http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005-2007 by the authors Tue, 31 Oct 2006 08:11:37 EST http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/ Phillip WinnSunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding. Administration0@blogcritics.org Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/10/31/081137.php Miranda JaneAs the daughter of a Jazz player, I grew up with the music. There's the famous story of my Pops playing in the band behind Billie Holiday at the Grammy Awards back in the day; she turned around to wave at him and say "Hello, Buell." Haunting voices from Jazz swirled around my head. With the exception of Billie, and Ella, perhaps no other woman's voice was as haunting and moving as that of the illustrious Nina Simone. Legacy is presenting a brand new Nina Simone album; well, sort of brand new. Some of her classic songs have been remixed on it by a variety of DJs/producers, from Coldcut (remixers of Eric B. & Rakim's "Paid in Full") to Jazeem to DJ Logic. There are a variety of styles and tempos. While Jazz purists (hello, Buell, if you're reading) may take umbrage at the remix concept, anyone of the Hip Hop generation who isn't already a fan of Miz Simone should definitely take a listen. To those Jazz purists who were undoubtedly on some Be-Bop shit like I'm on some Hip-Hop shit now, remember this: Our movement is the rebirth of yours. We're your children in soul, if not in blood. The spirit of Jazz -- free, modern, or otherwise -- is alive in this Hip Hop generation, which I'm proud and blessed to have been born into. That unparalleled voice of hers lives on, haunting as ever. Re-Imagine that."So while you imitatin' Al Capone / I be Nina Simone and defecating on your microphone" — Lauryn Hill Click here to download "Turn Me On" - alternative versions not available on the CD! - Vocal Mix - Main MixNina Simone at MySpaceCheck out these 30-second clips for a sneak peek at the album:Funkier Than A Mosquito's Tweeter - (Jazzeem's All Styles Remix)Ain't Got No/I Got Life - (Groovefinder Remix) (From the Broadway musical, Hair)Here Comes The Sun - (Francois K. Remix)TRACKLIST:1. I Can’t See Nobody (Daniel Y. Remix)2. Funkier Than A Mosquito’s Tweeter (Jazzeem’s All Styles Remix)3. Ain’t Got No - I Got Life (Groovefinder Remix)4. Save Me (Coldcut Remix)5. Turn Me On (Tony Humphries Got U Turned On Dub)6. Here Comes The Sun (François K. Remix)7. Westwind (Organica Remix)8. Go To Hell (Mowo Remix)9. My Man’s Gone Now (DJ Wally Remix)10. The Look Of Love (Madison Park vs. Lenny B Remix)11. O-o-h Child (Nickodemus Remix)12. To Love Somebody (Chris Coco’s Stadium Rocker Remix)13. Obeah Woman (DJ Logic Remix) Music55080@blogcritics.org Tue, 31 Oct 2006 08:11:37 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/07/10/121733.php Miranda Jane"You love to hear the story again and again/ of how it all got started way back when/ The monument is right in your face/ Sit and listen for a while to the name of the place... The Bridge, Queensbridge/" - "The Bridge", MC ShanThis is the actual, factual, true story of how I became a journalist, how I met Tragedy Khadafi (the person who re-named me "MJ"), and herein lies a review of the first documentary film about his life. Read about it...QB is the largest housing projects in North America, with 96 buildings. Over 3,000 miles away, in Mar Vista Gardens, one of L.A.'s smallest projects, I got my first tattoo from a cholo with an electric toothbrush motor for his tat machine. Sitting in the basement headquarters of 4080 Hip Hop Magazine some years later, I took a call from Zenobia Simmons, then publicist for Penalty recordings. That call would soon send me to Attica, New York to the Wyoming Correctional Facility, to visit Kiam "Capone" Holley and interview him. A small part of our Q&A would be published in Trace Magazine alongside a N.O.R.E. feature. It was my first trip to New York, and I decided to stay awhile.The first temp agency I looked up in the yellow pages got me a job at "a record label, I think they do rap," Gee Street Records. I ended up working for Jon Baker as his personal and executive assistant. One day, he sent me up to Spring Street to deliver some papers. I walked in the building, went up to the office, and saw Sincere, Screwdriver, Agent, and the rest of the 25 to Life crew. A few minutes later, Tragedy Khadafi walked in.Upon being introduced to me, he immediately realized who I was. "You're that lady, the writer, the one who been going to see Ki." He showed me mad respect, and mad love. He gave me some money from the stack in his pocket to put on Capone's books the next time I saw him. Tragedy told me that I had to keep in touch with him, and that he wanted me to come to the 'hood so I could see where it all started. Queensbridge - where they say that there's something in the water, something to make a majority of the residents nice with theirs when it comes to hustlin, rhymin, or both.After 9 visits upstate to see Capone, writing our interview out on napkins and scraps of paper with the tiny golf pencils provided for visitors & inmates' card games; I was done. But I still had my job at Gee Street, and business had brought me in touch with Tragedy more than a few times for it to be a "coincidence." So I called him one day and he invited me to QB. I rode the train up, and called him from the payphone in the station. He gave me directions of where to walk up, so I went, and waited. And waited. When he finally did come to meet me he brought 20 or so youth from Queensbridge with him, and he told them, "that's Miranda Jane, she's a journalist, you want to be like her when you grow up, stay in school and you can be a writer like her." At that point I didn't really consider myself a journalist, but I felt golden.It was 1997, really 20 or so years after the height of Hip Hop in New York, and the jams in the park, or in the case of QB, the jams under the bridge. So