August 29, 2008 by bbgcmac

Music Week:The Irony of Hip Hop, Gangster Rap, and Hollywood Success

Growing up during the origins of rap music and what we now call hip hop, I witnessed an art which themes started with, dancing and bragging about personal likes and lighthearted fun. Later, it expanded as some artist got into heavier subjects dealing with poverty, crime and life in the streets. “The Message,” by Grandmaster Flash comes to mind. Then along came the soap opera kind of rap like UTFO’s “Roxanne Roxanne” and Roxanne’s own response. By the late 80’s, groups like Public Enemy were schooling us about politics and NWA brought a whole new change to the game by bringing gang life rhetoric and storytelling from Compton, California to the world. I would say to some degree this was hip hop at its heights. Perhaps I’m a bit aged though. We still have an element of ghetto life and gangster rap out there, but it lacks the charisma and style of people like Mr. Scarface and The Ghetto Boys.

Hip hop has taken its share of hits from the public and some of it very valid. From Tipper Gore to many parents, church goers, and culture critics, the lyrics and messages within the music has been widely critiqued and criticized. Many blame hip hop for the ills of the black community and often in the world. Sometimes it can be so ridiculous, as Ice Cube said on one of the songs from his new CD, “Raw Footage”, “If I shoot up the college, ain’t nothing to it – gangster rap made me do it.” Cube is one of my favorite rappers because he speaks truth to power. And even when he’s hard, narcissistic, or brutish he is still creative and entertaining.

The ironic thing about the rap game now, is its being disdained by a large part of mainstream society when it comes to the content of the music – while on the other hand many artist are being embraced by that same society when it comes to rappers being portrayed in television and cinema.

You got 50 Cent making a movie about his life and getting shot. Ice-T did a song called, “Cop Killers,” that had almost the whole fraternity of law enforcement officers up in arms. Now he has played an undercover narcotic officer, transferred to the Special Victims Unit on Law and Order SVU since 2000. His character is even a Republican. Maybe John McCain will use Ice’s character to appeal to the black audience. SIKE! I don’t know that McCain knows black people exist in this country. But I digress.

The MOST ironic figure in all of this is the above mentioned Ice Cube. One of the founding members of the group NWA and one of it’s primary writers, Cube doled out other American and law enforcement favorites, “F*ck The Police.” After the NWA days, Cube did his own solo projects and none of them have softened up in the least. The lyrics are still sharp and the language is just as gritty. Regardless not only has he done the “Friday” and “Barbershop” series, he done the films, “Are We There Yet?’ and “Are We Done Yet?” These are family favorites. Cube has directed, written or produced 16 films, and after next years, “Welcome Back, Kotter,” where he will play Gabe Kaplan’s teaching character from the 70s sitcom and B.A. Baracus on the film The A-Team, he will have acted in 27. His current film is another feel good family project, “The Longshots.”

This proves that America hates and love’s its hip hop stars. They are intrigued at their talent but only appreciate it most when it fits their level of comfort.

August 28, 2008 by bbgcmac

Music Week:Celebrating the Producers and Composers

** Before we continue with music week, I just have to say that I am happy that I am alive to witness the historic events in Denver last night where Barack Obama was nominated to represent the Democratic party for president of the United States. I am not afraid to admit that I cried. More thoughts to come next week. Now back to music week.

It’s one thing to be a great crooner or have a voice from heaven. Gifts such as these come from The Creator and they are a blessing to us all. However, having a voice does not mean one can make music that will last a lifetime. Great music is often the culmination of a divine partnership between songwriter, producer, and artist. And while the artist name is the one who gets the credit on the record, we must recognize the visionaries who work behind the scenes as well. Here are some great songwriters, composers and producers we should never forget.

Burt Bacharach: Simply one of the best songwriters of all time. Somehow he has managed to write songs that are timeless and have been successfully done over and over time and again. Check out names of some of them:

The Look of Love, Walk On By, Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head, Don’t Make Me Over, A House Is Not A Home, Alfie, Anyone Who Had A Heart, What The World Needs Now Is Love, Do You Know The Way To San Jose… and many more!

This guy practially made the career of Dionne Warwick. I don’t know of anyone who has a more classically universal songbook.

