The World is Ours!

"The Birth of the Cool" and the Life of Mrs Davis.

2009-11-07T12:28:00.000-08:00

Renowned artist Barkley Hendricks' in conjunction with the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University is exhibiting "Birth of the Cool" around the nation at select locations. ( see below).

In Hendrick's Exhibit is the 3 foot high image of a shy young girl with a not-so -shy afro holding her arm protectively. It's titled 'Lawdy Mama'. The image is of Atlanta Muralist and cousin to Barkley Hendricks, Kathie Davis. Mrs Davis has painted murals for many Atlanta based celebrities including Ludacris and Dorsey Levens. A little over two months ago Mrs Davis finally succumbed to a long bout with cancer leaving behind her a lifetime of artwork and two talented children.

My friend Atlanta based designer Azure Davis is her daughter. This is a really special post for me because I know how much she went through towards the end of Mrs. Davis life.

When you're young, your emotions are insecure but your body is strong, when you're older your emotions are secure but your body just won't keep up. Life is pretty ironic. So Az yeah...in line with the rest of our convo..that's what I think about when I see your mom's panting. It's got to feel good to see her immortalized like that and by such a talented artist: young and beautiful forever.

Rest in Peace Mrs. Davis.

Kh.

Looking For Lady Writerz

2009-10-28T15:29:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for women artists who are up to the task. So in today's fadeout ( meaning right now I should be working ) I did a little research. I'm hell bent on finding lady writerz that can hold their own. The race is on...the leaders ( In America )are Sherm out of LA and Siloette. Its just my first day tho...

AU NATURAL

2009-10-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

Heels meets Nature. ( Alexander McQueen and Jimmy Choo) Layout for Online Mag Pedderzine. OoohWee!

INSA PROTEIN AD.

2009-10-28T15:24:00.001-07:00

IAM1 x INSA from Protein® TV on Vimeo.

Jason Thielke

2009-09-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

I came across this artist recently. I have to say I love Jason Theilke's style...the ink drawings remind me of paint by numbers. Its pretty with an edge

SaxsoFunny "Every Image Has A Sound" campaign

2009-08-31T08:13:00.000-07:00

Featured on "Communication Arts". I just think its fly to see commercial artists think outside the box. I guess they did too. ( thnx Miss Brown for the link)...

You have to shake the metal paper to get the thunder sound. That one took me a minute to get.

Disney is playin' Chess-Queen takes Everything

2009-08-31T07:41:00.000-07:00

The Walt Disney Co. said Monday it is buying Marvel Entertainment Inc. for $4 billion in cash and stock, bringing such characters as Iron Man and Spider-Man into the family of Mickey Mouse and WALL-E.

You know I was really hoping Disney would buy out yet another brand-its terrible how poor those people are.

Hip Hop Joe Budden vs...Who?

2009-02-28T18:09:00.000-08:00

I don't know who Random is, but i'm feeling the way Joe Budden handled this hip hop beef. This is another beautiful snatch from www.illdoctrine.com. Rappers KNOW they're getting old, its time to act like it.

( Go to the site to view the clip)

Long Distance Tagging- Get Yours! Palestine

2009-02-26T10:39:00.000-08:00

RAMALLAH, West Bank – This is so damn cool -- The newest and most politically charged Graffiti space-the massive concrete barrier separating Israel from the Palestinians.
Over the Internet, a group of Palestinian graf artists ( members of the Palestinian Peace and Freedon Youth Forum) are offering to spray-paint your personal message on Israel's towering security wall in the occupied West Bank.
It costs $40 a message and you can say whatever....just don't get too crazy
I'm doing it...I'm thinking " The World Is Ours!" in all caps...its a chance to be a little part of the hope-making process. And your message will stand until peace reigns... Knowing Israel and Palestine thats gonna be a minute.

www.sendamessage.nl

"It is a new way to speak with the people, that we the Palestinians exist," says graffiti artist Yusef Njm।

Shepard Fairey fighting Associated Press for his Obama Image

2009-02-04T19:23:00.000-08:00

Are they serious? The now famous "Obey" style Image of Obama was based on a photograph taken by Associated Press's freelance photographer Manny Garcia...So now they want a cut of the tens of thousands of dollars that has swirled around the image. Fortunately it seems that Shepard Fairey didn't make more than a little added fame off of it-(well that's his story for the moment anyway). It took the photographer two seconds to snap that photo and prob took Fairey hours to repaint it. The photograph isn't what excited the globe and it couldnt have, it is one of millions and easily replaceable, Fairey's hard work made it gold.

I don't think they deserve a cut ( especially off of a photo they never even used), but that's me.

( Video Chat Coming to the Iphone?) Meet George Jetson...

2009-02-03T14:13:00.000-08:00

his boy Elroy....

Apple filed a massive patent that includes a gang of services that are needed for video chat:
"video conferencing", "Optical Sensor" aka video cam, "digital videoing

...Daughter Judy

Of course this doesnt' mean its set in stone. Apple patents a lot of nonsense just on principle. But i'm getting excited... I may have to (gulp) switch to AT&T.

Jane his wife!

This is a Graduated Human Being

2009-01-31T15:23:00.000-08:00

Shawn Crawford gave up his Olympic silver medal to Churandy Martina, the sprinter who originally finished second in the 200 meters but was later disqualified for running out of his lane.
“It wasn’t about doing the right thing. It’s just me as an athlete—I feel like we all compete and train for four years to get to the Olympic Games,” Crawford said. “We got there, he was told he finished second after all that, he took a victory lap. I can understand his humiliation and embarrassment and all that."

Nicely Put...

2009-01-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

"Gaza" From Artist Carlos Latuff. This just about says it all...The year has just begun. Thnx to atlanta artist Will-Kem for sending this to me. Keep the city warm for me, i'll be there in a few days.

Gold Plated Turntable

2009-01-14T13:21:00.000-08:00

Solid Gold Turntables...for my Mix-masters out there... Unlike the fat cars below, I believe this works. Half a years salary just to get on it:

This thing goes for $38,790. By Transrotor . If i were a d.j. i'd buy it and charge people extra just to watch me use it...then i'd be too scared to mix...i'd just let the track run. lol!

Damn that's a Fat-Azz Ride!

2009-01-14T13:09:00.000-08:00

The "Fat Cars" are created by Viennese ( sp) artist Erwin Wurm...you'll definitely catch people's eye if they ran. It would almost work as a getaway car because the license is covered...but then as soon as you type in the make and model it's all over

...And a Happy New Year.

2009-01-03T14:40:00.000-08:00

I am inspired to say something with a Holiday Spirit by the head of one of the companies I do business. I stood in the crowd as he gathered all of his employees around him and talked about how hard he has been fighting to keep them with him. I was touched. 2008 was a tough year for so many of you guys. I mean really-Artists got hammered this year. ( many many )Lost jobs, lost homes, cars and credit debt. For some I know it was literally hard to eat this year, but the fact is that we're all still standing, and in some of the toughest cities in the world. we're still eating and making it.

We made it through the Bush regime and if this the best they can do to take us to rock bottom, I think this year is going to be lovely. The world is yours to do with what you will. And the way the world looks is the way you've decided it looks to you. So look up, I see big things in the year(s) to come. As I go into the new year i'm saying " 2009 I'm About To Get Mine."

I want you all there by my side.

Always

Khia.

Merry Xmas

2009-01-03T14:37:00.000-08:00

I want someone to buy me these books and put a ribbon on it. And i live in queens. I'm just sayin'

I Like How Gaudi Gets Down

2009-01-03T13:59:00.000-08:00

Just back from Barcelona and thanks to Lion I've learned about Spain's pride and joy: Spanish Architech Antoni Gaudi.

His work is something else...its kind of wild. His buildings make him look like a hardworking maniac. There is something haphazard about the way he does his thing that I like. For instance all of this totally different stuff comes off of the same building. For his buildings he designed everthing down to the light fixtures and the gates and the doors and the keyholes in his signature look
(he died having only one girlfriend on record never married-who'd have guessed). And he seemed to have more unfinished projects than finished. He walks off a project when the heads involved cramp his style.

As a designer he's my new hero. To refuse to bend to anyone's will and create these crazy pieces in the early 1900s...crazy.

EPMD-Back in Business

2008-12-13T20:26:00.001-08:00

Privileged to see the album release party for EPMD new album " We Mean Business". Album out now. They're back in business and Judging by Parish Smith's big smiles, they were happy to be there. I can't recommend the album yet, but I can recommend the group!

Coup D'Etat ( Clothing Line Brother Omi will LOVE)

2008-12-09T17:50:00.000-08:00

I bought a black and metallic " Teach the Babies" t-shirt in Harlem and then Rocked it to EPMDeee's album release last night. Eric Sermon and Parish Smith are making dollars again. Peace to D.J. K-Salaam for putting me on the list and spinning a great show..and to Bouncer Mike for making me tell him jokes to actually get inside.

I bought this shirt because Dan Tres (aka Brother Omi) is always talking about the babies and what they learn. Now this is when the post gets messed up....Danny ( mi maestro) I ALMOST bought you a tee and mailed it to you.Almost.

...but yeeaah bruh its a recession. So just so you know that I thought about you I'm telling you about Coup D'Etat. Click the Link and Go cop somethin'

Was Juno ( the Movie) A Ripoff?

2008-12-06T17:42:00.000-08:00

People love to hawk movies in this country from Asia as tho there is no internet. I recently worked a gig here in NY with a korean woman named Juna Lee...so her name started this conversation. Apparently there is a Korean comedy movie called Jenny, Juno written and directed by Kim-Jo Hoon. It's about a middle school girl and her boyfriend who gets pregnant and then delivers. Sounds a little familiar but even though the Korean and American versions are dead on screen writter Diablo Cody says she never knew it existed. I guess that's possible...

