Black History Month, Obama, and NOTORIOUS
First, let me say happy Black History Month. Make it a point to try to do something this month. Whether it be just to learn something new or do an official celebration, just do something to acknowledge our ancestors. Also, congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers and to Mike Tomlin who is the second black coach to win a Super Bowl (on the first day of Black History Month, go figure). Honestly, I wanted Arizona to win only because they hadn't won a Super Bowl yet, but I figured that the Steelers would find some way to pull it off.
Finally, before we get down to business (at least hip hop business) I have to publicly say congratulations to Barack Obama. Of course its old news by now, but I would hate myself if I didn't mention this on my blog, not to mention that I am still on somewhat on an Obama-high. Even only being a college student, never thought that I would live to see a black President, so imagine how all of our elders feel. Of course Obama is not the solution to all of our problems, and anybody who thinks that is crazy. However, this is a huge step in the right direction for our country. We, as African-Americans, no longer have any more excuses. From now on, if you see anybody acting foolish, just say "Obama's in office." If Obama's Presidency doesn't motivate us to make ourselves better, I don't know what will. Now the quote is halfway a joke, but we seriously need to take into account how our actions affect us and not continue to blame "The Man." Anyway, I'm done preaching, but I had to throw that out there.
Now, yesterday I finally saw NOTORIOUS. I have to admit that I was very impressed with the acting by a lot of those involved in the movie. More than anything else, I think the mannerisms of Biggie and Diddy were dead on (even down to Big's heavy breathing). I thought that the movie was written real well and that the viewer was able to really get a good representation of all those involved in Big's life (except Lil Kim which I think we all can agree she got a cheated and has a right to be upset). There were times during the movie that I got chills when the had Biggie performing because I unfortunately never got to see him live and I can only wonder what the game would be like if he was still around. Also, it is absolutely unfortunate that Big lost his life just as he was getting ready to really make a change in his life (at least that's the way it was displayed in the movie and I have a feeling that's really how he was feeling). Biggie had such a huge influence and if he was able to show, little by little, the change within himself through his music, I don't think that people rapping right now would be stuck on the same foolishness they are right now. Of course, now all we can do is speculate, but let's just hope that people that get into the rap game actually do something constructive with it and that Pac and Big didn't die for nothing.
Speaking of 2pac, I have to ask, when is he going to get his movie? I am a fan of Biggie and I really enjoyed the movie, but I would LOVE for Pac to get his own movie. It is just like Anthony Mackie (whom portrayed Pac in NOTORIOUS) said in VIBE magazine, "'Pac's life is so much more complex than a side not in someone else's story." He is absolutely right and there definitely should be some talks very soon about a Tupac biographical movie. I read that the writers of NOTORIOUS will be doing a movie for Run-DMC which I think is fantastic. So I say get working on that movie since you've already committed and then the next movie should definitely Pac's story. I'm sure that I'm not the only one with these feelings. Jam Master Jay, Biggie, and Tupac are all considered greats in hip hop music and martyrs. I would love to see all three of them have tributes paid to them in the form of movies and I'm sure all of them would be received with open arms.
As always, let me know what you think. Were you happy with the Super Bowl outcome? Any more thoughts on Obama? Thoughts on Big's movie? Are you gonna go see the Run-DMC movie when it comes out and do you want a Tupac movie? Let me hear it all. And because I love yall so much, I left you a video of Obama speaking when he came to MSU to address the student population. I hope you enjoy it.
Peace.
*Disclaimer: When you comment, it may not display right away. This is because I have to approve it before it shows up on the website, so leave a comment and it will be up within a couple of hours. All comments, unless derogatory towards other races, religions, cultures, etc. will be approved. If you are having problems or your comment doesn't show up, hit me at straightouttahiphop@gmail.com and give me your thoughts and I'll make sure they are expressed.
Finally, before we get down to business (at least hip hop business) I have to publicly say congratulations to Barack Obama. Of course its old news by now, but I would hate myself if I didn't mention this on my blog, not to mention that I am still on somewhat on an Obama-high. Even only being a college student, never thought that I would live to see a black President, so imagine how all of our elders feel. Of course Obama is not the solution to all of our problems, and anybody who thinks that is crazy. However, this is a huge step in the right direction for our country. We, as African-Americans, no longer have any more excuses. From now on, if you see anybody acting foolish, just say "Obama's in office." If Obama's Presidency doesn't motivate us to make ourselves better, I don't know what will. Now the quote is halfway a joke, but we seriously need to take into account how our actions affect us and not continue to blame "The Man." Anyway, I'm done preaching, but I had to throw that out there.
Now, yesterday I finally saw NOTORIOUS. I have to admit that I was very impressed with the acting by a lot of those involved in the movie. More than anything else, I think the mannerisms of Biggie and Diddy were dead on (even down to Big's heavy breathing). I thought that the movie was written real well and that the viewer was able to really get a good representation of all those involved in Big's life (except Lil Kim which I think we all can agree she got a cheated and has a right to be upset). There were times during the movie that I got chills when the had Biggie performing because I unfortunately never got to see him live and I can only wonder what the game would be like if he was still around. Also, it is absolutely unfortunate that Big lost his life just as he was getting ready to really make a change in his life (at least that's the way it was displayed in the movie and I have a feeling that's really how he was feeling). Biggie had such a huge influence and if he was able to show, little by little, the change within himself through his music, I don't think that people rapping right now would be stuck on the same foolishness they are right now. Of course, now all we can do is speculate, but let's just hope that people that get into the rap game actually do something constructive with it and that Pac and Big didn't die for nothing.
Speaking of 2pac, I have to ask, when is he going to get his movie? I am a fan of Biggie and I really enjoyed the movie, but I would LOVE for Pac to get his own movie. It is just like Anthony Mackie (whom portrayed Pac in NOTORIOUS) said in VIBE magazine, "'Pac's life is so much more complex than a side not in someone else's story." He is absolutely right and there definitely should be some talks very soon about a Tupac biographical movie. I read that the writers of NOTORIOUS will be doing a movie for Run-DMC which I think is fantastic. So I say get working on that movie since you've already committed and then the next movie should definitely Pac's story. I'm sure that I'm not the only one with these feelings. Jam Master Jay, Biggie, and Tupac are all considered greats in hip hop music and martyrs. I would love to see all three of them have tributes paid to them in the form of movies and I'm sure all of them would be received with open arms.
As always, let me know what you think. Were you happy with the Super Bowl outcome? Any more thoughts on Obama? Thoughts on Big's movie? Are you gonna go see the Run-DMC movie when it comes out and do you want a Tupac movie? Let me hear it all. And because I love yall so much, I left you a video of Obama speaking when he came to MSU to address the student population. I hope you enjoy it.
Peace.
*Disclaimer: When you comment, it may not display right away. This is because I have to approve it before it shows up on the website, so leave a comment and it will be up within a couple of hours. All comments, unless derogatory towards other races, religions, cultures, etc. will be approved. If you are having problems or your comment doesn't show up, hit me at straightouttahiphop@gmail.com and give me your thoughts and I'll make sure they are expressed.
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