27 December 2010

Holiday Message

First off, Happy Christmahannakwanzaa to you all. I hope this time is filled with joy, love, and blessings for you all. I know some of you have been alarmed by my absence and lack of blogging recently. As I am growing in age I find it important for me to grow in mind. The latter months of 2010 I have spent indulging in the lessons of history that provide guidance on how to become a better person, a person who speaks with knowledge as their platform.

I find it only fair to convey messages to my audience that I follow and take heed to. To be the sincere self-empowerment advocate I hope to one day be, I must make changes to myself. The process has not been less than difficult, but someone once said that anything worth having would not be easy to obtain. This cleansing, in a sense, has not been understood by many, and has led to the mutual dismissal of allies. I can only believe that this is the price that comes with it. 

Nonetheless, I also find it imperative to include you all in this journey in hope that I can inspire one person at a time to take a deeper look into how our values shape the world we live in. Starting the first of the new year, we will begin taking this journey together.

Until then, peace and love to you and yours. Remember the reason for the season. 

12 December 2010

Quote of the Day

"I feel bad for toilets somedays."

Could you imagine being a toilet? That has got to be the shittiest job ever *corny drum roll*. But it's also got to have its entertaining perks.
I could picture it now:



a toddler runs into the bathroom doing the pee-pee dance
 "Ah man, here comes the sprinkler."
an old man brings in a magazine and matches 
"Bombs away."
a college student stumbles in at 2:30 am 
"Face down, ass up!"
a couple slips in the door half-dressed
"I never saw this part of Pussy Town before!"


I feel like toilets see it all... if only inanimate objects had the ability to write. Next time you go into the bathroom, think "what would be toilet say in its book about me?"

Pussy

sometimes the quest for pussy ends up in
first a detour
up high mountains
fourteen something odd thousand feet
of sweat and aching legs then cold bones when the storms roll in
and near moments of losing your soul
down badlands
of red dirt and the memories of rivers
haunting you
while you lick the dust from your bleeding lips
and cringe under the devil’s sun
wishing for that taste of water
and hoping like hell that when you find it
it does more than just quench your thirst.


-Esteban A. Martinez

30 November 2010

Detachment

I sit here behind this screen, reluctant to type more than a simple message to address my absence. 

During this period of this transformation, more so a self-development project, I can't seem to find stability with my thoughts. As I figure them out I will deliver them in a manner that reflects the expansion of knowledge I care to share.

I can tell you this; the dictionary has become one of my favorite reads.

18 November 2010

Photo of the Day

"This photo was inspired by you!"

I was touched to receive this picture and to know that I played an inspirational part in its existence. Nudity is an under-appreciated expression of freedom, taken for granted by those who are blind to the beauty of a human body. It is also a misused attraction for sexual attention. None the less, I love seeing that people aren't ashamed of their bodies, and aren't afraid to show it. Society has misconstrued the acceptable standards of nudity, especially when it is being displayed in an artistic taste.

Embrace your natural curves, rolls, stretch marks. Imperfections are what make our body's aesthetically pleasing in the sense that no one of us is made the same.

Shouts to my girl @IllRollYourDoob ! You and your body are a blessing.

17 November 2010

The History of 420

Just finished watching this video. High Times knows how to appeal to their audience: CARTOONS!

In commemoration of High Time Mag's 420th issue.
Video done by Evan York.

Reflection...

The other day while I was in the city I saw a man with a bucket:
Help the Homeless.

Do you have any change to donate? Mariah and I reach for our wallets and a group of tourists approach from behind. Picture this: a group of middle-aged women, necks craned to the sky, sporting city branded t-shirts and Liberty hats, headed for the coach bus preparing to depart Broadway.

The bucket man called out to them. Ladies, would you care to help the homeless?

As if their entire night had been ruined by raining prunes, the women looked at the man, seemingly in an attempt to avoid looking at his imaginary third eye. Smiles and giggles replaced with gaping mouths and blank stares. In sync with one another, the women turned on their heels and continued on their way, a silent yet blatant dismissal of the call to service.

Me being who I am, I looked at the women, almost in disbelief. It amazes me how people can find the most important people of our world to be the least significant.

That man playing the buckets in the subway.
Even that convict-turned-Christian distributing pamphlets.
What about the woman who made the F train her home?

From the outside looking in, New York City is place to come for the best shopping and attractions.
Lion King on Broadway... Fashion Night Out on 5th Av... Knicks at Madison Square Garden

Blinded by these attractions. visitors lack appreciation for what NY really is: a concrete jungle, where only the resourceful survive, and the poor make the city rich. Rich in culture, diversity, art, and history.