Naaah Kehinde Wiley this doesn't sit well

2008-12-06T17:09:00.001-08:00

I've been off my blogging game lately. My bad. But Yashua Klos told me to tell it like it is so...

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to go up to harlem and check out Kehinde Wiley as he spoke about his latest exhibition " The World Stage:Africa". I've had convos with friends about Kehinde's artwork. Originally my reaction to his work was total awe and in time it turned to " what on earth?".

Kehinde has become famous for painting image after image of gigantic black men in traditional european poses. They are gorgeous and technically sick. But there are so MANY of them after awhile I began to question his message? I guess it was supposed to be ironic, but It began to seem like he wanted to make black men dignified by making them act non-black. One friend defended him saying that Kehinde's idea was that because we (blacks) are not repped in history he was "painting us in". I said " really, well that's cool". So when the opportunity presented itself I had to ask Kehinde what the real deal was ( turns out btw I wasnt the only audience member disturbed).

He fumbled a little as he said he was fascinated by european art and he found it the utmost in dignity and wanted to depict the men this way (paraphrasing). It kind of makes me sad. With the many many gigantic and time consuming paintings he did this is the best way he found to make that point. And then he turned it into a gimmick. I've seen at least 17 of them 6 ft tall a piece. Well, we all have to eat and Kehinde is eating well.

Kehinde, babes. This is OUR world every last one of us. White-Black-Yellow-Beige. There is no longer one standard. Pretty paintings tho, but I'm glad you've moved on. :)

A Cure for AIDS????!!

2008-11-12T20:51:00.000-08:00

Cough it the hell up! Big businesses make me ill. People have been thinking cures have existed for decades...and me being the little conspiracy theorist I am...well, you can only imagine whats going thru my head.

A 42 year old American in Berlin has gotten a bone marrow transplant that is usually used for leukemia that has pretty much cured his AIDS symptoms and all sign of the disease. Scratching my head as to why this isn;t front page news. Oh yeah, the republicans are still in office.
(Check out my images-of course these ads come from the French. Smile- I like to keep you folks on your toes.)
See more of the story (here)

RIP MAMA AFRICA...

2008-11-10T16:44:00.000-08:00

10th November 2008
Johannesburg

The world was dealt a blow early this morning, in a small town outside Naples, Italy when Zenzile Miriam Makeba..Mama Afrika to the world, passed away.. and left this earth, aged 76 years. She was born on 4th March 1932.

The Money Shot!

2008-11-06T12:10:00.000-08:00

Three of us had the same good idea but of course photographer Myron Christian had the best one. These get saved for the grandkids.

Curtains for Caribou Barbie

2008-11-06T11:40:00.000-08:00

In a long drawn out email with friends the topic came up as to whether we should tear Palin down after the fact. My vote is " yes". I was accused of not following the "Obama way". Whatever.

I think the woman is dangerous and the policies that put her into office are dangerous. I think a message should be put out that it's no longer acceptable for people to this country based off of shiny smiles and good looks. So when you find out " Palin doesnt' know Africa is a continent not a country" or " she throws temper tantrums and makes her interns cry" or that 'her spending at Saks was abusive and shocking to the donor whose pocket it raped'. Its important to talk about it and bury her with it, so we never see such an arrogant, careless, and ridiculous candidate in our midst again.

They needed to stop comparing her to Hillary and start comparing her to George Bush.

Bye-bye Barbie.

Lyrics on Hope(lessness)-One Loaf of Bread ( Damian Marley)

2008-11-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

Yeah!! Christ feed the multitude wid only one loaf a bread

Christ feed the multitude wid only one loaf a bread! Poor people
There is something for you dont let the pressures of the system
Get upon ya head, Poor people there is something for you

Mankind cares not for his sisters anymore, still there is something for you
Writen in the the book of life we shall live forever more,
There will be something for...

Damian "Jr Gong" Marley, One Loaf of BreadGang War

{Notice that Stephen had a hand in all of Damian's Dopest Songs}

Jay Smooth's Rap for Young Voters

2008-11-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

I love him. I'm going to meet Jay Smooth and make him my pocket boyfriend. ( Khia loves the brainy boys!). The pocket boyfriend is the smaller size version, you pull him out when the real one is acting crazy.

Anyway Jay love the lyrics, you need to work on that beat bruh. Yeeeah, its wack.

Enjoy the video { for the slow people, you need to go to the SITE to see the videos} I'm tired of telling you this.

(Happy B-lated birthday daddy!)

www.theworld-isours.blogspot.com

Your Presidential Candidates Position on the Arts

2008-10-31T08:48:00.000-07:00

Just a little something more to think about on Tues. Thanks to designer Derilyn Chambers for the info:
http://www.artsactionfund.org/pdf/press/McCain_Obama_record_final.pdf
Click the link to download the actual pdf.

Diddy Buys Enyce

2008-10-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

Damn...another urban line where the girls are wearing nothing but fur and lipgloss. Oh well, diversity is overrated. I wanna give a shout out to all my homies that got laid off back in the day. And a Rest in Peace to some of my Enyce graphics. I'll see you on the other side Mayne!

The dopest ad I've seen this year.

2008-10-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

The dopest ad I've seen this year. Directed by David Fincher (Se7en and Fight Club) the new ad " fate" features Chargers runnning back LaDainian Tomlinson and Steelers Safety Troy Polamalu from them crashing into each other on the field. Looks like the world belongs to Them.

Colin Powell Supports Obama!

2008-10-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

Yaaaay! The rumors were true. This is a big step in non-partisanship. It would be the real deal if Obama puts a republican on his cabinet. It would spell the idea that its more about the issues than the party lines. The big winner during the Meet the Press is when talking about whether Obama was a Muslim or not Colin Powell says (paraphrasing) :

"He's not, but so what if he is?"

Bout time SOMEone said that. Muslim does not equal evil.

Colin, Honey- You gets the big kiss. Muaaah!

Now i'm going to sit back and wait for the republicans to start pulling the race card....

Kh.

Obama Ads on XBOX

2008-10-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

Eighteen video games, including the extremely popular "Guitar Hero" and "Madden 09," will feature in-game ads from the Obama campaign in the final weeks before the election. The ads -- appearing on billboards and other signage -- remind players that early voting has begun and plug a campaign Web site that encourages people to register for early voting.

The Corporate Edge ( What Are they Smoking Over At Kenneth Cole?)

2008-10-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

Aparently the Wild Stuff: Their latest Ad Campaign, We All Walk In Different Shoes shows variety in American Life. A Punjabi Playboy, A double Amputee, An Albino, A Cancer Survivor, A Hasidic Reggae Artist, A Transexual and her boyfriend...

Make up your own mind. All I want to know is who is the new creative director?

Change the Thought Posters

2008-10-04T18:52:00.000-07:00

This is Just Cool-Now go Vote.

EX-FELONS CAN VOTE! SPREAD THE WORD...like now!

2008-10-02T04:31:00.000-07:00

This is serious, people. Because if you let McCain in, I'm out! I'll be blogging from the Southern tip of Wales. Keep on thinking this is a joke. And PLEASE don't fake like you don't have a crazy uncle Remus that's been locked up...this is not that kind of blog.

The law stating that Ex-Felons can't vote has been disenfranchising Brown and Black people for the better part of this century. What they're saying is: YES we snatch you off the street as soon as look at you and YES we pass out sentences like Jolly Ranchers, And YES we humiliate you in prison, and YES we make it impossible for you to get a job when you get out...but by taking away your right to vote they're saying YOU CANT DO JACK ABOUT IT!

Some of your politicians have been fighting to get rights for ex-felons...that could mean Tens of Thousands of potential voters for Obama. So let your bank robbing Uncle Ro-Ro know: The time is now. We only have a few short days to register.

Thanks to Thanks to The Liberator magazine, UptownLife.Net, Around the Way Girls , T.K. Borsay, Tish Brown, Rashida Harris, D.J. Laylo, and anyone else I'm forgetting for the help spreading the word.

October 8th is the deadline to register.
Check below and see if your state supports real change. (Use your mouse/cursor if you are having trouble seeing the entire grid–or switch browsers)

JUSTUS-Political Cartoon.

2008-10-02T03:55:00.000-07:00

Yay Reggie Butler. This is cute! So now you have 4 jobs huh?

Reginald Butler, rnb, is a visual artist and writer. He has worked as an animator, color artist and designer within the New York animation industry. Credits include work for Sesame Workshop, MTVU, Nickelodeon, Curious Pictures, and color supervision on Fox’s Ninja Turtles Fast Forward.

Now I want a strip with JUSTUS whooping The Boondocks Azz, we pull that one off?

Kh.

http://www.isitjustus.com/

Awww Mary!

2008-09-29T22:07:00.001-07:00

This commercial is so damn cute, Mary J. Blige sits with herself in all her different stages in life...My Mary version is the one with the hat turned to the back that they picked up on the street. Lol. Real Love!
Imagine if Madonna picked up all her different selves. They would have to rent out two minivans! But check out the phrase " the wisdom to leave the baggage behind". While she drops off the bags, nice!

The Liberal Dream Team

2008-09-27T14:08:00.000-07:00

I've been slowing down on the whole blog lately–my bad. I've been too caught up in PalinGate. But I'm back and ready for change. Are you? How about in the form of my new media SuperFriends Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann ( Keith doesn't give a damn what comes out of his mouth, and I'm glad as long as it's left wing). And for temperance there is the semi-conservative Chris Matthews. The first openly lesbian pundit, Maddow is sharp, saavy and not afraid to go toe to toe with her peers. Matthews and Olbermann are so opinionated that MSNBC demoted them during the Republican Convention to shut them up. The Superfriends are a force to be reckoned with. All they need is an 'S' on their chests.

