The Air Up Here, Vol. IV - Can't Stay Away Edition

Right after the Florida Classic last year I took a little diversion up to Norfolk, VA on my way back to ‘Sip. In the Norfolk Airport I saw one of the most touching sites I had witnessed in some time. [Side Note: For the readers of the Madd Issues Edition the Norfolk Airport is one of those airports where you can enact the roses scenario, just in case you are getting some love in the Tidewater/Hampton Roads area]. Anyway, I saw a little girl of no more than four, break away from her parents and run down the corridor to be swept up into the arms of her awaiting grandfather. While observing this site, that piece of ice better known as my heart started to melt a little bit, as I reminisced on how I used to jump into my grandfather’s arms as a child. In that moment I told myself that if I ever write another newsletter it will be filled with nothing but positive stories . . . the triumph of the human condition over adversity and related inspirational episodes. However, if you think that is what you are about to read, I’m sorry cause I do not do happy. If you want happy shoot me an email and I can put you on the list for Ebony, who does some amazing motivational articles; and Ana, who writes interesting observations about everyday life. I, on the other hand, only can write about what moves me at the time, which is why my writing is sometimes sporadic and oftentimes overly personal.

My life right now can be summed up by that quote from a Dickens novel, “It was the best of times and the worst of times.” During the past year I have moved to a new city and changed career interest. New relationships have been forged and unfortunately some old relationships have been decimated. Yet, that is the essence of life and who am I to argue with it. Life is ever-changing, always in motion. Time always unrelenting, waiting on no one. Now that you know from where I’m coming, let’s get it started. By the way, the standard caveat applies: read this during your lunch break or print it out and take it with you. I’ve been gone a long time; I have plenty to get off of my chest.


1. WHO STOLE MY JELL-O PUDDING POPS? Obviously someone took something from him, because Bill Cosby has been on the rampage lately. He has offered scathing commentary on the state of the black community almost anytime someone sticks a mike in his face. My grievance with Mr. Cosby is not necessarily over what he said, how he said it, or the fact that he made his statements in mixed company. It is patently apparent that much of what he said needed to be stated. My objection is that by failing to acknowledge his own role in promulgating some of the ignorance he claims to abhor; he comes off sounding dare I say, hypocritical. As someone who has a tendency to contradict himself even within the same newsletter, I have been accused of engaging in the same behavior. However, when called on such behavior I would like to say that I’m quick to concede my faults and flaws (you can be the judge on that). Too many black leaders have the lofty and admirable goal of saving the community, but they also like to pretend that they walk on water. This has a propensity to alienate the very audience for which they feign affection. Let’s be real, as groundbreaking as The Cosby Show was, it is not like Fat Albert was high art. As much as I loved Fat Albert as a child, in retrospect it reinforced many of the negative stereotypes held about black youth in society (Mushmouth and Dumb Donald, anyone?). I fully salute Mr. Cosby when he stated that some blacks use blaming the white man like an analgesic. He was right in his assessment that blacks need to do anything and everything we can for ourselves to improve our condition. However, he cannot deny the effects that slavery and institutional racism have had on our culture. Glossing over the fact that people were bought and sold, family bonds irrevocably broken, and opportunities for educational and professional advancement denied is equally as egregious as the activities he despises. Come on, Bill, holla if you hear me. And really, Bill, what’s up with the sunglasses indoors? Furthermore some of his statements, to steal a phrase from that guy occupying the White House, provide “aid and comfort” for the opponents of affirmative action, public schools, and any other social program that you can imagine. [I promise in a future newsletter, I will weave together the public school and social aspect]. These people are like, “Well, even Bill Cosby agrees with us. We can cut funding for programs at will.” To illustrate, being here in overly politicized D.C., I get my fill of bullsh*t from the Left and the Right. I was talking with a guy the other day that said that he never bought into the line that racism was still alive and well. He was always like, “Oh, they (people of color) need to stop complaining, get off of their behinds, and study and work harder.” He believed this until he married a Hispanic woman with a pronounced accent and witnessed her get discriminated against when she applied for a job. Just in case you are wondering if she was qualified, his wife has a master’s degree, a grip of certificates, and a Ph.D. My final gripe with Mr. Cosby’s comments is that he almost exclusively singled-out low-income individuals as the basis of his diatribe. I know many middle-class blacks and whites for that matter that fall into the “they spinning, n*gga; they spinning, n*gga; they spinning” category. The unfortunate fact is that black people seem to thrive off consumerism at all levels (peep the statistics if you think, I’m lying). Why does this occur? Because everyone believes that someday they are going to be SUPER-RICH, so why not just buy the things they want now. Contrary to the "Horatio Alger" myth that the media and politicians love to drum into the public psyche about the American Dream, the fact remains that if you are born poor in this country you are likely to stay there. If you are born rich in this country you are likely to remain there. A recent study stratifying income levels in quintiles (five 20 percent groups) from the poorest to the wealthiest revealed the following results:

a. Of those born into the poorest quintile 42 percent stayed in that quintile, 24 percent moved into the next quintile and only 7 percent ended up in the top-tier.

b. 40 percent of those born into the top quintile remained there, while only 6 percent ended up in bottom fifth.

c. Economic mobility is lower in the United States than in the Scandinavian countries, Germany and Canada.

Now please do not think I am saying if you were dealt a bad lot in life to just say “the hell with it” and give up. No, no, no, this is not the case. I am just letting you know that it is slightly disingenuous to single-out individuals for being underprivileged like they chose to be in that condition and would not escape if they could. Many lower-income individuals work two or more jobs to make ends meet; yet, because of their poverty they end up paying more for some things like housing (on a percentage basis) than you or I. For the skeptics out there, I urge you to read the book Nickel and Dimed – On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich. This journalist goes undercover moving from Florida to Maine to Minnesota taking jobs as a waitress, hotel maid, house cleaner, nursing home aide, and Wal-Mart salesperson. Her experiences trying to eke out even the most basic subsistence are eye-opening. Not that I need to remind you all, but be nicer to the service people next time you are out shopping. Coming back from that tangent, while I applaud Mr. Cosby on opening the debate and bringing issues that must be addressed by the black community to the forefront; my question is at what cost?

2. THESE TWO WORDS. Someone called me a while back and the conversation just annoyed me. At first I didn’t realize why . . . Let me think:

a. Could it be the fact that she was just too chipper?
b. Could it be that she was rambling on about things that were utterly unimportant?

All I know is that the happier she became in the conversation, the more discontented I became. She was acting like everything was all-good between us without acknowledging or apologizing for the fact that she had caused me considerable pain. It was just like, “Hey, I’m back. Be glad that I have decided to fall back into your miserable little life to cause havoc, raze your happiness, and leave a trail of destruction in my wake. No, I’m not going to say I’m sorry and I’m even going to casually drop into the conversation that I have a boyfriend just to needle you.” I may miss a great number of non-verbal clues, as demonstrated in The Love Edition, but I pay keen attention to what people say and how they say it. I finally realized that it wasn’t what she was saying that was galling. It was her complete lack of remorse; her inability to accept responsibility and apologize that had me hotter than fresh asphalt in August. After the conversation, I thought why can some people just not form their lips to say the words, “I’m sorry.” Now I know that guys rarely say the words, “I’m sorry” to one another, but we have our own Neanderthal code that usually plays out in one of the following situations:

a. “Yo, man, let me buy you a beer.”
b. “Yo, man, let’s go play some ball.”
c. “Yo, man, you wanna go watch the game?”

Sometime in the course of each of the previous scenarios this scene will play out:

Guy #1: Yo, man, I’m . . . well . . . you know?”
Guy #2: Yeah, man, I know.”

And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, is the end of it. Apology and acceptance – the reason why guys get along so well, unless the cause of their rift involved a female. The more I thought about that conversation with her, I realized that there were people that I have wronged over the years to whom I have not issued an apology. Thus, to show everyone how simple it can be, here is My Public Apology. First up is my ex-girlfriend. She treated me unkind back in the day, and for a period of almost four years after that I flipped her off (and I have very long fingers) every time I encountered her. At some point in 1999, we became pretty tight to the point where I consider her a friend. Yet, from time to time when we might have a disagreement, I’d dredge up all the stuff from the past (I’m talking circa 1995) and throw it in her face, which was not fair or right. For that, I apologize. Second, to a woman that I met at a party during my last semester at school. I got your number and I didn’t call. (Actually there are quite a few people I could apologize to for this situation. Getting the number just seems like the right way to end a conversation.) Not calling had nothing to with you. It had everything to do with the fact that I had made a complete jackass out of myself (just like I’m sure I’m doing now) and was beyond embarrassed to face you. I know, not exactly my finest moment. For what it is worth, I offer a very sincere apology. Finally, to my friend in the NYC, you know who you are. I can without a doubt say that meeting you was the third best thing that happened to me in 2002, behind two personal events that we have discussed. All I can say is that it was not supposed to have ended the way that it did. Somehow the script got flipped and we ended up with “edited for television” version instead of the “director’s cut.” Meaning there was so much that I wanted and started to say, but never did. Okay, maybe that was a bad analogy. Anyway, the camera incident in Atlanta (get your minds out of the gutter people, it’s not that nefarious) coupled with not keeping in touch are two mistakes that I actually still regret. For that and so much more, I apologize. See, people, it wasn’t that hard. You just open up and admit that you were wrong. It is good for the soul, cathartic even. I feel downright refreshed. Now watch as I proceed to do some more dumb stuff I’ll have to apologize for later.

