Harry and David Mystery(Hardy Boys?)

So, for the past couples weeks I been trying to figure out a mystery. I typically don't like such suspense, but this was situation was peculiar. Three weeks ago I received this big ass box. It had nothing on it except the names: Harry and David. I'm like who the hell is Harry and David, and what do they want?! Because, we know that often gifts have strings attached, especially from people we don't know. I was extremely slow to open the box, because I'm distrustful...I mean calculated like that. A week went by and I was like, f@ck it!, let's see what's up in this joint!. To my surprise there are all types of goodies...Milk Chocolate Truffles, Bing Cherry Chocolates, Mint Chocolates and Dark Chocolate Moose Munch(yeah I was like what the hell is that too!). Heavenly. I'm not a huge chocolate fan, but I occasionally have an ultra-sweet tooth, so it was right on time. I've shared with visitors who are almost always beyond satisfied. But there was something else in the box that made my month. There are certain items in the fruit family that just touch me in a special place because they remind me of my childhood, like plums and peaches. To my content there was three of the most beautiful PEARS I've ever seen in my life!!!!! Now, I STILL don't know who the hell sent the package, but I would like to thank them for the clandestine contribution to my happiness. So maybe y'all can help me figure this out, any thoughts? Any of y'all got clues or strategies of discovery that I can employ? I'm open to the possibilities.

**Questioning my sucker-free'ness since I fell for the okie-doke and took the bait.
f.negro

Still Here
I’m tired. Only because I know what this really means.
Listening to the highly disregarded as there is conversation about …more nothing.
No meaning. No card carrying. Just more cotton silently being picked.
And we wear the bags with pride, possessing not even the decency to be indignant.

I’m exhausted from wondering when the alignment will be right for the shift to occur.
But until then… until then, there will only be more rape and disempowerment.
I’ll hold my dick hoping not to get lynched in the meanwhile.
Because we will be niggas until we collectively decide to be…*frustrated sigh*

Can We? Resist. Lament. Rage. In Cage?
My friend is afraid of the water, the air and the stare--so where will she find the gall to say:
“fuck you, I’m not your slave!”?
Not in Essence, or on Oprah, or at Berkeley. We are industrial.

You’ve been programmed. Wake up. We miss you. Why are you/we still here?

In Memoriam: Martin Luther the Kang, Andy Palacio.

Podcast Junkie?
If you haven't checked the Rappers I Know Podcast(volumes I-IV), ya slippin', sleepin' and doing ya'self a serious injustice. Always refreshing and musically kaleidoscopic(werd?), Kay and the crew keep me engaged. And although these podcasts are nothing more than digital mixtapes, it still feels dope when I'm rockin' out like Bilal and The Flaming Lips-just imagine.

Sidebar: If you think your horribly transparent attempts to be disengaged are worthwhile, feel free. I still reserve the right to balk at them wolf tickets you trying to sell.

**Sucker-free, continually
F.Negro

Morning Glory II

So I was inspired by my sister this morning. I read her blog last night and it made me think,"how have I been spending my mornings?" I too live really close to my job and I too take my sweet ass time getting to work. However, my mornings are typically a lot less productive than my dear sibling's. But this morning I woke up with purpose. And here's what I did:

• Ijuba(prayer)
• Put on Rappers I Know Podcast Volume I, which is a wonderful way to ease into the day.
• Busted some suds, those dishes had been calling.
• Reorganized my closet and prepped laundry.
• Packed my lunch(Sauteed Mango Pasta..mmmm).
• Finished acquiring the afro-latin music collection of Mr. Niko Laboy(gracias sir!).
• Finished watching Venezuela Rising.
• Shaved, took a shower.
• Made breakfast.
• Did lesson plan for dance class.
• Screened Bomba Video Montage.

all before 9:30am....thanks for the inspiration sis!

Casual Theatre

For those who don't know I'm a junkie of the Arts, especially the Performing Arts. So, recently I had the opportunity to coordinate a cabaret, which turned out to be more of a culture cauldron/variety show then a cabaret. It was our experiment in casual theatre, providing an informal space for artists to share their work. And it was a huge success! With almost 20 acts and close to 100 people in attendance, I would say there is still a place for creative expression in the form of performance.

There was everything from Flamenco to Spoken Word and Beat Boxing to Tango. The highlight of the night for me, though, was the tribute to Donny Hathaway. One part poetry, one part music, the suite was my way of publicly thanking Mr. Hathaway for providing healthy examples of Black male vulnerability. And subsequently expanding my definition of manhood. Art truly inspires. Pay attention world.

**Stay Sucka Free,

F.Negro

(photo credit: M.Sanchez)

Freaky Friday

It is Friday and I don't wanna work. But I feel like writing...or at least posting some randomness. So here are a few things:






The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is calling on artists of conscience to wear orange as we demand the closing of the prison at Guantánamo Bay and an immediate end to six years of injustice. How can we stand by and allow such corruption and bigotry to masquerade as justice. Read more. And remember Free the San Francisco 8!

Where the hell is D'Angelo?! I don't know about the rest of the world, but I'm in need of a D'Angelo album. I know he's had his substance abuse issues and run-in's with 5-0(does this sound like another Marvin Gaye story?), but he needs to get his shit together because the world is falling apart in his absence. Soon recovery black man, please go ahead and drop another musical biscuit.

In other news, why the f@ck?! is every body jocking Rihanna? Is having a 'Badian songbird that much of a novelty that the planet needs to pause and reverse direction to accommodate her presence? She has a big ass fo'head and sounds like she's sangin' through a starburst wrapper. Let it go folks, let it go"...and just walk away" (c) Ed, Love Jones

Lastly, does Team Obama really have a chance? I'm curious to know what folks think. After the caucuses I have mixed readings, but I love the thought of a co-presidential structure. The balance would be phenomenal. Oh, what y'all that Barack was running alone? Shiiiiiiiit. Michelle is gonna be telling whoever, to do whatever, whenever and however she wants...unapologetically. Only because she has the political sophistication and courage to do so. Let Team Obama get up in there and watch the world change or at least 1/4 of it.

In Heavy Rotation: The Legend of Bobby P-Soundtrack(www.myspace.com/themodvillians)

The Call to Activism
1. Malcolm X: "Time To Stop Singing"
2. Goodie Mob - Free
3. Freestyle Fellowship – Inner City Boundaries
4. Black Ice – The Path

The Mission
5. Jeru the Damaja – Can't stop the prophet
6. Nas – Revolutionary Warfare
7. Malcolm X: "Anybody Can Sit"
8. De La Soul – Trying
9. Omega Watts – Mind Power
10. Brand Nubian - Love vs. Hate
11. Kathleen Cleaver: "Equal Rights"

The Message
12. Public Enemy – Gotta Give the People What they Want
13. Umi – Fuck A Stereotype
14. Scienz of Life – Still Standing
15. KSalaam – To The Rescue
16. Dead Prez – Walk Like Warrior
17. KSalaam - Cardinal

The Outcome
18. Dead Prez – Happiness
19. Huey Newton: "We Are One"
20. X-Clan: Culture United

Until Next Time.

**Stay Sucka Free and away from Rihanna(Knock-Off Beyonce of the Year)

F.Negro

Just How I Feel*

Welcome 2008. It appears that there is, yet still, more work for me to do. Thank you, but I need an exit...already.

Tryin' my damndest to stay sucka free...
f. negro

*This is a live performance of In Repair by John Mayer from his Continuum album. (September 13, 2006-Webster Hall, NY)