I'm doing the casting special so Rachel is my Wonder Woman, Keith is my Batman and i'm casting Chris as the Wizard of Oz ( Just because he has a big head and I'm not always sure if he's the good guy).

McCain is Tickle Me Elmo and Obama is The Green Lantern...'cause he's black.

Go team go.

Turbo and the Broom ( Taking you Back )

2008-09-21T23:15:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching this. It funny when you take a look back at old "greats", like Purple Rain, they're so bad that they're funny and they're not supposed to be. Take Breakin' the movie for example. The guys outfits were strange, the beefs didn't make any sense and the acting was just bad, but I was shocked that even after all this time Turbo's Broom Dance was still the Jam. Timeless.

I'm posting this dance short just for you. Make sure click the word " site "and watch it...

South African Rap Song Banned for Incitement to Violence

2008-09-15T18:35:00.000-07:00

The song ' Get Out' by Zimbabwean-born hip hop artist Zubz has was banned in May 20o8 on the South African Broadcasting Corporation, SABC. The right wing party called Freedom Front Plus stated that the song contained hate speech. { why am i getting this info so late? My South African links ( Shani, Lion ) you guys are letting me down man}.

The crazy thing is that a lot of these African hip hop artists sound straight out of brklyn...but better because they have MUCH better lyrics. I listened to the lyrics of Zubz 'Get Out', sounds like just another track off of a Nas album to me...whats the big deal? If you play this same song in NY it won't do anything-no riots, just a little barbershop talk. Just another argument not to shoot the messenger.

Dag. after doing research I found out that Zubz apologized in May 2008 for the offensive lyrics. This just takes you back to the age old question started with Malcolm X. Is it wrong to respond to injustice and violence with violence? Isn't that equality and survival? And if you don't use violence to demand and insure justice then what are they supposed to be doing Iraq...well, y'all know what they're doing in Iraq. lol.

Come to the site to check out the video. Here are some of the lyrics:

Tell my people: {Fight!}
Tell the oppressor: {Get Out!}
You know you really need to
{Watch Out}
See, that condescending tone you adopt when you talk to me
Can get your head blown–Serious { Watch Out}
Mistake my kindness for weakness
Just like your forefathers did
I'll blind you with heat quick {Get Out!}

Kh।

Looking for New Hip Hop?:)

2008-09-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

This Labor Day week(end) has been the jam so far. Thanks to those of you that shared it with me.

I jumped at the chance to interview new talent DJ K-Salaam at B.B. Kings this passed Sat for The Liberator Magazine. Why? His first and second c.d.s are named " The World is Ours" and " Whose World is This" respectively. Weird huh? Plus they feat some of my favorite artists, Mos def, Buju Banton, Sizzla,... So The Liberator sends me in to The Black August Benefit featuring: EPMD, Bilal, Joel Ortiz, Q-Tip, DJ Scratch and many more

I'm all excited I'm press y'all, I'm thinking we're going to be back stage sipping passion fruit mojito's with Q-Tip. Not exactly. Me, my +1 and some guy from MTV were standing outside forever. I had to take off my heels, I was waiting so long. It's cool. Aside from the initial confusion the show was exciting.

The Black August Benefit Concert is put together to support political prisoners. If revolution is your thing, so is this following list of underground hip-hop artists:

1) Rebel Diaz- (The DR (?)) Overall this group of 3 is okay but I really like the girl she steals the show in spanish and English

2)Immortal Technique-(Peru). VERY angry. I like that a lot. He's got a big voice for such a little guy

3)Homeboy Sandman (around the corner)-if you've ever ridden the 'F' train you've seen his stupid flyers...he's actually pretty dope. He's got a 90s feel to him, like The Farside, but on speed & better lyrics

4)Blitz the Ambassador-(Ghana) I liked that he rapped with a live band. Hes a little too much like Black Thought of the Roots, and he knows it. But he's still a hot performance.

5) Joell Ortiz-(Puerto Rico) Any minute now he's going to blow up

6) of course DJ K-Salaam:( Iran ) check him out esp. if you're a reggae fan. I don't know how he did it but he made Sizzla and Young Buck sound good....together.

-never thought i would see EPMD live, thnks The Liberator!-

Marijuana, Pu$$y, Cake and Ice Cream

2008-09-04T06:17:00.000-07:00

"Mr. Kuti, it has been said that the things you love most in the world....are marijuana...p-p-p-pussy, cake and ice cream. Is this true?" Sahr Nguajah as British Official

"Yesssssssss." Sahr Nguajah as Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

" And now that we've gotten your attention...". Sahr Nguajah

Fela: A New Musical was playing last night. Off broadway is clearly to big for this program. It was amazing. As evidenced by the long standing ovation at the end. Director Bill T. Jones did his thing with this. And he knew it too because after the show he took his shirt off and got down with the drummers. The music was-of course-crazy but the acoustics made it otherwordly, the mixed media photo projections, creative story interpretation, audience dance lesson, drum solos, Sahr Nguajah's very charismatic portrayal of Fela...amazing! The best way to tell it was sick was that after the show we kept getting pulled into conversation after conversation with strangers with big smiles on their faces saying " so what did you think?"

I think it was the bomb. Go See It.

(* mom & dad sorry for the language. -love u)

www.felaoffbroadway.com

Vogue is at it Again ( India )

2008-09-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

They just won't stop making these annoying fashion " statements". Vogue India is published in a country where millions of entire families make it on $1.25 a day. Their latest "statement"? Even people with tuberculosis can look fly. Vogue is putting India's toothless poor in overpriced designer gear. This baby is rocking a $100 Fendi bib, but how much food does he have to spit up?

Reggaeton Artist Daddy Yankee backs McCain?!

2008-08-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

From Photographer M. Christian:

His entire email message was a excercise in the kind of well thought out political rage that I like to encourage here on The World Is Ours, but i'm going to shorten his message so you guys get his quick point, see below:
"...Then tell me why the fuck is Daddy Yankee endorsing McCain?!? Who the fucks brave idea was that?!? Did they offer him expidited legalization and naturalization papers in exchange for his appearance..."

And yes Christian, I think McCain IS handing out green cards. The republicans vying for votes is getting just silly. Palin looks like something out of Good Housekeeping-I'm not trying to hand her the country. they need to start calling it The Republican Show; you know, like Maury.

French Electronique Group ( JUSTICE )

2008-08-29T07:04:00.000-07:00

This video is sick. I love the T-shirt graphics, Takes me back and present...unfortunately

Thanks to photographer Ram Burgess for not only passing me the info but also a free download. AND for the Trinidad info, your mom is the Jam!

Thanks To Daniel St. James, because of him i think i actually have this group on my Itunes....somewhere.
Go to the site to see the actual video, click off my little music bear and listen.
www.theworld-isours.blogspot.com

"Justice is a French electronic music duo consisting of Gaspard Augé (b. 21 May 1979 in Besançon) and Xavier de Rosnay (b. 22 July 1982).[1] They are the most successful group on Ed Banger Records,[2] and are managed by the label's head, Pedro Winter. Their debut album † was released in June 2007 to critical acclaim.[3][4] It was later nominated for a Grammy Award for "Best Electronic/Dance Album" and came in at number 15 on Pitchfork's Top 50 Albums of 2007[5] and number 18 on Blender's "25 Best Albums of 2007" list.[6] It was nominated for the 2007 Shortlist Prize, losing out to The Reminder by Feist. Justice is known for incorporating a strong rock influence into their music and image"

Jean-Michel Basquiat ....."Downtown 81"

2008-08-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

from photographer Ramulass Burgas ( thnx Ram):

"I am sharing with you a film {trailer} staring Basquiat। A metaphorical explanation of his road to "success". Starring mr. Basquait himself, Downtown 81 was a film project that was created in the 80's but wasn't completed because of financial difficulties. The sound was misplaced during the film's incubation period, but in 2000 the rights to the film was aquired by the original directors and resurrected with voice overs, Saul Williams dubbing the voice over for Basquiat himself."

Go to the site to see the trailer www.theworld-isours.blogspot.com

Ram passed along a download of the whole movie but I don't know how to add it to the blog. If anyone wants it, send me an email.

Kh.

Pharrell Williams + Domeau & Peres =ORIGINAL CHAIR DESIGN

2008-08-19T21:45:00.000-07:00

This is from VA's own Juliette. Thank you! Dope. So Pharell Williams designed a chair with designer Domeau & Pérès. It's called The Perspective Chair. The chair is kind of goofy looking until you see the concept behind it:

Says Pharell:

“I had often wondered what it’s like to truly be in love, not lust for once.. So I decided not to ask what it was like in someone else’s shoes or what it was like to sit in their seat.. I decided to sketch out my own experiment; the perspective chair.”

I would like to call attention to the fact that the womens feet are tilted hard in the front. Interesting. So Pharell what kind of doggy style love would you call that exactly? I think you're still Lusting, Babes. Nice try tho....

Emergency Blog:Slant Eyed Spaniards

2008-08-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

First off, I want to say this whole thing has caused me a great deal off pain. Three [count 'em] THREE of my friends cursed me raw via email over this. They were up all late at like 2:15 in the morning giving me the digital business. { Drink some damn cocoa and get to bed!} There were exclamation points, curse words, and even other languages. Then after taking me emotionally hostage they demanded that I include this in a blog. So I'm going to say the thing that got me into trouble with them: I DON"T Think the Spaniards were purposefully being racist with this incredibly stupid move. I don't think they meant to insult or even to tease their asian hosts. I think they misguidedly were trying to give the Chinese a shout out, that just went really wrong. I mean why would they intentionally be clowning them? They should just fire the PR guy and call it a day.

Yeah! So what Tish, Chris and Mark...what you got to say about it now? For real though< i'm not putting out a new challenge. Y'all play rough! But I'm loving the passion, as always. Lol!

Kh.

