Urban Epiphany

Love in Tunes

2010-02-08T19:10:00.001-08:00

Welcome one and all. Sit down, take a sip and let you mind wander.....

Peace and love all...

Status: To tweet or not to tweet........

2009-08-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

Maturity is a word that most people use to describe an attitude held by themselves or their peers. It is an attitude that most people clamour for and one that most people lack. It is along the same lines of common sense. We have all either observed or taken part in this absence at some point in our lives from kindergarten to adolescence and into adulthood. Tattling, back biting, verbal abuse, physical revenge, and more are all examples of when we have let maturity's grasp slip away.
Enter the new age of technology. Texting, myspace, facebook, and twitter are all new ways to let or immaturity show. Gone are the days of actually speaking to another person about an issue. Lets simply jump to our conclusions and escalate a situation that was hardly kindling in the first place. Its like we all have "BIG ASS CHAIN" on a big ass chain around our necks and we can't do anything else but speak indirectly through subliminals. I'm a believer in if you have a problem with me talk to me. If we can't settle it fine then move on. Then again, I guess that is what keeps social networking sites going. The ability to hide behind a keyboard or a PDA and let our immaturity out to play. Next time you log on and read something that makes you tight as hell remember ....to tweet or not to tweet.

UE

A Quick Sidebar

2009-02-20T12:13:00.000-08:00

The NBA Slam Dunk Competition was a success this year and it brings back memories of the dunks we loved in years past. Everyone can remember the first time they saw the Isiah Rider's "East Bay Funk Dunk" For some of us younger people I want to show you the first time it was seen, courtesy of the Chicago Bull's Orlando Woolridge in the 1984 SDC

Questions

2009-02-05T07:27:00.000-08:00

Questions... The night doesn't offer the peace it once was. Gears in the mind working overtime that you can't afford to pay. Going through every thought and every action you've recently made. Tunnel vision, things running in slow mo, scrutinizing every motion, blink, touch, word, and grin like your planning for the game of your life. Except you don't think you can win.....
Questions... Did you do what you did cause of your heart or your mind? Are you caught up, running a fool's errand? Was it cause you thought you could change something? Feeling like you were used or was this just innocent fun? Did my nature just betray me or is this just the natural ebb and flow of things? Was everyone else right?

In the end, while the sun rises and the rays of light casts silhouettes and shadows across the wall you've been starring at, while people go along with their daily routines, the answers escape your grasp. Neither closer nor further to the truth, when feelings, affection, and love are nothing but pieces of your soul that you've left behind at another's door, you simply move on and the only question you really have is how many more pieces are left........

TG

Back and to the Future........

2009-02-04T13:33:00.000-08:00

Take me back, back to the time when days never ended and smiles never frowned. Back to the time when my greatest joy was to have her lean and fit so perfectly in the middle of my chest. When I felt at peace just by stroking the small of her back. You see, her goal wasn't to complete me but to remind me why everyday was worth living. Take me back to her smile while she sat on my car. One so warm and inviting that it said there was no place at that moment she'd rather be. When taking her home meant no one wanted to leave and a quick visit was a long talk under the stars. Take me back to the time before insecurities, misunderstandings, and misinterpretations poisoned a budding flower with surgical precision. Before her heart and mind were clouded with suspicion. When " I love You" still held all its meaning. As my eyes open and reality envelopes me once more all I ask is can we try again.........

TG

Jay-Z My President is black Remix

2009-01-20T09:46:00.000-08:00

Jay-Z My President is black Remix LIVE 1-18-09 from pleasedontstare on Vimeo.

Memories

2009-01-19T19:18:00.000-08:00

I can really only remember one monumental occasion in my life that really holds significant relevance. You see I don't watch baseball and I don't care for it too much, but one fateful day I found myself at Yankee stadium. Not for a game but to hear a blessed man speak. That man was Nelson Mandela, the newly elected president of South Africa. Back then I was too young to understand, but I do remember my father's face. Decorated with jubilant excitement yet punctuated with tear in his eye. All I can say now is that I understand his feeling. Tuesday is not just another day to go by easily forgotten. It marks the day that finally, a child can look in a book in which we can never be edited out of ever again. The history will not be white washed or rewritten. Bare witness, the BEGINNING of change is at hand.

