Last Laugh

I was recently speaking with a friend one day and I said, it is important to tape some of the things that come on television. Not necessarily because anything on television is worth archiving (in fact, quite the contrary is true). But, I believe you should tape some things because one day it’ll be gone and you may never witness it again. For example, one day I set my VCR to tape a late night NY Knick battle with the Los Angeles Lakers. It was a regular season game, nothing special. Then without warning, Magic Johnson holds a press conference that would forever change his life--some even thought it would end it. Needless to say, that was his last game at Madison Square Garden. Hmm.
There was this late night show in New York called Hot Tracks. It was a video show co-hosted by Debbie Morgan (All My Children). Nothing special, but a few months later BET launched a cable network channel that only showed black music videos. I’m not sure how I feel about that. Nevertheless, I still have VCR tapes of Hot Tracks' interviews with Al B. Sure, Cornel Abrams, Sylvester, The Tramps, Heavy D., Gloria Gayner, Elelyn “Champaign” King Hall & Oats and Marvin Gaye.

On Saturday, I heard Richard Pryor died. After a brief, but very emotional pause, I reached into my VCR archive and I found an old Saturday Night Live episode starring Richard Pryor. Pryor was the show’s host and he and Chevy Chase had a skit that YOU WILL NEVER SEE ON TELEVISION AGAIN. Any further description would not do it any justice. I normally don’t throw the word genius around, but that is the only way to describe Mr. Pryor. His book Pryor Convictions is a MUST read. There is not a black comedian alive that don’t have some Richard Pryor influence in him or her. Oddly, Pryor’s most famous writer, Paul Mooney, may be just as talented and equally discredited.

I grew up in a close-knit family, I owe my life to them. I remember sitting in a Bronx basement circled by Mike, Dwayne, and Al listening to Richard Pryor albums (That Nigger’s Crazy, Live on Sunset Strip, Here and Now), all the things that my mom would TOTALLY disapprove of me digesting. Ironically, it was his over-the-top, no holds barred, thirst for reality, unyielding and unapologetic community truths that shaped my contentious presence in this industry today. And, believe me, I AM NO Richard Pryor. I wish I had a tape for all the times people told me that I’m funny. I would send it to the Pryor family, with a note that said. Thanks for being a part of my circle.


1 love,
Ray Lewis

WHEN REALITY HITS THE ROAD

There are so many things going on in the world today that I just wanted to touch base with the masses that are out of touch.

In The White House
Republican and Democrats are in a heated (media) feud about whether the War In Iraq was a good or bad idea. The GOP wants to “stay the course” at all cost, and those Republicans that don’t necessarily feel that way will never openly admit it because the president may cut them out of Bush’s living Will. Democrats want the U.S. troops in Iraq to come back home and that is a simple, can’t miss campaign strategy. After all, losing another election to a Bush family member would be like losing a Spelling Bee to Magic Johnson, Mike Tyson, and Bobby Brown.

Here is the reality: oil is the most precious, treasured and valued commodity in the world. For those keeping score at home coffee (grains) is #2. So, whether you are a Republican or Democrat, if you live in the Super Powered, United States and you don’t control the oil… how long do you think it would take the rest of world to draw the conclusion that you are not really a Super Power? Maybe the rest of the world will start to feel that the USA just has the loudest bark. Hmm. Like it or not, taking over Iraq was necessary to keep the world’s perception of the U.S.

The New South
I recently visited the renovated Atlantic Station in Midtown Atlanta. It is a welcomed alternative to the trendy, overcrowded Buckhead section of the ATL. Atlantic Station is a gumbo mix of all of Atlanta Urban lifestyle (Little Five Points, Lenox, Midtown, with a slight hint of NY’s So-Ho). There is a Fox TV Sports Bar & Grill (ala the ESPN Zone), there is a 16-screen movie theatre with premium seating. There is a host of trendy shopping options, with a neatly planted Washington Mutual Bank seated adjacent to the walking distance plaza. There is a Publix supermarket in the center of the quadrangle everything a young, hip, mover or shaker could ever want.

