about my daily interactions with folks and my opinions, thoughts, and beliefs. When I was a young lad, one of the goals I had was to get money and bitches. I think it's something most young men want in life. Yes women...all men, and don't let them fool you in telling you otherwise. They may want cars and some may want to be the smartest human beings, but in the end they want money and bitches... cuz after all as men...that's what makes us tick. The only problem with all of that is I had to figure out how to get all of that. I mean it sounds simple enough right? But where's the blue print(reference Jay-z=Money+Bitches)!! Now before I go any further let me use the sensitivity training I've learned and state that the use of the word "bitches" is to bring an urban slang to the blog that will be discussed later. Now...back to the regularly scheduled broadcast...where was I...Oh yeah...Money and Bitches! So as I was young the only thing we knew to do was observe what was around me and talk to the folks I knew to get knowledge! The Key to all things! So you would think the first person I would talk to would be my Pops wouldn't you? Well my pops was married and to all intensive purposes, didn't have money! I mean yeah he did, but not the Luchini I was looking for a that time...And he had 3 crumb Snatchers as he called us! As I grew older I realized what he meant...we ate more than just the crumbs!! Anyways who do I turn to? I chose a variety of things...Folks in the neighborhood, TV, Magazines and eventually peers of my own! Some had money! And some had...yup...Bitches! Stay with me ya'll.

Did I tell ya'll I was a rather corny kid? I mean not that I was goofy or anything, but I used to shy up a bit around women and not till I got to college did I find my true "swag" if that's what you want to call it. I think I did if you read any of my previous blogs. So how did all of my networking pieces...TV, Magazines, and others affect my life? Well, though as I mentioned, my pops didn't have money and he was married, but he was a big part of my life...After all him and my mom were married for 39 years and I'm 35! So the honest to God truth is that every girlfriend I've had over my lifetime I would not of made them my titled "Girlfriend" unless I could see myself marrying them. It's true folks, and still true today! I know it's hard for some of you serial relationship whores to understand, but it's what I feel. Otherwise why would I do what you wanted me to do or make any sacrifices for you? That's right...I wouldn't. As a matter of fact it still pains me that the relationships I've been in didn't work. Don't get your panties in a bunch because it's not that I really give a damn about what you are doing now, but It hurts me when a relationship doesn't work whether given a title or not. There's a lot of time and energy spent and getting to know each other sucks when you are not with that person any longer.

TV, Magazines and the Radio...you can only imagine what I've learned from the media right??...I mean with all the sex tapes that have leaked, Cell phone pics of naked women or just they way the word "Bitch" has come into play....It's shaped my life tremendously. I can remember as I believe I mentioned before when I was young and bought the new Slick Rick tape(Cassette Tape young folks...Look it up)! My mother and father were in the car and wanted to hear what Mr.Slick Rick was all about! Naturally she and my Pops were Furious when they heard the cursing and was going to make me take it back to the store! Luckily for me they chose to talk to me about what was on the tape. I can remember my father asking me the question, "Son, what would you do if someone called your momma a bitch?" My response..."Pops, I'd punch'em in the face cuz my momma ain't a bitch! But there momma might be!" The only thing he could do was shake his head. See folks my theory is that as guys we still think the same throughout life as we did when we were 12 to 13! Seriously...Ask a guy that question...the only difference is that we are more aware of the consequences of our actions so sometimes we choose not to act on them.

Sigh....The last group of "Networking" that we all come in contact with is our peers. Now I could write a book on how basically everyone has shaped my life, but it's been done many times before me. Ya'll I got friends that get money...some that get bitches, but none that really do both....Maybe there's something to that statement! So read it again! I think it's profound because though the two can co-exist, one can and usually WILL hinder the other. Either way I've learned a lot. Some disheartening. I never understood why one of my gf's always wanted a thug...Thugs don't go to school and work legal jobs! I could never figure out why I had to snap on a bitch for her to respect me? I mean really? It always puzzled me why a chick could be out sport fukin everyone and then meet me and want me to date them! I sit and think sometimes why women think me and my friends DON'T communicate about who we've been with and try to play the both of us? And it's always interesting to see folks getting married just because it's Time? What's that all about? I could go on and on but I think you get my drift of what I mean hear. We are all different and were raised in different ways and in many ways each day have our own social experiments going on. Some of ya'll hopefully have learned from past mistakes and some of yall have yet to see the light.