Smokey Robinson : During the Motown era Smokey Robinson was Motown! He wrote songs for himself with The Miracles, The Temptations, Diana Ross and the Supremes. Martha and the Vandellas, Gladys Knight and the Pips, you name them. He was a songwriting fool. He managed to write successfully long after the 60’s, and is known for a second career of solo projects that included Quiet Storm, perhaps his most popular among night time R&B radio stations. Smokey Robinson is an American treasure.

Quincy Jones: Probably my favorite producer/composer of all time. I would strongly suggest reading his book, “Q” The Autobiography of Quincy Jones. There you will find that accolades and experiences of this icon who has been nominated for 79 grammy awards and has won 27 of them. He’s done everyting from Pop, Funk, Soul, Big Band, Jazz, Pop and Swing. The long list of legends he has worked with include Dizzy, Sinatra, Dinah Washington, Peggy Lee, and Lionel Hampton to name a few. He’s also done several movie scores for various motion pictures and televison dramas. He may be best known to the newer generation for his work with Michael Jackson’s, Off The Wall and Thriller. If you read his book you will find that he’s probably lived on of the most complete lives possible for any person. Without Q, 20th Century music would not be the same.

Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis: More on the modern tip, these guys started with a group called Flyte Time in Minneapolis. While jamming with the group, “The Time”, they ventured into producing for the likes of The S.O.S. Band. After a flight was delayed due to bad weather, they showed up late for a concert while on tour with Prince and were fired. Probably the best thing that ever happend to them because they were able to go into producing full time. From there they took off producing hits for the likes of, Cherrelle, Alexander O’Neal, Michael Jackson, Usher, The Human League, The Sounds of Blackness and many others. Their most well known work was with Janet Jackson in her hey day. Jam and Lewis really know how to tap into an artist core and bring out the best in them.

Babyface: To be direct Kenneth Edmonds owned the 90’s with not only his own hits, but with starting strong the careers of Toni Braxton, TLC, and Boyz II Men. He also wrote and produced the music score for Waiting To Exhale. I have a friend who is an accomplished bassist in his own right. He is a frequent concert goer and has seen the very best groups and bands since the 70s. He swears to this day that a concert Babyface gave two years ago in a small venue was the very best he has ever seen. Babyface has a way with words and he can be vulerable and sly at the same time. He says things most artist would never say – and makes it smooth and acceptable.

Billy Strayhorn: Another old school icon, this guy wrote Lush Life at the age of 16. Who has that kind of depth at such a tender time in life? What is that about? He also composed, Take The A Train for Duke Ellington. As a matter of fact he practially became Ellington’s exclusive composer until the time Strayhorn began to write musicals.

Duke Ellington said, Billy Strayhorn … “….Billy Strayhorn was my right arm, my left arm, all the eyes
in the back of my head, my brainwaves in his head, and his in mine.” Quincy Jones called Strayhorn, “The boss of arrangers.”

**Tomorrow- the irony of hip hop, gangster rap, and Hollywood success

August 27, 2008 by bbgcmac

Music Week:Great Talent, Pop Music & The Legacy of Whitney Houston

Great Talent, Pop Music & the Legacy of Whitney Houston

I want to share a long running debate I have had with some of my friends for years. The question is at what point if any, should an artist submit to or break from the mainstream of low musical expectations and plot an uncharted course of musical trailblazing? By low expectations I merely mean making music that is simple and without much substance and yet may sell millions, based on the name, talent and credibility of the artist.

When I look at the career of Whitney Houston for instance, I see a woman with the voice truly sent by God. Her debut album is exceptionally classic. It has a variety of cuts such as, “You Give Good Love,” Saving All My Love For You, and George Benson’s remake of “The Greatest Love of All.” She also featured up tempo hits like, “Thinking About You,” and “How Will I Know.” There was no song you had to skip over. What a way to shoot out of the cannon. Houston became a household name based on that release. She was the hottest thing smoking! I thought she would have the musical significance of Aretha Franklin and Natalie Cole. The problem I have with her now is that her first release is STILL her best… by far if you ask me.

