The Blunt Brings Swag to the Black Blogosphere

Experience a Different Kind of High with the New Blog on the Block

Real Talk is moving to RossMichelPublishing.com on December 1, 2011. Not only is this blog moving but it also taking on a new swag and a new name – The Blunt.

Here’s what you can expect…

THE WORD BLUNT is slang for a cigar filled with marijuana. However, we flipped the script by naming our new blog The Blunt. Our Blunt is a blog that is filled with information and entertainment (infotainment) geared toward the global Black community.

The other blunt gets you high off the herbal substance. Our Blunt gets you high off knowledge, wisdom and truth. Not only will it get you high it will stimulate you into elevating your spirit, mind and well-being.

The Blunt author, R. Renee, gives readers her “tell it like it is” perspective on everything from politics and entertainment to relationships and spirituality. Her writing style is a mix of smarts, edge, humor and raw truth.

The Blunt is for all the open-minded, truth-seekers within the global Black family who dare to “think outside the box”.

The Blunt offers infotainment that caters to the whole person through multiple formats including articles, videos and podcasts.

Departments

• Transform Your Life: Life lessons that help you overcome personal obstacles and tap into your Divine power.
• No More Drama: Promotes healthy, drama-free relationships.
• Urban Dish: Commentary that offers fresh perspective on current events.
• Conspiracy Files: Hidden political, social, economic and cultural agendas are exposed.
• Critic’s Corner: Entertainment reviews and news.
• The Grapevine: The latest gossip and rumors.
• Café Noir: Poetry/spoken word and Hip Hop lyrics.

COMING SOON TO ROSSMICHELPUBLISHING.COM DECEMBER 1, 20011.

 

Is Lady Gaga the Next Michael Jackson?

THE MUSIC INDUSTRY is on its death bed. The music sucks. Many of the artists are mediocre. And the record sales are down. When the industry needs a boost, it always pulls “the (fill-in-the-blank) is the next Michael Jackson” card.

The latest fill in the blank artist is Lady Gaga.

Is Lady Gaga the next Michael Jackson?

CNN posted that question on the bottom of the screen during Larry King’s interview with Snoop Dogg.

Is Lady Gaga the next Michael Jackson?

Lady Gaga in rare form.

You gotta be kidding? Somebody is smokin’ crystal meth.

Before and since Michael’s transition several artists have been touted as the “next” Michael Jackson in one way or another…

Usher, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, Beyonce and now Lady Gaga.

Why Lord? Why?

M.J. saved a dying music industry in the 80’s with his record-breaking Thriller album. No doubt the industry wants to repeat that phenomenon.

Thriller is the biggest selling album of all time.

So the music industry is attempting to capitalize on Mike’s legacy and the universal love people have for the King of Pop by insinuating that Lady Gaga is the next Michael Jackson.

They think the new hot thang on the music scene can fill the void Mike left behind.

Although Mike is not here in the physical, he didn’t leave a void. He gave his all while he was here, and his Spirit lives through his music. Thanks to the Internet, we can experience Mike’s genius with a click of the mouse.

When we compare what Mike did as an entertainer with what the music industry is offering us as entertainment, there is no comparison.

Is Lady Gaga the next Michael Jackson? No. No one can fill Michael Jackson’s legendary shoes. We know the industry is desperate to stay afloat, but trying to convince us that they have the next Michael Jackson ain’t the way to do it.

 

What’s Up with Hip Hop’s Obsession with Light-Skinned Sistas?

“In the Entertainment World the “Exotic” girls with lightest skin, and longest hair gets the lead role leaving very few options for dark skinned Black Women.

Joy Daily.tv presents Part 1 of our first documentary series “Complexion Obsession” featuring Rappers Rick Ross, Cassidy, Pusha from The Clipse, and Paul Wall, Actress Melyssa Ford, Radio Personality Angela Yee, Models Bria Myles, Dollicia Bryan, Vanessa Veasley, Suelyn, Diznee, Kimmi Kennedy and Jeri J, Temple University Chair of Black Studies Dr. Norment, Director Lee Harris, and Producer/ Writer Thembisa Mshaka.

Take a Journey through the industry to find out why there is an Obsession with our Complexion.”

–JoyDaily.tv

 

10 of the Greatest Love Songs Ever

Real Talk Magazine is celebrating Black Love in all its manifestations this month.  And since it’s Valentine’s weekend, we compiled a list of what we consider to be 10 of the greatest love songs ever.

Sit back..relax…enjoy…and reminisce.

Endless Love – Lionel Richie & Diana Ross

Let’s Stay Together – Al Green

Cause I Love – Lenny Williams

Always & Forever - Heat Wave

The Closer I Get To You – Roberta Flack & Donny Hathway (performed with Peabo Bryson)

Here and Now – Luther Vandross

Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This – Rachelle Ferrell & Will Downing

You’re All I Need To Get By – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

All My Life – K-Ci & Jo Jo

At Last – Etta James

 

Will Hip-Hop Kill Gospel?