Fortunately this blog topic is an ongoing experiment and I hope it to continue for many many years. Oh and I no longer wish for Money and Bitches as I've learned how to make money and "Bitches" are worthless. A woman is what a man needs.

Now before I go I will say this. I've been blessed and I know this. I can't say I'm the most religious person in the world, but I do feel there is more to life then we know. Last year at this time I had a conversation with one of my buddies that has sense passed on and we spoke about the Lord. Was a strange conversation, but I was in an empty place in my life. Not saying I didn't have "Stuff," but I felt like there was more...I felt alone. Well after a year later maybe I'm paying attention. Not saying I'm gung ho, but It has caught my attention a little more.

Anyways, What is your Social networking experience?

THE SILENCE IS OVER!!!

What's up everyone. It's been a long time since you heard a Peep from me. For those of you that know me know it's been a more than challenging year. I lost my father in March and one of my best friends in May, so needless to say a lot has been going on. With that being said there were times where I didn't want to blog again because I felt like I was letting to many people in my life and at other times I needed to let the thoughts outta my head. As you can see what I eventually chose.

So Just to recap things and also make changes, usually I pick a certain topic and discuss it throughout the blog. I make my writings fairly short and vague to open it up for commentary and at the end I say hate it or hype it! Well scratch all that. It's been a long time since I've written, a lot of changes have happened and frankly I'm writing for my benefit. So if you don't mind a few curse words and have an open mind...Enjoy....Cuz I GO HARD IN THE INK! (pronounced ANK...for all you non Rap folks. Reference Wacka Flacka)

First topic of discussion is Ahhh yes! LIL WEEZY is getting out of Jail tomorrow. It's a national Black holiday! For all y'all that don't know, every black person gets to skip work, smoke some trees, and pop bottles all day tomorrow. OK, now for all those that live in reality, why do we celebrate the activities of ignorance??!! I mean don't get me wrong, I'll pump a lil T.I, Laugh with Gucci, and bob my head to the lyrical genius of Lil Wayne, but when did it become "cool" to be a drug addict? A Criminal? A Thug? Furthermore, why is it that rich kids want to act like they don't have money and run the streets? Where I'm from (the country for everyone that don't already know) we did dirt because we wanted to eat good, dress good, ride in the fly rides and get girls. I don't understand how you go to a life of crime when you are born with those things basically in your own crib? Makes no sense at all! As I'm typing this blog I received a message from my homie telling me how a lady he was talking to shared how her daughter doesn't go for the Rapper/Entertainers, but she likes the Professional Ball Players. :( Can you say who is the stupider (yes I said stupider) the mom or the daughter! Fact is if you act like a ho you gonna get treated like one! Fellas...If a chick tells you she screwed or wanted to screw a guy because of who he was...Watch out...there's a pattern there! Beware! Ok enough about that because that would be a hater move. Just be who you are...don't get mad when you get treated like you are acting. The worst thing in the world for a guy is to have his Daughter or Niece be a complete jerk off for some dude that don't give a fuk.

Moving along...why is America such a Microwave society? Come'On Man! This election is killing me! Did you really think Obama could make a difference in 2 years? It takes longer than that and the folks that voted him in Failed him in the mid-term, which are just as much if not more important for "change." It takes a year to get the folks you want in office and the second year you are trying to pass new legislation that the other folks just dick around with keeping Bills from Passing. So my question is this? For the folks that make under say $70,000 a year, why didn't you go out and vote? The fact of the matter is that it affects you more because programs will be cut,you will be taxed higher, school programs will become non existent, and furthermore you will be directly affected by the Health Insurance Bill. I don't understand what folks are thinking? And even more so, Sarah Palin? Really? The direction the USA is going in doesn't have a positive outlook!

Overall I believe Humans have their priorities all messed up! We are worried to much about other peoples reality, and not enough about our own. When are we going to recognize that we are not that HOT! We all have faults, but we must improve? I know I have my own issues, but I'll be damned if I'm going to worry about someone elses before I deal with my own! The fact is we love to see a train wreck! So when we tune into Discovery Health and see the 700lb man or look at the Kardashians to see who's screwing who, we love it. I'm not saying you shouldn't enjoy these things...Just saying WAAAAAKKKKEEEE UUUUPPPPP....like Spike Lee.(Everyone doesn't get that reference!)