The music from Houston after her debut has been mostly pop dance hits and watered down ballads that seem to be targeted towards white audiences. Its not that I have a problem with white audiences either. Lord knows they buy and enjoy music too. But the issue for me was that she started out soulful and audiences both white and black rallied around her music. It was R&B album with a touch of pop that was so good, IT crossed over and the mainstream came running. It was the mid 80s so it was almost impossible not to have any elements of pop. We know from the sounds of Motown as well as that of the jazz greats – and has such been proven with Hip Hop, that white and mainstream audiences will follow good music. Houston brought something so exceptionally special to the table that she was totally embraced by the most sophisticated musical lovers as well as the simple. She was one of only a few artists who could have done an R&B album, then turn around and do a pop record, then gospel or jazz, even country – and still her music would have been anticipated and celebrated. That’s how good she was. The last time we’ve had such a talent who had the courage to stretch himself like this was Ray Charles. Check his catalog. In addition to the be-bop and pop stuff he is well known for, he was also a top selling country performer. He tried all kinds of music. Because he was a true artist who could master any genre.

Houston dabbled with gospel on the soundtrack of, “The Preacher’s Wife,” as well as a few duos with her good friend CeCe Winans. She never did jazz or country. We did get a lot of dance hits from her, and she did some good work on the soundtrack of, “The Bodyguard.”

Now the take I get from some of my friends is that she had to go for the money. Pop music sells and that’s the bottom line. She simply gave the people what they wanted. I say that’s fine…if she was Beyonce’. Beyonce’ is a great performer, but hardly has the chops of Whitney. Whitney brought them in with an R&B album. So even if her people felt she had to do a pop record to bring it all the way home, after that she had the stuff to write her own ticket. After her album, “Whitney,” a very good pop record, this was the perfect opportunity to explore greater musical heights. This is what Madonna did after doing popcorn bubblegum records like, “Holiday,” “Lucky Star,” and “Crazy For You.” Madonna didn’t bow down and become a slave to the mainstream, but became a trailblazer believing she had the stuff to stretch her audience. And she did! Cause she’s Madonna dammit! And she still got the millions. Whitney had the same juice but did no such thing. I don’t know whether to blame her for not recognizing her own potential or her handlers for selling her out for a dollar. But as one who adores and appreciates the art form of great musical genius, I don’t care how much money she made or how many CDs she sold. From the pure artistic perspective her musical career failed miserably. Had she not taken the path of least resistance, she would be recognized as a musical icon – a diva beyond reproach. Instead, she is thought of more to be a drug addict who had a crazy assed husband. That’s my take – Whats yours? Did Whitey give us the best of her musical potential?

P.S. – If you think I’m crazy look at the career of Marvin Gaye. He started off in the Motown assembly line of being a pop crooner. He decided that his music was not significant enough and did, “Whats Going On.” This is where his career took off. He’s not known for, “Heard It Through The Grapevine,” or “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” with Tami Terrell. Berry Gordy was totally against What’s Going On the single. Said it sounded too jazzy. Marvin had it released without Gordy’s knowledge. Though initially infuriated, once he saw the first week sales he acquiesced and demanded that Marvin complete the album. Gaye said yes under one condition… “I have to do it the way I want it done with no interference.” Gordy again has to roll with it. The rest is history.

Tomorrow we celebrate the great composers and producers.

August 26, 2008 by bbgcmac

Music Week: My Favorite Female Vocalist

My Favorite Female Vocalist

For day two of music week I would like to talk about my favorite female vocalist. The female songstress has always been special to me because even as a child her vocals and expressions have kept me in touch with my feminine side. They have help to give me a respect for the beauty and grace of the woman. As these women sing of love, heartache, redemption or simple fun – the female vocal is one that is a direct expression of God’s love and nurturing. I will list my 10 favorite female vocalist and a few notables that I had a hard time leaving off the list. Who are some of yours?

Aretha Franklin – The daughter of the late Rev. C.L. Franklin, Detroit’s own is simply the Queen of Soul

Gladys Knight – A true diva even back in the day, and still going strong. No one has a voice that sounds like her. One of my favorite songs of all time still… Neither One Of Us, (Wants to be the First To Say Goodbye.)

Chaka Kahn – Ok so I am showing my age here with all of these mature sisters. But you can’t beat the longevity factor of the first three noted here. Khan could also be ranked tops among the most beautiful singers of all time. Musically her voice is off the chain and she has demonstrated the ability to mix Rock and Roll with Funk as she did with Rufus, as well as knock out a ballad or a jazz number with ease.