3. LET ME RIDE THAT DONKEY. For those of you that missed the Democratic National Convention, (and why shouldn’t you have, considering that the networks severely limited their coverage to a few hours) missed some of the best oratory that I have heard in some time. Some of the speakers were clearly off their game. Both Howard Dean and Ted Kennedy seemed handcuffed by the DNC’s policy to keep the speeches from being too fiery. Even John Edwards wasn’t up to his usual standard, although he was reported as feeling under the weather. Conversely, some speakers definitely rose to the occasion. John Kerry managed to channel the 1970s version of himself and gave a solid performance. Al Sharpton, although lacking a little in substance, fired up the crowd with some memorable one-liners in response to Bush’s question a week early to the National Urban League concerning the lack of black support for the Republican Party. Bill Clinton was, of course, Bill Clinton. Nothing more to say, you know how he gets down. The shocker to most, but not to political junkies or the people of Chicago, was the Keynote Address given by Barack Obama. He managed to out-Clinton, Clinton. He looked straight into that camera and for fifteen minutes had the crowd mesmerized with that “I feel your pain” style. The remarkable thing was not that his speech stirred the emotions, which it did, but that the substance of the speech was unassailable. I browsed many of the Republican websites the next morning and the worst thing they could say was that “on many issues he sounded like a Republican.” Yeah, right. The speech contained no pandering to special interest (Big Oil, Big Pharma, etc.) and it contained none of the blatant code words (state’s rights, pro-business, frivolous lawsuits, reverse racism) that many on the Right pepper their rhetoric with to signal support for one group of voters over another. It was literally the speech that we would want all of our politicians to give; but Barack Obama didn’t just give it, he owned it. He played the crowd like a funky piano. He was the conductor, the crowd his symphony and the speech his music. He started off slowly building the drama, then with the crescendo brought the house down. I know you’re thinking why am I not quoting from the speech and this is because I want you to experience it for yourself if you missed it. You can go to http://www.dems2004.org/, click on “video” then “Tuesday” and finally “State Senator Barack Obama.” For those, not running broadband connections I can email the speech as an MP3 file to you if you have the INBOX space. Oh, and trust that I will be back soon with comments on Alan Keyes jumping into the Senate race in Illinois to challenge Mr. Obama.

4. DREAM DEFERRED. Langston Hughes asked the question, “What happens to a dream deferred?” I ask the question, “What happens when a dream dies?” She was only 19 when I met her, had that fresh look in her eyes. A diamond in the rough, a real hidden jewel. I started checking for her everyday while hanging around school. I figured I’d swoop in real quick and scoop her up before the rest of the fools on campus got wise. Before you chastise me for pulling an R. Kelly, keep in mind that I was only 21 at the time. For the better part of five years off and on, I pursued her. Dating people here and there (after all I am the serial dater), but always thinking, “Maybe . . . .” She moved away a few weeks ago and that dream of mine has progressed from deferred to deceased. She always said that we were/are friends. In retrospect, I question if we ever were. Not questioning in that petty way because the relationship never blossomed, but because our “friendship” was always defined on her terms. In our final conversation she got upset saying that I was speaking to her like I was never going to see her again, like I was saying farewell to her and ending the friendship. Once again, I question the feigned outrage, because I talked to her and spent more time with her in the few months that I’ve been up here than in the two years prior. Although she may optimistically say otherwise, I know that this is the end and that is not necessarily a bad thing. There’s an expression that goes “some people come into your life only for a certain amount of time, fulfill their purpose and then move on.” Maybe for us that time has come. I will miss her. I will miss her dearly. I will miss her smile, her freckles, her sarcastic sense of humor; but as is usually the case with me, I will miss something else much more than her person. I will miss the moments that had yet to occur. Things like sitting with her on my porch back in Mississippi watching our grandkids run around in the yard, witnessing the birth of our first child, gathering with family and friends on our wedding day, and most of all I will miss the look on her face when she finally realized that she did love me, let go and just fell. It’s crazy, right? The stuff that runs through my mind, I mean. I don’t mourn for the individual, I never do. I mourn for the shattered dream. That is why I lament. That is the only reason why I cry. Damn. It’s funny because I know that she is going through none of these emotions right now. To her, I’m just that country boy that used to leave notes on her car. But I know that one day she will experience some of what I’m going through. And as wrong as I know it is to say this, I cannot help but think to myself, “See you when you get divorced.”


MUSIC REVIEWS

1. Quality by Talib Kweli. If you are going to name your album Quality you better be sure you can back it up. This album finds his production value finally matching the quality of his lyrics. Be sure to pick up his new album, The Beautiful Struggle, when it comes out later this year.

2. RBG by Dead Prez. If this were their first album I would be probably be singing their praises stating that this was a solid effort. However, after 2000’s groundbreaking Let’s Get Free, I must say that I was a little disappointed by this album. While it is still better than 90 percent of the stuff that you will hear on your average Clear Channel station, I was expecting more. While there are some memorable songs on the album, like “Walk Like a Warrior” and “D.O.W.N.,” it seems that in an effort to gain commercial appeal they lost the fuel that brought fire to their lyrics. Instead of his usual “how many leopards . . .” comment I can hear my friend Jamal saying “How many remixes of ‘Hell Yeah’ can you have on one album?” Dead Prez is constantly talking about pimpin’ the system, however on too many songs on this album it seems like they are pimpin’ themselves.

3. Van Hunt by Van Hunt. This guy’s colorful background lends to equally colorful music. His music is genre-bending and not easily categorized. He drifts from rock to Memphis-style blues to alternative to straight R&B. His first single is “Dust” which is currently getting heavy rotation on VH1 Soul. I like every song on the album except for the last one, with my favorites being “Down Here in Hell (With You)” and “What Can I Say.”

4. Songs About Jane by Maroon 5. Forgive me for sinking into the realm of stereotypes here (I told you I contradict myself sometimes, but at least I admit it) but to steal a line from the person that gave me this CD, “It should be illegal for white boys to jam this hard.” Their guitar-driven songs will have you nodding your head as much as some of the hottest hip-hop tracks. I dare you to put on “Harder to Breathe” and attempt to sit still. After keeping you amped-up for most of the album, they switch up speeds with the tear-jerking by still rockin’ “Sweetest Goodbye.” Go pick this album up today.


As I wrap this up, there are a few more things that need to be said. Jina, I’m sorry because this edition definitely falls into the “horrifically long” category, but it’s shorter than the last one. Marcus, I know I was on some of that “personal” stuff that you hate this time. I tried to throw in some political issues for you. For the long-time readers the “Shout Outs” and “Life Goes On” sections will be back next time.

Believe it or not this newsletter was never supposed to have come out. Around October of last year, I had written my goodbye edition. However the longer it took me to put it out, the more I was just going to fade into the sunset. I want to thank all of the people that would not allow me to go out in that manner. Thanks for believing that I have something significant to say. Because of you all, I can’t stay away.

--AIR © 2004

The Air Up Here, Vol. III - "The Big Lie" Edition

To the millions and millions of my adoring fans,

Okay, so it's been a while since I laced you that commentary that you've been clamoring for. However, if you noticed in the last edition I said it wouldn't take me four months to put it out. It took six and I apologize. However, your boy has been through a lot personal and professional turmoil and when you couple this with my writing process it forms the perfect storm for that dreaded "P" word: procrastination.

Every year I like to change up the column to keep it fresh for me, and hopefully not bore you all with my 5000 word essays, masquerading as friendly emails. This year, since it seems like August is the beginning of my writing year, I'm going to do a series of articles focusing on topics that no one tells the truth about: Race, Business, and Politics. Remember what Dave Chapelle said about politics, "[Everyone] knows who they are voting for but they won't tell you." They'll tell you things like, "I had a three-way with my wife last night", but if the conversation turns to whom they are voting for "Hey, that's personal." The same thing happens with race matters. Oh, amongst our own ethnic groups or amongst a group that we feel some kinship with, such as blacks and Latinos, you would be surprised by the bluntness of the conversations. However, in mixed company everyone does the "PC" thing and I'm not talking about those black boxes made by Dell. Now don't get me wrong, if being PC prevents you from acting like a jackass, then by all means keep it up. Everyone knows there are far too many jackasses running around out there under the guise of "keeping it real." What I'm saying is that at some point meaningful discussions on difficult topics must be had. Since most individuals are too scared to start the conversation for fear of being a lightening rod for controversy, I'll do it. After all, you all know I never miss an opportunity to get my shine on even it comes back to bite me in the end.

By now you know the drill, you probably will want to print this out or read a little bit at a time throughout the day because it is quite extensive. What would you expect? I have been gone for six months :-)

1. WE'VE BEEN HAD. One of my favorite songs is by the Seattle/NYC-based rock band, The Walkmen. Their song "We've Been Had" is the theme music for a Saturn car commercial (how is that for irony?). But I'm not here to reprimand the auto industry; I'll do that at another date. No, I'm here to tell you, my loyal readers and the rest of the American public that you have been had. You have been played for fools. You have been made out to be patsies. You have been bamboozled, run amuck, and led astray (still a shame that Denzel didn't win an Oscar for Malcolm X). The news media, your elected officials, your government and yes even that guy occupying The Oval Office think that you are “booty”, not that pirate stuff either. That's right, straight derrière I said. Why? Because they keep pulling the wool over your eyes and the majority of the public not only takes it, but also willingly castigates anyone that has a dissenting viewpoint. You know where I'm going with this: the war on Iraq.

Now before you flag waving, Bill O'Reilly watching, Ann Coulter book buying, gun-rack-in-the-pickup having, Ronald Reagan worshipping neo-cons try to question my patriotism; let it be known that I have no love for the "Butcher from Baghdad." He's gone, kind-of sort-of, and that's most definitely a good thing; but the question remains: WTF are we really doing in Iraq? It's amazing how the bar continues to get moved as for our reasons for going to war. For those of you all not keeping up with the changing stories let me recap. First, it was because of Iraq's connection to terrorism. You know how Saddam and bin Laden just love to sit on the beach, sip a few mai tais, and plot against the Americans; but that connection didn't quite pan out. Then it was because they had nuclear weapons. The government even trotted out trusty ole Colin Powell in front the UN with that one, but that story has also fallen by the wayside. Then the story was conventional WMDs, but that too is looking a little suspect. Then it was weapons programs. I have no doubt that programs will be found, but let's examine that a little closer. I have a stellar workout program, but it doesn't mean I'm utilizing it. Anyone that's seen me lately can attest to the fact that six-pack abs and massive muscles are not rippling all over my body. Don't get it twisted, I'm still sexy as ever, but I digress. Now I think the official story is that we liberated the country from some really, really, really, really, really, bad guys . . . Oh, and they were mean too.