Here’s the reality: The Lofts in Atlanta Station start at $450k and they are 80% filled and the first model won’t be ready until April 2006. The income range on the application starts at $125,000 and up. If you make less than that, you need to take your broke ass back to Decatur, with the rest of your Honda Civic driving residents.
You need a check for $17,000 to reserve more than a five minute consultation and the funds have to be available or that will be the most expensive conversation you ever have. Unless you are R. Kelly’s attorney. But I digress.

Music
The heartbeat of the soul. The few times I’m trapped in a car and forced to listen to radio (black radio in particular), I want to slit my wrist. I was listening to D4’s Laffy Taffy, which had to be birthed by a child predator. This might be the most ignorant, incompetent, insidious and insane song wax has ever produced. The seemingly innocent (albeit stupid) lyrics is laced with subtle contradictions that most parents will overlook or are too tired to figure out. Yet, your 12-18 is probably sliding on some pole, dancing in clear heels to this beat.

Here’s the reality: If something isn’t done about urban contemporary music, white people won’t have to waste their time, energy or ink thinking of a conspiracy to control the black youth’s mind. What am I saying this is already a reality.

1 Love,
Ray Lewis

Hip Hop History

The New York City streets and entertainment wires are a blaze, with the (all but official) word that Queens Bridge’s NAS is inking a deal that will team him with the Brooklyn’s beast, Jay-Z. Wow!!

From all the not-so published reports, it seems that New York’s lyrical foes have put an end to the stage wars and have teamed-up for a greater purpose. The industry and consumers will truly benefit from this one. This might sound odd, but I enjoyed the lyrical beef between Hov and Esco; just as long as it stayed in the studio -- which thankfully they were able to do.

However, when these two legends of the game battled on the mic it tended to ignite low-level, studio thugs, like: .50, The Game, DMX, Young Geezy and some of today’s GED rap artists to take their matters (whatever those are) to the streets. When that approach is taken, the beef usually escalates into an all-out blood bath or real life wars. Sometimes I wish .50 Cent would just learn to rap or simply shoot himself. Fifty can certainly bank on the fact that they’ll never be an educational statue bearing his resemblance.

The union between NAS and Jay has inspired me to start a war (of sorts). I am going to attempt to do the impossible and list the top ten Hip Hop artists of all time. My criterion is substance; staying power (or shelve life), originality, wit, content, relevance, charm, flow, music, versatility, and of course, execution.

I have excluded groups... and I want to give an honorable mention to Lauryn Hill for a variety of reasons [most of which I could never admit aloud).
Here it goes:

10. Eminem
If he were black from the Brooklyn, you probably would only be scratching your head because his not higher on this list – and he should be. Additionally, just ask anyone on the list below would they dare step in the booth with him – we now know Jay shouldn’t have.

9. Lupe Fiasco
He is the only glimmer of hope if the youth has any incentive to carry the Hip Hop torch. Unfortunately (for him) the clock started ticking while he was in elementary school – now he’s tasked to school the elementary.

8. Chuck D
The Hip Hop version of CNN before it ever was. I’m not sure where I’d be without his vital vinyl lessons.

7. Common
I’m willing to overlook his last frisbee and pray his career is not taking him towards his stage name – and he starts representing what made his name on the stage.

6. Talib Kweli
While he heralds for Cincinnati his inner city blues and incredible IQ swag reminds one of a mix of Miles Davis and Cornel West – and that’s a real treat no matter where you reside.

5. Black Thought
The wordplay King and the official voice of the legendary Hip Hop band The Roots – his name probably says it all.

4. Mos Def
The epitome of culture and his debut LP Black on Both Sides is a lesson in Black History, which is the birthplace of all others.

3. KRS-One
The prince of the projects and probably the most politically astute emcee they'll ever be. The teacher the school system hates to love.


2. NAS
The ultimate compliment is the fact that he reminds you of #1. Nas is the only rap artist to spit a flow backwards and still have you press rewind. His only downfall is there is no competition for him to slay.


1. Rakim
The undisputed King of the mic. If you made a similar list and didn't start here there is a good chance that you have a Kenny G CD in your collection.