Love TKO

For Blog 10

more about "Teddy Pendergrass - Love TKO", posted with vodpod

Blog 11: It's My World...Ya'll Just Live In It

YES, I know it as been a while since we last spoke! But Hey, I figured by this time everyone will have slumped back in to their daily routines and forgot all about your New Years Resolutions! If I'm wrong say "WORD." Exactly...you know I'm right!

Anyways, I've gotten some dirty looks over my last couple blogs but you have to realize, I was sick and tired of all these posts about how bad things are for black women. It's not easy for anyone and furthermore, nothing worthwhile comes easy! That's all I'm going to say about that because today I want to talk about the most important thing in any relationship both business and personal. What is it you ask? Why that's easy...drum roll pulease!.......COMMUNICATION! Or shall I say the understanding of what's being communicated!

I sit here in my office and I think about Tiger Woods, I think about Senator John Edwards, Bill Clinton, some friends of both sexes and co-workers new and old. I think about "situations" that they put themselves in, or myself for that matter and how it all really transpired. And you know what my conclusion was? There was a MAJOR Communication Breakdown, or Lack there of! Let that seep in for a second! Ok now let's discuss! As human beings we are all emotional creatures! We spend our whole lives searching for Love, Happiness, etc. Sometimes we find these NEEDS in our careers, sometimes we find those NEEDS in other People. At any rate, In order to get those things you have to be able to communicate effectively!(Big Problem as most cannot). Even our Great Nations Politicians, whom are supposed to be the best motivators and communicators are full of shit. If you don't believe me, tune into the John Stewart show and watch the debacle! These guys spin more words then the Tea Cups ride at the State fair. But the Scary thing is folks believe them and do exactly what they say. It Truly is an Art form! To lead and Motivate people thru communication! I mean not to offend anyone but I'm about to name a few great communicators...Jesus, the Debil himself, Presidents, and hell Bishop Don Juan the Pimp! Yes, all these folks communicated effectively enough to motivate folks to do what they wanted them to do or believe what they wanted them to believe.

Now let's get down to what ya'll really want to know! In Relationships communication between Men and Women looks Vastly different! Like night and day! I've personally held conversations with young ladies to express how I felt on a subject thinking they totally "GET IT", to only realize either that night or much later that they have not only have no clue, but they totally changed my thought to mean something totally different.(Guys and gals know what I mean on this). But you see Communication is essential! Communication is soooo important that your lively hood truly depends on it! Now as I mentioned, we are all emotional creatures. And these emotions are what clouds how affective we communicate. These emotions are what can lead us to making the right decision...or lead us straight to yup...HELL! To all my business folks, have you ever been talking to a client trying to explain your product or service and you key in on his emotional keys! You know, they lay back and cross their arms, or constantly looking at their watch? Tells you to get to the point right! Of course! But what about personal relationships? Communication here is sooo difficult because no one wants to be the first person to put their feelings out there in the open to be stepped on! Say Word! I mean picture this..You saying I love you baby...and she says Ditto or aw that's sweet or yeah I like you too! But on the flip side, if someone tells you that and you try not to hurt their feelings so you tell them you also Love them! Can you say EW! I'll say it for you...EW!! Personally I don't think what Tiger and all the rest of the folks in the news or not in the news are right, but I can understand the emotion that comes into play! You think Tiger could of went up to Elle and said hey...I want to screw other chicks and I want you to be involved? hmmm...probably not for most folks. However I do know of a few women that have done that for their men and the relationship still didn't work! Fact is sometimes folks just wanna Get it in! Not much you can do about that.
I'm in Sales and I realize that the worst someone can tell you is NO, but that NO still has an affect on your psychy! I'm not a push business man! Nor am I pushy in personal relationships...Either you want my "service" or you don't. But I do expect in both Business and personal for there to be a conversation on why Myself, or my product isn't suitable. This is the time where you can reconfirm why your product or service is the best or if you should try a different brand. At this time is where you can break down the pros and cons. This is where true relationships are made because everything is on the table! I call it the "come to jesus" meeting!