All I'm saying is that if you are going to lie to me (and regardless of how this turns out, lies were told) then do it the right way. Do it with some confidence. Do it like Bill Clinton, when he got on national television and waved his finger and said, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman." Do it like those females that I have dated: lie with a straight face, a soothing voice, and oftentimes a kiss on the lips. Did this administration learn nothing from that early 20th Century dictator, who like that character from the Harry Potter books name will not be spoken in this column? If you are going to lie then do it big. Thus, where the phrase "The Big Lie" comes into play.Another thing that disturbs me about the Iraq situation is the new standard of preemptive intervention. It smacks just a little of schoolyard bully to me. What if we all applied this anti-"Golden Rule" principle to our lives; can you imagine what might happen? For example, based upon this new doctrine I am now serving notice to all that I feel empowered to deliver my own brand of street justice. Anyone who gives me the evil eye will be subject to the "one-hitter quitter." For those of you unfamiliar with the vernacular, that means knocked the "F" out. I mean it. If I think you're plottin', I'm a coming a knockin'. Okay, I am being facetious in my comments there, but think about the real world possibilities if all nations adopted this doctrine. There have been many reports that both Pakistan and India (who it seems since the dawn of time have been embroiled in dispute over the Kashmir region) are thinking about using this principle as justification for preemptive strikes on one another. Hey, if it's good enough for the U.S. then it's got to be okay, right? If I'm wrong about the things I've mentioned here I will come back and write a public apology to any that I may have offended, but don't count on it.

[A Quick Note: I can say almost to a certainty that Iraq had (past tense) WMDs, but that's partially because the U.S. gave them some of the weapons. For the over-25 crowd reading this, we can all remember in the early 80s when Iraq was our friend and Iran was our enemy. During this time both the U.S. and Saudi Arabia supported Iraq in an effort to depose the fundamentalist government of Iran.]

2. WHAT IS FAIR? I've been wrestling with myself for about the past year about writing on race issues as they pertain to the justice system, higher education, and interpersonal relationships; but something always held me back. I know I did that piece on the reporter that wanted to close HBCUs, the review of Pat Buchanan's book, and few other short pieces; but the majority of those pieces just hit around the real issues. The reason I held back is because, believe it or not, I try not to offend. However too many recent events have happened that shed light on the polarization of our society. Without any real discussion this polarization can only lead to more misunderstandings and violence. So I’ve stopped wrestling with myself and decided to discuss it. I'll address the Supreme Court's affirmative decision, the Kobe case, and some other shocking events I have uncovered during my research at a later date. But right now, I want to discuss an event that even almost nine years later still serves as a classic case study in race relations.The OJ case for good or bad was one of those seminal moments in American history that brought to light racial issues that everyone had been trying to pretend didn’t exist but had existed all along. Everyone wanted to pretend that race problem had been solved, that everyone saw people as people, etc. but even in the 1990s, the bottom line was that the race problem wasn’t even close to being solved. I have never seen white people more angry or black people more delighted. The question that we all must once again ask is, why? White people, what were you so upset about? Say what you want, but this is YOUR court system. A system brought over from England and tweaked in that most unique manner to make it “all-American”: tip the scales of justice in favor of the rich, the powerful, and dare I say it, the “white”. I only throw that last item in the list, because no one that looked like me had any hand in its creation. Don’t get mad; you know I’m right. Next, black people, what the hell were we so delighted about? OJ, a man whom by all accounts did as much as possible to distance himself from the black community, was found “not guilty.”

I can remember just coming back from lunch and heading to Mr. Grabowski's class. (How does Grabowski always seem to make his way into my commentary? You all are going to think he was some kind of guru the way my stories always revolve around his class.) Anyway, the verdict was announced and many of the black children were running up and down the halls yipping like banshees, while the white kids were breaking their knuckles punching lockers. To my Caucasian readership once again I ask, “Why the anger?” The man went to court. He was tried, albeit by a somewhat inept prosecution team, but tried nonetheless. Finally, he was found not guilty. The fact that he had the best legal team money could buy helped, but is not that the American way? I hear you talking now:

"But the evidence showed . . ."
"The jury was biased . . ."
"They weren't smart enough to discern the facts . . ."
"It's just not fair . . ."

You better find Justin Timberlake and cry him a river cause it doesn't matter. I'll spit a few cases right off the top of my head that were unfair: Emmitt Till, the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing (commonly referred to as the "four little girls" case), Medgar Evers, and Dred Scott. I'm from Mississippi so if you want me to I could continue this list until the cows come home. Do you think that those cases were tried in front of impartial juries? I'm sure that Dred Scott looked up at those Supreme Court justices and thought something along the lines of Samuel L. Jackson's character in A Time To Kill, "Does this look like a jury [bench] of my peers?" And while these cases set the historical background, only window dressing changes have been made to the justice system. You want me to continue? I will bring you through the 70s, 80’s, 90’s, and right up to March of this year.

Example #1: Clifford Glover. He was a 10-year old boy from Queens that was shot in the head by a cop, after he had inquired if the officer was at his complex to lock someone up. The officer walked. (1973)

Example # 2: Michael Stewart. He was arrested for scribbling graffiti on a subway car. Thirty-two minutes after his arrest he was admitted to Bellevue Hospital with severe injuries all over his body and would die two weeks later of a “spinal cord injury in the upper neck.” Three cops were indicted, but none were convicted. (1983)

Example #3: Rodney King. I don’t even have to recap this story. His beating was captured on videotape and the cops got off. This event sparked the L.A. Riots. (1991/1992)

Example #4: Amaduo Diallo. The police fired 41 shots. I repeat, they fired 41 shots at this man while he was reaching for his brown wallet to show them some ID outside of his own apartment building. Do I even have to say again that the cops got off in this case? A lawyer for one of the officers said that Diallo’s neighborhood, Soundview, “[was] one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in New York City” and this was one of the reasons that could have led to the cops feeling threatened when Diallo reached for his wallet. Well, as some of you all know, when I lived in New York City I worked in the Bronx. I was in Soundview almost every week (holla at those cats at the Soundview Clinic, they know me). Although it’s not the best neighborhood, it is definitely not Beirut. I walked around without apprehension. And before you go saying, “Well, you’re black;” I ask you, “Do I really exude any aura of “street-cred?” Hello, I grew up in the ‘burbs. My people from New York correct me if I’m wrong, but when I worked Uptown, there was a mural on St. Nicolas Avenue or Amsterdam Avenue that had the faces of the cops from the Diallo case. The inscription above their pictures read something along the lines of “Innocent in their courts, but guilty in ours.” Although one can effectively argue that there are two sets of courts, “ours” unfortunately is not the one that counts. The Diallo case occurred in 1999 and the Justice Department in 2001 decided not to file federal charges against the officers.

Example #5: Marquise Hudspeth. On March 15, 2003 in Shreveport, LA police officers shot the 25-year old, Hudspeth, 8 times in the back as he was walking away. Let me repeat that in case it didn’t fully sink in the first time. Shot 8 times IN THE BACK, as he was WALKING AWAY. They claimed that they thought he was brandishing a weapon. This “lethal weapon” in question turned out to be a cell-phone. I thought the only way cell phones could get you killed was through brain-cancer, obviously I was wrong. After examining the videotape, (yes, like Rodney King, this too was captured on video) the police review board and District Attorney ruled that the shooting was justified and the cops were cleared of any wrongdoing. And yet you all want to know what black people are mad about all of the time. If you want to take a look and decide for yourself the police video for this shooting is provide on BET.com. Just follow this link: http://www.bet.com/articles/0,,c1gb6832-7635,00.html#. I must warn you that this is very graphic and disturbing material.

So my Caucasian brethren, did you break a knuckle or two punching the wall over those cases? Did you question the integrity of the justice system? Did you go on television and cry in Geraldo Rivera’s lap about the “race card?” I’d be willing to bet the answer in “No.” That is if you were even aware of the verdicts and the injustices that continue even in this day and age. However, for all of the white people who have asked me over the years, "Do black people really think that OJ is innocent?" I'm going to answer like this: A third if not higher think he did it. A third thinks he's innocent. The final third, and this is where many of the people I talk to fall, is still just amazed that a black man being accused of such a crime was found not guilty, even if it is OJ. They thought that innocent or guilty, he would rot in jail because that is what past and recent history teaches. Many within this third group were happy, that’s right, H-A-P-P-Y, when OJ was acquitted. Why, you ask? Because the frustration and injustice that whites felt and still feel over that case is what black people experience almost daily. Although it is painfully obvious that it has not helped much, many black people thought, “Well, maybe now that you’ve walked in our shoes for a few minutes real change will occur.” Sadly, as example #5 makes plain, nothing has changed.

All right, I'm sure that at least five or six of you all will not be speaking to me for the next few months, but it’s okay; I’ll holla at you during Christmas. With that said, let us move on to some lighter stuff.

MUSIC REVIEWS
Yes it's time for my music reviews, because you know you can't trust what those mainstream publications tell you about CDs. If you listened to them all of you would still be bumping Jay Z's last CD. I do not care what you say, his last one was certainly not a "Gift" and it made me want to "Curse;" but I’m drifting off on a tangent so let's get on with it.