we stood in that spot, Tragedy and I, and we built a foundation for business, education, and friendship that stands to this day. It's been almost ten years, but we always stay in touch somehow even though we're constantly moving around the country. As a matter of fact, I had to save this as a draft a few lines back 'cause out of nowhere, seemingly, Trag called to give me his report on what's goin on out there. Mind detect mind, King...mind detect mind.So when I sat down to watch the screener copy of the feature film, Tragedy: The Story Of Queensbridge; I watch with my eyes accustomed to the gray, foggy environment of QB in the winter. My vision's already been acclimated to the poverty of the Queensbridge Housing projects, with it's endless towers filled with struggling youth and adults who've, in many cases, given up on life. Tragedy's own story, for the most part already known to me, is a multi-faceted kaleidoscope of pain, suffering, poverty, struggle, revolution, uprising, and...tragedy. The film reveals much about his personal life, his personal pain, and all that he overcame to become one of our generation's greatest unsung heroes of Hip Hop. With cameos from Poet, Delorean, Corleone, Capone, Havoc, Killa Sha, Littles, Marley Marl, Synysta, and many other QB MCs, artists, and 'hood legends, the truth about Tragedy Khadafi and his illustrious career thus far is finally revealed; as well as the real deal on how he lyrically fathered QB's most famous MCs.Fact. Tragedy's father was a street legend who died at the age of 18. He never saw his son in the physical form, and Tragedy never saw his father save in dreams or later when his mother showed him a picture. Fact. Tragedy's mother became a heroin addict, leaving Trag and his brothers and sisters to fend for themselves; and Trag would often steal groceries from the nearby Associated supermarket to feed them. Fact. He started writing rhymes on the stoops, benches and stairwells of Queensbridge housing before he even became a teenager. Fact. Between working with Marley Marl, Poet, and Popps Mobb; Tragedy recorded songs like "A Tragedy" in his early teens, and became the youngest member of The Juice Crew; even performing in that legendary park under the bridge. Fact. Queensbridge legends like Nas, Havoc of Mobb Deep, Capone of C-N-N, and so many more would never have reached their status without the example and mentorship of Tragedy Khadafi. Fact. Tragedy's career was (and still is) put on hold more than once, interrupted by a run-in with the law and an unfortunate incarceration. Fact. Tragedy Khadafi isn't a criminal, he's a revolutionary from the street, and a 'hood educator. Fact. Tragedy, The Story of Queensbridge, is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the story of Tragedy Khadafi, an Intelligent Hoodlum, and his birthplace, Queensbridge Housing.This film is a documentary, with certain events reinacted by family and close friends of Trag. At the moment the film is screening at various film festivals as the filmmakers seek distribution on the national and international level. Visit www.tragedymovie.com for more information and for trailers of the film. If and when you're able to see the movie in its entirety, watch with an open mind and an open heart, as some of the facts of this film contradict the media myths about QB and certain of QBs sons. True story- MJ, Love is Love Music32335@blogcritics.org Sun, 10 Jul 2005 12:17:33 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/07/03/121929.php Miranda JaneOriginally published in Verbalisms' Power Juice, this is an exclusive&#8212the original, full-length version of the interview with Can't Stop, Won't Stop's author Jeff Chang! I highly recommend Can't Stop to all readers, regardless of expertise on or interest in Hip Hop culture. It's simply an amazing read. This is the book I'd ask my own father, jazz musican Buell Neidlinger, to read if he cared enough to discover and understand my culture, music, and life, the way my generation is expected to understand the Jazz era. And don't miss the mixtape that comes with the book (depending on the retailer)&#8212IT ROCKS.The interview was first published as "And It Don't Stop: Documenting Hip-Hop's Power and History" by Miranda JaneJeff Chang is a powerhouse. He is a hip-hop activist, father, proud male feminist and author of the authoritative book Can't Stop, Won't Stop: A History of the Hip Hop Generation. Can't Stop is a must-read--with an introduction by the legendary DJ Kool Herc, and chapters spanning from the history of Bronx street gangs all the way to Ice Cube's "Death Certificate" LP--once you pick it up, you can't stop reading and you won't stop learning.Miranda Jane: Can't Stop Won't Stop is one of the most comprehensive books on Hip Hop culture and history that has ever been written. When and how did you make the decision to take your interviews and historical research to the next level and put them out in nonfiction form?Jeff Chang: I started thinking about the book when Solesides ended in 1997. It was a way of working through all that I thought I had learned up to that point. Back then it was going to be a book just about Ice Cube's death certificate. As time went on, I realized I had a much bigger story: the story about how the hip-hop generation emerged in this post-civil rights, globalized era.Of all the interviews you conducted, which individual made the most significant impression on you and on the outcome of the book? Why? What particular quote from that person could sum it up?So many people had such an indelible impact on me. I think meeting Benjamin Melendez and Carlos Suarez from the Ghetto Brothers brought a lot of things together. The 1971 gang peace treaty organized in the Bronx still affects us today&#8212in many ways, it made hip-hop possible. It's the ultimate example of a butterfly effect; something that happened amongst a small number of forgotten