Natalie Cole – This songstress has some of the most significant songs of my life. I remember when my mom would play her 8-Tracks during Saturdays when we had to clean the house. I still know all the words to my favorite two albums of hers, “Unpredictable” and “Thankful,” both released in 1977. She reinvented herself by following in her father’s footsteps in doing music from the standard jazz songbook. I hear she has had some physical challenges nowadays. Get well Natalie!

Phyllis Hyman – Talk about a true diva, a virtuous songstress. OMG! One of the best ballad singers of all time – This woman voice was deep and sensual. It was easy to tell that she sang from her heart and many of her ballads held personal value. Though her life ended tragically her music lives on. She was and always will be a treasure to me.

Nancy Wilson – Performing since the age of 15, this songstress comes with a resume as fat as the lard at a southern fried chicken contest! Such an elegant voice, she is a ladies lady who personified class and grace. Though her catalogue is most extensive, she can’t go anywhere without the song that starts with the line… “You’re so late – getting home from the office. Did you miss your train? Were you caught in the rain? No don’t bother to explain…” (Guess Who I Saw Today)

Stephanie Mills – She is the little woman with the big voice. I grew up on this iconic figure as she belted out her music with a voice stronger than any on the market. She sounds like a grown woman with the soul of a teenager. My favorite song from Stephanie, “I Feel Good.” “Home” is not far behind.

Teena Marie – I truly came of age on the music of Lady T. 100% performer she gives one of the best concerts one will ever witness. Her ballads are timeless and though many have enjoyed Teena’s music over the years, she has a cult following as well of people like myself who have all of her music and will follow her wherever she goes. She truly has a voice from heaven and sings with loads of love, compassion, and attitude.

Minnie Riperton – Only Mariah Carey comes to mind when I think of the octaves this incredible artist possessed. Her voice was truly an instrument and she sang like a horn. She will remain in our hearts.

Sade – Sade Adu is a gift to all of us. An incredible artist whose music takes the imagination to far away places, I have been fortunate to see her for her only two performances in St. Louis. A truly original artist, from the beginning Sade came with a brand and stuck with it. No pop for this lady – she ain’t trying to make you dance. But you must pay attention!

So goes it for my top 10. This list was no easy task and I had to drop some great divas – some of whom I am still conflicted about. These notables who could crack any list of mine had I not been retricted to ten include, Rachelle Ferrell, Roberta Flack, Denise Williams, Mariah Carey, Chante’ Moore, Anita Baker and CeCe Winans. And don’t sleep on Stevie Nicks, Annie Lennox and Randy Crawford!

Tomorrow – Discussion of the great artist, pop music, and the musical legacy of Whiney Houston.

August 25, 2008 by bbgcmac

BB&G Presents: Music Week

Music is a huge part of my life. I always said if I had to choose to be blind or deaf I would have to forfeit sight because my eyes only allow me to see the physical. Through my ears I can hear words that have power and melodies that spark imagination which can create images as real as eternity itself. Truly there is a song for every thought, feeling and emotion. Music tells of the tragic, the triumphs, the dreams and the hopeful. It takes the temperature of the times, tells of the past and projects towards the future. Bob Dylan once said, “I don’t care who makes the laws, as long as I write the songs.” This alone should tell you the power of music. It can make you laugh, throw your hands up, dance, cry, reflect, and even go to sleep. From R&B to Jazz, from bee bop to hip hop, country to pop, bossa nova, folk, classical and reggae – music to me reveals the soul of the world.

This week I would like to share some of my perspectives of the music that helped shape my life. As well as discuss with you some ideas of yours and mine regarding differing music subject matters. I will start things off but invite you to join in and make this discussion as diversified as the music itself. I figure we can start off with a week’s worth of subjects and see where it goes from there. Lets kick it off with our first topic.

Big Time Freshman Debuts

You ever come across an album that you hear from a new artist, and the album is so good they darn near have to play every song on it before its past its prime? Boy oh boy I can think of some, especially during the 80s and 90s that just jumped off the charts either mainstream or just in my own personal mix. These are a list of 10 of some of my most significant debuts that rocked my earphones and are still classics today. Agree or disagree with mine? Tell me some of yours! Remember it has the be the artist’s first album! I started to put down Michal Jackson’s “Off The Wall.” But not only did Michael have a full career with his brothers previously, he also had solo projects during those early years. So that album didn’t qualify. Lets get to it!