At any rate, after my last blog ya'll thought I was bitter. I don't feel like so, but maybe I am a little. I'm bitter over the fact that relationships in personal and business are hard, but that's the life we choose to live and I've taken more than one TKO(RIP Teddy P).

Since all the women have been sharing what they look for in a man, I'll take a leap and share what I look for in women. Sigh...so not in any particular order.

1. Usually the women I deal with are quite intelligent. Normally have advanced degrees or have been considered to be brainiacs by someone at sometime!(Though advanced degree not a requirement).
2. I LOVE the backside of a woman! Doesn't have to be big either. Like the song verse says "Kit Kat or Midget if that Ass Phat I'll break her off!" Fact is if you are a woman...I have looked at your ass. But most guys have! Just a fact.
3. I can't stand a whiny woman! Sorry ladies...this gets you no where with me.
4. If I fucks with you I could care less what you are wearing out and about! I'm more concerned with you not what you are wearing(in private that's another story).
5. I love good conversation. If I can't talk to you I can't be around you. And you soon will bore me.
6. I do like women that can do for themselves. Independence is cool for me
7. You have to be able to function around different social circles. I have a variety of acquaintances from down right thugs to millionaires. Can you function around both? Are you versatile?
8. Would you be a good parent? Shit if something goes down I can't have you wrecking my nerves!
9. How do I feel when I'm around you? I'm a kinesthetic! I feel you! I really do..
10. Can I tell you anything? Are you my friend?

Ok so I guess I should say like the rappers, this is the realist shit I ever wrote! LOL.

Hope you enjoyed it, but as always if you didn't it doesn't really matter because It's MY World, Ya'll Just live In it! Hype it if you like it, Hate on it if you don't!

Blog 10: It's My World...Ya'll Just Live In It

I admit it...I AM NOT THE MAN I USED TO BE!

I am soooo tired of seeing the videos or reading the articles about black women that have this and that and can't find a mate! Fact is many of ya'll have spent so much time building your careers that you never took the time to pay any attention to the guy that wanted to be in your lives early on. Also, in one of the videos one of the women mentioned they no longer wanted to be the "back pocket girl." Hmmmmm...but I guarantee these women keep a "buddy" around! Hypocrites! As a matter of fact, many women talk like they want something, but there actions say something totally different!

So with that being said...I'm going to say so what! As a successful black man I sit here and wishing I could pollinate each and everyone of you but I can't. I don't care if you are a Doctor, a Lawyer, or a Social worker! Doesn't matter to me because what myself and most successful black men are looking for is someone that has a drive, a passion, Personality, and their supreme talents. We want you to be our best friends.
NOTE: Not once did I mention what degree you got, car you drive, or where you live. I've always said Most women are Groupies and that's what they look for when they meet a guy. As a matter of fact, most women will only hover in circles where the men there will only fit certain financial qualities.

I'm not Married so I'm tired of sounding like a relationship specialist in these blogs(which I'm not!) so I will move on!

A New Year is upon us! And just like always, I sing the blues to the song of life! For thru the sorrows, the pains, and the Joys, I move on. With my head held high and my feet moving forward! I move! Through the many smiles and emotions, through the lies and deceit, I run! Another Road Not Taken I go! Where it stops...Hmph(you got it) No one knows! But I do know this! As long as blood beats through my veins and my brain is common enough to have sense! I will make it! I will continue to succeed! And to those that want join my journey I will act as YOUR disciple, but I shall not allow a kiss of death! Together we will Progress! Together we will Stand...And as We walk through the Valley of the shadow of death we FEAR NO EVIL, So that in the end WE will walk and take our place in the Light of Resurrection, AMEN

Just a quick poem I just wrote to leave with ya'll. Hope you like it! But you know how I feel if you don't! :)

Can't leave without my tag line so as always, Hype it if you like what I say, Hate on it if you don't...But always remember..."It's My World...Ya'll Just Live In It."

Wishing each of you Love, Happiness, and Strength in your Journeys! Oh...almost forgot! I guess I have to do a rhyme for 2010...sooo...Lets Get it in for 2010!! hahahaha...enjoy Ya'll!

