Decoded- Lavish

Welcome to the first edition of Decoded. Inspired by Rap Genius, Decoded will be a feature that breaks down the written work of DS Williams. This month, DS' verse, off the the unreleased Mirrorz Edge song entitled Lavish, will be the subject of dissection. Let's get started!




(Verse 1)
Want to feel the rush without the formula.
Cruise minus risky behavior that brings coroners.
Earn heart, maybe I need to "recup"
But first let me spread my wings with my troop!
A two step in my socks in my living room.
Fresh to death  my attire should be a walking tomb.
Resurrected when the pen hits the parchment.
Hard to be beat when you walk around heartless !
Life's an "Eh"... I still want to impress her!
Chess capers in order for me to check her!
On board, unless I play my cards right.
Runner Runner, still moving in the moonlight!
Another deal shows fate ...just a gamble,
From boarded windows to swinging doors..I handle!
Snake Eyes, not your ordinary Joe.
So place all your bets on a sure fire flow!

And Now It's Time For Breakdown

"Want To Feel The Rush With out the Formula"

This first line begins an extended metaphor on travel and transportation. DS wants to "Feel the rush" or excitement, without the "formula"or artificial means (ie drugs and alcohol).  "Rush" and "Formula" also refer to Formula One racing. Rush  is also a movie that details the rivalry between two Formula One drivers: James Hunt and Niki Lauda!

Cruise Minus Risky Behavior That Brings Coroners

DS is reiterating that he just wants to move at a steady pace (cruise) to avoid reckless actions that may cause a premature end. Cruise is also a reference to  the actor Tom Cruise ,who was a race car driver in the movie Days of Thunder and also starred in the movie Risky Business. (Hence the term Risky Behavior)

Earn Heart, Maybe I Need to Recoup, but First Let Me Spread My Wings With My Troop

This line is filled with double entendres! But first, let's focus on the narrative. DS says that in order from him to continue on is path, he needs to "Earn heart" or become more courageous. In order to do that, he needs rest or take time to "recup", short for recuperate. "Earn heart" is also a play on words on the name of  famous race car driver Dale Earnhardt Jr (continuing the racing theme) ."Recup" can also be read as "recoup" meaning to get another automobile, being that a :Coupe" is a type of car and the prefix "re" means back or again.

But before DS can rest, he wants to travel with his friends (troop), by means of flying, to another location. Troop also refers to the 80s R&B group who were responsible for the song Spread My Wings.

A Two Step in My Socks in My Living Room

(Scene From Risky Business)

Fresh to death  my attire should be a walking tomb/ Resurrected when the pen hits the parchment

No matter how fly his attire may be, DS feels truly alive when he is writing.

Chess Capers in Order for me to Check Her

This line begins the second extended metaphor : games and gambling. Despite life being "Eh", DS still wants to do his best at it. Therefore, he will utilize strategy (Chess  moves) in order to conquer life or  "Check her". "Check her" also serves as a play on words on the game Checkers (of course)

On board, unless I play my cards right ,Runner Runner, still moving in the moonlight

DS will stay on the gambling boards (or continue to take risk for his art) unless he has a hot hand playing cards (most likely black jack  or poker) Runner Runner is a poker term that describes a player catching two running cards in order to make their hand. DS may also  be referring to traveling once more (running),thus returning back to the initial narrative and metaphor. And of course, Runner Runner is a film that stars Justin Timberlake . This film deals with the lies and scams in the world of on-line poker.

Snake Eyes, Not Your Ordinary Joe

In the game of craps, snake eyes is the outcome of rolling dice and getting only one pip on each die. Snake Eyes also refers to the mute ninja who is  a focal character  in the animated show G.I. Joe (Not your ordinary Joe)  

So place all bets on a sure fire flow

Ending the gambling metaphor, DS encourages the listener to "place bets" or have faith in his ability to be able to win or be successful in the rap/poetry game.