youths in an abandoned borough of the big city still touches us more than three decades later all around the world. Yet you can't read about it in most "official" histories of New York City, let alone hip-hop. The thing that sticks to me about all of these Bronx pioneers&#8212from Benjy and Carlos through DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, and others&#8212is that they felt they *had* to do what they did. They weren't getting paid at first; they did it out of love and passion and a desire to live. DJ Kool Herc says in the introduction, "it was something we did for fun." That's the beauty and power of hip-hop right there in seven words.How do you follow up a project like this? What's next for Jeff Chang? How/where can people learn more about what you're up to?I'm working on an anthology on the aesthetics of hip-hop, a book that will be artist-centered, and move beyond just rap music to look at how hip-hop has moved into performance arts, visual arts, literature, and all kinds of other forms. The next book is top secret but I'm beginning to think about it a little bit right now. I'm taking most of the summer off&#8212though I'm still doing some appearances, and there's always hip-hop activist work to do&#8212and then I'll be back out on the road a little bit in the fall. People can always catch up with me at my website, cantstopwontstop.com, and check out my blog to see what i'm obsessing about at any given moment. i don't know if that's healthy, but that's what's up! Books31975@blogcritics.org Sun, 3 Jul 2005 12:19:29 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/07/03/120129.php Miranda Jane It's All the Way Live...>ALLHIPHOP.COM REVIEWS SCRATCH::All the Way Live (DVD) Artist: Various Artists Title: SCRATCH::All the Way Live (DVD) Rating: ****1/2/***** Reviewed by: Isis the Alchemist The original Jazzy Jay, legendary former member of The Soulsonic Force; renowned throughout the universe for his collection of wax over 500,000 pieces strong. The X-Ecutioners, the spin-off crew (no pun intended) formed from the original X-Men founded by DJ Steve Dee. Mix Master Mike, former Beastie Boys DJ. Z-Trip, a vinyl junkie known for juggling and party rocking. This was the lineup for the SCRATCH U.S. tour. All the Way Live (Scratch Recordings/Immortal), the DVD, takes the 95% of you who've never been on tour behind the scenes at Los Angeles' own House of Blues for a glimpse of these multi-talented DJs and turntablists in action. Even if you saw the Scratch show when it was in your city, shit, even if you were ON the tour -- this is still one to watch, regardless. Comprised of concert footage intercut with behind-the-scenes shots and one-on-one interviews, plus never-before-seen glimpses into the lives and crates of these DJs, this flick lives up to its billing as "an all-star DJ spectacular". All the Way Live breaks down the inner workings of the turntablism scene for those who give a mad fuck; and documents live routines from Jazzy Jay, the X-Ecutioners, Z-Trip and Mix Master Mike for those who just want some action on the 1s and 2s. For anyone who wants to learn how to cut, scratch, juggle, party rock, or transform from the best, All the Way Live could easily be utilized as a how-to guide for your DVD player, laptop or Playstation 2 system -- alongside two Technics 1200s, a pair of quality headphones, and a Rane mixer. Basically, there's something for everyone on the DVD, except those who want to see footage from a rap concert...Sorry, B, this ain't it. Strictly Hip-Hop from the DJ's perspective, all the way live, real raw deal. Immortal Records & Palm Pictures dropped it, ya'll should cop it then rock it; 'cause you just can't stop it. Video31972@blogcritics.org Sun, 3 Jul 2005 12:01:29 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/06/30/115152.php Miranda Jane Screen shot from Jacki-O's "Fine" video. Not for the kiddies!Stop! It's the m'fukken remix. Just found the lyrics for the 'Wait/The Whisper Song' remix and Jacki-O's verse is, well, interesting."[Jacki-O] I know you see me calling won't you answer your phone im trying to tell ya baby that im home all Alone im on queen size sheets and there made from silk and my mouth wide open cause im waiting for Milk shh just listen i want you to hear my kitten she goes purrr meow especially when you put her in Your mouth i got a big fat cat and she loves to purr cause she always hot so i shave the fur i got the Lollipop candy and i licked it im here with nothing on but some fish nets and im wetter than niagara Flicks on the plasma ohh i just pop the viagra stop what your doing and come get it ya stick ya fingerIn it now lick it what Wait til you see my clit (purr) Wait til you see my clit (hey boy) Wait til you see my clit You gon eat this pussy up Wait til you see my clit (purr) Wait til you see my clit (hey boy) Wait til you see my clit You gon eat this pussy up like Aw aw aw aw aw aw aw aw aw aw aw aw aw aw aw aw Eat the pussy up, eat the pussy up (X29)"Then there's some chicks named Spoil'd Rotten who've cut an "answer" to your boyz...download that and look at their photos (if you dare) right chea... Apparently there aren't too many variations on the hook's lyrics coming from the Strip-Hop rappers, Spoil'd Rotten's dirty version says "wait til you see my clit" while their clean version says "wait til you see my lips". Something in there as well about making the Twinz pay for it... There were rumours that this "answer record" came from Kelis, but they were unfounded. For posterity, check this blurb from SOHH.COM, "Free gets nasty with Twins. Free always warns 106 & Park Freestyle Friday contestants to abstain from cursing and using sexually explicit lyrics during battle, but she sure doesn't practice what she preaches on the Ying Yang Twins' "Wait"(Whisper Song) remix [listen: hi/lo]. On the track, which also features Busta Rhymes, Lil Scrappy and Missy Elliot, Free borrows the