DISCLAIMER:  When I say Hip-Hop I’m referring to this corporate-controlled hip-hop that’s promoted in the mainstream media.

Why pose this question?

I can’t help but notice how corporate America co-opted true Hip Hop and turned it into a vehicle for promoting materialism (bling bling), violence (gangsta rap), and self-hatred (bitches, ho’s and niggas).

Rap/Hip-Hop which was created from a pure place of creativity, love and consciousness became a tool of the corporate machine.  Corporate gangstas use Rap/Hip-Hop to impose its own agenda onto the masses across the globe.

So Hip-Hop music has suffered. Some of it may sound good, but the message in the music just ain’t good for you.

The Death of R & B

The current state of R & B is an example of how corporate Hip-Hop corrupts other music genres. Corporate Hip-Hop is a cancer that has effectively killed R & B (at least mainstream R & B). And that’s unfortunate because R & B music is where we get our love songs. Those song have a powerful vibration. There’s nothing like a man confessing his love for his woman through song or vice versa. Love songs affirm and celebrate our love for one another.

There’s no love in these R & B songs now. They’re basically low realm, sex songs frontin’ as love songs. The songs devalue women (and men) and reduces them to one dimensional sex objects.

Isn’t that what corporate Hip-Hop does?

We need to get back to the love songs of Teddy Pendergrass, Luther Vandross, Gerald Levert, Lenny Williams, etc. A divorce between Hip-Hop and R & B is long overdue. We need our love songs back.

Is Gospel the Next Victim?

I like Kirk Franklin. I like Mary Mary. I only mention them because they are two of the most popular Gospel acts who blend Gospel with a Hip-Hop (and R & B) flavor. I just hope Gospel artists take note of how corporate thugs hijacked Hip-Hop and how Hip-Hop then corrupted R & B.

Gospel has it’s own powerful message of love. Gospel music proclaims our love for the Most High and the Most High’s love for us. Gospel music is the last bastion for hope for a Black people who have faced and are facing indignities of every manner known to man.

Let’s hope the powerful message of Gospel music doesn’t get pimped out and played out by corporate-controlled Hip-Hop.

 

Rapper Drake: What’s with All the Hype?

I DON’T MEAN no harm, but what’s up with all the hype with new rapper on the block Drake?  I first heard about Drake  a few months ago.  He’s all  BET, the blogs and hip-hop sites have been talking about.  They’ve been hyping up his rhyme skills and singing chops.

Call me cynical, but when the music industry hypes someone so much my red flags go up.

The industry execs specialize in turning mediocre artists into overnight sensations through its hype machine.

And the execs know how easily people get caught up in hype. They have conditioned the public to equate an artist’s hype with the artist’s talent level. In other words, people assume an artist must be off-the-chain if they have a lot of hype.

I’ve only seen one of Drake’s videos. But based on what I’ve seen and heard I’m not impressed. And I’m not even taking into consideration that fiasco performance at the BET awards.

I’m not saying Drake is either good or bad. But I just don’t see how Drake is significantly different from what’s currently on the corporate rap/hip-hop landscape.

Will Drake live up to the hype? That’s remains to be seen. But all I hear in my head is Chuck D. saying, “Don’t believe the hype.”

 

Message from Michael Jackson: Artists, Step Your Game Up

OUR BELOVED MICHAEL left a stellar legacy and a blueprint for artists (and others) to follow.  This is especially true as it pertains to Black recording artists.

Let’s not ever get it twisted Michael Jackson was and is a Black man.  And he was a Black artist in a record industry that has a long history of exploiting and pimping Black artists.

Mike changed the game and created his own rules.  All you artists take some time a peep MJ’s game.  Learn from Mike and follow his blueprint.

Humble Thyself

Hands down Michael is the Greatest entertainer ever. There’s Michael Jackson then there’s everybody else. He has a lengthy list of accomplishments and awards. He is a record breaker and a history maker with 40 years of success and longevity in the music industry. With all of that, Mike was the most humble person you could ever meet. He was a down-to-earth brother.

These newcomers get one hit and they think they’re the greatest thing since pork skins, red hots and strawberry soda. Ya’ll need to chill. One or two hits don’t make a career. You can be hot today – and gone today. Keep your ego in check and decide whether you wanna be a one-hit wonder or whether you want a career.

Handle Your Business

The entertainment industry is called show business. MJ mastered the show as an entertainer. But he also mastered the business. He bought the music catalogue and publishing rights of the Beatles, Elvis and many other artists. He owned half of Sony, which made him a billionaire.