Muse

2009-01-13T08:17:00.000-08:00

Serenity, the peace of a summer night's breeze, everlasting calm.... All things I see when my eyes close and the gates of my mind open. Eternal bliss, words for happiness that I don't yet understand, pure tranquility. My arm moves in motions unseen. Amber rays of sunlight dancing on the grins of clouds, saying hello and see you soon all at the same time... Circles and a slash. Unrelenting joy mixed with excitement and a pinch of anticipation. Dreams meet fulfillment, Destiny touches reality, and mine eyes open..gazing at all edges, colors smooth, complete. A smile, a tear, and the tag........FOR HER

They Say..

2009-01-07T10:20:00.000-08:00

They say the easily attained is hardly worth your time,
so if your easily in my life ,then truly you're wasting mine,
That newness all around me, I'm like a newborn babe,
but this time around don't except me to behave,
conform I will not do, not for anyone, including you,
I'm poised for the future, I have a fleet a Delorians,
Not a soul on this earth knows what I have in store,
The rise of a legend, no folklore , no fiction,
Symbol of effervescence, wealthier than the rich kids,

They say nice guys finish last, and you know, they're right,
I'm running a 4.2, call me the Black Flash,
Mean mugging you, you're squinting just to see me at best,
Hard enough for you to make out the silver bolt on my chest,

They say actions speak louder than words, so true
No braggadocios bravado, not talking out my ass,
Just a first hand account of events already past.......

TG

Liquid Confidence

2009-01-05T15:06:00.000-08:00

They told me I was the man. You see, usually, I'm the shy quiet type or just a habitual "cut" chiller but tonight my swag was drippin. My wears were too fly and the music too right. My man Grey would pop up from the bar looking clean as hell in his fresh blues talking about," damn son, she staring, go holla." I'm good, I said. Jose and Johnny came through as the bartender turned her back. "What you mean kid?" "Stop playing games and do you" Fine, fine.... Now little did I realize in all the conversation that her man was the burly dude next to her. Never really saw the fist heading my way as put my hand on her waist. My people just disappeared on me. Only things holding me down are my black eye and this hangover.... Thought I was that nigga tonight.....at least that's the way the liquor tell it....

TG

Untitled

2008-12-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

I could not breathe.......
When my eyes first met hers and yet my heart still pounded out my chest to the rhythm of African drum beats that sent my mind into a flutter. She was the most radiant woman I had ever come across and I had only looked into her eyes. Hazel. Golden just like that split second when the sun decides to set. Her every curve perfect as if she was truly what God intended and so perfect that he broke the mold thereafter. She seamlessly succeeded in seducing me with nothing but "hello" and as she walked away my beat followed every sway of her hips and in my mind I thought what i wouldn't do to know the taste of her lips, the smell of her hair or the tightness of her embrace, see she was a woman phenomenally... and as I removed my glasses my vision was still 20/20.

She is no longer with me but my vision is still clear. I yearn for that woman, her smile , her kiss, and the way she embraced me. I cherish her presence, I miss you.......

Foolishness with Consequences...

2008-12-08T13:41:00.000-08:00

In the wake of the O.J. Simpson sentencing and the Burress shooting, I must say that the athlete has not learned and to no fault of their own. It is extremely easy to say, "If I were that person I would...", a billion times, but the fact of that matter is that you aren't that person. You will never be that person or grown up like that person. You will never me treated like gods among men like that person. Heads won't turn a blind eye to your misdeeds or cover them up for you like that person. So how can all of us except these athletes to govern themselves like they are "normal" people, when ,especially now ,we diefy them as young as six years old.
Anyone who has been an above average athlete has been privy to those perks. I know them first hand. The problem begins not when we fail to remind them that actions come with consequences but when we fail to enforce them. If I go to a club with a gun in my waist, I'm not getting let in.(if they search me) So why did Plax? You can say," he never should have taken it with him",and rightly so. What if.. the bouncer told Plax, we'll watch out for you, but you have to leave that in the car? We aren't even talking about this. Even better.. Plax: I'd better leave this in my car, I don't need any trouble. Those thoughts only come from one who understands real consequence and obviously he does not.
In O.J.'s case, I am completely baffled. He might be the most famous man that half of the US would like a chance to lock up and throw away the key. Yet because a brilliant man (R.I.P) saved him from his consequences the first time, he has no knowledge of them. It was as if the guy who has his picture next to the register for shoplifting walked back into the same store stood next to his picture and waved. Only after it seemed for the first time he could not escape consequences, because of who he was, that he broke down and became human again.
I ask only one thing. If your young child, sibling, niece or nephew, starts dibble a ball real well, or running like the black flash... when they do something wrong don't give them a time out. Don't yell or curse and please don't say ,"aww that's cute." Walk over calmly, give them a swift pat on the butt and when they stop crying, you tell them why. It will be the best thing you've ever done and definitely because you love them.