twin's whisper flow and blasts a hole into her PG-13 image when she offers, "I got a nice little ... and my ass poke out / automatically I can ride a... no doubt/I'm known for getting all the haters mad / I can go slow but go crazy fast/ I give amazing head / Backside a little softer than a baby's ass / And that's wild soft / I let a rich ni99a hit it on his golf course.Not to be outdone, West Palm Beach femcees, Spoil'd Rotten recently dropped their own solo version of the "Whisper Song." Mistaken by many (including SoHH.com) to be Kelis, the indie duo signed to Breakin' Bread Entertainment get XXX-rated with lines like, "If you want me to get in your bed / You can lick it while I grab on your dreads / If you like to fuck / Well I like to put my legs up / Let you lick all in my butt." Spoil'd Rotten switches up the Ying Yang's chorus by offering, "Wait till you taste my clit" moments before instructing to "Eat the pu$$y up." The hook is then followed with a series or orgasmic moans. Believe it or not, SR takes it up a few notches on the second verse. Building on the oral sex theme, one of them woman requests, "Just eat this cat like a dog / Don't stop till you hear me go awwww and oohhhh!."So the problem is that none of the women recording these so-called "answer tracks" are NOT dissing the Twinz! They're co-signing the date-rape raps with their own brand of Hoe-Hop! I'm WAITING til I hear a real female MC drop some karma on they ass. Where ya'll at?In other Ying Yang news, according to MTV, they'll be getting their own "reality" show wherein a stranger will become their roommate. This brings up a convo I had with my best friend in the wash-house the other day. If you HAD to get with one of the Ying Yang Twinz, HAD TO, like if you didn't you'd spontaneously combust or some shit - which one would you choose? We both chose the bald one.I'm never too shocked by the outrageous things folks say to justify their dirty music and business, but this one really take a lot of cake... "People think that just because we speak about those women in that manner, it must mean that we disrespecting them. But how you look stripping to "Mary Had a Little Lamb?" - Kaine of the Ying Yang Twins, XXL, June 2005 (thanks to Crunk & Disorderly for that one, filed under the "Nigga Please" section)Last thing, in the "shit happens" category, Eve's pissed off 'cause a "personal sex tape" of her and her ex-old man ended up online. I feel her, but I've also seen the flix of her "dancer" days and she was doing more than dancing with one of her fellow pole-swingers, like whoa. I mean with Heather Hunter and Gloria Velez making records, and former strippers Eve and Jacki-O rhyming, no wonder the wires are crossed when it comes to feminism and empowerment within Hip Hop.EARLYMiranda Jane Pyramids 2 Projects Music31823@blogcritics.org Thu, 30 Jun 2005 11:51:52 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/06/30/113325.php Miranda Jane Alien Ness...So Fresh "You got this record playing, just take time to listen to it." - B-Boy Alien Ness "If you ain't doing what Alien Ness is doing, you ain't doing nothing." - Wyclef Jean of the Fugees"The brother definitely proved to be out of this world." - Popmaster Fabel, Heirophysics/Rock Steady Crew"Alien Ness is one of the illest b-boys out there." - Grand Wizard Theodore, Creator of the "Scratch""Alien represents real hip-hop and I am proud to know him. I hope he succeeds in every way." - Kurtis Blow"The quintessential b-boy...it's in his soul." - Grandmaster Caz, Cold Crush Brothers "He's numero uno...The original...b-boy killer." - Afrika Bambaattaa, Godfather of Hip Hop "He came to break!" - Crazy Legs, Rock Steady CrewThe homegirl B-Girl Asia One (No Easy Props) hooked me up with a copy of the double DVD from Alien Ness, Bronxstyle/the blueprint. I just finished checking it out for the first time, and I'm floored (no pun intended). Since I shot some flix of Ness a few years back at the RSC Anniversary, he's been one of my favorite B-Boys to watch. But this shit is ridiculous!First of all, for those who've never been to a B-Boy/B-Girl jam, Rocksteady Anniversary celebration, Universal Zulu Nation event, B-Boy Summit, Freestyle Session, etc. let me begin with some background on Ness. A B-Boy since 1982, he's been down with a number of crews over the years such as Electric Ave Rockers, Dance System 10, the NYC Breakers, B-Boys in Action/Bronx B-Boys/Boogie Down Productions, High Performance, Heirophysics, Rock Steady Crew, and the Universal Zulu Nation. He got a lot of his skills and foundation from two O.G. B-Boys, Buck 4 and Kuriaki, both of whom went back to the essence (God bless their lives). "Buck 4 used to tell me to practice slow," explains Ness on the how-to DVD, "and to think of different combinations and variations." In fact, Ness dedicates this to everyone he's learned from, including Buck 4, Kuriaki, Crazy Legs, Popmaster Fabel, Icey Ice, Mr. Wiggles, Sugar Pop, Melle Mel, Steelo, Sab, Wicket, Trac 2, and many more.With footage from the Furious Styles Crew 10th Anniversary jam, demos from RSC Queen Jeskils, words from Mr. Freeze RSC, and mad demonstrations, explanations, breakdowns, and moves from Ness himself; one thing is clear - even newbies can learn to break with these DVDs and a whole lot of practice. Ness shows you how to toprock and go down, stressing that the best ways to learn are to run through drills (shown/broken down in the DVD), study old-school breakers, and use some common sense. It's the little things he explains, such as how to toprock on the balls of the feet - not to toprock flatfooted - that make these lessons golden.In the mindstate of "each one teach one" intact, Ness pays homage to the B-Boys who taught him these moves so he can today teach others how to rock. Breaking down how to do the "Ness Glyde" he explains that the move he started from to create this new move was "The Float". In demonstrating