GRAF ARTIST "KET": Maridueña Mean Mugging the World

2008-08-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

Convo over Instant Message Around Oct 2007:

Me: Ket! They called you "prolific", Babes! You're on your way!

Ket: Lol!

(or something like that.)

It may be that I added that exclamation point, because in my mind's eye I'd love to believe that Alain "Ket" Maridueña was at his screen Laughing Out Loud for real. Probably not. The truth is I've spent hours around Ket: In business meetings, at his lecture, in my car... and in all of that time I don't have a memory of him smiling. Ever. The only reason I know the man has teeth is because I've seen him chew food. But I'm still not sure: he could have gummed it and swallowed.

So what were we talking about in the I.M. convo, way back when? In 2007 a mutual friend hit me up and led me to an online news article reporting Ket's recent arrest for insane counts of vandalism. The article's writer was tossing around big words like: "master artist" and "prolific vandal". Go Ket! Now, my reaction may seem strange to some, but I knew that the man who labeled his publishing company From Here To Fame would understand . It's every creative's dream to make his or her mark on the world and Ket's arrest and ensuing media frenzy proved he'd done just that.

Years ago I sat next to Ket in a theater watching some performance art. In the dark I looked down at his arms and on it was tatted the phrase " Yo Puedo Mas QueTu". Loosely translated it's: My Will is Stronger Than Yours. Nice. The tattoo made an impression on me. Intensity and focus are the markers in some of my favorite people in this world and Ket has focus pouring off of him like sweat. It's always been my personal belief that every man ( even the deadbeats ) achieves what he truly strives for. Ket's tat shows me he is striving to take over the world and his resume backs him up: Publisher, Writer, Activist, Lecturer, "Prolific" Graf Artist, Founder of Stress Magazine and Complex , Consultant to Marc Ecko's Under Pressure video game, Producer of animation Three Thug Mice. Ket's got a lot on his mind. Maybe that is why he never smiles.

So what is Ket into now? Who knows! I do know he's busy. Do you know how long this article took to get together??! It started in NY, broke for Copenhagen, picked up in Santa Fe and finished up in F*#k-If-I-Know, U.S.A. The last time i "spoke" to Ket he was texting me party directions from Colombia ( Yes, the country!). Ket is running around the world blessing it with his Mean Mug. And I ain't mad at him.

Well, I'm hating a little, but I ain't mad. Go Ket!

TALKING WITH THE ARTIST:

Khia_Rocks: When did you know that this ( art ) would be "what you were about"?

Ket: I am not so sure but in high school I was so fully into it that I could see it being in my future. As I matured I realized that unlike earlier generations of painters that quit when turning 16 because of the legal implications I was just getting started. By the time I started my first business in college and incorporated art into it I knew this was a part of me.

Khia_Rocks: What drives you in your career?

Ket: Wanting to work with friends, on projects that I enjoy, and having to pay bills.

Khia_Rocks: What is biggest misconception people have you you?

Ket: Some people think I am a maniac and violent. Others think I am very unapproachable. I'm just serious about what I do that's all. I like to get things accomplished and have no time for the flim flam.

Khia_Rocks: What is your proudest accomplishment so far?

Ket: Starting and running a respected magazine business that stood for something.

Khia_Rocks: What was the last thing that made you crack a smile?

Ket: My girlfriend photographing me having my favorite dish for dinner today in Santa Fe.

Khia_Rocks: Sigh. I'm going to need you to stop making things up.

www.SupportKet.org www.FromHeretoFame.com www.ThreeThugMice.com

Son of a...

2008-08-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

This is in from my new design "mentee" Karelia Jo Moore. See? mentoring is a two way street. Webster's dictionary is evolving to fit today's world. If you click the link, there are two voice references for the phrase "Son of a Bitch":

You have the traditional "Son-of-a-Bitch", and then if you click on version number two it sounds like "S'um Bitch!". Do this when you're up late and overworked. Very Special.

This prompts the second discussion. Is this mess "hoodrat" or "red-neck"?

CLICK HERE FOR THE SON OF A....

Eddie Murphy's Golden Child is the DALAI LAMA?

2008-08-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

"I-I-I-I-I-I want the kniiiife...."

I'm talking to my ( buddhist?) homegirl and she is describing the selection process of the Dalai Lama:

Friend: " The soul of each dalai lama is reincarnated over and over again in the body of an infant"

Me: You mean like The Golden Child?

Friend: The child posseses wisdom way beyond his years. He understands things without anyone telling him, he is wise

Me: Like the Golden Child Right?

Friend: They search all over Tibet to find the reincarnated child. Then they take him away to protect him from people who want to hurt him and so he can fulfill his destiny.

Me: ( Getting Really Excited) Gasp! Like the Golden Child!

Friend: (Laughing) Yes....Like the Golden Child

See that's what I love about media, you can entertain people and still pass on a really cool message...that unfortunately takes 16 or so years to sink in. But this revelation comes right at the moment that the current Dalai Lama is fighting with the Chinese government as they are trying to find their own Dalai ( The anti-Lama, I guess).

The Dalai Lama is on his way out of this world. But even though he may be dying, until things get right, he is refusing to be reborn. You hear me?: He is going to stop his own reincarnation.

Now that's gansta. Just stay away from that bloody porridge.

My Public Apology to Esen ( TAKE A RECORD)

2008-08-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

Indie record company Take A Record had their website launch yesterday and I missed it! I didnt' get to support one of my favorite New Yorkers ( D.J. & Rapper Esen ). His beats are nice. I'm so sorry E! I'm all about artist support, esp. my friends. I was all dressed ( i even had on the red and gold DC kicks u like) and, i DID leave my house to go, but things got kind of retarded in queens and I never even made it out of my borough. I know I missed a good time.

I owe you....a jamba...or something, I dunno, we'll talk.

So, fam, most of the artists are available on Itunes. Check out the Site:

www.takearecord.com

Kh.

Mixed Chicks Gets a Mixed Reaction

2008-08-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

Mix Chicks hair products for the well...mixed. First off I think this is a dope and much needed product line. From talking to multi-racial friends about their experiences growing up, I know it is really tough. I took all my products over my girlfriend Kali's house one night to try to Kitchen Magician her son's hair.Just so you know A dollop of kemi oil, and a little too much leave in conditioner makes a hot mess!

BUT,the name...MIXED chicks ugh! I've never liked the word mixed since i was a child
(I was sensitive because the word applies to my big brother). It's like they're saying that you're taking 2 valid things "black" and "white" and creating something " other".

Plus ( Sigh ) I can see some tragic , confused girl trying to smooth her weave edges back talking about some: "i got indian in my family". For instance why is Chris "mega-black" Webber using the product? See what I'm saying? Let the coonery begin...

Mixed Chicks call me in a few years when you're ready to rebrand. But until then, Best of Luck!

Murals and La Misma Luna

2008-08-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

Highly recommend this move La Misma Luna/ Under the Same Moon. About a little boy trying to hitchhike from Mexico to find his mother in East LA. You will look at immigration differently. I was misty eyed 10 minutes into it.

Athletes Wanted to Save Tibet

2008-08-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

Last week an ad designed by Ad House Manifest Communications was posted by FREETIBET2008.org. The ad reminds us all that we can speak against injustice. I don't think i have any athletes on my blog roll, but tell a friend.

(For my friend Mark Bierschbach)

David Banner is A DumbA$$

2008-08-02T17:36:00.000-07:00

Why can't this dope look into the camera during this interview-No Class. He's a dummy for saying that the solution to mysogyny in rap is for women to keep their legs closed. He's a dummy for saying that as an artist don't blame him for his lyrics his only duty as an artist is to sell records. So what is your duty as a man? Dumbass! I met you way back when in ATL just before you blew up. You were climbing all over my best friend with no class and she shut you down. So ( I'm sure ) you tried again and again on other girls. So when you find that ONE bird who lets you bark after you tried SO HARD to be a dog, why is it HER fault...Dumba$$!

( Sorry for the venom I just watched a rerun of Hip Hop vs America part II). See the interview. This is not the Hip Hop vs America one, But,make sure you view it to the end.

They Blogging Me Now, Mayne

2008-07-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

I'm the latest in the Nuvany Nice " Grinding " Interview Series. About creatives in NY getting their hustle on. Note that I'm fresh off a flight, poised with my credit card ready to spend ALL my hardworked ends.

Click here to read nuvany-nice.com

While your there check out the site. They're selling some cool stuff.

Also check out my "Chucked" story on the Minus-Five Design Blog.Peace to Portfolio Center Grad Sarah Coffman.

Kh.

Dope, DOPE lyrics to the future President!- Joell Ortiz

2008-07-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

Intro'd to me by Radio Rose: Underground NY rapper JOELL ORTIZ is DOPE! I had to type this in by hand, so you know it must be that fire. I don't have that kind of time on my hands. Keep your eye on this dude. I predict big things. Obama we all hope your listening...

Dear Future President:

I grew up with no brothers and sisters
and my moms was on public assistance
and her husband was missing
she developed this disgusting addiction
that had her on some of the ugliest missions
so she missed some appointments
she was supposed to keep my coverage consistant
I was a chronic asthmatic
huffing, puffing and whistling
Can't get a breath I wish for death,
It hurt my chest when I cough
...oh yeah i'm from the projects in New York

{we love basketball!}

But last summer my my boy got left on the court
some kid reached next to his shorts
put some lead in his thoughts...

...My other homey sells crack
he always telling me its wack
every day he filling out apps.
but they don't call him back
Background checks spotted his felony
but that ain't fair.
You make a mistake
You can't fix it man
this world don't care....

...I get mad when I see what other artists do with a mill
with a couple g's I gave my P's a few computers for real...

Joell Ortiz feat. Dante Hawkins album unknown " Letter to Obama"

Chile! Cuba! Brazil!: Estilo Hip Hop World Premiere!