1 love,
Ray Lewis

Bennett"s Crashed Course

So, the former U.S. Education Secretary, turned conservative talk radio host, has inconsiderately linked crime with black babies, huh? Hmm. There are so many ironic twists to those sentiments that it is hard to grasp a retort. The first form of irony comes with the fact that Bill Cosby, a black man [for those still wondering] shares those same Bennett sentiments. And, while many black folks were vexed with Cosby‘s comments, the comedic entertainer, turned part-time activist still commands a nice five-figure speaking tab--most of which are done in front of predominantly black audiences. Only in America. The second form of irony is this..., One would think that an Education Secretary would have enough “discipline” to use their platform more discretely. For example, one day I was dancing with a white female co-worker at a CNN Retreat, when I kept my composure long enough to NOT tell her that she smelled like a wet alley cat, rolled in damp loose-leaf paper on a urine-filled New York City backyard street. I, instead, used my platform more wisely. When we finished dancing, I used her to hail a cab going to Harlem. He would never stopped for my Freddie Jackson looking ass, I don’t care how good I looked in my K&G suit. As I digress.

I really did not find Bennett’s comments offensive at all; probably because he really felt that way--and this is America. You know, the home of the free.., which includes speech. What I did find offensive is the fact that no one was willing to openly ask William Bennett why he, and his alley cat smelling colleagues, feel the way the do about black babies or black people in general. Are you ready for more irony? If someone intellectually, challenged Bennett’s thought process, they would probably find that some black people [not just Cosby] feel the same way as Bennett. Then, once all the hated emotions are set off and exchanged; some real conversations could take place. We would be able to actually move the country forward--racially speaking, of course. After all, capitalism would still come with a price tag--usually poverty. We nstead, brushed this issue aside or chalked it up to a drunken stupor with a slow radio delay and everyone goes back to their not-so-neutral, but very prejudice corners of the globe.

Ready for more irony? If I had a national platform and stated that if we killed all of the white babies, we would wipe out corporate crime (Enron, World Com, etc..) would I be wrong? Would you be mad at me? What about if stated that if we killed all the white babies, world peace would no longer be an impossible dream. If we killed all the white babies, women would never have to settle for small penises anymore. Hmm. Just think, no one would ever twist their ankle doing the electric slide. There would be no more 3-point lines in the NBA. Vanilla Ice would only be an option at Baskin & Robbins. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would still be alive and John F. Kennedy would still be dead--remember we are killing all the white babies (even the so-called friends of the black babies). Just think, they’d actually be a Black person on Meet the Press every Sunday morning. Jazz would still be Jazz and Kenny G would be dead. Now come on, even some white people would celebrate that one.

In the end, we are all here, for better or worse. So we should put all of our differences on the table and move the country forward. If not, rent Crash and go back to your neutral corners.

1 love,
Ray Lewis

Katrina The Aftermath

For the first time in quite some time I have been totally lost for words. I have been simply searching for the right terminology to express my very deep feelings about this natural disaster. There is so much hurt, pain and anger to go around that most days I simply sit and listen to Kayne's latest just to escape the madness. For the record, it's bananas!!!

One can spend a great deal of time pointing the proverbial fingers at the local officials, the State Government, or The Federal Government for not being adequately prepared. But, in the end, it is always the people that suffer. Some political pundits are pointing the finger at race, when economics is probably closer to the real truth. After all, many black people hopped in their Escalades, Hummers, and Jeeps headed north and have not returned since--some never will.

Nevertheless, as one's heart tries to find the strength to aid the victims, their families and the overall lives that have been lost in this disaster; you then have the misfortune of reading that a lady, born and raised (and who still resides) in Stone Mountain Ga., who tried to scam the Red Cross out of $1,200--falsely claiming that she too was a victim of the hurricane. I believe Satin has her reservations ready.

You read stories of Bush babbling that: "We never thought the Levees would fail in our lifetime." Honestly, that sounds like something I would've said. But, in my defense, I think I deserve a pass for two reasons:

A) Three weeks ago I had no idea what a Levee was... And,
B) I am not the president.

I did, however, know that New Orleans is a city surrounded by water from Lake Pontchartrain, the Mississippi River, and the nearby Gulf of Mexico. So, at the very least, I would have concluded that a city surrounded by water, built below sea level, with a Category 4 storm (looming); which happens to be named after a woman, reeks of an emergency evacuation. Hell, every 28 days most married men I know evacuate their homes until "that" storm clears.

