"Do Hard Things" My Two Cents and Promo Video

Hello Bloggers! I'm officially BACK! I took some unplanned time off due to writers block/lack of interest, etc., but I'm definitely ready to re-enter the blogging world and do big things....or for the sake of this entry, do HARD things. That's the title of the book pictured above. It was written by two teens adults, Alex and Brett Harris who wanted to challenge teens all over to do what the title says, through a "rebelution". Now, I don't want to cover too much in this entry, because I really want you all to go out and get this book. I just started reading it yesterday as a part of this study that my church youth group is doing, and I must say that it is a pretty good book so far. If you really want to make a difference in your lives and the lives of others, this is the book to read. Now for the fun part. My great youth pastor, Quintell Hill, recently did a promo video for this book on YouTube in order to peak interest in the study. The video is HILARIOUS. I hope you all enjoy it, and until next time, KATO MATE.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkjOwdO12NY

Erykah Badu's "Window Seat"

OK, let's face it. Erykah Badu lost her mind a WHILE ago, and I doubt that even she can object to that. Nevertheless, I was still very shocked when I watched her video for "Window Seat". In the video, Badu plays on the assassination of JFK while protesting conformity. Sounds harmless right? One would think so until they get to 3:46 when the singer is left in nothing but her bra and panties while walking nonchalantly on a public street. Now I know you guys are probably thinking "WTF??", but it gets better (and I use that word lightly). Miss Badu is still turning heads at 4:26 when she reaches for her bra strap. Now at that point, I was thinking "There's no way this is happening". But indeed it did. In a matter of 6 seconds, the singer was TOPLESS. You can immediately see the shock and outrage as pedestrians look at the half-naked singer parading down the street in nothing but her undies. But holding true to the rest of the video, it doesn't stop there. At 4:44 the singer reaches for her underpants and casually pulls them off. And there is Erykah Badu. Naked on the street. At that point I'm speechless, but Erykah has one more "shock" up her sleeve (or SKIN). The sound of a gun shot comes out of nowhere and immediately Erykah flings her head back and collapses to the ground, mirroring the assassination of JFK . Then Erykah's voice is heard once more, but this time she is talking. She criticizes a group (who she later identifies as "us") for conforming and being too afraid to stand out apart from the group. A good message, right? Precisely. But was casually walking down the street nude the way to get it across? No. I am no advocate for being so politically correct that you lose the real meaning of a piece of art in your own criticism of it. I find nothing wrong with the singer's allusion to the assassination of a president because it had a good meaning behind it. But the manner in which it was done was distasteful to say the least. Kudos to Erykah for the nice piece of pop art that she's gave us, but on the contrary, shame on her for her vulgarity.   

"Graffiti" VS "Rated R"

They were a match made in heaven. A celebrity couple among the ranks of Jay-Z and Beyonce. Everything seemed perfect. Then, last February, these two stars were pitted against each other by the fans, the media, and THE WORLD. And now, nearly a year later, the two stars find themselves in yet another face off, but this time it doesn't include domestic violence. Instead, people all around the world are asking, "Who had the better album? Chris or Rihanna?" Now, before you say it: I KNOW I'M A TAD BIT LATE. These two albums were released towards the end of last year. But give me some slack, alright? I like to listen to an album multiple times before I pass judgement on it, and with a pairing like this? Come on now, I NEEDED TIME. But now I feel like I've given each album enough time to make themselves known to me, and I'm finally ready to pass judgement...Rihanna's album blew Chris' out of the water folks. To be honest, it wasn't even a competition. I just feel like I'm getting a more "stripped down", and vulnerable version of an artist from "Rated R" then I get from "Graffiti". But then again, you have to take into consideration where each artist is coming from with this album. One is from the viewpoint of a battered young starlet, and the other, from the viewpoint of the abuser with problems of his own. So OF COURSE the two albums will be different. But with that said, I still have to give props to Rihanna. She made the far better album. With "Rated R", you're immediately thrown into the world of a recovered abuse victim who's ready to show the world that she's back, and at her best. With songs like "G4L" (Gangster For Life), and "Hard", it's hard for anyone to grip the fact that this is the same Rihanna whose bruised face the world gazed upon just last year. This seems like "super-Rihanna", a fearless heroine who can take on anything. But this hybrid version of Rihanna also takes time to show her scars and express her vulnerability on tracks such as "Cold Case Love" and "Fire Bomb", where her rockstar image is suddenly torn away, revealing a woman who is, for lack of better terms, more believable. THAT is "Rated R" in an ever-so-concise nutshell. And now for "Graffiti". I must say, I was very skeptical of Chris Brown's comeback album even before listening to it. But after hearing "Crawl", I was convinced to listen to the whole album. I must say that I was impressed. From electro dance numbers such as "I.Y.A" (In Your Arms), to the seemingly Ragtime-inspired ballad, "I'll Go", "Graffiti" offers a wide spectrum of musical styles. But at the same time, I can't help but notice an underlying sense of arrogance in Brown's new music. Maybe I can blame songs like "Famous Girl"and "Lucky Me" for that. Another problem that I have with Chris' new album is the fact that is ends VERY quickly. Whereas Rihanna's album seems to take you all over the world and back, Chris' album seems to only take you around once. Maybe it's me though, who knows. But all in all, Chris put up a good fight with this album, however, it seems that this time, Rihanna finally had the last punch.

Just a Quick...BLURB...

I've been listening to Alicia Keys' newest album, "The Element of Freedom", for about two weeks now, and I'm finally ready to pass my judgement on it.........The album is amazing people. This album, (and YES, I know I've said this a lot this year) can easily be my favorite album of the year. Alicia really put her heart and soul into this album, and it shows. My favorite song off of the album is "Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)". The song was mostly written by rap new-comer Drake, and is a very smooth, groovy track. If you haven't listened to this album yet, I advise you to visit Alicia's Myspace and hear it for yourself. And as always...KATO MATE.

"This Is It" Review

The movie started solemnly enough. A short message,(presumably from Kenny Ortega or Travis Payne) appeared on the screen, giving the viewers a short "preface" to the film. Then there is footage of interviews that were conducted with backup dancers, many of whom seem so "emotionally high" at the opportunity to share the stage with Michael. Then, the "show" starts. Kenny Ortega's voice is heard describing the phenomenal opening of "This Is It", which includes a short visual called "Glimpses and Flashes". Finally there is a figure called "Light Man" who is taken apart "piece-by-piece", revealing The King of Pop, who starts the show as usual, on his command. From that moment on, viewers are treated to rehearsal footage that never ceases to amaze. From elaborate dance scenes to footage of The Gloved One going through musical numbers with his musicians, "This Is It" is truly a movie that grabs your attention from the first few moments, and refuses to let go. Perhaps one of the most intense scenes was when MJ took the stage to rehearse "Billie Jean". The 50 year old Jackson glided through the routine almost effortlessly, with a voice that had remained seemingly unchanged for over 25 years. During a dance break of the routine, Michael shifts into a whole new gear, busting out moves with such intensity that it nearly moves you to your feet in admiration. Overall, "This Is It" was a great film, put together with the most dedicated fans in mind. It is guaranteed to leave you wanting more, but at the same time, leave you with a sense of closure that is well needed in this Michael Jackson saga.