Living here for over a year now, I've grown to love New York as my second home. One of the things I love most about being here is knowing that everyday I will meet someone new and see something different. It isn't the bright lights and designer stores that draws me in; it's those people I never expect to cross paths with. It isn't the rich I care to mingle with, those aren't the people I relate with. I much more value the homeless I share my food with, the starving artists I indulge with... those are the one's I care to be amongst. The ones that face the back of society's ugly head... the ones that can never get a break... the ones that get passed by the tourists.

The poor of this place bring the city it's wealth. Help them, or prepare for reverse gentrification.

16 November 2010

Words from the Wise

"When I play anything I'm playing to win. Don't get it twisted. I don't play any game or sport without the goal totally focused on winning. It that ever changed for me, I just wouldn't play. I HATE losing, anyone cool with losing stay the hell away from me and my team! You won't ever win anything at a high level without this mindset."

- Lloyd Irvin Jr.
One of the wisest men I have ever met and will ever know. I am honored to say I graced the same mat with him and trained under him. 

03 November 2010

Quote of the Day

So we're sitting here at this table. Waiting for the Black Solidarity Day march to start. 
We're a little high... Well. Yea. 

This guy walks over to the table with some wings from a vendor in the school cafe. He sits down at the table in front of us... he's actually sitting there now. Still. On the phone. 

And I guess Marley was insulted.

"Oh, so he just gon' come over here with that oppressed-bought food?!"

*I died*
I'm still weak.

Black Solidarity Day

If I see you on campus today, I expect to see you in black... all black.

It was all inspired by a play. "A Day of Absence" by Douglas Turner Ward tells the story of a Black community that mysteriously disappears, causing the government to suffer. This depicted the social, economic, and political power of African Americans. 

In 1969 this day was created on the campus of Brooklyn college by Dr. Carlos E. Russell. It is observed the Monday before Election Day as a day to remind the nation of the communal strength of the Black population. The original tradition calls for all African Americans to abstain from working, attending school, and shopping.
But why?

The Mission:
"Black Solidarity Day is a peaceful university wide protest against injustices and inequalities that affect the black population. By creating one powerful voice through the unification of our populace we can uplift and empower our communities. We do this while demonstrating the importance of Black owned businesses and services throughout the world."

Join us today in proving the strength of our Black community. 
Don't buy food on St. John's campus! 
We will be heard.

**Make sure you get a pin and ribbon in Marillac Terrace. Information provided by today's program flyer.**
Check in later for a recap/reflection of today's events.

29 October 2010

Quote of the Day


Mistaking ignorance for fact is the epitome of blatant stupidity.

- @ReesonableDoubt

Being ignorant doesn't make someone dumb. It's accepting that ignorance that reflects a persons intelligence. The moment you close your mind to incoming knowledge is the moment you become a dumbass.

27 October 2010

DEFY Clothing: Fall 2010


"We are a lifestyle brand whose goal is to provide you with apparel that helps promote your own individuality and unique sense of style while at the same time giving the world a taste of DC."


 DEFY Logo -It’s our classic logo shirt. Wear it and DEFY the norms, DEFY the odds, DEFY gravity.


Great Wall-  The early emperors of China built a wall to protect their city. In 2010 the wizards drafted a “Wall” to protect ours as well. This shirt embodies the defy the odds part of our motto because the wizards didn't have the best chance to get the number one pick but we still managed to do so. DEFY the odds.


Save the Tits!

 Hello I'mWe feel that sometimes you have to be a little defiant to make a name for yourself. This shirt gives you a chance to do just that.

 Pioneer-This shirt is for the doubting toms and the naysayers who try to discourage you from accomplishing those goals that may seem impossible. Something is only impossible until someone makes it possible. Be the first to wear this shirt be a pioneer in your own right. Also inspired by the Nelson Mandela quote "It always seem impossible until it's done."

 BYE SON-  Ed Lover has C'mon Son and DEFY DC has BYE SON. Inspired by the Howard BYE SONS!.

 '
BYE SON 101
  1. If you are trying to study and your friends are trying to get you to go out, tell them, "BYE SON!"
  2. After you win the football game, wave to the opposing team and tell them, "BYE SON!"
  3. If someone tells you that HOWARD isn't the best school in the world, tell them, "BYE SON!" and point to your shirt.
  4. If someone tells you that you can't accomplish your goals, tell them, "BYE SON"
DEFY the norms. DEFY the odds. DEFY gravity
Shirts are available at defydc.com
Follow @DEFYDC on Twitter!