1. The Colored Section by Donnie. "Criminally slept on" is a phrase that my brother and I like to toss around when discussing music. Basically it means that an artist's work is so great that it literally should be a crime that the label isn't pushing his or her work more and that general public isn't buying the album in droves. Donnie's album has been "criminally slept on." This Atlanta native is the cousin of the late Marvin Gaye, however on this album one might think he is channeling Stevie Wonder during his Original Musiquarium phase. Donnie doesn't sound like Stevie, but the style and subject matter of his songs is very reminiscent. The beats are experimental and unorthodox, but the messages are clear and powerful. After the intro, the first song "Beautiful Me" takes on the idea of what is beautiful as defined by American society. In what is one of the most powerful lines on the album he challenges the listener to take control of their on identity and not allow anyone to put a label on them. He states, "I'm not a n*gger / I'm a Negro / When I become a n*gger / I'll let you know." The song "People Person" deals with the dichotomous and sometimes hypocritical nature within all of us. In describing this drug dealer he says, "He'll slang [drugs] your way, [everyday] but the Sabbath Day." In going on to describe this very spiritual woman he states, "Get a drink in her hand and she'll curse you like a sailor man." My favorite song on the album is "Big Black Buck." This song borders on genius in its presentation. It starts off with circus music and the barker calling people to come and see the show. "The show", unfortunately, is life in the black community and how we keep ourselves subjugated with hyper-consumerism. He states "Mama's little baby is nothing but a consumer / Never making a profit, rendering empty pockets / Mama's little baby is trendy on the rumor / . . . making dough for the man / Whipping that big black buck again." The way he weaves modern spending with the old plantation system and its modern incarnation, known as Corporate America, is seamless. This is why the circus music provides the perfect backdrop for the song. Given the recent shenanigans of companies like Enron and WorldCom, it is a masterful comparison. Furthermore, the old circus used to have the "Freak Show" in which they would parade people onstage for the audience to gawk at and ridicule. This parallels the auction block used by slave traders in the early development of the nation. As I stated before, the song borders on genius in its intricacies and subtleties. After “Big Black Buck”, the album turns to the subject of love. "Turn Around" deals with the classic scenario: Boy and girl are friends. Boy likes girl. Girl likes other boy. Other boy is not feeling girl. If girl would just turn around she would see that all the love she needed was right behind her all of the time with original boy. "Rocketship" is my favorite of the love songs. It deals with trying to keep the love alive in a long distance relationship. Given that I've gotten on my share of planes and taken a few road trips trying to do the “L.D.” thing, I can relate. I like the chorus that goes, "I'm living to see your smile / Loving you from over 3000 miles away / And if you were on Saturn / I'd take a rocketship just to see you baby / You're the one." What can I say? It brings back memories. Anyway, quit being one of those drowsy people sleeping on this album and cop it today. It can be had for $8.99 (at least the last time I checked) at your local Best Buy, Circuit City or Target.

2. God's Son by Nas. I think that rap music has gone down the toilet. Get me an industrial-sized Kohler, toss the CDs in, and flush please. However, once or twice a year an album will come out that makes me remember why I fell in love with hip-hop in the first place and what a powerful medium that it can be (Oh my, I 'm sounding like one of those bad movie trailers for Brown Sugar). Most of you know the story with Nas, but in just in case you’ve been hanging out on Alpha Centauri, I’ll do a quick recap. After Jay-Z's "The Takeover" off of the original Blueprint (which by the way, was actually a great album) and his "Super Ugly" song on the mix-tape circuit that described Jay’s Herculean nocturnal activities with Nas' baby's mama, many people thought that Nas' career in rap was a wrap. Finished. Done. Someone find John Donne and have him tell Nas that “the bell tolls for thee." Nas took that public embarrassment and put out the very good album, Stillmatic, featuring his reply to Jay-Z called "Ether." That song ranks up there with Tupac's "Hit 'Em Up", which I still feel is the hardest “dis” song of all-time. A few months after dropping Stillmatic his mother passed away and it's been reported that he didn't want to finish this album. Well, it's a good thing for us that he did, because God's Son raises the bar over his previous work. This album finds him wiser, more focused, and introspective. On "The Cross" he debases the jiggy (did I just use that word), bling-bling culture of hip-hop that even he fell victim to on a couple of albums (Can you say “Oochie Wally?). He states, "I don't need much, but a Dutch / A [chick] to f*ck / A six, a truck / Some guns to bust / I wish it was that simple." Although it is pretty much agreed in the hip hop community that Nas got the better of Jay-Z in the lyrical battle, he takes one more jab at him on "The Last Real N*gga Alive." This song is a hip-hop history lesson chronicling the rise of Bad Boy Entertainment, the Wu Tang Clan, and the truth behind the controversy surrounding the "Hate Me Now" video. "I Can" is the song with kids singing the hook about self-esteem and learning. This is a good thing, but please do not take all the words to be fact. He did mesh a couple of historical events together that did not exist contemporaneously. However the message is positive and I love that. "Dance" is a song that finds him mourning for the mother he lost to cancer. Depending on which version of the album you have, it probably ends with my favorite song "Heaven." Saukrates and Jully Black (who sounds like she could be Mary J. Blige's sister) ask the question, "If Heaven was a mile away / Would I pack up my bags and leave this world behind / If Heaven was a mile away / Or save it all for you / If Heaven was mile away / Would I fill my tank up with gas and be out the front door in a FLASH / Before reconsidering this hell with you.” The first verse finds Nas pondering about the spiritual. How would we act if we knew that God was watching our every vice? Would we pray more, quit drinking, quit smoking, quit sexing, and quit slanging kane? The second verse once again finds him disillusioned with materialism and the formulistic nature of making popular records. He states, "It's getting unbearable / Making hits is easy / Put a famous [chick] on a hook / There you go with a platinum CD." In the song's outro he implores the listener to find their Heaven here on Earth. Not with money or with material trappings, but with family, with relationships, and in the everyday blessings.

3. The Chocolate Factory by R. Kelly. Regardless of what you may think of Mr. Robert Kelly as a person, you can't deny that the guy is talented. Although I must admit that his taking up of this "Pied Piper" moniker slightly disturbs me and really isn't going to help his legal problems. Didn't he read the original version of that fairy-tale? Anyway, with apologies to Bobby Brown, Arruha is the real King of R&B. He's been on like twelve movie soundtracks, given us that Mr. Biggs soap opera, and revived the Isley Brothers career. Do you know that this Mr. Biggs stuff has been going now since I was senior in high school 7 years ago? Yet, I still find myself entertained by that new video "Busted." R's so ingrained in our musical culture that you might like R. Kelly and not even know it. You like Ginuwine? You like R. You like the Isleys? You like R. You like Aaliyah's old stuff? You like R. You like B2K, Nick Cannon, and Marques Houston? You like R, R, and R again. If you like Celine Dion. What? Celine Dion? Yes, he's produced for her too. He's like the Neptunes; you just can't escape him. On R's last official release 2000's TP-2.com, he opened the album with those subtle, yet endearing lyrics "Hit it hard from the back / Roll around on the front." Okay, you could tell that album was a continuation of 12 Play. Although you would not know it by the songs he's released, The Chocolate Factory finds the new and improved R. Kelly. It has your typical R. fare of beautiful ballads mixed in with a couple of club bangers. However, what makes this better than the typical R album is that the sexual innuendo is finally just that, innuendo. It's not that raw, in-your-face unabashedness that made him the bane of parents. Like rap, I think that most R&B music should be tossed in the same toilet. Yet, what separates R. from the rest of the R&B pretenders are his deftly crafted, if somewhat simple, lyrics and his ability to ride over a beat better than 95 percent of the rappers as exhibited on the "Ignition Remix" and "Imagine That" (which just screams of Prince influence). For the tragically un-hip out there, "riding" over a beat means the ability to use words that flow in sync with the variations in the music. Some of the best examples on this technique are Outkast on "Southernplayalisticadillacmusik," Jay-Z on "Jigga What," Slick Rick on "Lodi Dodi," Ice Cube on "Today Was A Good Day," and probably the best example, Biggie Smalls on the remix of "One More Chance." Depending on which version you procure, the album includes up to five songs from the "Loveland" bootleg. However, it is missing my three favorites including the ten-minute “I Believe I Can Fly” remix. So go to the store and pick up The Chocolate Factory and then go to your local bootleg man or swap meet and pick up the bootleg. Together they represent his best work to date.


SHOUT OUTS

Farewell to those that have passed on:
1. Fred Rogers, who invited us all into his neighborhood. I hope there’s a cardigan in Heaven to fit those wings.

2. Barry White, whose music is probably the reason that some of you all are here. I’m still bumpin’ that “At The End of the Day.”

3. Maurice Gibb, who along with his brothers is the reason that I like disco. That Saturday Night Fever soundtrack is blazin’.

4. Nina Simone, jazz singer and outspoken activist. Her music continues to inspire a new generation.5.


As I stated up top I'm going to be experimenting with a few things that will hopefully make this column better. Most likely I'm going to switch to doing less topics per column and increasing the frequency of my production. As always, your feedback is appreciated and taken into consideration one way or another. Special thanks to my friend from Chicago (you know who you are) who called me out on one of those articles I occasionally forward out to fill time between columns. I was slipping slightly into the realm of tabloid reporter. Thanks for bringing me back.

--AIR © 2003

The Air Up Here, Vol. III - The Love Edition

To the millions and millions of my adoring fans,

Can it be I stayed away too long? Did y'all really miss me while I was gone? I know that you thought that I had disappeared, gone silently into that good night. It was just a hiatus, so like your boy Kornheiser; I'm back for more cash. Let's get started.


1. Valentine's Day. I think I've finally figured out the way that men and women perceive this holiday. Women, if you want to know why your man waits until the very last second to ask you out, buy you roses, plan the romantic evening, etc.; it's because he's hoping that Valentine's Day won't come this year. I'm so for-serious. He's secretly hoping that this is finally the year that Congress will go ahead and pass the resolution to strike this most artificial of holidays off the calendar. Yes, he hopes, he prays, and . . . It's here again. Well, maybe they'll cancel it next year. Guys, what we must realize is that whether we think it's valid or not, Valentine's Day for women is like Super Bowl Sunday for us. We know as soon as we find out what teams are playing in the big game that the preparation for the party begins: Who's going to be hosting? Who's bringing the chicken wings? Who's bringing the Michelob? It's the same thing for them. As soon as they figure out who their Valentine is for this particular year, the anticipation builds: What is he going to get me? Where is he going to take me? Is he even going to ask me out? So fellas if you are showing your woman love the other 364 days of the year, go for the perfect game and make V-Day special because it's important to her. Now most likely, if you are f*$%ing up most of the year, this is your chance to redeem yourself, get that batting average up, and keep the love alive.