Mary J Blige, “Whats the 411” July 28, 1992

Keith Sweat, “Make It Last Forever” November 24, 1987 – Sweat has since had many very good projects and has successfully produced. But none top this first stunna!

Whitney Houston, “Whitney Houston” 1985 – Produced by Kashif! Remember that dude? We will have a discussion about Whitney later in the week. A pure R&B soul classic piece of work. She has since made a lot of money, but hasn’t done anything to touch this one yet.

Toni Braxton, “Toni Braxton” – I mean can you have a better debut than this? Everything on the album played on the radio extensively. For a long time she lived off the reputation of this CD!

Teena Marie, “Wild And Peaceful” – A little old school for some of you. But Teena broke out a flavor that was all her own, totally original a mixture of R&B grooves with classically technical vocals and a bossa nova jazz tempo.

R Kelly, by Public Announcement “Born Into The 90s” – This Chicago native borrowed from the best of them. But his sound is still a brand that is well respected. R Kelly makes hits cause he simply knows what people want and he gives it to them.

Sade, “Diamond Life” 1984 – I don’t even need to elaborate on this. You already know!

Amy Grant, 1977 – Ahh surprised huh? You can’t sleep on Grant. I used to call her Amy ‘Grammy’, as she has six of them. Remember too that in her early career her music only sold in Christian bookstores. She is a pioneer.

TLC, “Ooh On The TLC Tip” 1992

LL Cool J, “Radio” 1985 – Probably the longest running career for a hip hop artist. Ice Cube has to be the next in terms of relevant and currently influential performing hip hop artist for a quarter of a century. Though the music is pre-historic by today’s standards, Def Jam was on a wing and a prayer back then, Radio still rocks today.

Ok – So I know there is a lot more out there and it’s impossible to cover close to all of the best debuts ever. Tell us some more and bring some more to my rememberance!

August 21, 2008 by bbgcmac

BB&G C-Notes Week Ending Aug 22-25 – Politics And More

Whats up family! I normally do this blog by myself. But recently I ran into an old school mate, (actually he’s a bit older than me) named Charlie Bubba. Charlie is an old school cat from the East Side. I used to watch him shoot hoops when I was a kid. Great guy! I mean, he was not just some neighborhood bum. He didn’t have much, and if you look at him it would seem with his old rags, baseball cap and missing teeth, this southern fried cat didn’t look as if he would have anything to say worth listening to. But I tell you what… Give this guy a 40 and just sit down for a minute and he has a way of kicking the philosophy down like the ghetto Langston Hughes or something. Hmm. I sat down with Charlie Bubba, and asked his opinion on the Obama campaign. Here’s what he had to say.

Well I’ll tell ya what C… I been watchin this young cat Boma. And I have to say that up until this point, he has shown the smoothest pimp game I ever saw. I mean damn! I never thought I would see the day when a brotha man really had a chance to paint the White House black you know what I’m sayin… But Chicago got it goin on. I have to give him props. First he ran for the senate and made a damn fool outta that punk ass Alan Keyes. Next thang ya know, homie is upstate announcing he’s running for pres. Shiiiit! (As he takes a puff of the Budda) After that he runs a pimp ass program against Bill’s wife. And you know, his shit was still on point during some crucial challenges. He gave the speech about race, which was pimp – Amerikka tried to argue wit it but you know them Fox watchers can see a nigga shine and gone always try to throw shade on him. He shook off his preacher which normally would be a death sentence to the black community. But I mean we got past that cause the Reverend showed his ass at the press club. So he played the game the way he had to… smooth. He has to be that non-threatening vanilla ass brotha so he wouldn’t scare middle America white folks away.