2008-07-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

This passed thurday, Tish Brown, Rodney and I followed talented movie editor Cinque Northern to Clearview Cinema here in NY for the premier of the big project he has been working on for the passed 3 years. Peace to stylist Tisha Brown for the phone call and dragging me out, that movie was more than banging it is absolutely necessary! You could tell how necessary but the ecstatic appreciation of the crowd. The movie is the baby of directors Loira Limbal & Vee Bravo. It took 7 years 400 hours of film ( poor Cinque ) and several continents to create the film. It was finally distilled down to 3 charismatic artists/activists: Cuban rapper Magia, Chilean rapper Guerrillero Okulto, and Brazilian rapper Eli Efi. Eli now lives in NY and spoke after the show.

Each of the artists spoke of their personal journey in the film and their connection to the art form. Each of them uses hip hop to battle against the oppression they feel in their own communities:
Guerrillero Okulto fights against the remnants of a Chilean dictatorship.

Magia battles with the effects of slavery on the minds of her community as well as its effect on the perceptions of Black Women.

Eli Efi is an activist in Brazil and keeps his integrity and personal vision in the face of a community in which 87 ( EIGHTY SEVEN!!) percent of black men don't graduate high school and make 125 times less than their non-black counterparts.

I wish I could tell you where to see the movie tomorrow, unfortunately it doesn't launch until 2009. But mark your calendars. The movie is on PBS March 2009. And if you do anything you must, must, MUST see this film! Click (here) to go to The World Is Ours! and see the movie trailer

The crew and I chilled with the directors, Eli and their friends after the show. It broke my heart to hear Eli describe how disappointed he was, after moving to NY, at how shallow the art form that grounded him in Brazil had become in its own Birth country. But as he says " Hip Hop arrived so we can change the world". We still got time.

Loira and Vee are interested in anyone who could help spread the world and who wants to get involved in the projects. Check out the many, many links I'm posting below to get in touch if your interested.

www.estilohiphop.net, www.myspace.com/djlaylo, www.myspace.com/eliefi

Conspiracy Theory-Tom Cruise & the FDA

2008-07-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

I mean I know he's a Scientologist, and I know he was hopping up and down on Oprah's couch and I know he married that annoying ass girl from Dawson's Creek. But come on...was he ever really crazy? This came up in a convo with friends on Thursday: I personally think ( and if my blog gets shut down-you know i'm right!) that the whole Tom-Cruise-Is-Crazy theory may have come from the Food & Drug Administration trying to make him look loopy so he doesn't jack up their sales. Just like Oprah's comments damaging the Red Meat Industry, and getting sued by the farmers. If a big personality like Tom Cruise talks mess about the FDA it could be a problem...Just a thought

He looks crazy as hell in this pic tho doesn't he. Ha ha!

Jay-Z has his own Pantone Color!

2008-07-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

Pantone has registered a color in 2007 called Jay-Z blue. The color was created during his deal with General Motors. The newest Denali is painted in the color. Damn the car! Do you know who you have to stab in the leg to get a PANTONE COLOR in your name?? Let me know and tell me their address. I'm thinking of putting out a Khia-Quality Pink....what do you think? I'm strictly speaking as a designer, but this is bigger to me than co-owing the Nets I'm sorry. They didn't even give a color to Milton Glaser.

Converse Ad (N.E.R.D, Julian Casablancas. and Santogold)

2008-07-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

My Around The Way Girls fam has already blogged on this। But the Converse Ad is out and its so sick। So it must be blogged about again and again। Go to the site to see the actual video not just this little funky image.

www.theworld-isours.blogspot.com

Marc Newson ( Australian Product Designer)

2008-07-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

So... I know you see him as a part of my new funky fly blog header; along with Santogold, Nina Simone and Amel Larrieux. So let me 'xplain. Marc Newson is in my new favorite designer list (next to the brilliant Karim Rashid). Not because he designs hot products, furniture and interiors. Not because his crazy ass designed a jet plane and a concept car. And not because Nike signed him to make really weird athletic shoes. No.

I love him because @ over 40, Marc is doing all this while rocking a hoodie. Way to own the dream Marc!

Why Are the Transformers so WACK today?

2008-07-19T08:45:00.000-07:00

I got up early yesterday–for once. And I wasted time by clicking through the channels. My first thought was: Hey! the Transformers are on, let me see whats up with that.

My second thought was: OMG! What the HELL did they do to Optimus Prime?! Was he on a DIET? Whats up with the slim hips and all the curves? He doesn't even sound like Prime. He sounds like a kid... and a geek one at that. Bumblebee looks tougher than Prime now! I mean, people, I know that cartoons are going the friendly way of the japanese but this is getting ridiculous They look so goofyyy!! So what? Does Prime transform into a mini-van now?? As time goes on these cartoons are getting less well drawn and has less of a message. The next generation of kids can look forward to drooling stick figures. My head hurts.

Video Music Box 25th Anniversary was the JAM!

2008-07-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

What a positive vibe! All these old school players showed out to support. The beginning of the jam was real old school at first. Not that I don't love old school, but some of those dudes were on stage out of breath! The whole thing got taken to another level by the very Special Ed. And it was off: Nice & Smooth, Lost Boyz, Sugar Hill Gang, Dana Dane, The D.O.C., Milk D. and others. Special appearances by DJ Red Alert, Kool Herc, & the Retro Kidz

Chubb Rock & Naughty by Nature by far were the best part of the show for me. Chubb has charisma that's as big as his belly. And much appreciation for him stopping the show and pointing out that there was no cursing in his act and there doesn't need to be. He said " My daughters are in the show and they ain't no B's". Of course you always got that one crackhead. Schooly D came right after Chubb, saying " I know Chubb don't like to curse but I do!" He hit us off with a pocket full of N's and B's a couple F's for posterity। The crowd was NOT feeling him.Get his wack a@& off the stage! AND Schooly your wife owes my homegirl money, . Payup!she takes money orders.

Tommorrow If i'm a good girl and get all my work done I'll be there to see Santogold and Diplo where good peoples Blair and Tasha will be. (Bliz tell Tash I finally understood the txt. I'm like whats a manana?)।

Machel!!!The Caribbean's Big Soca Fish

2008-07-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

As soon as I hit a caribbean party, I look for the Trini's. No lie they can wine till like they have extra bones in their waist. The party doesn't stop for them.

The same is true of one of their brightest musicians-Machel Montano A big fish in the caribbean world, but still undiscovered elsewhere. Machel Montano's JamRock magazine article inspired me this week. Despite his obvious and rich talent and offers from everyone from Delicious Vinyl to Atlantic Records, he chose his craft over crossover fame which would cause him to dilute his music. He produces his music on his own label Mad Bull Music. He is patiently awaiting his inevitable blow up. It will come, he knows this, but it will come in his time and in his fashion. Amazing.! Kiss to Machel!

My Song Forever! Allison Hinds Roll It Gyal.

2008-07-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

This is my baby's cousin's favorite song. This is for Sue-Ann and all of the ladies who read my blog. And of course the pan of hot caribbean ladies for the men to look at. ( I mean even a specimen as fine as myself gets boring to look at after a few months :)). This song is nice and forever. I always imagined what the video would look like and it's perfect! Not to mention my baby Machel is featured in it. Check out di Video, nuh?
But you have to shut off my little pimp bear. lol

Roll it Ladies!

Can you say " Beautiful" in Arabic?

2008-07-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

I'm getting personally offended and hurt by the depictions of Arabs in Media, then of course one of my friends send me to the FBI site, where EVERYONE on the most wanted list is Muslim. I guess that now that the arabs are in town everyone else stopped committing crimes. So my other friend D. hipped me to this. It's my reminder of the beautiful things that come from our Muslim brothers...This from artist Hassan Mussa; the artwork is calligraphy made up of the characters in Arabic language. Beautiful!
( Of course they are probrably instructions on rigging cellular bombs....kidding!)

Good Look! Is Hip Hop Finally Getting a Makeover?

2008-07-08T19:33:00.000-07:00

This is whats up. There are forces at work that are trying to tilt the scales back to the right balance. The trend of hip hop as nothing but hardcore has been going on for too-flipping-long. So I'm glad to notice these few changes this week that may indicate a glitch in the Matrix:

1) This kid on my train home tonite rocking high top kicks, TIGHT grey jeans and a sweater around his shoulders tied tennis player style. To be clear, i did NOT approve of his gear, but it shows a departure from the thug image.

2) The well meaning although misguided show "From G's to Gents" on MTV hosted by the semi-respected Farnsworth Bentley. It's some sort of reality show: The first episode details how rappers across the board have tranformed themselves from pistol poppin' thugs to polo playin' gentlemen.

3)Last but not least the veritable genius (and chess champion) RZA has started the new website WuChess.com. The site supports scholarship and features a monthly tournament wherein the winner plays RZA himself. ( props to Daniel St. George for this info )

The future looks bright, today I'm a happy girl.

Mandela finally dropped from US terror watch list

2008-07-01T19:20:00.000-07:00

Wooooooooowwwwww....(Flavor Flav Style)

The United States has removed former South African president Nelson Mandela and his African National Congress from a three-decade old immigration watch list for possible terrorists, the White House said Tuesday.

I mean I don't know about y'all, but I wouldn't want Nelson Mandela sitting next to ME on an airplane.

A Philosophical Question/ Controlling Your Art

2008-06-24T15:27:00.000-07:00

Just got home–Hungry as hell. I'm hungry because some guy got on the train and said: "I'm homeless, I've been out of work for a year, Can you spare some money for food or food?" So I sized him up...his story seemed straight. So I gave him my Sushi that I was holding in my hand. No big deal –Its only $4 in K-town. The man gave me a huge smile (Yay! I feel good)...we exchange 4 seconds of convo and he pirouettes on his heel(jazzmatazz style) and keeps on asking the other people on the train for money ( Boo!Now I'm pissed! ).

