Batty Man Rapper Story Told- E! True Hollywood Style May 24, 2007

I don’t know who remembers a few years back it was BIG talk in the Hip Hop community that there was a gay rapper. He came out of nowhere, really. Just popped up and said “Hey!!”. Well after 4 or 5 years the truth was told to Allhiphop.com.
It looks as though the whole thing was a hoax, sham, fraud.
Ivan Matias, is the man behind the hype. He is a known ghost writer, who one day called up the local radio station, Hot 97, and started messing with Funk Master Flex. Well, a few of his friends egged him on and he pursued with the joke some more. Being able to spit a verse on the Angie Martinez show the next day. Getting a good response, Matias took it a step further and contacted a childhood friend and using him as the model for Caushun, the Gay Rapper.
Apparently what went wrong was Caushun, real name Jason Herdon, was supposed to learn the 16’s and use the fame as a gay rapper for his 9-5 as a hair stylist. With fame came greed and Caushun manipulated the situation in a greedy way. Taking the money for 15 seconds of fame. All he was supposed to drop off the demo cds to the radio stations and learn the verses on his off time. He had only memorized 2 verses. All the while he was boosting clothes and got arrested. He was doing Kimora Lee Simmons hair and let it slip that he was the “gay rapper”. Kimora had a record label and signed Caushun, but he was eluding from the fact that he was just the shell to the real act. So Kimora gets him bailed out, puts him up in an apt or whatever and all the while he is saying Matias, his manager is this horrible person. So when he was asked to go into the studio he always had excuses, because he does not know how to really rap.
Get the full story here Allhiphop.com
I wanted to make a note to this interview, because it was a vital interview as far as the Hip Hop culture goes. Like they said in the interview, we all know that there is a lot of underlining homosexuality going on in the music industry and when we think about the Hip Hop community you don’t want to think that homosexuality is an element of our culture. But when Caushun came to the scene, Matias ruffled far more feathers than I think anyone expected.
There are those rumors that float around those few rap names, Queen Latifah, Puffy, Bird Man & Lil’ Wayne, currently I’m hearing rumors about LL Cool J and Busta Rhymes. So, it is there. But personally, I think that if I were to hear a gay man rap about gay issues it would take away the essence of what I grew up in. I did not grow up in a culture that spoke about it. I guess the ‘Gay Rapper’ story was a moment in time that awoke a lot of us to the fact that in this day and age people’s sexuality is just as open and common as asking someone what’s their zodiac sign. Personally, I don’t care. But when you ask what’s someone’s zodiac sign usually you want to see how compatible they are, how crazy they are, or pass pre-judgement because I know someone who was born the same week as them.
In all actuality it doesn’t matter at the end of the day. What someone does in their past time has nothing to do with you or me, but yet we take such interest in it.
It’s like another article I read in the Village Voice last month and they interviewed lesbian women who were the masculine one, AG’s or aggressives, and their portrayal on what it meant to be a lesbian in an urban society (Girls to Men). These women made reference to rappers as a portrayal to how they would treat their girl and clown the other AGs. This article was an eye opener, because I never knew that minority lesbian women had a society. And it was surprising to know that they are still searching for a place to call home, if you know what I mean. Gay men seem to have it all together. They have their ‘houses’, their boys, and their nite life. In this article, it looked as though most of these AG’s were still searching for that niche and they were looking toward the degrading manner of rap lyrics as a motto to follow daily.
I thought that these articles were very revealing on many social levels. And if you are a true Hip Hop head then I suggest you read it. You’ll see what I mean. But only if you really and truly are a Hip Hop connossieur. After you read these two articles you will see how much the times have evolved.
-f@ke

