Vegas is back with Hip Hop NOW installment, reviewing the documentary Murder Rap. I literally can not keep up with some of these hip hop docs, but props to Vegas for putting me on game. I was a sure fire Biggie fan, and I think it’s always interesting to see the small details that documentaries can add and open up discussion. Show your twitter love @VegasWorldInc and peep his blog hiphopolitic.com.
#DoItNow
In reading this I couldn’t help but ask, Do we romanticize everyone who dies young? I know that in pop culture we tend to make idols of artist who die early.
Most of my friends don’t smoke. Most of my family doesn’t smoke. There are, however, a select few of us who enjoy a good cigarette or black and mild every now and again. I don’t think there is anything wrong with indulging in one of tobacco’s many pleasures, but I DO know the tobacco industry is making a KILLING (literally). I also find it odd that all of the people I’ve known to die of cancer, never smoked anything a day in their life. Check out this interesting article on how smoking affects people differently.
*sigh*
Today I am remembering one of the greatest voices of my time. The soulful Amy Winehouse transitioned to glory, on this day, back in 2011. My heart was heavy as I had always enjoyed her music, and prayed for her to be able to escape the many ills of this life and the demons that many face in the music industry. After seeing the Amy doc a few weeks ago, it sort of solidified the many conspiracy theories that often filled my mind. As a member of the 27 club, I automatically assumed she succumbed to the demons of fame. I was saddened to find an additional revelation: media helped kill Amy Winehouse. Anyone who was conscious at the time remembers TMZ and Mediatakeout having a ball with her in the tabloids. It’s just sad to see someone struggle and watch people throw stones for the sake of the almighty dollar. I could go on and on, but alas I’ll leave you with one of my favorite songs from the great Ms. Winehouse, Valerie.
Remember to be kind to others.
#DropaJewel4Mayor
Let me preface this by saying this trailer is bittersweet. Fans of Amy Winehouse have been awaiting this moment for quite some time.
I read her Dad, Mitch Winehouse’s book, Amy, My Daughter a few years back and was overwhelmed with tears for the entire read. I was literally rooting for Amy to get well and overcome her demons, even though I already knew the outcome. Although I enjoyed her music and followed her throughout her career, I feel that sometimes the greats really do die young. *sigh* On the other hand, I believe the secret organization sacrificed her and…I think that’s a conversation for another time. In any event, remember music’s beloved Amy Winehouse. The movie is set to drop in July.
#DropaJewel4Mayor
Death is LITERALLY coming to a town near you! I saw a documentary some time ago about these brothers and it blew me away. Check out their website deathfromdetriot.com and show your twitter love @thedeathband
#DropaJewel4Mayor
I don’t have the chops to explain what’s going on here.
Dan Diamond, a contributor at Forbes, has a take on what spurred this on.
Read his piece “Why Baltimore Burned”, it sheds light on a lot of things most people don’t have the numbers on.
As of right now, the city is still being looted but various gangs & groups hated by traditional media are standing together in solidarity against the senseless violence.
Crips and Bloods, together, against Baltimore Riots. Also, not killing cops in a truce, claimed to be a “credible threat” by BCPS.
#prayforbaltimore
Let me begin this post by asking “what the hell is going on in the world today?”
Check out the News Story Before Gray’s Death
As many of you are aware, or soon to be, another murder occurred at the hands of the police department. This time it happened in Baltimore City…again. Freddie Gray was chased down by the Baltimore City Police Department, arrested, and died days later with a spinal chord injury. How did that happen, you ask? Footage was released of Gray screaming while they dragged him to the Police patty wagon. We can assume he was already assaulted, but somewhere between the arrest and transportation, he magically ended up in the hospital in a coma. I’m no rocket scientist, nor am I a reporter, activist, or mortician, but my bet is riding on the cops fucking shit up…yet again.
For those of you who have been hiding under a rock, the police across America have been straight up killing Blacks for the past few years. Some cases have been publicly showcased while others have been kept on the hush. You can literally google a slew of names of people who have been killed by the police JUST THIS YEAR. I remember about a year ago, a young man by the name of Tyrone West was murdered in police custody and the case was overlooked…right here in Baltimore City. I would like to salute his family for protesting on what they call “West Wednesdays”, to occupy city hall as they were asking for a full autopsy report on their beloved deceased.
In any event, as people around the U.S. are getting fed up, please keep several things in mind:
I find my rants on this here blog leading me to the same conclusion each time I type. Love is the answer. I am SO proud of each and every activist, every protester, everyone who ever shed a tear at the thought of injustice.
Let’s love one another.
#DropaJewel4mayor
Follow my twitter for more chat @DropaJewel
![[Movie Trailer] Amy Winehouse Doc](https://dropajewel.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/amy1000.jpg?w=500&h=500&crop=1)
DropaJewel, because someone has to 