Now that shit was smooth then. But a nigga need to know when there is a change in the weather you know what I’m sayin? He needs to change the game a bit and get with the program cause vanilla got him this far but he’s gonna have to flip the script now if he wants to be the man – cause that soft ass ambassador shit ain’t gone get it with this nigga McCain. I mean look C, he did what he had to do with Bill’s wife. Shit that gal did damn near everything in the book to break a nigga down. And he had to smile for the most part cause he couldn’t be seen as too harsh on Miss White Pantsuit lady. Oh hell 2 the naw America wasn’t gone stand for that. So he smiled and gave her the olive branch, acted all diplomatic and shit. He was smart enough to know that Luda could call her a bitch but he couldnt. And it got him through. But this nice shit done got the nigga lookin weak now. I mean Bill ain’t calmed his ass down since the primary’s, and him and his wife got prime time spots in the convention next week ya dig? I can see he want her voters, but damn how much is he gone kiss that ass? Now McCain is all in his ass about his patriotism and comparing him to them skank hoes on TV. And there is Boma sayin, “Well I ain’t gone question the man’s patriotism and shit. He’s a great American” Hell fuck that shit. Look man Boma needs to come with it cause this nigga McCain’s numbers are coming up and its cause he’s making Boma look like a punk. See this here’s the big show. And hell McCain and the ‘publicans playin for keeps! Shit. I know he’s been trying to avoid looking like the angry negro, but hell at some point he needs to show America that he got some nuts. McCain’s been belittlin his ass from the git go. Makin fun of him and shit. Time for Boma to show that nigga he is from the South Side of Chicago and get gangsta with that ass. (politically speaking of course)

See that calm negro shit was cool before – hell necessary cause else they-da did him like he was Sharpton or Jesse and shit. But that being said, even niggas like me now a days want a president that I know will kick a little ass if he needs to. I am sure the rest of America wants to see that too. And lets face it C, – look at what Boma dealin with. McCain ain’t like Bush punk ass AWOL from the National Guard gettin coked out and listening to The Stones. His ass was a fuckin POW! Maybe he don’t know how many cribs he got, but shit this nigga used to eat lizards and bugs and shit to survive in the fuckin’ Ming-Cong jungle! You think he won’t do any and everything to Boma’s ass to get in the White House? Sheeeeet! (Takes another swig from the 40)

I say he needs to go back to the cinema and put some of them old movies in his VCR-a to know how to deal with white folks like him. Look and see how a real nigga acts. He’s done enough Sidney Portier. Nigga needs to go Jim Brown, “Dirty Dozen” on that ass! Show them he can shoot the biggest guns, run the show and screw Raquel Welch at the end like it wan’t shit! Then he may be able to finish this shit off in November.

On that note I gave a dap to Charlie and told him later. Before I hopped in my Jetta though I asked him if he’s watched any of the Team USA Basketball olympic coverage since I know he’s a big hoops fan. He smiled with his toothless grin and shook his head as if to say, “Of course!” Then he dropped his last bit of knowledge.

Yea I think them niggas gone win the gold and shit. Hell if they don’t Shaq gone make a new record! “Team USA couldn’t do without me! Hey Dream Team, tell me how my ass taste!”

Charlie is a real character. He’s always got a fresh perspective I’m not used to hearing. Back to my thoughts now.

Rest in Peace Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones 1949-2008

and former NFL great and NFL Players Association President Gene Upshaw 1944-2008

The last couple weeks have been tough on black folks.

On a happier note congratulations to my Aunt Eleanor who celebrated her 65th birthday last weekend. She is a great matriarch and a family treasure.

Peace~

August 19, 2008 by bbgcmac

An Olympic Shout Out for East St. Louis Native

Olympics Dawn harper gold at finish line

Sure I am as ecstatic as anyone who has witnessed the dominance of Michael Pehlps. Usain Bolt is literally destroying the competition with Carl Lewis like command. The Redeem Team known as USA basketball is ready for the medal rounds and they look fantastic. But I got to pause to give some love to home girl Dawn Harper. Today she won the gold medal in the women’s 100 meter hurdles.

This marks the first time an East St. Louisan has won Olympic gold since my home girl Jackie Joyner-Kersee, arguably the greatest female athlete of all time. Her brother Al also won Gold in 1984. The other commonality linking Joyner-Kersey and Harper is that they shared the same high school coach in Nino Fennoy. Fennoy is an international track and field coaching legend. His teams have won 15 Illinois State Championships. When I attended East St. Louis Lincoln high school in the mid 80s, the girls track team were in the midst of an 8 year state championship win streak. Keep in mind Lincoln was a rather small school (my class graduated 357) and they had to compete against school from Peoria and Chicago. Fennoy has kept the tradition going winning the girls state title this year as well at East St. Louis Sr. High School.

The connections don’t stop there. Harper’s current coach is none other than Bob Kersee. Harper also attended college at UCLA, following in the footsteps of Jackie who met Bob while attending UCLA. I am happy for Ms. Harper and for all the kids in East St. Louis who can look at these accomplishments and know they can achieve anything they choose to as well.