Blog 9: It's My World...Yall Just Live In It

Ok I'm starting off by letting ya'll know I have to be inspired to write. I had a blog that I wrote before this blog but I didn't think it was high quality so I decided to wait. So all of ya'll that always ask when am I writing my next blog and what will it be about...Hear ya go! Many times when I start writing, I have all these thoughts in my head about what to say and when I start my blog, the words sound nothing like my thoughts! Today is nothing different then the other blogs in relation to my previous sentence.

I will get into this blog quickly because I don't like for these to be over a certain length because folks don't like to read! However I am ALARMED y'all! ALARMED I tell ya! And here's why! Last week one of my friends posted an article from the Washington Post. I'll share with ya'll...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/09/AR2009120904546_3.html?sid=ST2009120904680.

This article made me laugh hysterically! And when one of my friends posted it on Facebook I had to laugh at some of the comments! Furthermore, when the Male response was posted http://www.verysmartbrothas.com/how-helena-andrews-and-every-other-single-successful-and-lonely-black-woman-can-improve-her-luck/, there was silence on the WEB! LOL with a double "O"!! Just copy and paste the link to your browser if you haven't read the articles!

Now I'm about to discuss these articles, but don't expect me to drop game like Steve Harvey or have Transgressions over what I said like Tiger Woods!(Had to slide that in). OK. Hopefully by now you have read the articles(and video). If not...read them first! NOW let me say this...NOTHING WORTHWHILE IS EASY! And if "Bitch is the new Black," like Ms.Helena Andrews says...I'll gladly pass! As many black men have! So what I would like to do is share my views of "The Pursuit of Happiness(AKA Black Love)." I'm trying my best not to always have similar topics but ya'll be killin me! UGH! OK Here we go! The lady Helena Andrews in my eyes is really confused! Then when I read the comments made from her article I figured out there are a lot of confused people!

After reading Ms. Andrews Article and the comments folks posted I realized something. Some of ya'll just don't get it! All she talks about in this article is how she has this and has that yet there's no one there for her! Hmmm...lets dissect it. During the entire Article she wrambles on about is how she's educated, how she has a good job, or how she can afford to go out to this restaurant or buy stuff at whatever store! Basically she gives her "Resume'" for the entire article! So as a black man..Cough Cough...Successful black man that can do all those things and more...I say to you an astounding...WHO GIVES A FUCK! Her approach or thoughts to "dating" are like you going to a job interview and you puking to the person interviewing with everything that you can do! How about trying to have a personality and being fun to work with! That's the key! We already know what your accomplishments are otherwise you wouldn't be sitting in front of me! I'm tired of women feeling like they are entitled to shit just because they have whatever when all you have is a single spaced resume on some pretty paper!! Holla Bitch! Ok Ok Ya'll...i'ma stop right there on the article and let ya'll judge for yourself. What I want to do is without droppin game let some of ya'll know why men...Scratch that...People can be wishy washy in having a relationship or getting married. So not in any particular order...here's the list!

1. You'se a HO! Not like Santa Clause, but in the Tiger Woods transgressions sense of the word. Being a Ho is a love/hate relationship! I mean everyone can use a good handy Ho, but who wants to marry them?? But some do and some will!

2. I'm a HO! Hell...I just ain't ready to stop fucking everyone just yet or ever will. Nuff said!!

3. I'm to career focused! Hmmmm...this really hits home for a lot of professionals because our lives doesn't allow someone enough time to really have a steady relationship. As soon as we get to know someone we are off again to make that cheese. When the mice are away the dog/cats DO Play!~

4. You don't seem like you really down for me! Watch the Movie Avitar and you will see a 10 foot Pandorian lady that is truly down for her man! Vice Versa as well.

5. You are a FUKIN LAME! Can't take yo ass no where! You can't hang with my friends, you clam up at events. You are Boring. You talk like you have a learning disability. You are not versatile or balanced enough to hang in a professional event one night and then chill with the homies the next. You can't relate to anything I say or do. You are not really understanding to anything...but the sex is good so I stay...which brings me to the next bullet point.