So what's your thoughts folks? Sound off in the comment section- CgN

Take Five: Hip Hop Albums

by Da CogNegro


Outside of Jazz,no genre of music has shaped my existence more than Hip-Hop.My way of dress, speech and even belief system was at one time or another dictated by this brand of music. That is why I am so protective of it. Especially if it falls into the wrong hands and used for nefarious purposes. Even if it never returns to its' days of glory , will always have these albums to provide me with  pats of nostalgia and jolts of inspiration!

Honorable Mention: Camp Lo Uptown Saturday Night

Release Year: 1997
High Point(s): Black Connection, Luchini, Sparkle
Low Point(s): B-Side to Hollywood (Some Rather Silly Lyrics)

Why it Almost Made the List: One of the most underrated albums, produced by one of the most underrated acts in hip hop, Camp Lo's Uptown Saturday Night was simply too ahead of its' time to be fully appreciated at the time of its' release. Geechi Seude's razor sharp delivery along with Sonny Cheeba's charmingly perplexing aura serve as a great introduction to one of hip hop's most unique parings. I was introduced to Camp Lo in college and to this day, at least a quarter of this album stays in heavy rotation.

5.Lupe Fiasco's Presents The Cool

Release Year:2007
High Point(s): Hip Hop Saved My Life, The Coolest,  The Game
Low Point(s): Gold Watch

Why it Made the List: Sooooo I'm going to cheat and steal my commentary right from my Take Five: Lupe Fiasco's Albums entry, which can be found here. Shhhh, don't tell anyone; When the only flaw on your album is the pitch of a sample ( Gold Watch) then you really are looking at an unprecedented opus! Lupe demonstrated that he not just merely attempts a type of song, but  could also master it as well! You want a crossover hit that will be used in countless commercials? Well here's Superstar! Want a pulse pounding rock song? Enter: Hello Goodbye. How about a whimsical tale peppered with social commentary? Well I guess you Gotta Eat. A song that is too "gangsta" to show remorse? Boom, Put You on Game. And the list goes on and on! On top of that, this album  also contains a conceptual  narrative, one in which I won't spoil.  The Cool successfully weaves the abstract with the accessible. Are there some intricate moving parts here? Absolutely! But you  will realize that  finding the pathway to understanding isn't as murky as his latest album. Also, Lupe is able to evoke great emotion and empathy from the touching tale of Hip Hop Save My Life  to the cautionary anecdotes of Intruder Alert. The album accomplishes what every artist seeks to achieve: balance! Such a feat has positioned The Cool as not just the best Lupe Fiasco album, but the best hip hop album in the last fourteen years!

4. Nas- Stillmatic

Release Year: 2001
High Point(s): One Mic, You're The Man, Rewind
Low Point(s): Bravehart Party

Why it Made the List: Yes, I just heard a collective gasp from all you Hip-Hop purest out there. If a NAS album was to be apart of someone's top five, how could it not be Illmatic? Well, truth be told, I was only 10 when Illmatic came out and my limited rap references, at the time, were lmited to such such "safe" acts as Arrested Development and Kriss-Kross. By the time my ear was mature enough to grasp more complex, interwoven and profanity laced hip-hop, NAS was on the decline with such misses as I AM and Nastradamus. However, even though his material was not at the top of my playlist at the time, I knew that NAS was an MC that was resilient and could survive the onslaught that was known as Jay-Z's Takeover. And sure enough, despite the claims of all of my dorm mates and co., NAS not only survived but underwent a resurgence that is rare in the realm of Hip Hop! From that battle, we received Stllmatic. For the first time in years, NAS crafted an array of songs that covered a wide variety of topics. Not only did  it include the incendiary ETHER: a comeback diss record of epic proportions, but arguably one of NAS most powerful signature songs in One Mic. Tracks such as Rewind showed his knack of creatively telling a story while RULE and My Country proved that NAS was quite cognizant of world affairs. Since the release of this album, NAS has reclaimed his spot atop  Hip Hop's Mount Rushmore and continues to show that he's still Illmatic.

3.Eminem- The Marshall Mathers LP

Release Year: 2000
High Point(s): Stan, The Way I Am, B**** Please Pt 2
Low Point(s): Amityville- One word: Bizarre. Ugh! His attempts at shock value were appalling and anemic!