Support D.C. clothing! Support the movement!

The Rose That Grew From Concrete

Did u hear about the rose that grew from a crack
in the concrete
Proving nature's laws wrong it learned 2 walk
without having feet
Funny it seems but by keeping its dreams
it learned 2 breathe fresh air
Long live the rose that grew from concrete
when no one else even cared!

-Tupac Shakur

25 October 2010

Quote of the Day

If Life wasn't a struggle, there would be nothing to accomplish or overcome. The struggles in your life are positive

- @KingJames


Success means more when you've worked for it. Be able to tell your story. 
Nothing that's worth something is easy to achieve.

23 October 2010

Art Appreciation: "Runaway"


Salute to Kanye West. This was simply a complex genius work. 
The film touches my heart.

Who will survive in America?

Quote of the Day

Iight, cut the blunts vs papers shit ppl. Get high, be happy

I know I've made my preference clear, but let's not be like the rest of the world and create a divide between our counterculture. Marijuana brings us together, and that's what makes us special.

22 October 2010

Random Thought

I'm watching the newest (I guess third) X-men movie, and I'm squirming in my skin. I never have been a fan of super violent films... and right now all I see is mutants killing each other over and over again... yet all of them are still alive in the end.

It just came to me.. Lo says the Phoenix girl is super powerful, like this bald one thats everywhere at one time..

My response..
What fun is all those powers if all you can do is destroy?

If I ever get super powers, they won't be generic ones, like x-ray vision and flight abilities. My glasses are thick enough and I fly everyday. They'll be the ones people would least expect. Like language translation and speaking powers so that my communication with the world isn't limited. I think it 'd be sweet being able to speak to anyone in any language. Plus, right now I suck in foreign language. I think I'm unteachable.

***
I wanted to watch Private Parts... guess I'm the only sicko who likes Howard Stern...
we're watching Katt Williams.



He's trapped under a motorcycle.
Goodbye.

21 October 2010

Quote of the Day

"Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny." 
-Frank Outlaw



Make sure whatever you claim is what you're actually about. Live a lie, die a shame.

20 October 2010

Happy Spirit Day


Legalize Gay, 'cuz being Gay is Illegal RIGHT??
- Nana

If being gay is a choice, then so is being straight. It pains me to see society treat people like foreign creatures over something as personal as their sexual orientation, especially in today's day and age. To save face as the world's "freedom and liberty for all"-pledging nation, America has composed the "Legalize Gay" campaign.... but since when has being gay made someone a criminal? Way to add insult to injury. The reason I never purchased or sported one of American Apparel's t-shirt stamped with the phrase.

It's funny how people will say they don't support gays, yet have no problem with females dating one another. I understand the difference, but I don't support he reasoning. The world will never be fully accepting of homosexuals unless they stop treating them like the elephant in the room. And if they won't accept gays, then they can't except bisexuals, neither men nor women. Take us all, or have none of us at all.


The suicides result from tormenting. Tormenting is empowered by ignorance. Ignorance is instilled by our government. 

I Wanna Transfer to PCU!

A hilarious "subculture vs society" film. Stoners throw a party and subsequently reek havoc on college administration. Why haven't I seen this before?!

19 October 2010

Quote of the Day

Throughout history it has been the inaction of those who could have acted, the indifference of those who should have known better, the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most, that has made it possible for evil to triumph. 

-Haile Selassie I

18 October 2010

Whip My Hair

Yes, I do flip my hair.

This little girl is amazing, and it's not because she's the daughter of Will and Jada. I found it hard to believe I was watching the music video of a 9-year-old child.

**I pray that Willow Smith, if she decides to pursue this career path, grows to be a sensible, successful young woman. God-willing she will not fall to the corrupting affects of fame,

WAKE UP!

Tis my message to the young Black women of my community.

"You wonder why we call you bitch." We've heard it from one of the realest men to grace this earth. As women, we should be ashamed of ourselves and the current condition of our minority. It seems these days that all we are good for is making babies. Housework has become foreign to us, and we seem to be too good or fragile for manual labor. What is a woman good for if she can't take care of herself? We would rather fall for a boy that's in love with our bodies, instead of appreciate a man who is in love with who we are. We would rather have things done for us, than to do for ourselves.

Respect starts within! We cry and pout when we get played, yet we allow ourselves to be degraded and mistreated. Know your worth. Lower your standards and you lower yourself. As long as you have that reproductive organ between your legs, you can get a man. But that doesn't mean you have to use it to get one. No man in his right mind wants the girl that has more miles than a Subaru. No one wants a woman who is a mere girl, looking for a "sponsor" to pay her way through the mall.