Congratulations Dawn!

August 18, 2008 by bbgcmac

Pastor Rick Warren – A Faith and Visionary Leader

Senators John McCain and Barack Obama

A Model of A Man of God

This is truly a blog that I am happy to write about. Over the weekend there was a historical event that took place. In the home stretch of a presidential election, the pastor of a church was able to bring the two main candidates together under one roof – for one on one questioning. Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Orange County, CA had both Obama and McCain at his church with a crowd of parishioners and onlookers. Why am I so glad about this event? Because in this age of extreme conservative evangelical ministers who want to stake their claim in the political game, Warren is a man who totally gets it!

Most people know of his book, The Purpose Driven Life, after some 25 million copies have been sold. Some may even know how he does not accept a salary from his church, how he paid back the salary the church had given him over a 20 year period one he started to benefit from the book, how he tends to preach most sermons at his church in blue jeans. My impression of Warren took another turn when I saw him featured on Meet The Press last year. (See Transcript) Listening to him talk about faith and politics was so refreshing. In this day and age where men representing faith, mainly Christian faith come in the persons of Pat Robertson and James Dobson, guys who are dogmatic in their approach and single-minded in their schemes, Warren is a man who talks about his faith as a committed Christian man who has a worldview that is inclusive towards others in the country – even those who may not subscribe to his specific faith. He understands that this time, this nation more than ever multi-cultral, multi-ethnic, multi-racial and yes multi-religious than ever before. And yet we all have a stake in the plight of America and the direction we are to take. He understands the big picture – and in that his love for mankind is actually a reflection of that of Christ himself. Warren is a brother who’s spirit is attractive and therefore he is able to engage wonderfully with other people. Now here is the best part. Warren is not some ultra-liberal crack preacher who has an anything goes philosophy. He has a set of values that are very fundamental to traditional Christianity. The difference is that he does not behave as if he should damn the rest of the world to hell. Neither does he act as if Christian beliefs are the only ones under attack these days. Many evangelicals often play victim and act as if the whole world is conspiring against their beliefs.

As a result he was able to have enough influence to command the audience of THE two major candidates in the heat of the campaign. In the sermon the following Sunday he spoke of how voters should respond to the candidates.

Don’t just look at issues, look at character. Look at the candidate and say, Does he live with integrity, service with humility, share with generosity, or not?’

This is much different from the approach I have heard for years where unless a candidate is dead set against gay rights, abortion etc., that vote is in effect a vote against God himself. Warren understands like many of us that there are many other issues as well that are just as important to Christian and non Christian alike. Issues such as poverty and education – these are American issues. I would also argue that these are also issues of faith when you look at the complete teachings of Jesus. Regardless a president has to be concerned about all of America – not just a segment that shares his faith – even as he holds dear to his own convictions.

As good as the forum went, it wasn’t quite perfect. In total fairness Warren had a set of questions and he used those same questions in the same order to both candidates. Obama answered first. And although McCain was said to be in a room tucked away until his turn came, it turned out he was not even in the building. Where was the dear senator? Somewhere tuned in watching the pastor interview Obama so that he could be ready for the questions himself. As I watched McCain’s interview, I was surprised as to how easily he answered Warren’s questions – though McCain claimed them to be hard questions. Some of them he seemed to rattle off before Warren could get the whole question out. So as impressed as I thought I was with some of McCain’s answers, he was cheating and thus prepared with his script. Look at the tape. You can easily tell that there was virtually no reflection whatsoever – but a rapid fire of ready answers given. Warren said initially that McCain was in another room. Later he admitted that McCain was not in the building. For the sake of my original point, I am going to give the good pastor the total benefit of the doubt here. I believe he conducted an interview for the American people – specifically American people of faith with total honesty and integrity. It was McCain who messed things up. Of course Warren is too polished and graceful to accuse the senator – but he also knows that we can judge the facts and issues for ourselves.

Keep up the good work Pastor Warren. I hope to meet you one day and enjoy some vigorous discussions.

August 14, 2008 by bbgcmac

BBG C-Notes Week Ending Aug 15-17

Peeps, I know its been a week. I have been on a bit of a sabbatical lately. So i have not been able to post. Thanks for sticking around.

