Catching up on it as much as I can after work.
If Judge Sotomayor showed any hint of emotion, it was betrayed by her hands, her manicured nails painted a pale pink. They were the only part of her body that seemed to move. Her fingers scribbled notes as senators asked her questions. Her palms turned upward at times, as if to draw lawmakers closer in as she spoke. At other times, her palms faced down, and moved slowly across the table top, as if she were trying to quietly settle a debate.
[NYT]
A great post by LaToya Peterson at Racialicious on how and why one enjoys objectionable rap music as a feminist. Well,there are the dope beats, but it is also strangely empowering! It’s something I’ve felt too listening to rap music, cringing at individual terms and phrases, but at the same time basking in its aura.
Hip-Hop provides a kind of refuge for us curvy women. Our forms are often lauded and celebrated, by both our selves and by others. One of the major albums for me in my high school years was Trina’s Diamond Princess. Trina’s cocky flow and obvious pride in her body served as a series of anthems for me, particularly when confronted with the drastically different beauty standards my white classmates accepted as ideals. While her lyrics were still problematic, I was able to lose myself in the overall spirit of the song.
It’s worth reading the whole thing here. There are many yummy linked articles to enjoy as well. Racialicious is so robust–one could spend an entire day on a single post.
And such a cute one at that? Fifteen bucks a the Afropunk Block Party (so. many. cute. boys!) Check out their website here.
Think my new Sunday ritual will be a steak dinner (doctor’s orders!) out with a gigantic rummy, fruity cocktail, followed by a meandering stroll around the neighborhood. Am falling behind in my yoga practice.
I watched from start to finish last night, with minutes-long intervals in which I waited for my browser to load (stolen wireless). Very tasteful, yes. Even more–familiar. Among the guests last night were Al Sharpton, the King children, Barry Gordy, that rambly Senator lady (who ever called this dude white?! ) Along with the Jackson family these were members of a bygone generation of black leader. It triggered something in me watching them embrace, then seeing Jesse Jackson and Dick Gregory up onstage. I’m ambivalent about that time. On one hand they were never fit to be leaders on that scale, but on the other hand they really had Black peoples’ back no matter what.
The reaction of black Americans has been tremendous, on the scale of OJ stan-ness. And white people are rallying too, but the level of protectiveness from blacks has been overwhelming. Unfortunately, Jackson was in need of support years ago–from his eulogizers’ emphasis on his early years and their defensiveness of his later years, this is quite clear.
Still, it’s heartening to see his family embrace and support each other in public. Watching them brought to mind this quote from Richard Powers, which has proven to be one of my favorites. I’ve never been completely clear on what its meaning is in context:
How good they’ve all been, her family. A blackness big enough to absorb all strains.
But I think you can substitute “love” for “blackness” here. I think that’s the point.
You may not hear from me for awhile…
Finally, the Kanye-directed video for Best I Ever Had [sorry the above is only a still, can't figure out how to embed OnSmash videos yet!] is out, and it’s, well… you can tell Kanye directed it. It’s definitely got a fun, humor element to it, but most of it is bouncing titties in slow motion. Again, very Kanye. I wish there was at least one dance sequence. Can you imagine if in the middle of one of those game scenes Drake’s basketball team broke out in a choreographed number? That would be great! That would be the best…
Here’s a recent interview with Drake on Complex. The release of the video coincides with him finally signing to a label, and while the rumors had it that he was signing to Universal, he says that he’s independent.
I’m actually 100% independent. I signed to Cortez Bryant and G. Roberson, my managers, so I signed a joint venture between Aspire Music Group, which is them, and Young Money. So the only part that Universal plays is P&D [pressing and distribution]. I’m not a Universal artist. I’m signed to myself.
It seems complicated to me, and I suspect he’s making himself seem a little more rogue than is actually true, but it’s clear that he’s been very deliberate and thoughtful in how he’s entering the biz, making sure that he stays true to his vision. We’ll see how it plays out, but for now it’s pretty kickass that he’s got a single off a mixtape at #3 on Billboard. I’d like to see him sell a million.
It’s time for Afro Punk already! It was a year ago that I celebrated my first AP festival as a Brooklynite. I didn’t attend as many events as I wanted to last year, so this time I will make up for it. There’ll be a heavy Spike Lee focus, as it’s the 20th anniversary of Do The Right Thing. Check out the website. Can’t wait!
I first heard her on Da Drought 3 and didn’t think much of her. Considering how hard it is for female rappers, I didn’t think I’d hear from her again. Was encouraged to see her with Young Money, Drake and them, and then read a spot on her in the Times’ The Moment Blog here. Her most intriguing review has come from Amber Rose (via Twitter):
“YOOOO!!!!! @nickiminaj is f**kin stunning in person I couldn?t stop staring at her!!!! I would sooooo DO her. F**k it I can?t even lie!!!!”
Apparently she’s being hailed as the new savior of female rap, (by Trina, nonetheless!), and a lot of it has to do with her reining in her image as a sexpot.
For all of the grievances against Young Money, probably the biggest is their, let’s say, experimentation with rock music. Their outsider status, which has much to do with their youth, makes them a natural host for new identities in the mainstream. A Canadian rapper and an an non-sexually objectified female rap star–where else would you find them nowadays? This says something about the industry, and it’s the same shit we’ve been saying for years.
From her newest mixtape, Beam Me Up Scotty. Still hunting for a download online.