Why it Made the List :Junior year of high school was a pivotal turning point in my life. Often referred to as 'The End of Innocence, the staunch bubble that had protected me from the world's temptations and ills had been shattered with the knives of a 1,000 throwers. Anger, confusion, heartbreak, and hopelessness had taken over and no relief was in sight. Everything in my life I began to question and the beliefs that had been firmly planted into my solid ground had now been violently uprooted and dissected on the operating table belonging to internal bedlam. Who knew that a bleached blond white boy from Detroit would be my saving grace. The Marshall Mather's LP was  at times vile, unapologetic and shocking. Yet, the pain, angst and disregard that Eminem was projecting spoke to me like no other collection of work had done before . Listening to that album wasn't just a passive exercise, it was my auditory therapy session that allowed me to vicariously strike back at all that was battling me .  Underneath the vitriolic content lied a soul who had been tossed aside by society. Such emotion is clearly evident in tracks such as STAN and The Way I AM. Not only did this album provide a relief from a listening standpoint,but it also heavily influenced my writing and set into motion a transformation of what was once a frivolous  pastime  and allowed it to become  a component of my very being. In closing, progress without pain is often stagnate.

2.Mos Def Black on Both Sides

Release Year: 1999
High Point(s): Umi Says, Know That, Mr. Nigger
Low Point(s): Habitat. Not a bad song but it just comes off as repetitive after  the superior Brooklyn.

Why it Made the List: Somewhere between Puffy's shiny suit and the Ruff Ryders dirt and grim era, a small corner of hip hp was designated for the crown jewels that was produced from a the independent label called Rawkus Records. Rather than depend on bombastic production and gritty or braggadocios lyrics, the artist of Rawkus focused more on the craftsmanship of words and oftentimes, socially conscience material coupled with pulse pounding earthy production. One artist , and album, in particular was able to accomplish this more than others. Mos Def's Black on Both Sides is an achievement in music, not just hip hop.This album showed me how malleable this art-form could be. When I hear songs like Umi Says and Climb, it shows the versatility that Mos utilized to stretch the boundaries of this genre. And when it came to subject matter, sheesh!!  Everything from the true origins of rock and roll down  to the essence of love is covered.This guy even has a track about water... and it wasn't whack! I'll drink to that!

1.Jay-Z- Reasonable Doubt

Release Year: 1996

High Point(s): Dead Presidents II, Can I Live, Feelin It, 

Low Point(s): Ain't No N**** (At least it isn't Sunshine right?)

Despite the way I may feel about this current incarnation of Jay-Z, the introductory version of the self proclaimed God MC was him at his finest. Sure he has produced a bevy of instantly recognizable and classic songs but there was a polished rawness on this album that was undeniable. Not to mention, this offering  possessed some of the most crisp and infectious production ever gathered on one disc. Everyone had an adopted an Italian Mafioso persona during the mid nineties, we can give thanks to Kool G Rap for that, but Jay had perfected it on his first outing. He possessed a brash but crafted delivery and his presence demanded attention without being overbearing. Plus, the flashy and hedonistic tales coupled with stark and harsh realities made for one hell of a listening experience.I dare you not allow your mind to take you to another place when you here the piano keys of Dead Presidents II, or not brace yourself for something epic when Brooklyn's Finest makes it was to your ears. And the list goes on and on when it comes to the memorable tracks on Reasonable Doubt. Jay said that this album was his best because it's the one he had prepared all of his life for. I agree with him.  Yes,I agree with him ...without a reasonable doubt! -CgN

Corner Spotlight: Pete Philly & Perquisite- Mellow (Featuring Senna)

Good morning to all of you out there in blog land! This is Junior Love Dad-E reporting semi-live from "Da Corner". Summer is here and it has set up shop on your front porch.The heat is on high so it feels like two days escorting you to your next destination. And being that the Love Dad-E believes in spreading his namesake, here's a track for all my love birds out there to help you flap your wings and take flight.Melodic vocals, blissful flutes, and whimsy snaps are just some of the pleasing components of Pete Philly  Perquisite's track Mellow. Trust me, the title of the song is quite appropriate. With that said, may all of your days be Sun-days and all your nights be out of sight. Just remember, you are a star no matter where you are! Love Dad-E out! -CgN