Financial Tips for the Single, Dating, & Married May 24, 2007

I don’t know who has the TV One Channel on their Cable TV lineup, but if you don’t you should call your local cable provider and ask for it. There is a TV show on the TV One Channel $ingletary $ays. Financial Advisor Michelle Singletary addresses financial issues in the person’s everyday lives. At first I thought the show that I saw last Sunday was a TV Special, because it was a taped Q&A session. While watching this show I pulled my pen and pad out and jotted down the points that Singletary makes, because these were points that were essential to anyone today. The episode I’m referring to is Your Money and Your Man, being the first episode of the third season of $ingletary $ays. This Q&A offering need-to-know advice on how important your finances are, how you should communicate with your spouse, and what you should look for in a potential husband.
At this Q&A, Singletary addressed some points in her book “Your Money & Your Man” and explained what she felt were factors that could lead to a ‘financially healed family’.
First addressing single women, there is a chapter in the book titled: A Man Is Not A Plan. In this chapter it’s pretty much self explainatory.
‘There are some women who are putting off making financial decisions until Prince Charming comes along’. As any smart, independent woman should know, you should not wait for anyone!!
After college, while in your 20’s, you should begin to get your money straight. Begin to put a lil’ money away everytime you get money, in order to work toward your house/ condo/ co-op, to help build your equity.
When speaking about dating, Singletary advises that woman look out for a few things in a potential man.
Dating with Dollar Sense
Keep a list of the pro’s and con’s when dating one or more guy. This will help you see who has the most potential for pursuing a longterm relationship.
Singletary believes that ‘Dating a boring man has it’s benefits’. What she means by this is kinda simple. When you date a guy that is really busy, meaning he always goes out to the bar or to the club, yada, yada, yada. If you get into a serious relationship with that guy, don’t be surprised if he is constantly going out to the bar, because that is where you met him. With a guy that isn’t too outgoing you may benefit because he would have a more open schedule to spend real quality time with you.
Mr. Fix-It/ Work Ethic. If you are a girly girl, you would look for a guy that is handy with a hammer or wrench. If you call up the guy you’re dating and tell him you have a broken sink, you would hope he won’t tell you to call a plummer, right? A guy who is handy with a tool is a good asset.
While dating, it is NOT a wise idea to lend money or co-sign for a car. Why? Because you are not married. And if things turn sour then you have to attempt to get repayment, make some type of frivolous agreement to keep any payments, or take them to small claims court.
Look for Financial Values. Are you equally ‘yoked’ (that is a biblical term meaning something that represents a bond between to parties, mostly in marriage)? Do you two compliment one another? How do you both feel about money? See if their value of money is similiar to yours. Are they reckless with money or do they budget and save? We all have values in life. What we feel are morals that we can not break, ethics that make our world go round, etc. Do their flaws miss your values?
Look how they handle their family. Are they a push over and get taken advantage of by the drug addict brother? A disfunctional family can be a huge negative for a relationship, but depending on how they handle their family issues it can be over looked, but you have the signs and have been warned. Do they always have dinner at the’r parent’s house every Thursday? These can be indicators that they are loving and that they really take family serious – a quality that you may admire when you are looking to start your own family.
It’s best if you wait to move in with one another, only because if there is a break up it could be a costly one- this is Singletary’s opinion. Nowadays it’s financially economical to move in with eachother after sometime.
A BIG rule everyone should do is LISTEN to the person you’re dating. There is a HUGE difference between hearing someone and listening to someone.
When you get engaged. Both of you should get a print out of your three credit reports and share it. This way you know how much debt your fiance is in.
There are financial advantages to being married.
If married to someone for more than 10 years you are entitled to their social security. Singletary advises married couples to keep an allowance. She is quoted saying ‘people say that marriage is supposed to be 50/50, but it’s not’. If one partner spends a certain amount that should not be open season for the other partner to spend the same amount. Don’t tit for tat. Save the money that you do not spend from your allowance.
You should merge your accounts. This would faciliate conversation about your money.
If you are a Spender. Have your allowance and use that for the $200 pair of shoes that you want.
And finally, 1+1 can = more than 2

Currently, Michelle Singletary has a book out “Your Money & Your Man” while reading the reviews for this book, it seemed to receive an average review. Most people believed that her financial advice in this book was the average advice with nothing new to offer. It would be good for a beginner money saver, but her practices were heavily guided by a conservative way of living.
Honestly, I don’t think there are too many ways any financial expert can word how to say your money. Only because there are but so many ways to save your money!
-f@ke

Get Your Wallets Ready for Good Music This Summer May 17, 2007

As the weather gets warmer and summer starts to creep its way into our lives. We all have to get ready for all the musical performances that will hit our city!