Man, sometimes I really wish Bush had applied himself and became a devoted UPS Driver. Usually, the UPS Driver delivers good news, like the time they dropped off my Kanye West CD.

1 love,
Ray Lewis

Not Too Common

If you believe (like I do) that music is the heartbeat of the soul, then do yourself a favor---PLEASE get Common’s latest joint, “BE!” Most people didn’t like his last joint Electric Circus—further proving my point that most people are mediocre, at best. But I digress.


I think Common internalized the reviews of his last one and took it rather personally. Well that may underscore why he came out in such a Brian Nichols blaze. Hip Hop fans, this is an instant classic. Stack it near Ready To Die, The Chronic, Black on Both Sides, and prayerfully, any Omar in your collection. Non-hip hop fans, this will make you understand why the rest of us are fans. Kanye West is slowly becoming the Quincy Jones of hip hop; and he put his foot (and elbow) in this one. Timberland, Pete Rock, The Neptunes, Dallas Austin, Dre, Organized Noise, Premiere, Rick Ruben, are second-tier and the gap just became a river. Producers, grab your oars! The title track, Be! is the epitome of an intro. Simple guitar riffs, uncomplicated keyboards, and spit-fire lyrics. This track sets a very realistic tone for what history will prove to be the foundation of a hip hop masterpiece. I don’t know who pissed Common off, but I imagine they are awake now and drafting an apology. Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce you to Kayne West, who slays club dwellers with "Go!" As the weather gets warm outside, the clubs, cars and cribs will sweat to this one throughout the summer. The music is so original and Common’s tone punctuates a solid “radio-friendly” (not necessarily a compliment), hit.
FAITHFUL is A tearful anthem that every rap classic should have [Tupac's "Dear Mama" first comes to mind.] The squeaky background sample detracts from very serious, straight-forward lyrics. John Legend’s chorus at the end more than makes up for that hook factoid and will convert the most unhappy hip hop fan.

Speaking of John (Legend), along with The Last Poets, and Bilal all make a welcomed guest appearances that are truly frosting on a carefully layered cake. Eleven solid tracks of hip hop, soul and deep inspiration that words will never fully describe. Do yourself a favor, start your holiday weekend right, pick this up, as nothing in your changer will have anything in Common.


1 Love,

Ray Lewis

Standing Pat

I have said this before, and as a preface, it is worth repeating. I would rather be homeless in America than a citizen of 75% of the rest of the world’s countries.

Now that we have established that fact, the apathy the U.S. Government, Congress and the Federal Communications Committee has exuded in regard to Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson’s comment [the USA should assassinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez] further underscores the overt racism and blatant double-standards that continue to divide and plague this country. I can recall the time when Sony Music forced Michael Jackson to re-release the History LP when he made what “they” considered anti-Semitic remarks about the Jewish Community. One would have thought that Sony would've listened to the LP before the originally released date. Today, The Jackson/Sony relationship seems to have hit a record (no pun intended) low.


I also remember Jesse Jackson making an off-the-cuff remark about the Jewish Community when he labeled their community Hymie Town. Since then, Jackson's illegitimate child and misplaced marches have further solidified his place in infamy with the non-black community. We black folks, for some mysterious reason, still pledge our allegiance to Mr. Jackson. It is no secret that White Community is still at a gasp every time Minister Louis Farrakhan’s name is uttered -- I believe some of them have pressed their black suits and rehearsed his eulogy in their sleep.

We have not heard a peep out of this easily offended white community in regard to Mr. Robertson in fact Pat Robertson has since denied saying that he wanted the Venezuelan President assassinated. Naturally, when shown his own video-taped clip, he finally apologized. On last Wednesday's edition of The 700 Club, taped in the morning, Robertson said: "I didn't say "assassination.' I said our special forces should, quote, "take him out,” and "take him out' can be a number of things including kidnapping. There are a number of ways to take out a dictator from power besides killing him. I was misinterpreted; but that happens all the time. So what have we learned?

Pat Roberson is not only a two-faced liar, reluctantly apologetic, but he’s also a punk.

But at least he has his health.
And, people wonder why more Christians listen to Kanye West, than so-called religious leaders.