                

Guest, Who! : Church (by Brother N.I.K.E)

There should never be a monploy on expression. For that very reason,I have created a monthly platform in which you, the reader, can express yourself .This month, Brother N.I.K.E will share his feelings on the recent turmoil that has seized our country as well as pose some thought provoking questions as it relates to the obstacles ,we may face ,when it comes to forming true solidarity. As always, feel free to sound off in the comment section. With out further ado, I now pass the figurative microphone to this month's Guest Who feature: Brother N.I.K.E- CgN


Church

by Brother N.I.K.E

Good Evening, 

I decided to give myself a few hours before I delved into this topic solely due its' sensitive nature. In the past two evenings,  America has shown, once again, what lies beneath the  exterior of the "Land of free and home of the brave": a place where the pure ugliness of hatred, violence and discrimination ring true. As many of you know, two African-American men were gunned down by the police in cold blood. Not only were their deaths broadcasted on television for the  public to consume another helping of injustice occurring without any retribution,  but these murders, once again, perpetuate the ongoing narrative that Negroes are truly nothing more than second class citizens. To even use the word Negroes, in this case, I must use sensitivity. (Don't worry, I am one myself) I use the word carefully because, as these catastrophic events unfold, the outcries and social media postings have reflected what we have been trying to tell people in this country all along: Negroes are not the same!

As I scroll through various postings, I have encountered views of Negroes equivocally comparing these actions to "Black on black crime". (Really dude? lets compare the apples to oranges) These opnions have run the gamut which had included  Negroes explaining how we should act in a complying matter when encountering police (that obviously in Mr. Castile's, case might not end well) to unabashed Negroes promoting the ignorant ideals of  "F*** the Police". (Good luck on that and tell me how that goes in your next encounter). The views of these Negros are shaped by their experiences  and have led them to classify Black America differently and more importantly, what it is to be Black in America. As different as they all are, I’d like to class them into five  categories or,  If I may, five Negroes. ( Hint: Upcoming book plug ).  Each Negro thus  represents a thumbnail sketch on why Black America cannot progressively move forward in unison.

But I digress! 

Being that we are so different, how can we pull together to solve the ongoing plight of injustice? Where do we begin? How can I convince Blacks, from different backgrounds and with different ideals, that we need to find a common ground and that these "incidents" with police is a  another slap in the face to us all? More importantly, just because it is not your brother, or encounter with the police today, what is to prevent it from being your brother ,or  even worse, you tomorrow? How can I explain,  to these different Negroes, that our backgrounds, credentials, and accomplishments don't define us? However ,we are still judged according to our skin tone and not our character!  How do we convince the brother who grew up like Carlton Banks that he is no different than the guy who grew up like O-Dog in  Menace II Society? And more pertinent, how do we convey that very message to these damn police!? Time for us Negroes to meet up and have a round table discussion! Until then, Stay "BLACK?" y'all !

This is Very Cool: On The Shoulders of Giants!

Four poised, polished and prominent men have now taken center stage. These faces, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, Dwayne Wade and Lebron James, are synonymous with athletic achievement and are universally known and adored the world over! However, despite this being an award show, the air is not crackling with festivity! Instead, the mood is quite somber and the black suites , donned by the men, are more than just the attire of the evening. Rather, this segment may serve a greater purpose. And sure enough, when Carmelo Anthony finished his speech, we all knew that we may be witnessing one of the most powerful, sociopolitical statements, being made  by a group of athletes in quite some time!
What followed Mr. Anthony, was a beautiful array of solidarity as each athlete encouraged and challenged themselves, as well as others, to do more when it comes to our current sate of affairs. But this simply wasn't some message drenched in PC or multicultural drivel. No, the names of countless individuals, whose lives were lost at the hands of authority figures, were sounded off .Thus, indicating that African Americans were at the forefront of racial disparaging and injustice.