6. YOU ARE TERRIBLE IN BED! No offense but Men fake it just as much as women...Nuff said!

7. YOU smashed the Homie/Homegirl! Some folks don't care but you have to realize. The guy or girl has probably told them all about how it went down...so carry on with your own discretion. It could be a minor detail to move past, but if you still be kickin it with that person you smashed...as the song say..Muthafuk me NO Mutha fuk YOOOUUUU!

8. You are to Moody. One day we cool and the next day I'm a F'in Azzhole! Too much to handle!

9. I hate your Damn Friends! This is touchy because this can be a tangled web! There's always a couple friends folks might not like but overall if your friends suck...OUCH...may be a tough road to drive.

10. Your Parents don't like Her/him. If my momma says youse a lame! It's over..by by! HOLLA BITCH!!

NEW ADDENDUM!! 11. You are terrible with your finances!

Hope to hear many comments from this blog but as you know by now, whether you hype it or hatin on what I have to say, It really doesn't matter. So in case you don't remember, "It's MY World...Ya'll Just Live In IT."

Happy Holidays to all of Ya'll!!

Blog 8: It's My World...Ya'll Just Live In It

I'm Baaaaackkk! Ya'll Missed me didn't ya! Don't lie! All I gots to say is can a brother take a Vacation!! Geez! Anyways...Miss ya'll too! And this time I had to really think about what I was going to talk about! My blogs aren't exclusively writings about relationships or love but it seems like that's what Ya'll want to hear. Also, these are blogs ya'll not Novels which means I won't fully explore a topic, but I will give you just enough to think about and join in the discussion by commenting! It took me a minute to put together how this topic affected me and my actions in life. And with this topic and all my topics, by the time I start writing, there has been tons of similar conversations which gives me the base to right about it. So like Tiger Woods! I'm putting the pedal to the medal and sharing what I'm going to discuss today!(thought I was gonna say something nasty huh...Ya'll silly)

"Let Me Clear my Throat".....So without further adieu...today I'm going to talk about how Music has affected my life(as well as yours) and how we interact(Notice the song title in the Quotation marks).

Now before ya'll start chattering about how you waited this long for a blog and all I got to talk about is music...hear me out! Think about your life and how certain songs swayed the way you felt about a relationship or changed the mood of a party or even chose the drink you were drinking that night! For those of you that don't understand, let me go through the drinks that were decided by songs! I'm sure many of you at one time or another was "Rolling Down the Street Smoking endo, sippin on Gin and Juice," while the others were "Makin Luv in da Club" poppin bottles of Cristal. And while some of you turn your head at the last sentence, I guarantee Ya'll "Went down to the corner store, you know what I'm looking for...St.Ides!!"(in my best Nate Dogg voice). Oh and let's not forget downing bottles of that 8Ball..Ole E...Olde English(we all know that shit was nasty). Do I need to go on? Well how about drinking Alize or NUvo or those nasty ass Incredible Hulks? Ugh! So let me get to the meat of this blog and tell you how Music has affected my life and I'm certain as I discuss the topic, Ya'll may remember how music has affected yours!!

Now for Ya'll that don't know, I was born in August of 1975!(wild yeah I know...). That summer the billboard number one song(and still one of my favorites) was a song by Captain and Tennille called "Love will keep us Together." I can remember as a kid watching the hit TV show "Solid Gold" Rocking to this song! Actually I'm listening to it right now in my hotel room! Luvs it! This song in my eyes was the way I saw how relationships were supposed to work. I never knew anyone that got divorced growing up until I think my college years. Obviously that song would soon fade out as times changed and the songs changed!

For everyone that is within a certain age range, I'm sure you can probably remember grooving to Anita Baker on the Radio or Bobbing your head to Freddie Jackson, Keith Sweat, Luther Vandross or tuning in to Video Soul on BET to catch Rachel on Caribbean Rhythms! Then it all changed! Songs became not so innocent and Love was not described as a precious thing to hang on to! We entered the age of Raunchy R&B and Gangsta RAP! And so did I!