2. The Stages of Man. You know the older I get the more I've come to the realization that adults are more like children than I could ever imagine. It's the same the movie with different actors, the same song with different singers. Since this is the love edition, I will direct my comments specifically on that topic. I find it absolutely amazing that we as humans manage to continue procreating considering that there is so much misunderstanding between the sexes. We don't even really know how to tell each other that we like one another. Example #1: Remember back in elementary school when at that age girls are maturing faster than their male counterparts? (I know some women will say that continues throughout life, but work with me) Ladies, so if you liked a guy back then what did you do? Did you say, "Hey, John, do you want to be my Valentine?" No, you chased the poor kid around in recess. You threatened him with punishments like giving him kisses and holding hands. If all of that didn't work you just beat him up until he relented. Guys, we were no better. Did we ever say, "Hey, Susan, would like to go to McDonald's with me and get some ice cream?" No, we normally teased Susan until she cried, put dirt in her hair, or brought her some wonderful gift we found in the woods during recess like worms and frogs. It seems funny looking back on it now, but what's even funnier is that it still goes on now that we are adults. Example #2: Guys, let's say there's this woman in your study group or work group and you think she's cute and you want to ask her out. Do you just say, "Would you like to go out sometime and catch a movie or grab a bite to eat?" Actually a lot of guys are bold enough to go that route, but then a lot aren't. So what do we do instead? We start cracking jokes and making sarcastic comments to the female. In our minds it's like "Heeyyy girrlll, check me out. I'm witty, charming, and most importantly I'm actually paying you some attention." It's possible that the woman could be with us on this, but most likely she's thinking, "What a jackass!" Why? Because it's just the adult version of throwing dirt in her hair! Women, by the time you reach adulthood your mothers have taught you that you don't chase boys; it's the other way around. Also by this time most men have actually come to enjoy kissing, although hand-holding still scares many. So lets say there's this guy at work or at the gym and you want to ask him out. Do you say, "Hey, would you like to go out sometime?" Of course, you don't. I mean, how would that look? A woman asking a guy out and it's not Sadie Hawkins dance time? Perish the thought. Instead you do all of that women stuff that basically confuses the lot of us. You know the hair flipping, eye batting, touching the guy on the elbow, staring at us just a bit too long, and talking in Womanesque (you all's official language that is littered with subtext and hidden meanings). Let me tell you how all of that gets interpreted on our end.

a. Hair flipping - She must be trying to get her hair off of her shoulder.

b. Eye batting - She must have something in her eye.

c. Touching on the elbow - I must have had some lint on my shirt.

d. Staring - Uh oh, do I have some broccoli in my teeth? Just like in the rest of the animal kingdom, staring has a tendency to make guys nervous and uneasy in which case we will probably run. Think: National Geographic Specials when the lions start staring at the gazelles.

e. Talking in Womanesque - What the hell is she talking about? Say what you mean and mean what you say, please.

Come on ladies, it's 2003, if you want to ask a guy out just go ahead and do it. Believe me when I say that we will not think any less of you, in fact, many of us will be relieved. You know I have much more to say on this topic specifically on how I think most men and women are scared of each other, but I'll save that for another day.

3. The Truth. How do you know it's real? Real? Cause it make you say, oooh that there good, that there good, that there good. How can you tell it's real? Real? Cause it make say, oooh that there good, that there good. After that intro I know y'all are like “that boy has lost his mind”, but I assure you that I am totally lucent. Some of the most frequent questions that I am asked about my writing are:

Q1. How truthful is the stuff that I write?
Q2. Am I specifically talking to anyone in my writings?
Q3. Are all of those crazy scenarios things that have happened to me or that
I have actually done?

The answer to the first question is "totally" unless otherwise specified. This is more of an editorial piece so the opinions are definitely my own, but the news events themselves are things that I seen on television or read in magazine or the newspaper. The answer to the second question is "all of the time." Since the advent of this column, I've sent out messages to people or talked about deeply personal events in my life. I just make sure to include enough detail so that the person that the comments are directed to knows that I'm talking to them and yet remain ambiguous enough to confuse the average onlooker. Why do you think that I normally put "if you think I'm talking about you, you're probably right" at the beginning of most of these editions. The answer to the third question is "YES" and "NO". For example, was I slightly sad walking alone out of church on Easter Sunday? Yes. Do I actually know anyone named Pookie? No. Have I called in favors to make a night special for someone I was dating? Yes. Have I actually ever been to Le Circe? No. I think you get the picture. Most people, for some reason, specifically wanted to know about the roses at the airport scenario. I've never actually done that for anyone, but there was someone that I definitely wanted to do it for. It just didn't pan out. Who knows maybe next lifetime.

4. My Favorite Sin. Today I'm talking about love and not just the love between couples. No, I'm also talking a type of love that might hinder you from coupling up with someone in the first place. For those of you all that have seen The Devil's Advocate you might remember Al Pacino's line "Vanity, is definitely my favorite sin. Self love. It's so basic. The all-natural opiate." This narcissism thing is definitely a topic that I know nothing about. I mean, just because AIR checks himself out in every mirror he walks passed in the mall doesn't make him narcissistic. Just because AIR, ranks up there with sliced bread, indoor plumbing, and television as one of greatest creations of the 20th Century isn't his fault; it's just a fact. Okay, okay, this might be topic that I'm slightly (just slightly) familiar with. A recent article written by Bill
Hendrick in the Atlanta Journal Constitution talked about a University of Georgia study that was done on narcissism. It showed that narcissists are really good at the dating game, but usually can't keep partners. It states that "narcissists get dates because they're usually outgoing, personable, likable, and friendly." However it also states that "before long the very self-love that turns others on becomes a major turnoff and they get dumped." Oooohh, that hurts. The study found that narcissists are "power-hungry, manipulative, selfish, and think they're smarter and better looking than everyone else." Narcissism is actually a personality disorder that thankfully only affects about 1 million people, although millions more exhibit some of its less appealing qualities. The study also found that narcissists often resort to game-playing, such as keeping multiple partners on a string and that they are not good at keeping secrets. In case you were wondering, the term "narcissist" comes from the Greek myth of "Echo and Narcissus." The quick and dirty version of it is that Narcissus was walking by a reflecting pool and fell in love with his own image. He wondered why the image would reach for him when he reached for it, but would disappear when he touched it. He stayed there by the pool, fascinated and confused, until he died. Think about that the next time you're taking just a bit too long getting ready to go out.


CD REVIEW
1. A Love Story by Vivian Green. This CD gets my early nod for CD of the Year, although it came out in November of 2002. The debut album from Jill Scott's former backup singer is definitely a winner. If you have a date coming over in the next hour and you are still trying to figure out what music to put on then run out and cop this album. I mean, come on, it's only $5.99 at Best Buy. However the cheap price isn't the only reason the pick up this album, it is a soulful and melodic experience. It's a musical journey that will have you reminiscing on past loves and thinking about current ones. Although Vivian is only 23, she sings songs of love, emotion, and heartache that you would expect from someone many years her senior. The album, like most of the stuff I like, has that jazz club vibe to it. The standout cuts on the album are "Emotional Rollercoaster" (which is her first single and video), "Wishful Thinking", "What Is Love", and my personal favorite "Ain't Nothing But Love." So if you are in love, out of love, want to be in love, heartbroken or out breaking hearts do yourself a favor and get this album.

SHOUT OUTS
Normally this is one of happiest sections of my newsletter, but with the way of the world it's turning into a remembrances section. Once again I have two to pass on to you.

1. One time for the crew of the Columbia Space Shuttle. Nowadays, shuttle launches and landings are nothing special, most of the time just getting a blurb on the back page of the dailies or a sound bite on television. But many of us remember when they were something that the nation stopped and took notice of if only for a moment. When there was a collective sense of wanderlust that man can soar into the heavens amongst the stars. I was at an educational/business conference when I heard the news about the Columbia. To be honest, I don't think I knew that the shuttle was up in space let alone coming back on that day. However, when I heard the news for a brief moment I wasn't a 25-year man standing in the midst of a crowd at the Cambridge Marriott; I was that 9-year old boy in 3rd grade sitting in Ms. Deadeaux's class with tears streaming down my face watching the Challenger take its final flight. So next time there is a launch of the shuttle, I think I'll stop, pause for a minute, watch it as it ascends to the sky, and say a prayer.

2. One time for Keven A. Conner, better known to most of us as Dino from the R&B group H-Town. He and his girlfriend died earlier this month, when an SUV ran a traffic light and struck the vehicle in which they were riding. He was only 28 years old. You know I can only remember two H-Town songs, "Emotions" and "Knockin' the Boots", but they were both favorites of mine and I have many memories associated with them. It funny how just hearing a song can take you back. I don't know about y'all, but I used to have "the date" mix tape. For every date I had to have the tape of slow jams. Even though it had come out about six months earlier, I had "Knockin' the Boots" on the tape that I used on my first official date ever. Yes, good times. Definitely, good times. Tonight I think I might just try to find that tape, dust it off, and remember the good times that Dino and H-Town helped a brother to have.


I'll be back next time with my usual analysis of political heads, the entertainment industry, and anything else that catches my fancy. Oh and it won't take me four months to put it out either, I promise. Before I go, I just want to leave you with this. If haven't told your Mom, Dad, Grandma, Granddad, brother or sister that you love them today give them a call and let them know. If you have been meaning to call that friend, classmate, associate, whomever, but haven't found the time; just go ahead and do it. If you've been harboring hate or animosity in your heart, just let it go. That's it for now, I'll quit preaching. Take care, much love, and God Bless.

--AIR © 2003

That's All I Have To Say About That (Archived Feb 2003)

Date: Tue, 18 Feb 2003 20:33:48 -0800 (PST)
So it has been a long time since the last That’s All I Have to Say About That and yes I recognize that everyone has been missing it so here is the latest inspired version hot off the presses and with no further ado.