the 4 Corners he explains that Crazy Legs taught him how to do it. The DVD gives inspiration to up-and-coming B-Boys and B-Girls as well, 'cause like Ness explains about coming up with his signature moves, "a majority of them were mistakes, or doing something I was trying to do by accident." While most folks might not sit through a 2 DVD set about skills and steps, it's worth it to see the raw energy of the moves showcased here from dozens of B-Boys and B-Girls. And it's entertaining and comedic at times to listen to what Ness has to say about the dance..."Bottom line is, it's gonna work like Daniel-Son - wax on, wax off". Speed, leg steps, footwork, twists, bicycle pumps, figure 4 spins, swipes, windmills, chair freezes, baby freezes, transitions, poses, forms and flows - it's all here for the learning. Check out a preview of Bronxstyle here and the blueprint here. To cop the videos visit B-Boy Summit Dot Com, or visit Alien Ness's site at B-Boy Alien Dot Com. And if you want to keep up with the B-Boy/B-Girl scene, subscribe to the Tools of War newsletter. That's what's up. PEACE, MJ Video31822@blogcritics.org Thu, 30 Jun 2005 11:33:25 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/06/29/075229.php Miranda Jane100% Natural I always get comments in the streets about how good I smell, how smooth my skin looks, and how I have such shiny, healthy hair. Those of you who know me know about the whole organic health food regime on my Mom's side of the family, it's been going on for four generations now. My homegirls know a few of my beauty secrets, and some of them are hip to a few of the products I use. But today, in an unprecedented act, I'm going to share all my secrets right here on Pyramids 2 Projects. Check it out... And to all my gentlemen readers, don't leave yet, read ahead and click on these links - your grandmother, mother, aunties, sisters, daughters, and Queens will thank you for it!It's Da Balm! For real, that's what it's called. Perfect for dancers, skaters, walkers, runners, bikers, or anyone who has owie feet. www.capoieragear.com I'm the third generation of women in my family to use this pure Olive Oil soap. The best face soap, period. www.kissmyface.comJasmine Petal Sea Salt Soak...relax in a hot bath and smell good doin' it. www.africasgarden.comThe true test of a righteous person - do they wash up with Dr. Bronner's? Peppermint, Lavender, or Almond are the best! www.drbronner.comFor the teeth, I like Tom's of Maine flouride-free toothpaste in Cinnamint. To keep my teeth white I sometimes brush with a paste of pure baking soda and just enough water to make it stick to the toothbrush. www.lifesvigor.com (Tom's of Maine no longer sells direct from their site, www.tomsofmaine.com)Another wonderful bar soap, Dudu Osun, the best of the Black soaps I've found. www.afrikanrepublic.comTry the Aloe Herbal Hair Wash with Ylang-Ylang & Vanilla scent. www.ebenenaturals.comAlba deep conditioner is thick, rich and leaves a delicious scent in your hair. I use a teeny, tiny bit as a leave-in. www.houseofnutrition.com (don't know if Alba has a website of their own, also available at Whole Foods markets!)I can't live without the Beeswax and Banana hand creme...it smells like yummy banana bread fresh from the oven www.burtsbees.com (Also try the complexion soaps and the amazing citrus facial scrub)The "Aries" scented butter smells SOOO good...but my favorite is the CitrousCin. www.myemagine.com (I met this Sister at a street fair in Eagle Rock, and her products are TO DIE FOR. Try the Milk bar soap, which doubles as a shampoo!)Anahita's Hair Butter is divine, Heavenly Spirit Body Butter works every time! www.warmspirit.comKhoret Amen Shea Butter Hair Smoothie! Sweet Almond Cookie Oil! Mmmmm...yummy www.carolsdaughter.comDelicious body scrubs in Ginger Sweet Coconut or Peppermint Dark Chocolate www.inkylovesnature.comI suggest Aura, Honeydew Melon, or Hibiscus. My signature blend is Chocolate Kiss, Orange Blossom, and Peppermint (Essential Oil) mixed together - three parts chocolate, two parts orange, to one part peppermint. www.bodytimeproducts.com (this is the original Body Shop, however when the company in the UK started they got richer faster and so they changed the name to Body Time, located on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley, CA)Hella Good! What more can I say? www.hellagoodproducts.comShea Butter is the best moisturizer I've found for hands, feet, lips, even hair. I custom-scent this butter with an oil or two from Body Time, and keep it moving... www.nasabb.comBefore I cut off all my hair, I used this oil during the summer to prevent my hair from drying out. The scent is Tiare (Tahitian Gardenia) and it smells amazingly good. If you really want to go for the gusto, wear this scent along with the hair oil. Monoi Tiare hair oil from http://mailorderhawaii.com and fabulous Hawaiin solid perfume from www.maliekauai.comTry the CitrousCin (Orange and Cinnamon) in the sugar scrub. Um, er, uhh...it's "lickable" literally, edible. Now that's all natural! Now ladies, if someone sent you a gift basket with all of the above items inside, not on a special occasion or "holiday" but just because...how pampered would you be?!! www.myemagine.comI almost forgot! Jane Carter Solution leave-in conditioning spray. It brings out the curls in my hair and it's not greasy at all. Thank you Jane! www.thejanecartersolution.comI've made my own sugar scrub with great success, the recipe is1 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 cup Bustelo fine-ground coffee (or other "Spanish" espresso) 1 tablespoon madagascar vanilla 1 orange (juice, pulp and outer peel) 1 1/2 cups Sugar in the Raw 1/2 cup Sage Honey 3 cinnamon sticks, crumbled 1/4 cup rock salt Mix into a paste and use as a body scrub in the bath or shower. Keeps in the fridge for a couple of weeks. Add an essential oil such as Rosemary or Peppermint, or some grated fresh Ginger