Every year Central Park has the fabulous Summerstage. They have not announced who will be performing this summer- expected to be announced on May 22nd. They have a special event with Joss Stone and Common, tickets go on sale May 31st. If you have not gone to a
Summerstage event, I advise you to go. Most of the concerts are free and they are worth the time. The lines can be hellah long, but with all things free you have to sacrifice something.

Besides, Summerstage, there are the free concerts in Prospect Park, also known as Celebrate Brooklyn! Though their events are mostly free they do ask for donations.

Also in Brooklyn, the 3rd Annual Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival will be kicking off its 5 day event roster. Being a huge success for the past 2 years with rappers like Little Brother, Lupe Fiasco, Big Daddy Kane, and Boot Camp Clik to name a few. This year headlining the Free Concert is Ghostface. Having an evening with Uncle Ralph McDaniels, and having Large Professor, MCing the kickoff nite on June 7th for the Stax Records 50th Anniversary Celebration, and coming back a second day to help kickoff an all day festival with performances by Ghostface, Skillz, Consequence, Dres -from Black Sheep, and more. They will also have a Screening of Wild Style at the Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park in Dumbo.
You have to sign up to receive a ticket to these events and space is very limited. If you want to check out a Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival event you have to go to Brooklyn Bodega
If you really want a good concert Rock The Bells will be blowing the roof off of NYC with over 20 live performances. You have Wu-Tang Clan, Rage Against The Machine, Mos Def, Erykah Badu, Cypress Hill, Nas, The Roots (Whew), many Indie Artists, Brother Ali, Immortal Technique, and Special Guests Public Enemy. Tickets are currently on sale for $83 & $156 at Ticketmasters.
-f@ke

DVD Review: Pan’s Labyrinth May 16, 2007

Yesterday (May 15th), Pan’s Labyrinth was released on DVD. I rushed out to go pick it up. Since it was a gorgeous day yesterday, it gave me a reason to get me and my daughter pretty and head out to the city. I went to Best Buy in Chelsea and it was sold out by 6pm. So I made a pit stop at Jamba Juice and proceeded to stroll over to Union Square to Virgin Mega. They were stocked. Picked up the DVD and my day was complete. Picked up dinner and by 9:30p we were sitting in front of the Big Screen TV and began watching this Award Winning Film.
Now let me begin with all the praises this film received from the film critics and press worldwide, because if I don’t then I wouldn’t be giving this film a chance.
Winner of 3 Academy Awards, Best Cinematography, Best Makeup, and Best Art Direction. Best Picture at the National Society Film Critics. At the Goya Awards, The Spanish equivalent to the Academy Awards, they won for Best Cinematography, Editing, Make Up & Hairstyles, New Actress for Ivana Baquero (Ofelia), Original Screenplay, Sound, and Special Effects.
At this point I would believe that everyone has heard or saw the coming attractions for Pan’s Labyrinth. I saw the trailers and heard some reviews from co-workers and average people who’ve felt this film were noteworthy.
I have enjoyed the films that Guillermo del Toro has directed in the past (Blade II, and Hellboy). And I think he is a great director.
Guillermo del Toro written and directed Pan’s Labyrinth. I saw a few minutes of the movie when it was in theaters and I thought that the movie was really interesting. I was also intrigued from the movie trailers that I saw.
I will start by saying I did not think that the movie met my expectations. I expected this grand ol’ movie about fairies and fauns and mystical creatures. Where the costumes and makeup were out-of-this-world!! But… That is not what I saw in this movie.
Don’t get me wrong this movie has some wonderful affects and the costume for the faun and the pale man were SICK! But the storyline is what disappointed me.
I like fantasy movies. So, I was really hyped about getting the DVD ( I didn’t go to the theater to see it, b/c I just had my daughter and didn’t want to ruin the experience for myself and other moviegoers).
The movie has a double storyline. The movie starts out telling you about a Princess from the underworld. The princess becomes curious and goes to the surface, where the brightness from the sun blocked out her memory and she forgets who she is and where she came from. But her father, the king believes that her spirit will one day return to the kingdom.
The story takes place in post-Civil War Spain in 1944. The young girl, Ofelia, is traveling with her very pregnant mother, who is pregnant with Captain Vidal’s child. Ofelia’s new stepfather. Now Captain Vidal, reminds me of Hilter or someone really evil. He has that look about him and he carries himself that way. Per the Captain’s request Ofelia and her mother are to be with the captain at the rural home which is the base for the captain and his troops. The captain is placed in this countryside home because of the Republican rebels that are causing resistance.
Ofelia finds a piece of rock on the road which looks like it belongs to something, it ends up belonging to a stone statue of a face. When Ofelia puts the rock into the face it awakes a bug of some sort. The bug flies away and she later see the same bug at the countryside house. This bug comes into the room that Ofelia and Carmen are sleeping in. The bug transforms into a Fairy and gestures that Ofelia follow it. The Fairy brings Ofelia to the Labyrinth and the Faun appears and explains to Ofelia that she is the spirit of the Princess of the Underworld and that she has to perform 3 tasks before the moon is full in order for her essence to remain true and all the creatures to return to the underworld.
While living at the countryside, there is a bit of conspriacy going on. One of the maids is also a rebel spy. And she gets the doctor who is caring for Carmen to go and check the injured rebels. Captain Vidal finds hints of the rebels and finds antibiotics which he later associates with the doctor.
While these two stories are unraveling, I hoped that there would be more dialogue with the Faun and the Pale Man. A bit more details or more of Ofelia in the Underworld. Unfortunately, del Toro focused on the Captain and the Rebels, I guess to give you more of what was going on in the real world and paint a picture where there was so much dark things going on that you hoped Ofelia would return to the Underworld.
I expected something like the Chronicles of Narina. You know where the movie begins in the present day, and then they end up fighting a battle in Narnia. And at the end they wind up back in the present day. Pan’s Labyrinth does not follow that format. It is heavily based in the darkness of the war and how wicked Captain Videl is. It shows the conspiracy and the risks that the maid goes through to stay true to the rebels.
Overall, if you really want to see this movie, borrow it, rent it, or watch it on Pay-Per-View, but do not buy the DVD. I felt a bit cheated, because it did not fulfill my expectations.
-f@ke