Now I'm from the country so although I enjoyed listening to folks in High School like the To Live Crew and "Heeeyyy we want some Pussay," I sure as hell wasn't getting any!! Remember I was still into "Popcorn Luv" Like New Edition! My mindset was to treat every woman as if I would treat my mom!(soon I realized every woman wasn't like my mother, nor to be treated like such)! Anyways, this was the 80's and early 90's! The time where thangs changed! These were the years where you had to "Push It" with Salt N' Pepa, "Do the Butt" with EU and you had to let everyone know that "I wanna Sex you Up" like Color me Bad! In other words, songs influence kids to do things they aren't ready for...hense the rise in teen pregnancies! So hold up for one sec! I know all of you are thinking to yourself and saying...Stacy...are you talking out of both sides of your mouth here? Nope...I gravitated to the other genre I talked about...Gangsta Rap! I used to sit and listen all night long to NWA! "Cuz the Boyz in da Hood are always hard, come talkin that trash we'll pull your card, knowin nothin in life but to be legit...don't quote me boy cuz I ain't said shit!" Man I loved that stuff! Still do! They were some crazy black brothas that just didn't give a fuck and that was me! I could relate...Hell we all got problems! Do I supposed to worry about yours issues more than mine...Hell naw! I was hurt when these guys broke up, they started putting out solo albums. I was pumpin the old Hardcore Ice Cube, and Bone Thugs N'Harmony(Easy E's group), and in Heavy Rotation was DR.DRE(The Chronic)! I can remember going to Howard University in DC for a Recruiting visit and everyone telling me about a guy named Sean Combs(they called him Puffy) that used to go to HU and a guy named Biggie Smalls he brought to Howard Homecoming! Biggie's music he taught the "10 crack commandments" and how you NEVER get high on your own supply! Hense I've never used Drugs! And if you didn't learn anything from that, he shared with you his "Dreams of fuckin and R&B Bitch." And all guys remember that one or had a similar thought.

By this time I had entered my college years and 93' was a classic year for songs! This was the year I learned how to Mix a strong drink of "Gin and Juice" like Snoop Dogg and why it just "Ain't no fun if my homies can't have none! And if that didn't get ya...I was rockin the remix of "Lodi Dodi" cuz I liked to Party! This was also the year of R Kelly and just like Biggie and the "10 Crack Commandments," R Kelly told you about "12 play"...and gave a tutorial of sex for the beginners! I mean how could a young brother not go crazy when you are in the party and "sex me" or "your body's callin" or "Bump N Grind" is playing?? And you know the "Summer Bunnies" were out! So believe me when I saw the Sun Dresses and all, oh yess...some of them "Reminded me of my Jeep"!! UGH...it was to much to resist! And If You didn't have your "Homie, Lover, Friend" you weren't doing to hot! However with all that tension going on...that same year there was an invasion of the WU TANG Clan!! These folks taught me about C.R.E.A.M. and for ya'll that don't know...CASH RULES EVERYTHING AROUND ME! CREAM gets the Money! DOLLA DOLLA BILLS YA'LL! Still Pumps in my head! This was the year that Outkast was tellin us about that "Southernplayalisticcadillacfunkymusic" and made us feel good about being from the south! NAS was "Illmatic"and eventually "Stillmatic" and we learned new dances called the "Humpty Hump" the "Butterfly" and you had to "Ride that train" because "Whoomp or Whoop there it is" whichever you choose kept the party HOT! So in other words, wheter you were "Just Kickin it" with Excape or you letting someone get "Too Close" with Next, be careful because you may feel their nature rise and it's a possibility you will fill a bump on you!

There are tons of songs that has influenced my life and I'm sure I can go on and on but these are only a few of the ones that have stayed in my mind back in the day for whatever reason! It also shows the change in mindset that we have based on the songs that are out! I feel bad for the kids nowadays because I'm sure more folks will be doing interesting things with their "Videofone" and everyone will have a particular interest in "Lollipops." And with that being said i'm sure every lil boy will think "They invented sex!" Yea right!

So folks don't think that these songs are the only ones that has shaped my life, but these are the ones that I could THINK of that details the change in human thinking and how music affects our young lives! I'm sure you have your own songs or verses in songs that shaped what you chose to do or how you did things in life! I mean I remember it being cool for chicks to "Creep" because of TLC and "T-Shirt and Panties on" were the outfits of choice! So in other words don't Judge me! Make a comment on what songs influenced you!

And as always...if you like what I say, Hype it! If you don't, Hate on it...It doesn't really matter, because "It's My World...Ya'll Just Live In It!