root, for a more invigorating scrub. I made that up when I was living in Brooklyn, but it worked wonders, and people say if you take a bath in coffee you'll come in to money. I guess this all started with my Mother who made her own candles from scratch in different colors, scents, shapes and sizes. Check out this site for candle-making supplies, and this message board with tips on making homemade candles (and soap). Check these techniques and tips from other women who get down the All Natural Way:B-Girl Peppa Funk Creative DivaYetunde Taiwo Rodriguez Stephanie Rose BirdSusie Parker Goins Donna Maria P.S. If you have any favorites to add on, post up in the comments or email me at mizmirandajane@yahoo.com P.P.S. If you're reading this, and I shouted out your product, send me a lil gift basket or something, Please? Thank you. Tastes31698@blogcritics.org Wed, 29 Jun 2005 07:52:29 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/05/16/112618.php Miranda JaneWhen I got online Saturday, I saw the news. I gasped out loud and Rae asked me what was wrong. I said "Justo is dead". I couldn't say more. I couldn't even cry. I couldn't let my thoughts drift to DJ Threat (R.I.P.), who I worked with at Gee Street Records, who also passed away in a vehicular accident. The only thing I could do was go to the club, check out some DJs and soak up my sorrows with Hip Hop. Justo is one of the only people who has a high profile in the industry that treated me the same before I was at the source, while I was associate editor at the source, and after I left the source. The Mixtape Awards, in my opinion, have been the most important events in Hip Hop. Justo and the Mixtape Awards took the emphasis off mainstream radio and back onto the true promoters of Hip Hop in the streets - the mixtape DJs. Justo was also responsible for a lot of the diversification within Hip Hop, in that he included DJs from all regions in the awards, without being New York-centric. I hope that the legacy of the awards will live on, and that everyone in the Hip Hop will take a moment of silence to remember DJ Justo (Justo Faison) and his selfless contributions to our music and culture. "Many within the Hip-Hop nation are shocked, saddened and even in denial about the death of Justo Faison. Tragically, Faison, the founder of the successful Mixtape Awards, was killed in a car crash sometime early morning Saturday (May 14).Details remain vague, but sources confirmed with AllHipHop.com that Faison passed away in Virginia, while working doing promotions in the evening. According to some sources, Faison was departing Richmond and was extremely tired while driving to an undisclosed destination.Faison founded the Mixtape Awards in 1996 and helped highlight and reward a previously unrecognized component of the music business - the mixtape. "Justo was like a brother to me," DJ Kay Slay told AllHipHop.com. "At one time he helped manage me for free. Justo was the only person we had standing up for the DJ's from the heart and he will be missed." At presstime, a funeral fund, spearheaded by Kay Slay and Kid Capri, was already being erected for the pioneer. One source said it is time for the DJ's to return the favor to Justo. "The DJ's need to step up to the plate on this one. Justo gave his life to them." details of the fund were forthcoming."Source : Allhiphop.com By Nolan Strong & Houston Williams Here are some other tributes to Justo from members of the Hip Hop community.Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to the family and friends of Justo Faison who was tragically killed in a automobile accident this past weekend. As many of you know I had the privilege to directly and closely work with Just O on his highly successful 9th Annual Just O Mixtape Awards this past March. What many of you may not know is that Boot Camp's relationship with Just O goes back to the days of Nervous Records where Just O worked diligently and effectively as "Radio Promotions" for Black Moon and Smif n Wessun. Just O was as loyal to his friends as they come. He was a man of tremendous principal and respect and loved the music, artists, and people he worked with. He will truly be missed. RIP Just O. - DRU HA (DUCK DOWN RECORDS)MYSELF & CRAZY HOOD PRODUCTIONS WOULD LIKE TO SEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO JUSTO'S FAMILY! JUSTO DID ALOT FOR MIXTAPE DJS AND THE WHOLE MIXTAPE SCENE! - DJ EFN CRAZY HOOD PRODUCTIONS/HOOD DJ'S/A-DOUBLE-L FAMILYOrpheus "Just O" Faison - rest in peace (now see, he would probably strangle me for putting his real first name out there for everybody to see...he would be laughing, but he'd get mad at me later...) Just O returned to the essence early this morning due to a car accident...i have so many good, funny and precious memories running through my mind right now, i'm not sure what to say or where to start...I will miss my friend and big brother dearly, and I send my condolences and prayers to his family and friends. - Monalisa Murray, Landmyne EntertainmentJUSTO REST IN PEACE Music29549@blogcritics.org Mon, 16 May 2005 11:26:18 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/05/10/020914.php Miranda JaneWhat do DMX, RZA, Rakim, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Funkmaster Flex, P-Diddy, and Busta Rhymes have in common? They've all been involved in at least one paternity suit in the past five years. Most recently, (thanks to All Hip Hop for the info), DMX and RZA have both been sued. "DMX and RZA appeared in court last week in separate paternity cases. DMX had requested a paternity test to determine if he is the father of a three-year-old in Buffalo, New York. The test returned 99.99% chance that X is the father of the child. The rapper's lawyer requested another test, while the child's mother's lawyer asked the judge to issue an arrest warrant because DMX failed to appear in court. Both motions were dismissed, but DMX must attend another paternity