Lebron- Hummer are you kidding me a Hummer, forget the throw back jerseys (by the way why do they cost so much) I want to know who is paying for the DVD’s in the Hummer? Does the guy already have a deal with Blockbuster? While we are on the subject, lets also talk about the dilemma that this guy is going through, no not "who do I sign with Addidas or Nike", no not "what kind of gas do I put in the hummer", no not "should I use Jacob the Jeweler when I get my ice next week", the true dilemma is how does the guy fend off all of the groupies. Let’s think about this, this guy is in uncharted territory, he is currently being stalked by:
1.) High school girls (Yeah like most high school athletes he is the coolest thing walking the halls and the added benefit is that he is going to be rich soon, so if you ask him to prom chances are you might be driving a Hummer by graduation).
2.) Middle school girls (So I’m kind of developed and if I wear some really tight stuff he will definitely think I am in high school)
3.) Young Women 20-30 years of age (your typical groupie age, for all you up and coming groupies(see 1
nd 2) this is where your real competition lies)
4.) Older Women 30-45 (this group comprises a smaller number of women but they are more dangerous because they are experienced and crafty kind of like Mike on a good night with the Wizards. They are liable to fight group 3 report group 1 to the authorities and teach group 2 a thing or two.)

So the question is how many women are standing by Lebron’s Hummer on any given night after a game or basketball practice. Who gets the first shot at him? Is it determined by age, height or dedication to the game? If you have a curfew how do you complete? Can you get a reference letter from you mom? My opinion on the whole situation is that this guy now needs an extra large posse just to take applications and sort through all the women because this is more women than one normal athlete can handle. Lebron may have even passed Jordan’s level……..well that could be a little much but at least Jordan doesn’t have middle school girls coming after him and he doesn’t mess with High School girls because of the R. Kelly factor.

Ricardo Simon Appeals Committee- It has come to my attention that in recent months I have become the head of the Ricardo Simon relationship appeals committee. What does that mean you ask? Well it means that if you are a women, and thing aren’t working out the way you want with Mr. Simon then you appeal to the voice of reason……..Jamal Jackson. Jamal then tells you he can’t do anything because "Rico is his own man" but all that being said Jamal makes the appeal to Rico. After all of that Mr. Simon normally comes back to his senses, takes the girl back and she is forever indebted to Jamal. The girl thanks Jamal, praises him as a nice guy and frankly goes on with her life and calls the next time she wants to make an appeal. So as the head of the committee let me just say that absolutely no more appeals will be made unless the appealing party offers up a single friend (rating of 7 or better) to go out with Jamal for dinner, lunch, a movie etc. This perspective girl must be adequately briefed on Jamal’s good qualities and the way that he is saving the appealing party’s relationship with Mr. Simon. I figure that using those numbers I should be able to triple my interaction with the opposite sex and be married within a year and a half so that I don’t have to deal with this crap anymore.

Bobby Brown- Damn so that makes sense all the weed heads at Famu must have been bipolar too. So it’s a
medical thing I get it now.

Ron Artest – This due is unstable he almost went P.J. Carlisimo on Pat Riley. He is the second coming of Spreewell. This dude is a walking beat down waiting to happen anytime he laces up the shoes. You know this should be a lesson to all those family members and posse members that mooch off a guy and force him to work at Best Buy in the off- season, just so a brotha can get the hookup on electronics equipment that he can’t afford to pay full price for.

Bill O’Riely- Fuck his conservative ass taking good money out of Ludacris’ and Snoop’s hands. This dude is a playa hater and he just needs to go to a P-Ditty party, hang out with Martha Stewart and shoot the shit over a bottle of Cris. Then he would realize that rappers aren’t bad and that groupie love is the best kind of love.

Reality TV – You know this reality tv thing is completely out of hand. I’ve got completely single guys in my office watching the Bachelorette (not the Bachelor) and speculating on which guy will be eliminated next. This is sick, I can understand the Bachelor because there are women on that show and if you really want to lose points in the man club this is acceptable. But the Bachelorette, this is completely un acceptable television for a single man. Any man willing to watch this will feel completely comfortable doing yoga in a room with Richard Simons, RuPaul, and Norman from the Real World New York (took it back didn’t I). I can understand if you are roped into watching this trash because of a significant other, because sometimes men have to compromise in a relationship (I personally believe in having two TV’s). But knowing that there are single men out there running home to watch this show, the though just makes me sick. Rico please watch a basketball game or something.

Reality TV 2 – If Alton continues to keep fucking up with Irulan, who is by far the best looking black woman to ever enter a Real World House (sorry Coral you got demoted), I will personally fly to Vegas and choke the shit out of him.

H-Town Shout out – Kong and I recently went down to H-Town and had a great weekend. While we didn’t "drop it like it was hot" we understand that some people in a drunken stupor "dropped hot stuff where it wasn’t supposed to be dropped" and because of that we send a shout out to people willing to have parties in their homes. Every time you have a party you take a calculated risk and most of the time it turns out ok in the end. But there are those particular occasions where it doesn’t turn out ok and it is during those times that you have to remember and focus on the good times so that you can live to party again. Also it’s a good idea to hide all the good furniture in a closet.

Kobe- Please stop, you are killing people with heart conditions. In the last two weeks this nigga was responsible for more deaths than the DC blizzard. I am personally writing letters to the NBA to initiate the retraction of the Nuggets just to save them from any further humiliation. Jesse and Al (see below) should really focus on getting this nigga banned from television because he is a danger to the television
watching public.

Mike Tyson – Will somebody please give Mike a hug, please.

Janet "Ms. Jackson if your Nasty" – OK please, please, please tell me you are fucking with JD just to get to Bow Wow please. I was hurt by the Timberlake shit but this is just unacceptable.

JD- Damn I heard about the IRS taking your shit, I guess they watched cribs and got mad. So if the IRS takes your Bently are you still a Baller or are you just Balling. Let a nigga know. Oh yeah and the deal you signed with the devil, that shit ain’t right.

Black Politics – All I want is a black leader worth a shit, if I see Jessie or Al chase one more stupid fucking issue I am going hunt them down. I am convinced that Black people don’t vote because we are sick of seeing these bitches picketing someplace with 12 other clueless people who are reliving their glory days. What the fuck do I care if there aren’t any black coaches in the NFL, they only have 32 teams. How about very few blacks in corporate America, how about the possible end of affirmative action, how about Bill O’Riley’s raciest ass on television every night, how about no blacks at Michigan, how about republican politics, how about aids in Africa. These bitches are a disgrace they should stop picketing, get an actual position in government and start making some legislative changes. I mean white people don’t have to put up with this shit.
And that is all I have to say about that.

The Air Up Here, Vol. II - Madd Issues Edition

To the millions and millions of adoring fans,

I know fo' sho' that I'm going to have to stop with that intro, because by the time that y'all finish reading this piece the only people that will still be talking to me are mys sister and brother (and that's only because Mom would lay the smack down on them if they didn't, since they are my siblings and all). Anyway, I had grand plans of writing a deeply introspective piece about my impending 25th birthday (this actually was not going to be a plug for it, but by the way it's on 9/22/02 in case you want to send money). I was going to write about the life changes that I have been going through and the hopes, dreams, fears, and trepidations that I have been experiencing. The whole what do I want to do with my life? Where do I want to live? Who do I want to share it with? You know thoughts of having a family of my own. However life has a funny way of interfering with even the best laid plans of mice and men (shout out to John Steinbeck). Yep, life has a funny way of imposing its will on us all and thus even changing the topic of this column. So since I had such a spirited response the last time, and I know you all have been waiting for me to write more; I present to you the all relationship edition. Ladies and Gentlemen, let the hate mail begin to fill up my inbox.


My high school history/philosophy teacher Mr. G., who bore an uncanny resemblance to an infamous former Stanford professor (think: hooded man on Time magazine cover) was always giving us advice on life in some form or another. Being once divorced and remarried he said that getting married because you love someone is greatly overrated. He was like, love clouds your mind and makes your thoughts all random. Basically he said, "Love Makes You Stupid." He said the next time he got married he was marrying for money. Hey, at least that is practical. Of course, he was being facetious in his comments, but that line about love dropping your SAT scores stayed with me. So with that preface here are a few more unsolicited comments that I have for everyone in relationships, pursuing relationships, and even those jaded individuals like myself who as the title of this letter says have . . . Well, you can read the title yourself.


1. Must Be The Money. That famous R&B superstar and former Florida State defense back Deion Sanders made a song during the mid-90's that uttered those words. "Must be the money/that's turning them on/must be the money/you know I can't go wrong." So my question to you all is "What significance does money play in having a good relationship?" Could you be happy with some that is financially challenged with a good heart or in the words of Morris Day, are you looking for "Donald Trump black version"? I'll just put that question out there and write my opinion at a later date.

2. Ask Questions. This is one that I have gotten in trouble for over and over again. Anyone who has spent any extended amount of time with me knows that I live by the mantra "Don't ask questions you don't want to know the answer to." I have a tendency to take this statement one step further and I do not ask questions unless I have a decent idea of the answer that is going to come out of the mouth of whomever I am talking to. I don't know, maybe I watched one too many episodes of "Perry Mason" and "L.A. Law" growing up. However, I've come to the realization that there might be a slight flaw in my logic. Yes, even AIR can be mistaken once. While this philosophy might be perfect for negotiating a business deal or cross-examining a witness, it's not all that great when you are trying to get to know someone on a personal level. First, in a court of law there are rules that govern the free exchange of information between parties. Each side is mandated to turn over information/evidence that might be pertinent to the case. Therefore it is easy to assume that you would be intimately familiar with the other side. However, to get the same amount of information from someone you are trying to date you might have to run extensive background checks by hiring a professional or asking friends of that person about them. In doing so you run the risk of alienating that individual and drawing their ire. Most people would rather you just come to straight to them. Second, by not asking questions you run the risk of creating your own little fantasy world based on hearsay, assumptions, and delusions rather than on fact. Therefore, when like The Roots last album, "things fall apart" you are left to ponder "What the f^%k just happened!" Third and finally, if you knew what someone was going to say before they said it life would just be boring. What would be the use of getting to know someone in the first place? It's just a thought.