How many artists, especially Black artists, even become legitimate millionaires in the business. The typical artist signs a slave contract and winds up broke, busted and disgusted because they don’t know the business aspect of the show. Learn about owning your masters, publishing rights, points per record, etc. Handle your business.

No Half-Steppin

Michael is the epitome of excellence. He mastered his craft as a singer, dancer, songwriter, etc. He pushed himself creatively. He wasn’t like anyone else. Mike did Mike. And he did Mike to the fullest.

Today’s artist operate off the same template crafted by the music execs. So there’s very little creativity or originality. If the music industry is dying is dying due to wack ass, mediocre artists. Who in the hell wants to pay $15 for a CD with one good song on it?

Know Thyself

Mike knew who he was as a man and as an artist. Music execs didn’t dictate to Mike what he should write, what he should sing, what he should create. He sold millions of record and made millions of dollars without selling out or selling his soul.

Today’s artist, well, that’s another story. When record execs tell them to add “bitches”, “ho’s” and “niggas” to their songs these fools do it. When you know who you are and really believe in your talent, you don’t let ANYBODY for ANY amount of money corrupt your artistic expression.

Don’t Be A Punk

Sony tried to play Mike. They tried to punk him down. Certain persons wanted him to not only to sell his soul but to also sell the Beatles/Elvis music catalogues. The music industry and the American media turned on Mike and treated him like a second-class citizen. Apparently, some people believed Mike needed to be “put back in his place.”

But Mike wasn’t having it. He wasn’t scared. He called his enemies out. And he fought his enemies. Mike is one of the strongest, baddest Black men who ever walked this planet.

We got all these pseudo gangstas and thugs frontin’ at being hard, but when comes down to the real they’re just punk ass b%^#$@%. Take some cues from Mike and man up!

Michael Jackson gave us a blueprint for success in the entertainment industry and in life. The rest is on us.

 

Michael Jackson’s Death: Media Hoax Part 1 and 2

IS MICHAEL REALLY dead?  Or are we being bamboozled?  Why are there so many inconsistencies and unanswered questions surrounding Michael’s death.

Below is part 1 and 2 in a series of videos that raise probing questions about Michael death.  The videos cover the 911 phone call, the missing in action Cardiologist Dr. Conrad Murray and the “This Is It” press conference by someone who appears to be a Michael Jackson look-a-alike.

Keep your eyes and mind open. 

 

Minister Louis Farrakhan Speaks about Michael Jackson

Below is a clip of the recent interview in Los Angeles by Don Lemon of CNN with the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan about Michael Jackson. It aired on Sunday, July 12, 2009.

The Minister explains why Black people and white people have a different view of Michael Jackson.  He also reveals how the media and others are attempting to strip our Brother Michael of his legacy and his ownership of the Beetles and Elvis catalogues that he still owns.

Upon meeting Mike for the first time several years ago the Minister describes him as a “gentle spirit, a beautiful human being.”  He also stated that Mike “loved his children.  He was a wonderful father.” 

 

Michael Jackson: Remembering Our Beloved Brother

On June 25, 2009 our Beloved Son and Brother Michael Joseph Jackson made his transition.  His passing was sudden and unexpected.

Michael loved life, but he didn’t get to enjoy it to the fullest.  There were those who took from him and used him.  They hurt him and left him in pain.  Life beat him down.  He was ruthlessly attacked during his life.

Now that he has made his transition from this physical realm the character assassination continues.

There are negative forces among us still attempting to degrade Michael and his legacy. The media choose to focus on what we believe are lies and allegations. They choose to characterize our Dear Brother as “weird”, “a freak” and “wacko.”

Don’t be deceived by the media. Don’t let the media distract you. For those of us who truly love Michael know not to partake in the negative energy.

In loving memory of our Beloved Brother, we offer our own tribute recognizing the great contribution Michael Jackson has made to the world of music and to the human family.

Michael Jackson is the greatest entertainer EVER. No one past, present or future will have the impact our Brother Michael has had on the music industry. No one brought his level of genius and creativity to the world of music and videos.

From this point on let’s focus on that little beautiful brown brother who sang and danced. Let’s focus on his unique style and personal charisma.

Although his outer appearance changed for whatever reason, he was still the same beautiful, caring, gentle, delicate, intelligent, brilliant man we grew up with and loved.

Who was Michael Jackson? Who is Michael Jackson?

Singer. Dancer. Songwriter. Producer. Entertainer. Businessman. Humanitarian. Visionary. Trailblazer. Genius. Father. Our Son. Our Brother.

Our heart, prayers and blessings go to our family, the Jackson family. Let’s hold up the legacy of Michael Jackson in a light of LOVE and send positive energy to his family.

The Jackson family is our family. They are in our heart and prayers.

R.I.P.

Michael Joseph Jackson

August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

We LOVE You Always