As a young Black woman I take pride in knowing that when it is time for me to start a family, I will be able to care of them. I will never look for a man to do the things I am capable of doing on my own. The day I need a crutch will be the day I lose my strength. And if it's one thing I know, it's that a Black woman need be strong-minded and independent.. It's in our blood.


We are so much more than what we have become. 
It is time for us to act as such.

The BitterSweet Truth

One thing about photographic journalism, once you miss a shot it's gone forever.
No moment can be captured twice.

Quote of the Day

Alot of bitches dont live that life they tweet...
- @NefPrez


You're fooling no one but yourself. Twitter, Facebook, no social networking site can recreate who you are.


12 October 2010

M&&B Clothing Fall 2010

Marijuana && Bullshit
For those not to familar with the brand, Marijuana represents doing what you love to do in regards to anything in life and Bullshit represents the people and things that hold you back from doing what you love to do. HIGH fashion for a HIGHER society. 


M&&B Fall Collection 2010 is now available for pre order and will be officially released for sale on 10/25/10 at 4:20 PM.  www.marijuanaandbullshit.com follow us on twitter @mandbclothing

Realization...

If he was worth these tears I wouldn't be crying.

06 October 2010

Bouncin' Like a Fool

I never saw anyone beat their feet like this before.

I just died laughing and went to bounce beat heaven. I need some choppin' lessons from little man here.

What's Real?

The majority of us claim it. Half really get it. Less than that really are.

Everyone wants to be real, but do y'all really know what the word means? Dictionary.com says:

Being real isn't about what you seem to be to others. It's about who you actually are. We're ourselves when no one is looking. The true test is who you become when people are looking. If you have to state 10 times a day "I'm the realest nigga," chances are, you're not. You can't convince the world that you're real, and you can't fool the ones who know you. 
Live a lie and lose who you are. 

What is it to me?
R.ealize E.veryone A.in't L.iane

Smoker's Club

Last night I saw Mac Miller, Smoke DZA, Big KRIT, and Curren$y at Santos in the city. One word to describe it: marijuanical.


Photos and video footage will be posted soon!

03 October 2010

Quote of the Day

"Football on Sundays was America's greatest idea."

The day of leisure, when no one does anything but go to church, rest, and eat a damn good dinner. The only thing that makes it better is being able to sit back and watch football games all day. I am currently wrapped up in my Snuggie watching the Saints hold on to a lead against the Carolina Panthers, and it feels right. Sunday is God's chosen day of rest, and I think it was for this reason. Because who doesn't enjoy a pigskin special?

*Carolina just scored.*

02 October 2010

Untitled

Please wake me when I'm free
I cannot bear captivity
where my culture I'm told holds no significance
I'll wither and die in ignorance
But my inner eye can c a race
who reigned as kings in another place
the green of trees were rich and full
and every man spoke of beautiful
men and women together as equals
War was gone because all was peaceful
But now like a nightmare I wake 2 c
That I live like a prisoner of poverty
Please wake me when I'm free
I cannot bear captivity
4 I would rather be stricken blind
than 2 live without expression of mind

-Tupac Shakur

29 September 2010

Spotlight on AJ

Shout out to my big brother Alan for keeping us hip to the sickest footwear in the game with his posts on Novembers Children. He recently started blogging for the site, contributing a sneaker-lover's insight into the latest drops, from the Foamposite's to the new LeBron's. He also contributes editorial pieces related to sports and celebrities. Stay tuned to Novembers Children to keep up-to-date with "FuckThePublic" posts.

My people doin' big things.

28 September 2010

Inside Shaolin

Art Appreciation

Robert Mapplethorpe
self-portrait

Today in photography class I learned about this controversial artist. I love his collection for the simple feature of contrast. Also the focus on nudity and appreciation for the human body captures my heart. This makes one grow fond of simplistic beauty.

27 September 2010

The New Addition

"Can we call him Tubby?!"

Yesterday we welcomed this blessed creature to our family, and named him Tubby. Don't ask me how we went out to go to the bank, and ended up bringing back a guinea pig. I just know he's perfect and I love Tubs to death. I can't wait to give him a trim and dye his mohawk.

The Age-Old Question

Why do bad things happen to good people?

We all ask the question "Why me?" numerous times in our lives..
Sometimes we get put through things we don't deserve.