New Pricing Now In Effect @ US Post Service May 16, 2007

May 14th was the introductory date for the new pricing system for the United States Postal Service. Instead of the 39¢ postal stamp the new cost will now be 41¢. If you have any 39¢ stamps left you would have to add a 2¢ stamp to the envelope. There is a up side to this price increase- You can purchase the Forever Stamp. This stamp cost 41¢, but if there was another price hike this stamp would not be affected. How would they be able to tell the difference? Well, these are postal stamps have a picture of the Liberty Bell. Pictured below.

You should also know that the United States Postal Service has also changed the pricing system for First Class Mail¡®. The new pricing system is the Shape-Based pricing on First Class Mail®. What this means basically means is the packages that you have that are in a different package like a bulky package or in a large envelope will vary widely in pricing. In a nutshell it would cost you more to mail off a bulky package or a large envelope vs. a regular size letter.
-Just a heads up from f@ke

A BIGGIE Drink May 15, 2007

Urban Outfitters has some hot new houseware items on their website. I saw these two cups and thought the idea was unique and different. These B-I-G cups are conversation pieces If you have your friends over for some drinks- bust these suckers out and bask in the praises.
Biggie Stein $14.00
Biggie Boxed Pints- 2 Pack $16.00

Transformers Edition May 13, 2007

This should be an appreciated post for all my fellas.
I was surfing the net and ran across some noteworthy toys that are paying homage to Transformers and it’s upcoming movie release.
Hasbro the maker of Mr. Potato Head has made a Transformer Optimus Prime Figure.

The Optimus Prime Mr. Potato Head is only $9.99 and can be purchased online at KB Toys.
I also found the Monopoly Edition of Transformers. Coming complete with Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, Soundwave, Jazz, and Starscream as the game pieces instead of the dog and thimble. The game rules have also changed a bit, giving you a chance to battle for extra money, property, draw Autobot and Deception cards, and take away Energon Cubes.
The purpose of this Monopoly game is based on the Generation 1 comic book and animated series, this is the first and only game that allows you to buy, sell and trade the planets, bases, locations, and transports in the race for Energon Cubes and Anti-Matter in order to own and control the Transformers Universe.
You can find the Transformer Monopoly game at Amazon. The Price was $35.99, but it maybe cheaper.