Speaking of West, his new joint “Late Registration” drops next Tuesday, August 30, 2005. I, like Chris Rock, am finding it more and more difficult to defend hip hop music, but Kanye West’s latest makes that defense a tad bit easier. In an arena that has lost its creativity and most of its originality, West brings the heat to a slightly chilled medium. Pick up this month’s very credible Time Magazine article on West and read all about him.

After all it's about Time to stop standing Pat.


1 Love,
Ray Lewis

Reality Bites

Bravo to Bravo-TV for landing their new hit series Being Bobby Brown. So far, the crack headed cast is the highest-rated show in Bravo television history. No small feat when you consider that Being Bobby Brown had to outperform such award-winning series like Celebrity Poker, Queer Eye, Blow Out and 16 nail-biting, chillin' hours of West Wing repeats. Now Whitney can get those illusive drug-dealing receipts she so often mentions.

I was in an Atlanta grocery store when two white women were expressing how bad the Bobby Brown reality series is. They started whispering when they saw me. I guess they thought I was going to tell Bobby that they didn’t like his show. Maybe they thought I was Johnny Gill. White people can be so foolish at times. Actually, my first thought was….., is there such a thing as a good reality series? What were they expecting, The Bodyguard? Waiting To Exhale? Or some of Whitney's other stellar performances? I must admit, I watched Being Bobby Brown; if for no other reason than to thank the good Lord for Being Ray Lewis. Bravo’s ratings would have been even higher had I had a Nielsen Box or paid for cable. It should be noted that I offered BET $100.00 per month if they took BET off of my cable system. My frequent calls to Bob Johnson/ Viacom went unanswered. Bob can be so sensetive when one is not appaulding his Tip Drill Video rotation. What an ass.

For the record, I think reality shows are great for the network executives. After all, they pay an untrained staff a few hundred thousand to “act” like straight idiots (or themselves, which ever is more foolish) and advertisers pay real money to be sponsors. I wish I’d thought of that brilliant scheme. But, not to be out done, I did think of a few reality series that I’d push to some NET Heads.

When a Man loves a Woman, then Becomes One: The Star Jones/ Terry McMillan Story.

Back Street Boys: The Michael Jackson Story

Pimp My Thighs: The Oprah Winfrey Story

Pimp My Ride: The Eddie Long Story

Is He Really Coming Back Here: The Frank Ski Story

Without Beyonce, are we just hoes: The Destiny’s Child Story

Baby Got Back: The Matthew Knowles Story

Is That My Soap: The Lil Kim Story

Where’s my Dictionary: The Magic Johnson Story

Cutting Up: The O.J. Simpson Story



1 Love,
Ray Lewis



Ghetto Proverbs

Black Like This

What does it mean to be black in America?

Wow, the sanguine side of me wants to answer that question with the opportunistic, sky-is-the-limit, financial freedom endorsement that is echoed throughout this 9-11 pep rally. Now then, what can black people grumble about? The richest basketball player in the country, Kevin Garnett, he is black. The richest football player in the country is Michael Vick, he is Black. The richest baseball player is damn-near black, Alex Rodriquez. The most powerful woman in the world, Condoleezza Rice is damn-near black.., wait, is that her hair? Yep, she’s black. One of the richest women in the country is Oprah, she is black. One of the largest entertainment companies in the world, is Time-Warner-AOL-Turner and that chairman, Richard Parsons, is black. Three of top ten grossing persons in the critically-coveted Hollywood A-list are black (Will, Denzel, and Halle). Tinsel Town’s executives would have to reach deep in their accounting ashtrays for the “second tier,” big screen services of Cuba, Whoopi or Morgan too. Man, I already miss you, Ozzie. May you rest in peace. One of the biggest small-screen entertainers in the world is, Bill Cosby, and to his distain, he’s black. The U.N. Secretary, Kofi Anna, is (thankfully) black. For all of their steppin’ & fetchin’ primpin’ ain’t easy, that hoe is mine video; the rap music Mongols Sean & Shawn (Combs & Carter) are both black. Michael Jackson, for now is still black. And, should he go to prison, like trail of the yellow brick road seems to be leading, he’ll find out what many white women uncover---It’s not just a myth. But, I digress.



As you can plainly see, in this capitalist society, African Americans have strongly represented sports, politics (domestic and international), and the world of entertainment. So why am I so damn appalled?