We Will Remember:

Black Moses (Isn’t that redundant?)

And Bernie (I want my milk and coooookies) Mac

Rest in peace brothers!

Olympic News – (In Bad Taste)

What the hell were the Spaniards thinking about when they decided to pose with the “slanted eyes?” Their poor excuses were not fooling anyone either. Pau Gasol (who played Pau Gasoft when I last saw him foshizzle fizzle against the Celtics while wearing my beloved purple and gold of the Lakers) said, ““It was supposed to be a picture that inspired the Olympic spirit.” What Olympic spirit would that be Pau? Hey if the Olympics were ever in Africa, maybe they can all wear blackface!

Speaking of black faces, I tend to agree with USA’s Jason Kidd who pointed out that if that were the Americans, specifically the black Americans who pulled such crap they would be on the first plane smoking back to the States. David Stern would be on the war path suspending players and condemning them left and right. The world would have reacted and the powers that be would be ready to give up some American booty.

Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number

At least the Chinese Olympic Team doesn’t think so when it comes to the age limits. They sent Jr. High schoolers to do their deeds and win gold. I mean just look at these girls! Do they look 16 to you? I know how sometimes a child looks older or younger than they really are – but practically the whole squad? They look like they should be watching Spongebob! Mitch Albom (Detroit Free Press Sports – Tuesday’s With Morrie) said it best: “What did you expect? Any country that would lip-sync out a 7-year-old singer because she wasn’t cute enough for the opening ceremony wouldn’t hesitate to use underage children to capture gold medals. That’s a no-brainer.”

Thats the Chinese government for you though. Rules only apply when they are the ones making them.

On The Upside:

Suffice it to say it DOES NOT SUCK to be Michael Phelps does it? This dude is cold smashing cats globally in these games. How about starting off with 6 golds with 6 world records! (12 total in his career and counting) I read today that this cat puts away 12000 calories per day during training. DAMN! I bet thats a record too for a world class swimmer.

Memo to the USA Olympic Committee: How could you be so stupid as to not invite Mark Spitz?

I guess that ASS whoppin that USA Men’s basketball put on defending gold medal team Greece sent a clear signal that this isn’t 2006. They may have gotten Dirk Nowitzki (Germany) out of his game. But Coach K’s is a coach who truly believes in beating opponents into submission. Before the game he showed the team a tape of Greece celebrating on the court aftet the game two years ago. Needless to say, they got attitude. Especially the ones who played on that team. Spain! Your next!

On To Politics:

Memo to Kwame Kilpatrick- Brotha stay in D Town. Don’t be tryin to crash the Dems convention in Denver. Take a page out of the John Edwards handbook! This is not about you!

Memo to geographically challenged brothers and sistas – While Russia has invaded the capital of Georgia, Atlanta is Ok. You can still drive down Peachtree!

Memo to bitter Hillary Clinton Supporters: Get over yourselves. Your girl lost! The Obama camp has bent over backwards to accomodate the Clinton’s ego all summer. The convention is coming up in two weeks. Please don’t go there and show your asses. You just look bad not to mention its an invitation to insert John McCain. Its like free advertising. Of course some of you don’t care. And you tend to look like racist in the meantime. Check this quote out from Will Bower, co-founder of the Just Say No Deal Coalition, a rabid Clinton Supporter. “I have been voting Democratic for 18 years. I only voted for Democrats, from dog catcher to president and everything in between. I will be voting for someone other than Barack Obama come November.”

You mean to tell me that Obama and Clinton’s policies proposals are that different? Can you be any more obvious?

August 7, 2008 by bbgcmac

White America’s Greatest Fears~ (Humor)

As African-Americans we have had a long history of joking about a black president ever since the 70s. These jokes include the phrase of painting the White House black along with other stereotypical antidotes such as having a barbque in the Rose Garden or a house party on weekends. Of course they were indeed JOKES because none of us thought we would see the day when it was really possible. Now that Barack Obama has a legitimate shot at this, it reminded me of this spoof the great Richard Pryor did on his show way back in the day. From what I saw within some segments of White America during the primaries against Hillary Clinton, I imagine that some of my caucasion brothers and sisters really do harbor these myths when contemplating having a president who could grow an afro. Click the link and check it out!

Enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtlDVi_1JMg

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Monthly Archives: August 2008