Dude, you said you were HUNGRY? So if you have food in your hand why are you still asking for more?So, now I'M a sucker. AND I still have to find some food of my own somewhere. My stomach is talking to me in spangalese. I'm pissed!

One of my friends doesn't like give to the homeless, she says " they're just going to put it into their arms". We had this argument 3x's. My thing has been 'So what?'. Give them what you feel to give them,: if they eat with it- cool. If they smoke it-that is on them. Life on the streets is hard, if they need a little whiskey or some crack to get through their day, that's not my business. You can't chase behind good will. Plus there is the off chance they may actually use it to live.

But I'm so angry at Mr. Homeless-Sushi, I'm wondering if she was kinda right or does my anger mean I'm being stingy?

To tie this to art: My boy just told me last week that he doesn't like certain people to buy his art. "They won't appreciate it." He says "They are just too damn dumb"<– or something like that. Yes, I agree there are dumb people in this world but, I argued with him on the same premise. Once you put some art out, you can't control how it is looked at. If you paint fuschia and they see hot pink then that is the beauty of information. Art changes through interpretation. Do we have a right to control the things we hand out to other people? Whether it be dollar bills, decollage or donuts?

So if my sushi dinner ends up being interpreted as a doorstop it's all good, right?.....Right?

Chupse! I'm still pissed. Let me go fix something to eat.

Hank Richardson Reads My Blog!

2008-06-23T22:13:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe it. I take a late night look at my emails and I've gotten an email from Hank. Even though I gansta signed him up for the blog like I did some of you I was suprised to find not only does he keep up but he likes it. yay! Hank is the head of my very hardcore grad school The Portfolio Center. But more than that, he ( along with Sylvia and Ted Fabella) is the most influential voice in my design career. Sylvia taught me the basics, Ted taught me to make my concepts solid and Hank taught me to dig deep and think waaay outside the box. Even now when I design I still hear them all in my head.

Hanks voice is in my ear again, he's telling me my blog looks boring. Lol!. I am after all a designer first, right? So give me a little time, I'ma make it Pop, Baby!.

For any of you ( Like Mel) who are thinking about going to an art school in ATL I highly recommend Portfolio Center. It is a CRAZY experience. You work your behind off and then one day ( around 4th quarter ) you realize you have grown tremendously as a designer...then you work your butt off some more. It's like G.I. Jane...the tough part isn't getting in...it's getting out.

Hoo-Yah, Chief!

Metal Gear Solid ४ (A Video Game Comments on Our Govt.)

2008-06-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

I love the innocuous nature of art today. Ads, Video Games, Street Wear Tees, Cartoons, Packaging...All of these forms of art have a way of affecting the consumer without them realizing it. So the new thing is that the latest version of a VERY popular video game ( Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriot, created by Hideo Kojima ) is using parallels to make a statement about American global domination and the struggle for free will...This is not my game– never played it. So please appreciate the fact that I had to read through a VERY aggravating and overwritten article to get the scraps for this post.The characters infiltrate a Middle Eastern Country, Fight an evil military corporation called "The Patriots" and suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Check out the above Image ( left ) of the game and compare to image (right) of actual US troops in Iraq.So fellas (and really cool ladies) next time you're button punching this game keep your eye out for Kojima's hidden message.

Vogue To Launch Black Girl Issue

2008-06-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

Continued from Around The Way Girls.Net.

Inspired by the onset of a possible Black President and his (black as all get out wife). Italian Vogue is publishing a Vogue with 100 pages dedicated to black models and black women entertainment/political figures. The mag drops in itally next week. I'm getting mine to make sure the message is sent to the WORLD...Diversify. Next I want an all Indian girl Issue. lol!

The photographer Steven Meisel has been working in the industry for so long and with so much sucess that he can do pretty much whatever he wants...well,he want to do something different. Different in this case is to underline black women who as of late have been getting less ( positive ) media attention than even in the 70s and 80s. But the shanene's and the big mama's of the world are still doing it big. How is this even possible? As I said in my ATWG post, It's a shame that such a statement has to be made, but if it needs to be done-Lets do it! And props to Vogue and Meisel for taking that step. Lets hope it doesn't end like black history month. lol.
Editor Franca Sozzani, is saying that her inclusion of this project is due to her interest in the presidential race, and not a response to recent criticism that she under uses black women...yeah whatever. Photographer Meisel has a theory as to why Black women have been disappearing from runways etc.: It's linked to money. To sum it up Black ( girls) don't sell. Even though designers have open minds and diverse interests the readers do not. It is so odd that this comes up right after the debacle not to long ago about Lebron James being protrayed as King Kong on the Vogue Cover. You get a little you give a little.

Says Meisel of underworked ( soon to be featured model ) Sessilee Lopez :. " Here is this exquisite girl...what don't you get?".
I mean really! A good season is predicted for Lopez next year!
Shout to Jazz-Phae for reminding me to get on this article...Looks like everyone is getting excited.

Kh.

Dope Lyrics- Roots Crew Review "Rising Down"

2008-06-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

My friend Esen tells me I have to listen to it, "Black Thought sounds fed up!"। True indeed, I take a listen the first track, and what do I hear but a a recording of the artists arguing with each other. My heart skipped a beat...what?! the roots better not be breaking up, I haven't seen them live in 4 years! Black Thought is my favorite MC hands down. On stage he has an energy that just crackles. This CD seems to be a departure from the norm, With a heavier contributions from outside artist like, Mos Def, Common,Dice Raw & Talib Kweli। The lyrics a little more raw and a little less edible. You're getting straight vegan here, y'all. The lyrics are filled with a lot of frustration and Scarface-like reflection. The tracks are less acoustic. This is definitely an album I'll pop in, when I'm in a certain frame of mind.Esen was right...someone has had it. The songs I'm definitely feeling the most are Rising Up ( with the hot DC style go-go beats) and I Will Not Apologize.
In true Dope Lyrics fashion here are some lyrics that stood out to me:

"Yesterday, I saw a B-girl crying, I walked up and asked 'what's wrong'/ she told me the radio's been playing the same song all day long..." [Chrisett Michelle]

"Real rappers ain't eating, they Olsen Twinning" [Wale]

THE ROOTS (feat. chrisett michelle & wale) Rising Down "Rising Up"

"For the statements I'm about to make I will not apologize
Niggas talk a lot of shit, really need to stop the lies
Jewels rented, cars rented, homie that ain't authentic
Acting tough on TV but to me you seem a little timid
Don't blame the nigga, blame America, it's all business
Acting like a monkey is the only way to sell tickets... "

[Dice Raw]

THE ROOTS (feat. Dice Raw, P.O.R.N.) Rising Down "Rising Up"

The Roots - Rising Up (Feat. Wale & Chrisette Michele)

Talib Kweli, BlackSmithTV.Com

2008-06-16T20:05:00.001-07:00

I'm going to just be honest. I'm using this blog as a bookmark right now. It's 11 pm, i'm doing research for a music production company logo and I came across this. I'm not sure what on earth this is, but it looks like it's trying to do something positive for hiphop. I'll google this properly when I get some time. In the meantime watch the movie, and if you know anything about this, pls let me know.

if anyone is curious to find out what the real deal is check out, then get back at me!
www.blacksmithtv.com

PieceBook ( Graffiti Book Launch)

2008-06-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I went to the launch of PieceBook: The Secret Drawings of Graffitti Writers. The book was produced by Sacha Jenkins and David Villorente. The book is a tribute to the works of some of earliest graf writers by showing a collection of their sketches from their old "piecebooks" most creatives will recognize that as the "blackbook"; it's like our visual diary. Most creation starts ( and usually ends) here...or in my case its starts and ends on the back of my electricity bill envelopes. The cover of the book is actually a replica of the artist's black book. The inside is a collection of the marker and pencil sketches-some more elaborate than others-from 1970s-1980s era writers like: Zephyr, Dondi, Daze, CRASH, Lady Pink, T-Kid, CAP, and Ghost, .The book sold, at the show, for $30. Many of the artists were gathered in the back NYC's Reed Space . They were reunited after many years and they were available to sign your books in style with sharpies. When they were done signing it was hard to tell which was printed and which was just written. I got a kick out of watching some of these dudes write my name in my book. It felt like the last day of high school!

Wild Seed Boutique opens in ATL...( Do it Kiki!)

2008-06-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

Love goes out to my girl Kiki ( Kianga Peterson). Her new boutique Wild Seed is on and popping in ATL. For those of you reading this blog in Atlanta, I can vouch for her good taste, go check it out. They just got a mention in Daily Candy and I just ran into Jen (St. Agnes) of Worship Worthy fame, who was flying down just this friday to work on promotions. Kik is a highly experienced designer who has worked in a diverse range of brands Heatherette-Sean John. What I love about my girl is that she will casually mention over drinks that she is planning on taking over the world...next thing you know she has Wisconsin and South Dakota on lock. I love it ! She is joined by partners Set Shakur ( Tupac's Sister), and Custom Tailor Tamúra White.
I will be in ATL next weekend, I'll be dragging some friends to see the new spot.

P.S. Kik, we're doing Martini night in queens,( yes QUEENS)–don't trip. Jazzy Phae is bringing the tequila. lol

Peace & Love

Khia.

Create-A-Commie!

2008-06-09T07:23:00.000-07:00

I know they were trying to be funny, but I'm kind of diggin' it! Marx and Guevara are my favorites. Why didn't they put my Sweetheart in the game tho..Hugo Chavez? Lol!