Well, for starters, the mere fact that I can count the number of so-called influential black people (without the aid of the now white-owned Essence magazine) is sad enough. The fact that the Rothschild family and the Rockefeller family members far out-number the members on this “black list” is distressing. Speaking of depressed, does your TV get UPN?

The fact that we celebrate hollow victories like: “Will Jammie Foxx win an Oscar?” is simply miserable. Add the fact that there is not one single black person on this list or in Hollywood that could green light a commercially released film is disgusting. The tears get heavier when you swallow the fact that the only black NBA (majority owner) is Bob Johnson. And, that dumb mother------- thought BET was such a good idea that he sold it to the bastards that own UPN. Condoleezza thought it was such a good idea to take over Iraq that Bush gave her a promotion. I heard that Supreme Court House Negro, Clarence Thomas sent her roses. He’s black too. When Condoleezza’s term is over and she is done playing with her bushes (I have a countdown calendar Xing off the days) she wants to run the NFL—and you see how many happy black owners are in that club. Finally, I don’t care how much money Tiger’s bitch-ass has in the Rockefeller-owned banks, let him try to catch a cab heading to Harlem after dusk.

Taxi.



1 love,

Ray Lewis

Better Days: "The Brian Nichols Story"

The influx of people packing U-Hauls and pointing them to the ATL may have subsided—at least for one weekend. The only winners in this weekend’s free-for-all at the Fulton County shoot-in are the people that are in the process of securing this soon-to-be-released made-for-TV movie deal.

First, and foremost my heart goes out to the slain victim’s family, friends and colleagues. No one, this side of a Shakespearian tragedy should have to end a work day in this manner. Not even Enron exces.

Now that being said, there is plenty of blame to dish out, so let's get started. Can we start with the brain surgeon that let a 50-year-old, over weight female deputy walk a linebacker through the now-fatal halls of justice. I use the word justice very loosely. Allegedly, (well, it is all alleged) the deputy fought with Brian Nichols for five minutes and managed to call for back-up during the melee, to which no one showed up. No one! Clearly, that sounds like a tag team of people that would have the whole southeast region searching for a vehicle that is neatly parked one level below it's original stolen space. Trust me; there are no Nobel Prize recipients on this staff. More on the Keystone Cops in a minute.

This brother (and I use that term loosely too) was on trial for raping a woman that he dated for seven years. Do you smell something fishy? Please excuse the pun. Now, I am no Taye Diggs (although I did own a white dog once); I am no Morris Chestnut, either. I have very little game and I am 20 pounds over my football playing days. That not withstanding, if I dated a woman for seven years, I think I can talk my way into the bloomers without taking ‘em. Let’s face it, I’m no Diggs or Chestnut, but I am no Kobe Bryant either.



For the sake of argument, let’s assume that Mr. Nichols did not rape the woman that he was accused of…., and he subsequently thought that he was getting a “raw deal.” A brother in court getting a raw deal. Hmm, that is not so far fetched. However, I find it really hard to imagine that shooting a judge to death; shooting two deputies (one to death), killing a court reporter, and then carjacking and pistol-whipping an AJC reporter (although he should be slapped just for writing for that toiletry); and killing a U.S. Customs Agent would somehow make his situation better. As it stands now, he may not have raped his former girlfriend, but the only sex that he’ll RECEIVE now—should he live long enough to get it—will be from another linebacker.



A few last thoughts, why would a man accused of rape, go on a four-person killing spree, abduct a non-ugly white women, yet be kind and gentle enough to her to put a towel over her head while he took (what will amount to be his last) unassisted shower? Do you smell that? His well-to-do parents—who I’m sure received CNN in Africa—thought so much of full-fledge manhunt for their son that they would not cut short or cancel their retreat from the Mother Land. At least they called Larry King. Why has no one shot him?

In end a brother searching for justice, instead unleashed death and destruction. I'm not sure how God will feel about this--sadly Nichols may never get a chance to explain this to Him.



1 Love,

Ray Lewis

Jay-Z Or NAS

Typically, this is a discussion designated for those hot air personalities that gauge music authenticity, credibility and overall success of an artist by record sales. This very sad fact further illustrates why most radio booths have no sharp objects (other than the sound scan barcodes.