Not related to the toys in this posting but for having everything to do with Transformers. Here is a t-shirt that I recently found on UrbanOutfitters.com for the Ladies.

 

The Transformers Tee $32.00

~f@ke

The Perfect Disposable Party Accessory May 12, 2007

This cute disposable camera is the perfect thing to bring to any party. Whether it’s hanging out with your friends or going to a family party to celebrate a birthday. This is the it thing to have in your pocket. The CVS/Pharmacy One-Time-Use Video Camcorder is the perfect accessory. The One-Time-Use Video Camcorder was introduced in July of 2005. It is still making it’s grand introduction into the media world. Getting recognition on TV Shows and being used as party favors for wedding gifts. The One-Time-Use Camcorder is only $29.99, you should be able to find it in your local CVS Stores. The camcorder has 3 simple features: record, playback- which plays in color on the back of the camcorder, and delete. It can only record 20 minutes of footage. You will need 2 AA batteries. And you must bringit to a CVS Store in order to have you footage transferred to a DVD, which can be done the same day.

Vera Wang for Kohl’s May 11, 2007

So it looks like Kohl’s has taken some notes from Target and got Vera Wang to design a line of affordable wear. I think Kohl’s is trying to out do the Target collabrations, because Vera Wang’s line, Simply Vera, will include everything from clothing, accessories, eyewear, and housewear. I think the twist to Vera Wang’s collabration vs. Target’s current collabrations with Proenza Schouler and currently with Patrick Robinson, is that Vera Wang’s line includes far more pieces- it has way more variety. To me, eyewear is the ticket. The housewear sounds were interesting also, I can’t wait to see what Vera Wang has to offer.
The line is set to be available some time in September. Apparently, the clothing line will have signature features that you see in Vera Wang collections: tulle detailing, roses and ruched belts. The clothing line will range around $30-$70, but some pieces maybe in the $150 range. The sizes range from 2 to 16, which I also like. I’m was really surprised to hear that Vera Wang was doing something with Kohl’s, because just a few months ago I read that there was like a bidding war to get her to work with Liz Claiborne’s parent company and another company – I forgot the name. Come to think of it- it may have also been Kohl’s offering her a deal of some sort (Sorry).
Personally, I thought Isaac Mizrahi was on to something when he teamed up with Target a few years ago. I see that Target and many designers believe the same thing. It’s fun to see what these designers can create at an affordable price. Isaac Mizrahi seems to have just launched a Bridal line at Target.
If you haven’t checked out the Proenza Schouler, they have some remaining pieces on clearance. The designer that they are featuring now is Patrick Robinson, I personally do not find anything in his collection that grabs me.
How do you feel about these desinger collabrations with the newly emerging department stores?

UPDATE: VERA WANG’S LINE IS EXPECTED TO LAUNCH THIS SUNDAY. SOME OF THE GIRLS OVER @ NITRO:LICIOUS WERE ABLE TO VIEW SOME OF THE AVAILABLE PIECES, BUT KOHL’S TOOK IT OFF OF THE SITE. HOWEVER, KEEP YOUR CREDIT CARD NEAR BY ON SUNDAY F YOU GO TO THE WEBSITE. I ALWAYS LIKE TO GO TO THE STORE, BUT WHERE IS THERE A KOHL’S?? ONLY ONES I KNOW OF ARE IN QUEENS…

~f@ke

Last Minute Mother’s Day Ideas May 11, 2007

So, you’re about to get off of work or you have to work really late. You just got paid and you have to get a gift for your mom, wife/ kid’s mom for Mother’s Day on Sunday. What do you get her? You’ve gotten her enough perfume. She has enough jewerly to open up her own store. Your brother or sister always outdo you, and you really want to go over the top this year.
Well, I am a firm believer that sentimental gifts are the best gifts to get any female, even the most modest of the types. Any woman will enjoy a gift that comes from the heart, especially Mommy.
So here are a few last minute ideas that I thought were sincere and straight from the heart.