  

Ironically, I was just explaining to one of my associates  on why the death of Muhammad Ali had such a profound impact on me.His preceding legacy was unparalleled and unprecedented as it related to a figure who sacrificed, not only his celebrity, but his livelihood for civil justice and equality. And even though his career ended one year before my birth, Ali was not regulated to bar-stool chatter clumped with the rest of the figures of amiable nostalgia.No! Despite failing health, he continued to champion the disfranchised and serve as a voice for the voiceless.I'm pretty sure, that it is not far-fetched to believe that Ali was smiling due to tonight's activities.

 So many times I have heard that celebrities owe us nothing when it comes to aiding in curbing societal woes. Individuals have justified the inactivity and indifference of such ones by stating that their job is simply to entertain. But as I mentioned before,whether one chooses to be a role model or not, our unique origins in this country will cause anyone who ascends to a position of celebrity to be viewed as such. And when one realizes the gift that been bestowed upon them and use said status for a greater good, I can only applaud them. Hopefully, this will be the start of a new age of activism. Until then though, bravo brothers! Thank you for showing the world that you indeed care and that we are not poison but we are magic. How else can one explain our will to survive and  
thrive- CgN

PS: Below, you will find the full transcript as well as the recorded segment.

      

            

Carmelo Anthony: Good evening. Tonight is a celebration of sports, celebrating our accomplishments and our victories. But in this moment of celebration, we asked to start the show tonight this way: the four of us talking to our fellow athletes with the country watching. Because we cannot ignore the realities of the current state of America. The events of the past week have put a spotlight on the injustice, distrust, and anger that plague so many of us. The system is broken. The problems are not new, the violence is not new, and the racial divide definitely is not new. But the urgency to great change is at an all time high.

Chris Paul: We stand here tonight accepting our role in uniting communities to be the change we need to see. We stand before you as fathers, sons, husbands, brothers, uncles, and in my case, as an African-American man and the nephew of a police officer, who is one of the hundreds of thousands of great officers serving this country. But Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, Laquan McDonald, Alton Sterling, Philando Castile: this is also our reality. Generations ago, legends like Jesse Owens, Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, John Carlos, Tommie Smith, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jim Brown, Billie Jean King, Arthur Ashe, and countless others—they set a model for what athletes should stand for. So we choose to follow in their footsteps.

Dwyane Wade: The racial profiling has to stop. The shoot-to-kill mentality has to stop. Not seeing the value of black and brown bodies has to stop. But also the retaliation has to stop. The endless gun violence in places like Chicago, Dallas, not to mention Orlando—it has to stop. Enough! Enough is enough. Now, as athletes, it's on us to challenge each other to do even more than what we already do in our own communities. And the conversation cannot—it cannot stop as our schedules get busy again. It won't always be convenient. It won't. It won't always be comfortable. But it is necessary.

LeBron James: We all feel helpless and frustrated by the violence. We do. But that's not acceptable. It's time to look in the mirror and ask ourselves, "What are we doing to create change?" It's not about being a role model. It's not about our responsibility to a condition of activism. I know tonight, we'll honor Muhammad Ali, the G.O.A.T. To do his legacy any justice, let's use this moment as a call to action to all professional athletes to educate ourselves, explore these issues, speak up, use our influence, and renounce all violence. And most importantly go back to our communities. Invest our time, our resources. Help rebuild them. Help strengthen them. Help change them. We all have to do better. Thank you

Corner Spotight: Janelle Monae & Wondaland Records - Hell You Talmbout

by DaCognegro

No elaborate production. No laundry list of guest starts. No grandiose presentation. This is simply put, unapologetic revolution that will not be filtered for one's comfort and consumption. Backed by only the beating of a drum, Monae and Wondaland's Hell You Talmbout is an admonishment to never forget those whose lives were stolen from us by the hands of authoritative figures.  Though the song was released last year, it's relevance is a sad , but timely reminder that much must be done. Nevertheless, the guiding spirits of these individuals, along with our persistent and proactive engagement, will help navigate us to our proper destination.  Until then, why don't you say his name, say her name....

SAY THEIR NAMES!!