hearing next month or face arrest. DMX has another paternity case pending in Maryland. DMX's wife recently gave birth. X was arrested on his way to the hospital the day his wife went into labor. The rapper was charged with various driving offenses including driving with a suspended license, after he struck a vehicle from behind, which in turn struck a police car." Now, I know plenty of artists who have a woman in every city, and groupies on top of that. But this is ridiculous. Some will point the finger at the women, calling them gold-diggers, hoes, and worse...but at the end of the day all the child support in the world isn't going to take the place of a two-parent household. And I have to hand it to RZA, who according to All Hip Hop "was present for his paternity hearing and according to reports, did not need a DNA test to acknowledge his 4-year-old daughter. RZA previously denied being the father of the 4-year-old, but RZA admitted siring the child after seeing noting his resemblance to the girl. According to RZA's lawyer, RZA is accused of fathering at least six children by various women." Same goes for ODB (PBUH, RIP). He had a gang of kids, but he was proud of them. He only got caught up in paternity lawsuits because his babies' mother was hoping to have him cremated to avoid further paternity suits in the future. A-Son Unique went onstage at the Grammy Awards to yell "Wu Tang is for the children!" and he openly said that he had fathered at least 13 children. While he was in and out of the courts dealing with child support issues, at least he claimed his babies. In 1994 MTV recorded an infamous segment where Dirt put many of his children in a limo and drove to the welfare office to pick up his food stamps. Busta Rhymes was sued in 1999 by a North Carolina woman named Jill Miskelly who said that her daughter was the result of a one-night stand with Busta. After paternity tests proved he was the father, he began making child support payments of $1,250 a month. For a man with a $5,000 belt buckle, this just ain't right. Sean "Puffy" Combs claims his children from both Kim Porter and Misa Hylton-Brim, and he pays child support. Still, in 2001, Porter sued him in Manhattan Family Court, asking the judge to declare him the father of Christian Casey Combs. I used to work with Misa at The Source, and she was no pampered princess. Whatever monies she was receiving from Puff for support were definitely going their son, and she was working hard to pay her bills. Radio personality Funkmaster Flex was sued in 1992 by Haydee Diaz, who claimed her son Dante was his child. Unfortunately, Flex was married to Oxygen host Monica Joseph at the time, and the couple had a 9-month old daughter. It's really sad to see married men slippin' like this...although women can participate in some of the evil that men do as well. Daz Dillinger divorced his wife and demanded a DNA test for their child when Suge Knight recorded lyrics claiming HE was the father of Daz's child. And I can't neglect to mention that rumours abound about singer/actress Macy Gray - that she has 10 children and leaves them with relatives most of the year. Don't get it twisted or take any of this as stereotype reinforcement, 'cause there are plenty of Hip Hop families who, under every circumstance, take care of their children whether they're together or not. Erykah Badu and Andre 3000 of OutKast, Big Gipp of the Goodie Mob and chanteuse Joi, and plenty of other Hip Hop couples are making family happen, even if it's not traditional. I just hope that all of these moms and dads are looking toward the future and putting some of those advance monies and royalty checks into college funds and trust funds.So while it's most definitely scandalous that a lot of Hip Hop's pops aren't being fathers to their children, I have to acknowledge and shout-out some of the Hip Hop fathers I know who are doing such an amazing job raising their children. A-Plus from Souls of Mischief is a proud daddy of a beautiful son. C-Rayz Walz dedicated his last LP (Ravipops) to his seed, Ravi and is an integral part of his life. J-Ro from Tha Alkaholiks raises his two boys and coaches their Pop Warner football team. Parish "PMD" Smith of EPMD also has two sons, and is careful to mold his music business schedule around their lives. Even MF Doom, whom I have plenty of reasons to dislike and beef with, is a father to his sons and really takes time with their growth and development. I was the daughter of a musician who had plenty of groupies and wives to spare, and I know what it's like when daddy is in the studio, on the road, and just not there; while mommy struggles to make ends meet on a little bit of nothing a/k/a court-ordered child support. That's why I want to end this on the positive tip and reinforce the fact that a lot of Hip Hop fathers are doin' it for themselves and their seeds. So it's not all bad. Don't want anyone thinking this is the man-hating post, 'cause it's certainly not. We love men. MEN. Who acknowledge their children, and take care of them - financially, spiritually, and in myriad ways. And at the end of the day a lot of it breaks down to biology. A mama has a baby. A daddy can always cop out and say...maybe. Music29261@blogcritics.org Tue, 10 May 2005 02:09:14 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/05/08/000625.php Miranda JaneI want to wish a Happy Mother's Day to all the single mothers out there, including my own. She's married now, just not to my father.Everyone always asks why I'm not a mother. The reasons are many. I've had a lot of female friends, and even more female rivals. The funny thing is, I have a lot more in common with Roxanne Shante than most them. Born Lolita Shante Gooden in 1969, Shante found a glitch in the matrix when UTFO recorded the song "Roxanne, Roxanne". She jumped into Marley Marl's soundbooth, and the rest is herstory."A lot of MC's today really know how to please