Gov't Sticking it to Creatives/ The New Orphan Works Bill

2008-06-08T14:54:00.001-07:00

It's hot in NY friends. So of course folks-is-grillin'. Yesterday a couple of bb-q's among the NY creative community generated some heated discussions about the latest Orphan Works Bill. People are up in arms about this new proposed ( about-to-be-passed)bill. Apparently your ( our )work is about to be up for grabs, anyone, meaning ANYONE can take your work as long as they show that they "attempted to contact you for permission" to gank your stuff. Artist will lose more control over their artwork than ever before. Not that we weren't already being robbed.

The real question is what is considered an attempt at contact? If you ring the phone and hang up, then bring the phone record to court is that considered an attempt? And lets be real, your run of the mill artist is broke-broke-broke! Who has the funds to challenge the theft in the first place?

I've had the pleasure of watching knockoffs of my work walk around me in the New York Streets, one knockoff wearing dude sat next to me in the subway the other day. No one sues over such things, It's part of the fashion game, I guess-Whatever. But with this bill there is even less of a likelyhood that the little man is going to go to court. Whats the chance he's going to win? I mean, damn, can he even AFFORD to win in the first place? Winning is expensive!

The real question is who is benefiting from this? because as animator Reggie Butler pointed out last night..." Doesn't the gov't have other shit to worry about right now?". Why are they even spending time on this? Word is that Google is the powerhouse behind the bill, how they benefit is yet a mystery. I'll let you know when I do...

Read More about the bill HERE

Khia

Don't Tell Me We Can't Change! He's the Best Mayne!

2008-06-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

This video gave me chills, and brought tears of pride to my eyes. YAY Jay Smooth of illdoctrine.com for creating this video! He Deed it ! ( whats up with the D-E-E-D tho, jay? i watched the video and I still don't get it)

"An all-star tribute to Barack Obama, courtesy of Jay Smooth, Dipset, Just Blaze, Eli Porter, Rebecca Sealfon, Cyrus, Morpheus, Nas, and Gabby Johnson (RIP Hedley Lamarr)." From Jay Smooth

If you're getting this thru email...Go to the site You gotta watch this!

Presidential Pound

2008-06-05T17:10:00.000-07:00

Michelle O, give her political husband some dap. Hows that for changing business as usual? Most people love it, but, some people are already calling it the Black Militant salute...LOL.

Police Brutality: An Unfortunate Rite of Passage

2008-06-02T23:23:00.000-07:00

"'Son, do you know what I stopped you for?' 'Cause I'm young and I'm black and my hat's real low/do I look like a mind reader,Sir? I-don't-know. Am I under arrest or should i guess some mo'?'"
99 problems, Jay-z

The upcoming article is a word of wisdom from Dan Tres aka (Brother Omi) But first I want to talk about this topic, and my realization that aside from the actual brutality it is the systemizing of Black and Latin males that is a huge problem. In undergrad, my friends I kept getting into these frustrating incidences with the cops. Either myself, or my people have been pulled over for: driving 5 miles too fast, driving 5 miles too slow, switching lanes without using a turn signal, slowing the car down near an exit, having suspicious packages in the car and all kinds of other foolishness. An excuse of course to get into the vehicle and find something incriminating. Of course being college students every once in awhile someone WAS up to something, and the harassment ended in a life altering event. Now my experiences were nowhere near as jarring as Dan Tres's, but it burned me up nevertheless.

The way the police treated me and other women vs men was scary. The men always understood better than I did the danger that we were in. While we were being harassed the men around me silently tried to wait it out. I was always ready for an argument. When I'm feeling righteous I had no (common) sense of danger whatsover. My friends would pinch me, hold my shoulders, drag the back of my shirt, all the while I was arguing. As time went on I adopted that same tension/fear many of us all have as kids when the cops come around,. You can have nothing more dangerous than a pack of gum in the car, but when the cops pull up to a group of black or latino kids in a vehicle EVERYBODY shuts up, gets real still, stares forward and waits for the light to change. More than getting fined, lockup or embarrassed you can end up in the system.

Starting soph. year in college I started asking the black men in my life if they had ever spent a night in lockup ( I don't remember what started this questioning). Once in awhile, when it occured to me, I would just ask: over card games, at the movies, at a party, over dinner. It took me almost 7 months before I could find an entire room who said "no". These were COLLEGE KIDS! Some got good grades, some did not, some were into girls, some couldn't get any, some men were rich kids, some were broke, some liked to fight, some liked to write–they were all totally different, yet man after man said " Yes" for almost 7 straight months. So all of these 7 months of men have been entered into the system-forever. They have been fingerprinted and booked, lost time away from work and school, and been punished for the things that are part of many normal peoples coming of age ( fighting, experimenting with marijuana, driving recklessly etc, leaving your license at home...). And once you have been entered into the system for whatever, how easy is that for someone to deny you a job?

Well let me get off of my soapbox and put Dan Tres on his...His police encounter occured around-yes you guessed it, his artwork i.e. tagging ( I'm trying to stay blog-topic consistant here). Please read on as my homeboy expresses himself with this touching article.

"My first experience with police brutality occurred when I was just nine years old. As a youngblood living in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, I used to frequent the Pitt Street Boys Club. Back in the early eighties, the building was surrounded by several abandoned buildings. Some of us would leave the Boys Club early and hang out in those abandoned buildings. We would play tag and have rock fights. Some of us would bring cans of Krylons, to place tags on the hidden walls. Of course, heroin addicts used to frequent those abandoned buildings. At times, they would chase us out. Other times they would be too high to even notice us...."
{Click here to read on}

Give The Drummer Some-ESEN and M.O.M

2008-06-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

Went, last night, to Supreme Trading in bklyn to see my Super-Mega-Funky-Fly homie rapper Esen . ( Also there was Evil Dee and Large Professor ) I(We) came rocking home-made fan tees that said: ESEN IS THE CHEESE TO MY MACARONI. Unfortunately circumstances lead only one of us "groupies" I could make it to the show, and even more unfortunate, I came too late to see him rock the mike. But I repped like a real trooper with my glow-in-the-dark oversize tank shirt. AND...I got to hold his backpack while he did an interview....Ooooh he's so dreamy! ha ha...Next time, Esen– Heather and I are going to throw big walmart granny panties at you while you are on stage!. True to my usual form I was in and out like a light, but I did manage to see one group that I want to shout out. They were hot, M.O.M ( That's M-round african mask-M) was the name and I can't find them on the net. The tall slim one had a tight flow and a voice that reminded me of mos Def & Andre 3000 all at once. They had mad charisma and the lyrics were on. I have to check them out again, if anything knows anything about them pls let me know, they weren't listed on the flyer. True again to my usual form, I took really blurry pics, but untrue to my usual, i was too shy to go up to the M.O.M rappers when I had a chance so this is all you get!

Special Shout to the floor camera man and his weird Mad Max camera wonderwheel. is that protocol?

Spirituality is the New Black

2008-05-31T17:37:00.000-07:00

{ This post is a little off the blog purpose but...}
"Spirituality is the New Black"
This is what my homegirl Heather says to me as I chop away at some packaging design. I laughed , but damn she was right. Lately it seems as though everywhere I go I've been meeting people who are trying to make sense of their world and what they are doing in it. I mean really, NY is a hard place to be, even if you're making it- it can be draining. But sometimes it seems like here in the city if you are not running on that special fuel called Anxiety you are nothing. So how do we cope? I keep meeting person after person who is, cleansing, meditating, journaling, blogging ( smile ), popping xanax, making purpose boards, Feng Shui-ing, growing plants, traveling or whatever they feel they need to do to get some life clarity. Maybe we're all at that age ( late 20s early 30s) to ask these questions, but the book that I'm feeling right now on this subject is Deepak Chopra's " The Book of Secrets: Unlocking the Hidden Dimensions of your Life". It's a heavy read, but I'm feeling it so I wanted to share it with you. I'm pressing on the book right now writing this on the subway. Basically the book tells us that every move that we make is evident of the path we are making for yourself, You have ultimate and total control of your life you just need to realize it and you don't need to force it.
So this is to: TK, Jill, Ian, Heather, Keith, Jen, Tish, Ivona, Shama, Me, Mom, Dad, Sarah, Emil, Jazzy-Phae, Pel, Kali, Ronnie (vee), Dan Tres, Emil, Narvie and whoever else is trying to make their way. Good Luck, Good ( Spiritual) Travels and let me know if you get there.

Peace and Love

Khia

Sergio Mendes-Magdelenha Original Video

2008-05-28T15:55:00.000-07:00

This old School Bossa Nova? video is so hot to me. As soon as I reach home I'm going practice rolling my waist like those girls. Lol. I'm laughing because whoever's reading this thinks i'm playing...

Lyrics on L-O-V-E

2008-05-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

Your Body is a Wonderland

Something 'bout the way the hair falls in your face,
I love the shape you take when crawling towards the pillowcase,
You tell me where to go and, Though I might leave to find it,
I'll never let your head hit the bed,Without my hand behind it

You want love, We'll make it,
Swim in a deep sea, Of blankets,
Take all your big plans, And break 'em,
This is bound to be a while.

Your body is a wonderland,Your body is a wonder (I'll use my hands),Your body is a wonderland।

Damn baby....You frustrate me,
I know you're mine, all mine, all mine
But you look so good it hurts sometimes

John Mayer Room For Squares " Your Body is a Wonderland"

I'm A Not Afraid

I'm not afraid to be your lady
I'm not afraid to be your whore
I'm not afraid to be your future
I'm not afraid to be your soil
In which you plant your seed
Flowers, they sprout for me
My fragrance in the breeze
You must nurture me please
I'm not afraid to be your baby
I'm not afraid to be your strength
I'm not afraid to be open wide
I'm not afraid to be glutinous....

Jill Scott I am not Afraid Beautifully Human:Words and Sounds Vol.2.