A Day Spa is always great and well needed. Taking care of kids and a household is hard work. Turning Heads is a spa located in Harlem and they seem to have what it takes to give the “just right” pampering treatment. They are a beauty salon/ Spa and they have 3 mother’s day packages to offer ($120 – $145). You can get a spa package online or you can stop by and purchase one. They also have a Just For Men Spa Packages ($210) for those Single Dads out there. You can celebrate Mother’s Day too. Single Moms have been doing it on Father’s Day!!
Turning Heads is not cheap, but it’s a gift to show appreciation.
If you’re in the Harlem area, check out Carol’s Daughter. Having a spin on Bath&Body Works, the founder, Lisa Price, made her hobby into a wonderful line of care products that are made from natural ingredients and can be used by man, woman, and even child. Check out their other location in Brooklyn or check out the website.
If you’re in a tight bind and short on cash then try making your Mom dinner or Sunday Brunch. You can go to FreshDirect.com to see if you or your Mom are in their delivery zones. They have easy pre-made meals for 2 or meals for 4 for under $30. They also vegetarian meals – pre-made. They are also offering 25% off the first two orders for first time customers.
If that doesn’t work, I’ve offered a receipe for a meal that can be eaten in pleasure. And it EASY!!!

Slap Yo’ Momma’s Turkey Chilli & Cornbread

You will need: (This should cost you about $20)
One package of Turkey Hill’s Ground Turkey
One can of Goya Red Kidney Beans (15.5 oz can)
One medium onion
2 cloves of garlic
One medium Green Pepper
Fresh Ground Pepper
Garlic Powder
Lowry’s Seasoned Salt
Sazon Goya (without Annatto)
Sa-son Accent Original
Heinz Chilli Sause (You’ll find this next to the ketchup and BBQ sauce)
Chilli powder
Tomato Sauce (Small mini can)
One Box of Jiffy Cornbread mix (Find in the cake aisle of supermarket)
One Egg
Butter
Milk
Sugar
Alumium round pan

Slap Yo Momma Turkey Chilli~
Take the Ground Turkey and put it in a Large bowl (If you do not have a large bowl put it in a frying pan)
Mix in:
Ground Black Pepper (pour it over the trukey to the point that it is covering the top of the ground turkey or to you desire)
1/4 Tablespoon Lowry’s seasoned salt (tip the bottle over and count to 2 seconds)
1 1/2 packets of Sa-son Accent
1 1/2 packets of Sazon
1/2 Tablespoon Garlic Powder (tip the bottle over and count to 4 seconds)
Mix all the ingredients into the Turkey.When it looks like it’s all mixed in put into a frying pan. Put a smal amount of oil (Cap full). Turn heat to Medium and break up turkey as it begins to cook. Cover it and let it cook for 5-7 mins. Go back and break up turkey so that it is not all one big hamburger. Cover and let it cook.
As the turkey is cooking. Finely chop the onion, cloves of garlic, and green pepper. Then put into to pan. Let cook until the onion and pepper are soft.
In a 2 Qt Saucepan or a pot- Take the turkey and veggies and pur into the pot, make sure to get all the little nooks and crannies too.
Add the Red beans with the liquid from can, 1/2 can of Tomato Sauce and Heinz Chilli Sauce. Add Chilli Powder about 1 Tablespoon. Mix all the ingredients and let it cook at medium to low heat with the lid on. Check on Chilli after 10 mmins. See if the beans are soft. When beans are soft the chilli is done. Taste to see if it is spicy enough. If it is not add more Chilli powder.

Corn Bread~
Follow the instructions on the back of the Jiffy box. But instead of adding (oil) add melted butter. Add the melted butter before the egg. Mix in the butter and then add the milk and then the egg. You do not want the melted butter to cook the egg.
Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and mix all the ingredients.
Take a small amount of butter and put into the Alumium pan and take a paper towel and rub the butter into the pan. Make sure that you get the side of the pan. If you haven’t gotten all of the pan use more butter and continue to rub the butter on the pan. When this is done pur in the cornbread mix and bake according to the instructions.

When the cornbread is done- Your meal is ready. Enjoy!!