                                 

[Intro]
Hell you
Hell you
Hell you
Hell you
Hell you

[Chorus]
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout

[Verse 1]
Walter Scott, say his name
Walter Scott, say his name
Walter Scott, say his name
Walter Scott, won't you say his name?
Jerame Reid, say his name
Jerame Reid, say his name
Jerame Reid, say his name
Jerame Reid, won't you say his name?
Philip White, say his name
Philip White, say his name
Philip White, say his name
Philip White, won't you say his name?

[Pre-Chorus]
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Won't you say his name?

[Chorus]
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout

[Verse 2]
Eric Garner, say his name
Eric Garner, say his name
Eric Garner, say his name
Eric Garner, won't you say his name?
Trayvon Martin, say his name
Trayvon Martin, say his name
Trayvon Martin, say his name
Trayvon Martin, won't you say his name?
Sean Bell, say his name
Sean Bell, say his name
Sean Bell, say his name
Sean Bell, won't you say his name?

[Pre-Chorus]
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Won't you say his name?

[Chorus]
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout

[Verse 3 - Janelle Monáe]
Freddie Gray, say his name
Freddie Gray, say his name
Freddie Gray, say his name
Freddie Gray, won't you say his name?
Aiyana Jones, say her name
Aiyana Jones, say her name
Aiyana Jones, say her name
Aiyana Jones, won't you say her name?
Sandra Bland, say her name
Sandra Bland, say her name
Sandra Bland, say her name
Sandra Bland, won't you say her name?

[Pre-Chorus]
Say her name
Say her name
Say her name
Say her name
Say her name
Say her name
Say her name
Won't you say her name?

[Chorus]
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout

[Verse 4 - Jidenna]
Kimani Gray, say his name
Kimani Gray, say his name
Kimani Gray, say his name
Kimani Gray, won't you say his name?
John Crawford, say his name
John Crawford, say his name
John Crawford, say his name
John Crawford, won't you say his name?
Michael Brown, say his name
Michael Brown, say his name
Michael Brown, say his name
Michael Brown, won't you say his name?

[Pre-Chorus]
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Won't you say his name?

[Chorus]
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout

[Verse 5 - St. Beauty]
Miriam Carey, say her name
Miriam Carey, say her name
Miriam Carey, say her name
Miriam Carey, say her name
Sharonda Singleton, say her name
Sharonda Singleton, say her name
Sharonda Singleton, say her name
Sharonda Singleton, say her name
Emmett Till, say his name
Emmett Till, say his name
Emmett Till, say his name
Emmett Till, won't you say his name?

[Pre-Chorus]
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Won't you say his name?

[Chorus]
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout

[Verse 6 - Roman GianArthur]
Tommy Yancy, say his name
Tommy Yancy, say his name
Tommy Yancy, say his name
Tommy Yancy, say his name
Jordan Baker, say his name
Jordan Baker, say his name
Jordan Baker, say his name
Jordan Baker, say his name
Say his name, won't you say his name?
Amadou Diallo, say his name
Amadou Diallo, say his name
Amadou Diallo, say his name
Amadou Diallo, say his name

[Pre-Chorus]
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Say his name
Won't you say his name?

[Chorus]
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout

[Outro]
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout
Hell you talmbout

Classic Corner: How Dare You!

by Da CogNegro

Rosetta Stone? Pfff! Linguee? Yea right! Google?? Bye Felicia! When it comes to your translation needs, why waste your time and energy with these tools and services when you have the CogNegro right here at your fingertips?   Don't believe me? Hmmm, I would think by now we would have established some trust in our relationship! Well, since you guys seem to be a show and prove audience, I am going do what it do for the 99 and 2000. So am I translating or am I deciphering? Let's begin:

What They Say: How dare you  leave The Oklahoma City Thunder Kevin Durant? This is typical behavior of someone who couldn't get it done! Fine, take the easiest road to the championship. You are a traitor and a coward to this town and to this state. Back in the day, real players would stay on the team they were drafted to and were loyal to that origination until their retirement. But you're an overpaid, spoiled, and self entitled athlete who only cares for himself and lining his pockets! I am disgusted at what basketball has turned into and frankly I'm thinking of boycotting professional sports!