TV da Gente ( Brazil's Young TV network)

2008-05-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

I just heard about this even though the Network has been around since 2005. TV da Gente is is Brazil's answer to B.E.T. ( well, let hope not). When I was a kid the only reason I even KNEW that blacks existed in South America is because I was back in the Caribbean for high school and there I studied the slave trade beyond Abraham Lincoln. Even still I didn't have an Idea of what a huge concentration of blacks there was ( the 2nd largest besides Africa) until the release of the movie The City of God. Wow I can't believe how ignorant I was! We are ignorant because we identify the rest of the world through the images seen on TV-and on tv everyone latin is a nice roasted peanut shade ( smile ).

The network has gotten praise and hate. As I have heard, Brazilians are taught that inequality is due to poverty and not race and by creating a network geared to a certain race, founder Netinho de Paula is stirring up a lot of strong conversation. I think conversation is always good. In the end I believe we will iron all of the nonsense out ( even though the end may be another 300 yrs lol), so Kudos to Brazil for taking that first long step!

Arabs N' Injuns (Stereotypes in Movies)

2008-05-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

So I just saw IRONMAN this weekend. Before I get to my usual angry blackness.. That movie was the JAM-i like this better than Batman Begins..Robert Downey Jr is my new favorite!

So as much as I loved this film i had to ask myself, what is up with the Arab villains in all the movies lately( this one included)। If you added a cowboy on a white horse you would have a John Wayne flick: Decent Americans vs the "Savages". Just like George Bush, Hollywood is portraying Arabs as bad guys bar nun...there is no reason for their behavior– they're just evil. They come from the womb with AK's and war screams. It's so basic; like a Bugs Bunny cartoon. Bad guys are just bad, and these days instead of wearing black cowboy hats the bad guys wear black turbans.

What about the kids? Are going to raise a new batch of misunderstanding and hate? Why haven't we learned, America?

Junot Diaz-Dominican Life in "Drown"

2008-05-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

Keith Saunders told me to check out short-story author and New Yorker Junot Diaz; see what he was all about. So I picked up his national bestseller "Drown" and made it my subway read for the week. My first reaction was-lukewarm, it took a minute to warm up but I'm really loving the pulitzer prize winner. His 10 stories take you from Jersey to the Dominican Republic and give snapshots into lives that he made familiar to me: And i'm clearly not Dominican.

You need to learn a WHOLE lot of spanish cuss words to keep up tho...let me get you started: Pinga, pendejo, pato, puta...a lot of p's.

Added 2 Post: (My boy, Danny does a much more detailed job of talking about him check the link )

Jay Smooth on Suge Knight & Thug Bidness

2008-05-24T16:10:00.000-07:00

Jay Smooth: My favorite video blogger/ hip hop philosopher puts it down about corner business vs. corporate business and why we need to makes changes. Click there to see the video Check him out weekly? bi-weekly? well whenever he posts on his website Ill Doctrine

Plus check out his reaction to T.I. and the weapons bust below. I wanted to give him a hug after this post, i signed up immediately

So You Think You Can Dance! Krumping tries to Rize

2008-05-20T20:02:00.000-07:00

So You Think You Can Dance Premiers this Thurs!

Yes, I know I waste my time watching too much tv but I can't help myself; I like those competition shows ( i refuse to call it reality). I want to blog on Lil C ( aka Christopher Toler) ...one of the founders of Krumping ( he was featured in David LaChapelle's breakout film 'Rize'). Now, I don't like Krumping, let me be clear. But I recognize how difficult it is and choreographer Lil C has put together some amazing routines with the dancers that make it a very, very easy to swallow.

I was upset when one night last season one of the judges made the patronizing comment to two dancers who failed to do a decent job with Lil C's routine ( not this one ) that they ' did the best they could with what they had'; Camera cuts to Lil C's very tight face. I wanted to come through the screen on that judge. The dancer's know that if they get the categories of Hip Hop or Krumpin' they are much more likely to end up in the bottom 2. Yet the show keeps using these art forms and making sure that the audience gets a broader perspective than just Swing Dance or Ballroom, so big props to the producers of 'So You Think You Can Dance'! Krumping will have to fight its way into being perceived as an authentic art form just like Hip-hop did, but in the Meantime...I see you Lil C! Here is the best of his routines. Click Here to See the Clip

Feel Free to ffwd. They made the clip too long.

...Jesus and Sara ended up on the bottom two next show in case you were wondering Lol.

Also here is a clip of some real Krump Artists. ( Hmmm Maybe I like it after all ).

Israeli Photographer Adi Nes does The Last Supper

2008-05-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Adi Nes's Untitled photograph is known in circles as " The Last Super" for obvious reasons. It depicts Israeli soldiers in a mess hall, their poses imitating the supper of Christ and his disciples. The number of Israeli artists with solo shows has been soaring lately. A writer in the NY Times has called the photo a "homoerotic challenge to Israeli machismo" and states the pose refers to a future Christian betrayal...The Christian betrayal I see, but homoeroticism...huh?? Whatchu talkin' bout Times?

Kh.

New Release Emmanuel Jal/ Warchild

2008-05-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

I'm conflicted on this video ( Click this link to go to the page and see it). Emmanuel Jal is former Sudanese Child Soldier. His new CD Warchild was released last week. I first heard of him in Metro a few weeks ago. In the article he writes about the reason that he chose hip hop as an expression: " It's cheap-I can rap with a drum, with a guitar, anything. If I had no instrument, I would rap with my hands. I don't have a great voice like Bob Marley but with hip-hop you just talk".

So of this video I don't really see any charisma...yet. The "rap" reads more like spoken word, I don't love it...yet. And even though the video has some cool elements ( like the kid who plays his inner child punching the wall), I think it falls flat...Yet, i'm going to follow behind Giant Step, Metro, Vibe etc and spotlight him. As a Sudanese rapper he is rare and interesting, I believe he should be heard. I have not heard of any art out of Sudan since The Lost Boys

So let me know, email me or post do you want to hear about stuff and form your own opinion or should i only let you know about it if I feel it is good?
Yours Truly, Khia

Trashy Pop Art ( Nemo Gould)

2008-05-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

Sculptor Nemo Gould makes gigantic popart from the stuff he finds around his house. "Quicksilver" the scooter bike is made up mostly of a street lamp and vacuum cleaner parts. Pretty Interesting.

Check him out @ www.nemomatic.com

Lyrics on Hip Hop (Killer Mike)

2008-05-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

Knew it was a bad day when I woke up
N-W-A's gonna raise(?) broke up
Damn prayers ain't move the units that they should've
Rappers on top don't spit like they could've
I pledge allegiance to the hard, core
How I give it to you, hard, raw
Ay, a beautiful site to be seen
There's a mosh pit packed with wild teens
Hangin' onto every word that we spit
Ready to rip, rock, and tear shit
Self-pity's fuckin' up my music man
Whine like a bitch or stand and be a man
There's Black Sabbath, I'm smoking in a Zeppelin
Pumpin' Metallica, hand on my weapon
Fuck you and the bed yo b*#&h slept in
Killer-Kill keeps it real, hardcore is what I'm reppin'
Big is dead, Pac is dead
My music's dead, and y'all just scared...

Killer Mike Rap is Dead " Monster"

Tell 'Em Killer! ( Killer Mike on Everything Important)

2008-05-17T15:33:00.000-07:00

On politics, the community, and nonsense in rap....watch how he handles the Hip Hop question. Now THATS a southern gentleman.

Go to the site to view the video. Warning lots n' lots of cussing.

I pulled this from The Rezidue

Why Djimon Honsou Gets the High Heeled Boot / Minority Actors and Responsibility

2008-05-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

(I'm sick of mindless thugs, fat & angry black women, weak asian doctors, and mexican maids...)

This post is sparked by a convo about Blood Diamond with my best friend, plus the fact I JUST caught a bit of Amistad. I used to love love LOVE! Djimon. But after seeing Blood Diamond on video last year I got sick: Djimon's character ( once again ) was the obligatory African sidekick that movies stick in to make their African movie "authentic". Put a grass skirt on him and throw his ass in there...ok I'm used to it. But as the movie developed his character didn't...he played dumb the whole movie, stumbling around following Leonardo DiCaprio like some goofy puppy in his own country. When Leo's character knocked him to the ground, dragged him up by his shirt, called him a Kaffir ( nigger ) then told him he ( Leo ) was his master and he needed get used to it, he started sobbing like a 5 year old. AAARRRGHH! I was so upset! I kept waiting for his character to leg sweep Leo and punch him in the throat. ( by the way no hate towards Leo, he did a great job!).

Actors like Denzel, Forest Whitaker, Kal Penn, Chow Yun Fat & Salma Hayak understand that they have an obligation to show the world a different perspective of minorities, so why doesnt' HE? So to you Djimon, you gets the boot. I've moved on to Idris Elba. By the way Queen Latifah... I saw Bringing Down the House...Sigh, I still love you tho.
This is YOUR world-Change it!

Support Keith as he writes for At-Risk Youth!

2008-05-14T19:58:00.001-07:00

One of my best friends in New York ( Keith Saunders ) is participating in New York Writers Coalition Write-a-Thon; writing his little heart out for at Risk Kids this Sat. May 17th. He'll be writing all day and trying to raise money for creative writing programs...you know the kind Bush put an end to. He is only trying to raise $250-short notice so if you have a dollar or a dime to spare you can donate here:

http://www.firstgiving.com/keithsaunders

From the NYWC website:

“These programs are for at-risk youth, the homeless and formerly homeless, the formerly incarcerated, seniors, and many others that aren’t heard from often enough in our society. Last year, NYWC held more than 600 workshop sessions at 35 locations throughout NYC.”

I put $20 on it, Keithy-Keith!

for more information on the New York Writer’s Coalition, go to: http://www.nywriterscoalition.org