Further punctuating this painful proof is that fact that Jay-Z’ Reasonable Doubt [released Jan ‘99] and NAS’ Illmatic [released Apr ‘94] are the best pieces of work by either artists’ admittance even though neither was their top-seller.


Now, it doesn’t matter whether you are riding with Marcy’s Man child or Queens Bridge’s Qur’an quotable — both are boiling at the top of their game. Jay says he’s done, but he said that before NAS dropped his last one — which may be his best yet, and the inspiration behind this post.
Should Jigga hold onto his vow and hang up the mic for good, there will be little “doubt” that these feuding foes fight ended in a NAS victory. Of course I thought the battle track “Ether” [released from the highly underrated Stillmatic] sealed that debate. However, some die-hard JZ fans were just unconvinced. NAS’ "double disc Street Disciples" should put another nail in that coffin reasonable doubt.

It is so ironic that both Jay-Z and NAS spent a great deal of time and energy defending ‘Pac and Big — and in some many ways are just like the slain rap icons.



Big had a (well) big street presence that transformed into the business of show (just like Jay-Z).

While 2Pac was destined for showbiz but his music lit up the streets -- just like Esco.

In general, emcee battles are what most Hip Hop fans prefer. It’s a simple choice between poetic genius vs. commercial corniness — and, in my opinion, Jay-Z spent too much of his career trying to justify both.

For the record, I think "The Black Album," along with "Reasonable Doubt" are classics--everything in-between underscores my point. Conversely, NAS spits reverberating lyrics which challenge the spirit, regardless of the target. He attacks the soul and expects the knowledgeable to understand. For the unawake, weak and wack…, well they can simply call their local morning shows.

Advantage NAS

1 Love,
Ray Lewis

The Artest formely Known As

These are some very perplexing times in the USA. For example, when was the last time CNN, NBC, ESPN and the local barbershop had the same lead story? (OJ, perhaps?) Well, this weekend the Indiana Pacer’s puzzling forward, Ron Artest was the headliner on all of the 24-hour news sources. The outcome.. in a word, troubling! Artest, like most professional athletes are simply a microcosm of society—a society whose moral beliefs are obviously spiraling out of control.



On Friday, a Detroit Piston fan threw a beverage in a cup (filled with ice) and hits Artest in the face. Artest was literally lounging, (or as Fat Joe would flow) “leaning back” on the scorer’s table, waiting for the referees to restore order from an on-court melee that happened minutes earlier. That fight was ignited earlier by a technical foul that was called on (you guessed it) Ron Artest. Ron Artest jumped over the scorer’s table and into the stands [followed closely by the low IQ-ed Stephen Jackson] and they both started swinging at the first guilty looking person. That retaliation started a riot and was extremely costly. And, like OJ, has a nation divided among the usual social barriers: race, money, and politics. What perplexing times to live in this US of A.



Artest was suspended without pay for the rest of the 73-game season—a penalty that will cost him several million dollars; (most likely) his team’s chances of winning an NBA title, and a bookmark in NBA infamy. Jackson's "contribution" is not worth mentioning. I hope for Artest it was worth it. That is a hell of a price to pay for a freedom that still does not exist.



For the record, I agreed with the NBA’s commissioner, David Stern’s decision. I don’t agree with much else that Stern does—but this one was clear. NBA Players cannot jump in the stands. That’s in the player's handbook (which Artest will have plenty of time to review) and there are no exceptions. During his "down time," he'll also find out that playing ball is more lucrative that his soon-to-be released CD and if that lesson is not clear this one will be: the name on the front of his jerseys is more important than the name on the back. Was Artest's wrong? Yep. Was the fan wrong? Yep. Was Artest defending himself? Perhaps. The real question you have to ask is: who’s the professional?



David Stern’s not so clear message is: You Niggers make millions off the sweaty earned paychecks of the working-class backs—most of which are white male attendees. You dumb jocks cannot and will not jump in the stands and whip their asses—no matter what they say or do to you. We pay you enough money to refrain from that. So if you rim-spinning, cornrow wearing, jewelry & gun tooting, tattoo having, VIBE Award acting fools don't refrain from attacking our cooperate sponsors we’ll take all the money back and you can go back to your 'hood and keep it real there. I’ll let George Bush take care of the rest of you. Drive home safely.