but I gave birth to most of them MC's so when it comes around to the month of May send me your royalty check for Mother's Day Because yo, you know you can't deal with this I'm Shanté the microphone grand mistress a pioneer like Lola Falana with a name that stands big like Madonna Speaking of Madonna, some girls on the mic rap like virgins and get real tight but I get loose with the rhymes I produce that's why I'm queen of the Crew with the Juice cause I'm the super female that's called Shanté and like Hurricane Annie I'll blow you away Whenever I'm in a battle, yo, I don't play so you best go about your way and have a nice day"That's how she broke it down on "Have a Nice Day." But it was really "Roxanne's Revenge" that sparked her career. Far from comedy rap, "Roxanne's Revenge" wasn't no joke. Shante broke it down by explaining "Roxanne's Revenge" is saying that guys should stop talking about girls because it's not working anymore. It's played out! Talking about girls is fine as long as you've got something good to say about them. Why do you always gotta say girls are stuck up?" In the book "Bring the Noise", authors Havelock Nelson and Michael A. Gonzales wrote "Roxanne's Revenge" is - perhaps - best remembered for its brutal grit and casual spunk. It stood out, in stark, funky contrast, against more polished cuts by hitmakers Kurtis Blow, Whodini and the Fat Boys. And Shanté's vicious, profane style caught even the toughest rap customers off guard. She started off "Revenge" by bragging, in breathless, squeaky-voiced tones, about how effortlessly she could rock a jam. Then, over a sample stolen from the instrumental mix of "Roxanne, Roxanne", Shanté got nasty, directing to, among other things, "suck my bush." She was out to define a respectable place for women in hip hop, and her pointed rhyme cut through all the mysogyny and sexism associated with the artform. Not just another b-girl honey, Shanté cold-cocked all the skeezoids and, on rap's battleground she became a force to be reckoned with." Supposedly selling a quarter of a million copies in New York alone, "Revenge" made Roxanne Hip-Hop's first female superstar. She is said to have performed up to three shows in three different states in one day, jetting around in private planes. But cutting full-length records was still out of the norm at that time. So until she finally released her debut album in 1989, she 'only' released a handful of 12-inches. At least five of them on Pop Art Records, all produced by Marley Marl: "Roxanne's Revenge" (84), "Bite This" (85), "Runaway" (85), "Queen of Rox (Shanté Rox On)" (85), "Def Fresh Crew" with Biz Markie (86), "I'm Fly Shanté" with Steady B (86) and "The Payback" (87).A couple years back, Shante broke down some of the hardships she experienced as a pre-teen Hip Hop Queen when talking to www.allhiphop.com's Nolan Strong. "There was a clause in my contract that said they had to pay for my education. Regardless of how far it went. And what happened was, they felt like she's 14. By the time I was 15 I was pregnant with my son. They felt like they could through that in there because they thought I would never use it. I mean they were like "look at her now." They thought I was going to get on drugs. I didn't. And as long as they had my school covered, I was good. I didn't get school loans, so I had to copy pages out of other people's books. I would stand in front of the machine with a bunch of nickels and make copies. Page for page for page for page. And every time I copied a page, my love for Hip-Hop was going away, more and more and more. My story isn't a happy one, but it had a happy ending. I was straight out of the group home; they dangled the custody of my son over my head because I was so young, so Hip-Hop became a labor of love. If you don't do this, this is what's going to happen."The bugged shit is that even though a lot of people think she dis-the-fuck-appeared, she's now a PhD, and speaks on a number of topics at universities. From her management company's bio on Shante, "Shante's is recognized for her contribution to Hip-Hop and Rap in Libraries all across the Globe. Today she's a strong Independent woman holding more than just a microphone. Shante now holds a Degree in Psychology. DR Roxanne Shante' has retired from Hip-Hop and enjoys her new career and her new found freedom. Life after Hip-Hop hasn't been bad at all. DR. Rox hasn't turned away from the Hip Hop Culture or Rap Game as a matter of fact her direct relationship with today's Hip Hop and Urban Community enables this young Mother of 2 to successfully counsel and provide her clients with the best treatment available. The scope of her clients range from Hip-Hop artist to Corporate Executives. Her distinctive and uncanny approach places her in a class all by herself. Equipped with subtle tenacity and a deep understanding of the Hip Hop Culture and the Music Business Dr Roxanne Shante is considered by most a specialist in a much overlooked and complex area of today's Urban Community."I was watching Beef II earlier, and Shante busted down the whole music business and their schiesty system in the outro to the movie. She explained how when she signed with WEA at the age of 15, they included an education clause where the label would pay for her education. She said they assumed she'd get a GED, and nothing more. But she stopped making records. She went to college. She acquired her Bachelor's degree. She stayed in school. She acheived her Masters. She didn't stop. The same way she was relentless and unafraid as a female MC, dissing the major artists of her day on wax, she was relentless with her schooling. The label started to inquire as to when she would be finishing her classes. She hit 'em for $175,000 and got her PhD. That's why I say, when it comes around to the month of May, send Roxanne Shante your royalty checks for Mother's Day. Music29162@blogcritics.org Sun, 8 May 2005 00:06:25 EDT