3. Brothers Got Gifts. Since I am like the mayor of The Friend Zone, I hear women saying all the time that their man isn't sensitive to their needs, he doesn't show any emotion/puts up facade, or he hasn't done anything nice/sweet/thoughtful (fill in the blank) for me lately. Unbeknownst to you all is the fact that nothing (except maybe kickin back with his boys on Sunday watching football while drinking a brew) makes a guy happier than seeing his woman happy. Like the title of that popular book, which I will get around to reading one of these days states, men actually do cry in the dark whether they admit it or not. By cry, I'm not talking about literally boo-hooing (although I've seen some of you guys do it, but I'm not going to put you on Front Street right now). What I mean is that guys actually will with their close associates sit around and discuss relationships. Most even have their own networks in which they exchange ideas on how to surprise the women in their lives. However, my lady friends, many times you don't see the fruition of their plans; because like guys have the tendency to do, you too find ways to "F" it up. Case #1. For no particular reason your man ask you get dressed up on a Tuesday night. And you think, "Nothing is poppin' off around the city on Tuesday. Plus, if we go out I'll miss the season premiere of 'Frasier,' I gotta have my must see TV." So you tell him why doesn't he just come over and order a pizza. Little did you know that your man has called in all types of personal favors and gotten you all the best table at Le Circe. Your man is madd salty because he now owes personal favors to his boy who knows somebody, who knows somebody, who knows somebody, who knows the head waiter at Le Circe. So he retreats into typical guy mode and says that's the last time I go out my way to do something nice for her. Case #2. You can feel free to steal this if you like. It's a little harder to pull off now in the days of tighter airport security. However, depending upon the layout of the airport (ones in which the person picking you up can get as close as possible to the arrivals terminal work the best) and with a little planning it can work for you. Like my negotiation's trainer always said, "this is being offered to you, as a bonus, free of charge for just showing up today." I guess in your case it's being offered for taking the time to wade through this incredibly long email. Anyway, let's say that your guy is coming back from a trip and has asked you to pick him up at the airport. Because you are his angel and his best friend, he has bought you two dozen roses. He solicited twelve friendly passengers around him to each take a rose. He then went through the trouble of describing his "sunshine" to them and asking them if they would give her the rose while they are on their way to baggage claim. Had the other passengers been a little resistant he was prepared to tell them that he was going to propose [Note To The Guys: use only as a last resort. It shouldn't be that hard to find twelve people to help you out, but if you can't you should cut your number to six. You tell them you are going to propose and they might want to stick around to watch, that would be a bad thing]. Moving on, so ladies here you are waiting at the baggage claim in anticipation because all these wonderful strangers have been giving you roses when your man finally shows up with the second dozen. You think that life can be beautiful sometimes and then you all depart together. You like that don't you? I painted that picture so perfect you can hang it up in your room. That is how it would have gone had your man actually gone through with his plan. See, he remembered that the last time that you picked him up that you were in a foul mood. You didn't want to come all the way the gate. Why did you have to come to baggage claim? Why couldn't he just call you on the cell when he stepped outside? Yep, another sparkling example of your guy's creativity down the drain, because he had those flashbacks and was like, "nah baby, I'm not gonna be able to it." Once again this is just my take because I know in the end you all going to DO WHAT YOU DO.


CD REVIEWS
1. The Fix by Scarface. The raps on this album are so addictive that the liner notes are literally packaged in a nickel bag. Mr. Brad Jordan comes back with what is probably his best album since Mr. Scarface Back. Who else but the Face Mob could get Jay Z and Nas to appear on the same album. Face brings a little something for everyone with radio friendly "My Block" and "Guess Who's Back." He delivers that traditionally southern pimp groove on "The Fix," throws in something for the ladies on "Heaven," and even does a ghetto hymn with "Someday." I'm sure my Deep South (TX, LA, AR, MS, TN, AL) crowd already has this album, so I'm talking to the rest of y'all. If you were nodding your head with that old Geto Boys "My Mind Playin' Tricks On Me" then you will want this album.

2. In Search Of . . . by N.E.R.D. For all of you all expecting the typical Neptune's fare that they have produced for Britney Spears, Jay Z, The Clipse and every other artists on popular radio today; I can say that this album is not for you. If you want their tried and true rip-off of Vanity's "Nasty Girl" beat, I repeat, this album is not for you. However if you are looking for some futuristic George Clinton meets Outkast in a British 60's spy movie type stuff, then run to store and cop this one right now. It's kind of hard to describe the album. You don't listen to it, you just experience it. Although many of the songs deal with drug use, they never glorify it. "Bobby James" tells of a troubled teen that starts using to deal with social problems. He, however, encounters even more perils as he begins the downward spiral deeper and deeper into addiction. “Lap Dance” is another standout song on the album. It compares our government officials to the dancers at your local strip club. Basically it states that if you wave enough money or wield enough influence you too can get your politicians to give you a lap dance in the form of political favors. As I said, the album just has to be experienced. It does have more of a rock edge to it, so if that's your cup of tea pick it up today.


BOOK REVIEW
1. A Do Right Man by Omar Tyree. I have to thank Lorieal for recommending two years ago that I read this book. All you have to do is change the protagonist's name, which is Bobby Dallas to AIR, and you have the story of my life up to the mid-20's. This story captures what it's like to be a young, southern, single male in that transition phase from college to career. It also deals with many of the issues I raised back in the "I Got Beef" edition right after Easter, so I won't bring those up here. Anyway, I'm not going to tell anything about this book, except for the fact that I read it in two days, I've read it three times, I got the author to sign my copy, and I went out and bought two more of his books based upon how much I liked this one. So go get it, read it, and then call me up so we can discuss it.


SHOUT OUTS
This issue marks the one year anniversary since I retired The Life & Times . . . and switched to the new format. So much has transpired during what seems to be such a short amount of time, unfortunately not all good. So here is a shout out to some of the events changed our lives and some of the people that we've lost along the way.

1. Aaliyah, a bright star that went supernova way too soon. She accomplished more in three albums than some artists do over their entire careers. I still get chills when I listen to "It's Whatever."

2. Let's not forget about Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes who was the driving force behind many on TLC's hits in the 90's. Once the poster child for impetuousness, she had matured into someone deeply concerned about humanitarian issues.

3. Let's remember Dave Thomas. Yes, the founder of Wendy's, who practically allowed all college students to have a good meal with the 99-cent menu. More than being just a successful business man, Dave's foundation helped to raise awareness for the 134,000 foster children available for adoption and helped to make adoption more affordable.

4. One time for Tupac Shakur. It doesn't seem like it's been six years since I was out on The Set back at FAMU and word quickly spread that he was gone. I know some people viewed him as a low-life thug. Others called him a ghetto prophet, the voice in the wilderness that would raise up the hip hop generation. His music was similar to the drink "thug passion" he talked about in his songs. Kind of like one part street fantasy mixed with one part political prose, however it was told with so much conviction that it touched the hearts of everyone from the inner city to the burbs. Believe it or not it almost felt like I lost a friend that night. So next Friday after work, I'll probably get my car detailed. Then I'll roll down the windows, open the sunroof, pop in that All Eyez on Me (Disc 2), put it on track #7, and ride one time for my fallen friend.

5. I can't forget about Justin Wilson. For all of us that grew up in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and probably Arkansas and Tennessee, we can remember his cooking shows coming on every Saturday morning. The humorous Cajun chef known for measuring all ingredients in his hands, putting cayenne pepper in everything that he cooked, and of course his trademark saying, "I gare-rohn-tee!" will be greatly missed.

6. Words cannot express what happened that day last September. A nation that was virgin to the threat on violence perpetrated by a foreign power upon its shores was suddenly violated. I can't express the lose, the grief, the agony, the suffering. But like the mystical phoenix arising from its own ashes, the country came back stronger, more resolved, more united . . . let's not lose that spirit. However, while protecting our own interest, let us not turn a blind eye nor deaf ear to plight of others across the globe. Do not let fear cloud our minds with strictly parochial views and xenophobic ideals.


I would like to thank everyone that gave me feedback on the last column. Personally I thought it was not one of my better efforts, but it seemed to help or at least entertain some of you. Your feedback not only helps me to write better columns, but also to become a better person. Okay, let me qualify that. At least it helps me see a different perspective whether I choose to agree with it or not is a whole other story. I hope this finds you in great spirits and I look forward to seeing some of you in Nashville for the MBA conference and others in the "A" for the Classic. Until next time, much love, take care, and God Bless.


--AIR © 2002


p.s. I am currently working on my manuscript tentatively titled "YOU KNOW I'M RIGHT." It will feature even more of totally unsolicited opinions, commentary, and poetry (yeah, I do that too). Additionally I'm also working on a slightly semi-autobiographical work which I will probably have to turn into a fictional book, because I do at least want my brother and sister to keep talking to me.

The Air Up Here, Vol. II - "Welcome Back" Edition

To the millions and millions of my adoring fans,

Welcome back to yet more unsolicited opinions and commentary from the man you love so much. I know it's been a while, but life has conspired to keep me out of the public eye for the past few months. For those of you all who don't know your favorite friend, brother, cousin (just fill in the blank) is now living in Atlanta. I am once again making that legal drug money pushing product for Glaxo Smith Kline. As always, I extend an open invitation for anyone that is falling through the "A" to look me up. With that background info out of the way let's begin.