Translation: How dare Kevin Durant not understand his role as it relates to our town's economy. With him leaving, all of our business will be affected and tourism will decline steadily. We will no longer be able to make money off of him and this infuriates us! Now we know how slave owners felt when they were watching their property be declared free! How dare he be independent ,a shrewd businessman and not allow himself to be the subject of our vicarious fantasies being that we lack athletic ability ourselves. These players should realize that their purpose is to entertain and not do what's in their best interest!  So being that we can't  literally pillage our cities , we will resort to burning his jersey and tearing up his posters. Those items will serve as  effigies representing what we really want to do with him, just like back in the good old days! 

What They Say: How dare you Jessie Williams spew your racist  rhetoric on  an award show that already encourages segregation.If these words were stated by a person of any other race, that individual would be lambasted, shamed, terminated from his or her job and subjected to any other penalties that come with such reckless speech and behavior. How are we expected to be unified if we keep allowing such divisive speech to go unchecked? As an actor, aren't you apart of the privileged already you hypocrite!? 

What They Really Mean: How dare you not know your place in this hierarchy that we have systematically created and done everything in our power to maintain since you first step foot on this land! Don't you know that you are still referred to as three fifths in the constitution and some of us still maintain that belief? I hate the fact that this speech draws attention to our privilege that we have benefited from for centuries. And any reminder of said privilege makes us feel uncomfortable, despite my 'I voted for Obama" bumper stickers and collection of hip hop inspired movies. We will surely not admit that due to the fact that we did not understand the majority of what Mr. Williams stated , because such terms as "leaved" and "gentrifying" are not apart of our daily lexicon, We will  automatically assume that his speech is racist, even though we use the word out of context and aren't sure of its' true definition. Furthermore, if a person of color obtains a certain level of success, that person should be thankful that he or she  was allowed to do so and not attempt to mobilize and educate others. Why? Because we are satisfied with our status quo  and true "racism" is needed for us to maintain our place in this capitalistic society and stand by our justifications to mistreat those of color. Why can't you just be a credit to your race and smile?  What more do you want? You already have a black president! Slavery ended hundreds of years ago and no we don't count the next hundred years of domestic terrorism that occurred after it was abolished!

What They Say : How dare you become upset at the brave men and women, of our law enforcement, who risk their lives on a day to day basis to protect and serve! Has anyone taken into consideration that if  blacks didn't commit crimes then they wouldn't be put in those situations? These officers have to make split second decisions! And what about this Black Lives Matter movement! If "Black Lives Matter", then why do they kill each other so often? All lives should matter!


In reality though : Already, in our minds, we have made the determination that whatever action is committed against blacks by law enforcement is justified and warranted. Even if evidence is clearly projected, our preconceived racist notions and inward superiority will not allow us to view these individuals as nothing more than  sub human due to  the negative ,media images we are fed daily.In these cases, due process is null and void and officers can act as executioners. We ignore the fact that the individuals who continue to be on the other end of a policeman's gun is someone of color. What fuels our beliefs is the fact that law enforcement agents never suffer repercussions for their actions. Therefore, their extreme behavior is exonerated. For us to  avoid fully showing our disdain and lack of empathy for the victims of police brutality, we declare that "All Lives Matter", even though all lives aren't the ones that are being snuffed out by the law  on a continuous basis. Bringing up statistics on "Black on Black Crime "again shows the justification of the loss of black lives . It also proves that we fail to look at facts and realize that most crime is done within its' own racial demographic. 



What I Say: We are living in some volatile times, and being that I don't want to sound like scratched vinyl, I suggest you click HERE and follow these suggested courses of actions!

What I really mean....

really isn't much different than what I said:

To those who are angry, hurt and fed up:

Continue to be an example! Continue to educate, even to those who don't listen.Continue to be a leader among your contemporaries! Continue to speak even when silence is what's popular. Continue to hold those to task who are obligated to take action. Continue to push the veil of alleged equality from your site. Continue to spend your money elsewhere! When we all do this, our little voices will become roars that will shake the very foundations of this racist society. But if we continue to whisper, then the cries due to loss and frustration ,along with the buzz of distractions, will drown out our demands! -CgN

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