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