1. All You Can Eat. Women, are your behinds expanding faster than the rate of inflation in some third world nations? Fellas, do young children take one look at your stomach and say things like "I didn't know men could have babies?" If any of the afore mentioned statements apply to you take heart, for as Michael Jackson would say, "You are not alone." I will use myself as a prime example of how you can easily get sucked into the fat trap and not know it. Two years ago when I graced the Big Apple with my presence, I did what everyone does when they get to New York. SHOP, SHOP, and SHOP some more. At the time going out and buying a closet full of custom-made clothes seemed to make sense because I had been the same height since high school and about the same weight since my 2nd year of college. Well right now as I am a full 20 pounds over the weight that I had been able to maintain for four years, I noticed where I went wrong. First, I started hanging out at the club and afterwards just like the video says doing that "4 A.M. at the Waffle House." With my job as a pharm rep I ride around in a car for the majority of the day and I am constantly eating lunch with clients. Believe it or not driving does make one tired, so I normally come home and just crash in front of the TV. This combined with not exercising leaves me with a closet full of "tight" clothes, both figuratively and literally. An article in the July/August 2002 issue of Men's Health magazine examines the fast food industry and its contribution to obesity, which is America's biggest health problem. According to the surgeon general 300,000 Americans die prematurely because of their weight and the economic burden to the health system is $100 BILLION (that's right BILLION, too bad I can't synthesize Dr. Evil's voice right there to say that statistic). This collectively represents a bigger economic toll than that caused by tobacco and alcohol combined. I might have to stop cracking jokes about my friends that work at Phillip Morris. Of course, one might say that it is up to individuals to take pride in themselves and get concerned about their health. You would be right in this assumption, because anyone that has hung around me has probably heard me say, "Put the Twinkie down and slowly back away from the table." However, a number of factors contribute to America's new epidemic. Oddly enough the biggest one is the fact that as a whole we are so prosperous. This prosperity as a nation has spawned a host of modern conveniences like escalators (what, you can't walk up one flight of stairs), riding lawn mowers (the original range rovers), and elevators (me and you, your mama and your cousin too, riding' down the strip on vogues . . . excuse me I got off on a tangent there). The article examines the potential health hazards of being overweight, which can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, premature death, and something that no guy out there wants to hear . . . impotence. Unfortunately, once you have one of these conditions your chances of getting the others increases astronomically. My specialty on my last internship was in the CV/Diabetes group, so I intimately know how devastating and detrimental these conditions can be. Ideas that are being tossed around to alleviate America's obesity problem are:

a. Creating a "Fat Tax." This would be a surcharge on unhealthy foods (like candy bars, fast food, etc) that would be used to subsidize the price of healthy foods. This seems to make sense because healthy/organic foods tend be more expensive, while you can get that supersized fatburger, greasy fries, and cola for under five bucks. The problem is how would foods be determined as "healthy" or "unhealthy" and who gets to make that decision.

b. Suing the fast food companies in a class action suit similar to ones that were brought against the big tobacco companies.

c. Charging obese people more to acquire health insurance. I won't even get into the list of legal and ethical challenges that would come from this suggestion.

Anyway, the article is great read that will definitely have you thinking more about your health. If you can't find the issue in stores then check out www.menshealth.com.


2. That Time Of Year. You all know that your hero (that's me) hits the big Two Five on the 22nd of next month. There really was absolutely no need for me to even mention that my birthday is September 22, because you all know that September 22 is the AIR National Holiday. When you think September 22nd, you automatically think AIR's birthday. I mean the first day of Fall and AIR just go hand-in-hand, so I can forego the usual shameless plug that I do for my birthday every year.


3. The Power of the Accidental Friendship. I have always had a grasp on the power of family. Furthermore, I have a rather close knit crew that I would "ride, cry, and die" for (okay, maybe just the first two). I'm sure everyone has a similar group of people around them that are there come what may. These are the relationships that you have cultivated, that you have nurtured and cherished for many years so you know the power that is intrinsic in them. However, I am just starting to learn about the power that is possessed in the accidental friendship. Please excuse me if I am sounding like one of Tony Robbins "Personal Power" infomercials that come on late at night. I guess I never quite knew how quickly and easily you can make friends and, conversely, how quickly that bond can be broken. A of mine friend in the "Chi" wrote in her last piece, "It's interesting how a declaration of friendship, and by that I mean verbally, how much is unleashed." It's true. You never know how one shared incident no matter how pedestrian it may seem at the time can change a person's life and open them and you up for a connection you never thought you would have. How a conversation at the bar, a few kind words while just lounging in a lobby, walking down the street, or eating lunch together can dramatically impact someone's life. I'm not going into details, but for the group that kicked it with me at Johnny Rockets, to my homie with pinky ring, and to my associate that lives to antagonize me (but I wouldn't have it any other way); I am saying THANK YOU. You don't know what just being there meant to me.


ENTERTAINMENT OBSERVATIONS
1. Ja Rule. I have reached Ja Rule overload. Every time I listen to radio or turn on my TV I see this pint-sized fool dancing around singing "It's Murdaaaaa", "Holla, Holla", or my personal favorite "Only for the Rule babyyyyyyy!!!!!!" I'm not saying the guy doesn't have talent because if you check the liner notes for any Murder Inc album he's written the majority of the songs. I even liked a few of his joints like "I Cry" and "Down 4 U", but enough is enough. I hate hearing the same ten songs rotated on every single radio station. However, maybe I shouldn't blame Ja Rule for taking advantage of a good situation, maybe I should look at the real culprits which are media conglomerates like Clear Channel Communications that own over 1,000 radio stations and are responsible for the same mundane stuff we hear everyday.


2. Res. I talked about how good Res' "How I Do" CD was in my last issue. Well thanks to Coca Cola, I was able to check out Res in concert in Centennial Park for FREE. Okay well it wasn't quite free if you count the $10 I had to pay for parking, but close enough. She had her full band with her complete with the Acolea look-alike. She performed about 8 songs off of her album and I have to admit that she sounded better live than on her CD. I was blown away by her melodic tone not to mention her stellar looks. She ended the set with a remix of AC/DC's "Back in Black" which just had the crowd begging for more when she left the stage. So if you still haven't gotten the CD, go and cop that immediately and if you get the chance to see her live pay the cash. I promise you won't be disappointed.


3. My Favorite Songs. These are the songs that have my head nodding right now. All of these would be part of my personal collection right except for the fact that Napster been gone for over a year (damn those record execs). I am feeling that "Dilemma" joint with Nelly and Kelly. It touches on a subject that many people go through. We all have probably been infatuated with someone that was with someone else at one time. The best part about the song is that it samples the Patti LaBelle classic "Love, Need and Want You." My other favorite song on the radio is Slum Village's "Tainted", which features Dwele. The song basically breaks down the difference between Real Love and Tainted Love. Not just love between two people, but love for what is important in life or what is integral to your moral fiber and well being. Don't sell your soul for some wooden nickels. I'm feelin' that new Scarface "Guess Who's Back" and that Sean Paul "Gimme the Light." I also like John Mayer's "No Such Thing" and Creed's "One Last Breath." You should check them out; I think they're #2 and #3 on VH1's countdown.


4. Creflo Dollar. Creflo Dollar, has turned into the rap industry's favorite minister. Most of you probably remember seeing him in Ludacris and JD's "Welcome to Atlanta" video. Additionally, Pastor Troy (of "Ain't No Play in G.A." fame) gives a shout out to Creflo in his latest song. I guess this goes along with Trick Daddy's catch line of "God is for the thugs too."


CD REVIEWS
1. Mahogany Soul by Angie Stone. I do not know why I did not buy this CD when it first came out. I must be slippin' on my entertainment evaluation skills. A friend of mine had it while I was in training up in Philly and I think I swiped it from her for about three straight days. I immediately bought this album when I returned to Atlanta. This is a wonderful collection of very, very soulful and soothing music. The content touches on everything from relationships to women's issues. One of the standout cuts on the album is "Brotha", which is actually an ode to men (can you believe that, no male bashing). I also like "Snowflakes", "Makings of You", and "Wish I Didn't Miss You". My personal favorite is "Mad Issues". People have a tendency to get a little fortune, a little fame and then start acting brand new. It tells that we should all take the facade off and let the world see the real person that we are inside. If we were true to ourselves then our interactions with others would be greatly improved.


2. Loveland (Bootleg) by R. Kelly. I have been reluctant to write about the R. Kelly debacle, because it has been written and talked about so much already in the mainstream media and in the other newsletters put out by my crew (if you all are not on E. Fountain's, Ric Simon's or J. Jackson's email newsletter lists you don't know what you are missing out on). Anyway, I managed to get my hands on a bootlegged copy of R. Kelly's upcoming CD tentatively titled "Loveland." I have to tell you that it broke my heart to listen to it. To think that a man that has all this talent is just throwing it all away is just unfathomable. I know many of you didn't like R. Kelly before this incident because of his music's overtly sexual themes. I probably shouldn't have been listening to that stuff back in junior high when I first became a fan, but that's history now. Anyway for those of you who never liked his music, you would have liked this album; and for those you who were fans like me you would just shake your head that someone this gifted could be so tainted. The first time I heard a song off of "Loveland" I asked the guy that had it, "When did Stevie Wonder come out with a new song?" The guy told me it wasn't Stevie, it was R. Kelly. I was shocked to say the least. Anyway, the album consists of about 15 tracks of mostly ballads. The subject matter ranges from the religious to the secular. It has "The World's Greatest", a Marvin Gaye-sounding track called "Make Me", and "In the Name of Love" which is another 70's styled track that is actually played on the radio here in Atlanta. The opera-style remix version of "I Believe I Can Fly" is probably the standout cut on the album. It also probably best portrays whatever personal demons this cat is dealing with. As I stated earlier this is probably his best work to date and would have given him a wider audience. Even the more sensual material is dealt with in the smooth style that is reminiscent of what the 60's and 70's crooners used to do. It's nothing like that just "let me hit it" material that has dominated the airways from the early 90's till now. Oh well, if the guy is guilty and it certainly looks that way from everything that I can discern; I hope he gets the help that he needs and more importantly asks for forgiveness and finds some peace.


DVD REVIEW
1. The Last Dragon. Oh Yes! Bruce Leroy has finally come to DVD. I am probably showing my age again because I can remember going to see this movie in the theatre with my dad and my brother back in the day. The movie that spawned such classic lines like "Kiss my Converse", "Can you show me some moves", and "Who's the master? Shonuff!" has been digital remastered for optimum picture and sound quality. The movie is as good and as bad as I remember it. The acting is sub par, but who cares because the overall entertainment value of it more than makes up for it. The campy karate style, the hilarious 80's slang, and of course El Debarge's "Rhythm of the Night" song make this movie a cult classic. For all fans of the movie I would say run, don't walk, and buy it now because you will have fun reminiscing. For anyone else, I recommend that you rent it before making that purchasing decision.


There is so much more that want to say, but I'm going to cut this short because I don't want to get anyone fired from their job for reading email all day. When I brainstormed for this edition I came up with over 25 topics for discussion, but I put some of the lighter ones in here because I still have research to do on the others. I will be back very soon with my most personal and controversial issue to date. Until then take care, much love, and God Bless.

-AIR © 2002

p.s. If you didn't receive one of the past editions please let me know and I get it out to you forthwith.