1 love,
Ray Lewis

I'll Take Popes for 1,000

Contrary to the views shared by some atheists or agnostics , the cloud of white smoke surrounding the Vatican City today did not come out of a peace pipe at a reggae street festival. The white smoke signaled the new reign of Pope Joseph Ratzinger or, as his robe-mate hommies like to call him, Pope Benedict XVI.

If you never thought organized religion was (at the very least) divisive--just think about this bizarre ritual. The Popes-to-be are hidden behind closed doors, sequestered like a Michael Jackson jury, and stripped of all cellphones, beepers, and two-ways. All votes are to be written and placed in a Golden Bowl (of sorts), and the Popes have to disguise their handwriting too. The cellphone strip tease is to make sure that they are relieved of all outside communications. Hmm... One would assume that if you simply asked the Popes not to make any outside communication, that they would honor that request. This is religion, right? Instead, we of the free world chose to Pat down the Pats like they were entering a 50 Cent concert. Secondly, don't Popes have the "ultimate" communication? If they don't have that Heavenly communication, all those people missing days and days of work to analyze smoke signals are not only having smoke blown up in the air.....

Pope Benedict XVI, who looks like a cross between Billy Graham and Chevy Chase, is 78 years-old, so if you could not attend this mornings "inauguration" festivities, you may want to fax your Hail Mary's to him, because Lord only knows when he'll make it to Harlem. Those of you dreaming of a Black Pope must have seen White smoke too... wrapped around a green leaf.

1 love,
Ray Lewis

A Mad Dash

The word on the streets (okay, the NY Post) is that president and CEO of Roc-a-fella Records, Damon Dash, is planning on running for president.... of the United States. Yep, the United States of America. Wow, where do you begin to respond? My first response was, Damon Dash was really not that great of a record label president. Yeah, I know Roc-a-fella grossed a 8 trillion dollars, or some VERY exaggerated figure like that. But, the truth is, Roc-a-fella Records is Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and a bunch of Fat Albert band members. [Although, Beanie Sigel's latest joint is hot].

The street cred, urban-bred Dash, does get the occasional Wall Street blip, as he's dabbled in some movie scores, clothing lines (imagine that?), and energy drinks. However, to most political pundits, he's simply Shawn's boy,with good timing. As usual, the truth probably resides somewhere in the middle. Nevertheless, it is not too uncommon for an admitted drug-dealer or street hustler to become president. Take John F. Kennedy for example. Bootlegging was illegal when the Kennedy's ran their cartel. And, the golden boy, turned First Man was just (get this!) in the right place at the right time. When Kennedy tried to put the Susan B. Anthony silver behind the treasured U.S. (papered) dollar bill, things got hairy and Kennedy's fate was met with the same brutal ending to that of a rap star who pisses on the wrong man. Isn't life funny?

Ironically, I think the president's office only serves one purpose... and that is to instill HOPE; the rest is just politics at it's worst. Remember Jesse Jackson ran with that "Keep Hope Alive" platform, because that is the only thing you can sell to the youth of America... HOPE. It didn't work for the same reason Dash's dash to the front office won't work, but they had the right idea. When you really think about it, the oxymoronic truth is, the White House is not even in the United States, so the laws created and overturned are not applicable to the man who signs the bill. Nevertheless, I admire Dash's Outhouse aspirations because some young kid in the projects, who sees the riches of hustling on the streets, will also look at Damon's run and it'll give him hope that some day he too can become president.... Of what is what makes life in America worth living.
Unfortunately, I have never lived to witness a good president. Sure most of my peeps thought Bill Clinton was a good one. I view Bill as the strongest man in an all-girls prison. He passed the three strikes rule. He sold the .com dream that imploded. He did meet with some counterproductive black caucuses, I'm not sure what ever came out of that, but it instilled hope at the time. Jimmy Carter wasn't bad, at least if he was invited to pay his last respects to the Pope, John Paul II would not have been passed around like a Jamaican joint for 12 days. I actually like Nixon. He was clever for a Republican and honest (as much as that chair will allow one to be).

Should Dash actually run, I hope that he lives long enough to lose.

1 love,

Ray Lewis