Why did it have to play out like this? 
I've done nothing wrong.


Thinking of the many times I've thrown my head back and cursed God.
Cursed God for screwing me over.


The response I got was simple:
You needed it.


If we don't experience pain, we will never be able to truly appreciate life. What we go through makes us better people. Coming up out of tough situations changes one's perspective of the world around them. And we all know... what don't kill you only makes you stronger. 

25 September 2010

The Domincan Feast

White rice. Yellow rice. Mashed plantains. Fish & potatoes.


4 entrée dish. Bean soup. Drink.
Only 7$.

Heaven.

Don't Get Caught Loafin

Cyro is always the one to knock after indulging in the loud. He's lucky I wasn't around when they were doing this. His face would've been covered with syrup.

24 September 2010

Photo of the Day

"If we weren't high, this wouldn't have drove by us." -Marley

I never imagined I would see something like this in New York. Me and Marley thought we were back at home. And of course the guy drove around the campus and parked. Southern stuntin'.

Quote of the Day

"You guys are oranges. I'm an apple. I'm not tryna blend. I just wanna coexist."
-Jesse

I overheard this in a conversation today and thought is was high-larious!... but real at the same time. No need to mix your identity with someone else's. Do you, and respect others doing them. Appreciate the differences we all have from one another. The world revolves around variety.

23 September 2010

Tune In My Head...

"No Woman, No Cry"
Everything is gonna be alright.

I wish I could've had the chance to witness first-hand the magnitude of this man's talent.

R.I.P. Robert Marley

The Cupcake

I took this picture last semester and it got lost in this 90's tech-box of a laptop that I have. I love it. The cupcake I want to devour. And Jordan, well, everyone loves J.J.

The "Hip" Kids

Ever heard of the Adult Swim parties?


Just a quick glimpse.

21 September 2010

Lesson from Heavy D

Face Your Demons.

Uh Oh!

Go-Go is probably to blame for this.

Olive, my little "grab-Liane's-camera-and-shoot" photographer, caught me acting a fool. But can you really blame me? Many times music is at its best when you're turn't up and enjoying it to the fullest. 
=)

Just to let you know...

I'm gonna be featuring mainly only my photographic work for a while. Most of it, if not all, will be Black & White. I want you guys to see what I do and give me feedback. I oddly enjoy constructive criticism, and respect those that properly deliver it. Although my work won't change for anyone's liking.


I do hope you guys enjoy!

Shouts to Kassie!...

... for being the one to to remind us we had cake in the fridge. BLESS.

This is why everyone needs @KaSERuh_ .

19 September 2010

Fast Life Ent. x WSJU radio

Photos from DJ Casp's interview of CyroHaze, Cam, and SRG.

Just a glimpse into the radio hour filled with freestyles, discussion, and laughs.

17 September 2010

Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow....

... they all mesh together sometimes. When it does, I feel like I'm living the right way. It's a beautiful thing when people lose concept of time. It shows an appreciation for the world around you, so great an appreciation that you have no desire to lose focus. Looking at your watch, checking your phone... ever noticed you don't do it when you're having genuine fun? When things are going so right... when you're too stoned or drunk to care. What if it could always be like that?

In a world gone digital, it's rare that we are able to detach ourselves from the global village and enjoy what we are surrounded by. Don't lose sense of self by being wrapped up in the "happenings" everywhere. Lose track of time by being wrapped up in life right here.

16 September 2010

Be Sure to Tune In!

Who: DJ Casp; CyroHaze, Cam, & SRG (hopefully)
What: "Fast Life: The Musical Unity" WSJU Radio interview
When: Tomorrow! Friday, September 17th; 6- 7 pm
Where: Channel 36 in dorms and online
Why: Focus on Fast Life Entertainment on the come-up. Discussion, info on new projects, and more... ;p

Don't miss it!
Expect photo and video footage here this weekend!

No Applause Needed


1. Intro
2. The Morning
3. Deception
4. Wordplay feat. SRG
5. Skit-No Batteries
6. SexTape feat. Jeremiah Jackson
7. Personal Freak
8. Cut
9. Favorite feat. Justin Rose
10. Galaxy Love
11. Skit- Haters
12. I’m Ready(Interlude)
13. Undeniable
14. Floating
15. Moments in Jordans
16. Private Party
17. On Fire
18. Skit- Rappers Make Laugh
19. I’m ILL Freestyle
20. Exhibit Me
21. Eat Your Heart Out
22. Outro


Download the mixtape No Applause Needed here.

Be sure to hit @Cam_Major up on Twitter!