In retrospect.....Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T20:32:00.000-08:00

I am truly thankful for the pain. Thankful for the names that I have been called thus far. Thankful for the prejudice and racism that have been bestowed upon me. I'm elated to receive the hate from those who cannot stand to see me get anywhere in the test of life. I am overjoyed for those who take my loving kindness for granted. Those who feel they can manipulate me with harsh words. I am beside myself at the thought of those I have loved who have taken and twisted that gift into something so sour. I thank God for those who have betrayed me as a friend. I am thankful for the pain because only after the pain can I truly appreciate those who support and cherish me. Those who offer guidance and show faith. Those who love unconditionally and see the truth in your being. I thank God for the pain because it makes His soothing blessings feel that much better.

TG

Caught Up

2008-11-30T16:17:00.000-08:00

Can you tell me a story Uncle TG?
A story? Girl, you're twenty-one!
How come? You know I love 'em.
Fine. Only cause you're my favorite niece........ but its gonna be short...

On a midsummer night he meet her. Shook her hand, said hello, and it seemed as if she spoke to his soul. He saw the world in her eyes as is should be, serene, and in that moment in time he decided that world was what he wanted. So confident he was that he told his friend " I'm going to get her", and by night's end he had kept his word. The days he spent with her were some of the most joyous days he'd ever experienced. She was so radiant that he could never tire of her smile. So lovely, he would stay awake a little longer just to watch her sleep. A man couldn't be more in love, if love was still possible.
Yet that happiness was not destined to last. The fonder he became the further away she seemed. Nothing he did was ever enough. He every action was wrong. Sweet words were met with frowns ,as if his affection was too good to be true. His want of her insincere. They stopped understanding each other and whatever it was that they had faded away. Even now whenever he sees her he falls again. Torn in his mind and heart. Friends they are but wanting so much more. Caught up in a love that it seems only he feels ,and if not, one she hides well...

Uncle TG is that story true?

Only if there was a better ending. Goodnight.

ViewPoint: Style

2008-11-17T14:35:00.000-08:00

Do you remember flatops? You know the hairstyle that was worn in the early 90's. The hair that reached its perfection on the heads of such notable 90's figures such as Kid from Kid and Play. If you had one, go back and look at those pictures of yourself and right at that moment you'll say to yourself, "damn I looked stupid" It's the same thought that crosses the minds of all those who were sagging a few years later. Also, anyone that was a teen in the 80's realized at some point that their fashion had also gone a bit too far. So why isn't anyone saving this generation. Tight pants are one thing, but pants so tight that they look like unitards? Pants so tight that they can't reach the waists of America's youth. I really can't stand to see another dudes boxers or crack( crack kills) much longer. Its not fashion, its foolishness. By 2015 most 21 year olds will walk with a waddle from being conditioned to walk that way to keep their pants from falling. I thought we were humans not penguins. Women have learned. There was a time when "daisy dukes" were acceptable. Now they are only acceptable in pornographic films. We all know that fashion repeats..... can we please refrain from repeating the lame ones....

TG

Answers and a Question......

2008-11-12T12:55:00.000-08:00

I take you further than your mind's eye, so deep into the universe that you've actually seen a vanilla sky. I've shown you the person of your dreams, slowed down your running thoughts till they lie in peaceful serenity. I've taken your inner demons and made them dance, turned the mundane existence of your adulthood into the blissful innocence of a 3 year old. I've brought you through doing" whatever it takes", Turned your senses 180 degrees with my beats and breaks. My bars serve more than just alcohol, I'm the life beat that raises any man that falls....... I AM MUSIC.

......now what will you give me?

Essence of Swag.....

2008-11-10T13:53:00.000-08:00

In the past nine months or so, we have heard the word swag(swagger) used an exorbant amount of times in music, sports, and even as the trademark of deodorant commercial campaigns. I feel we can all agree on the overall definition of swag being the "it" factor that makes a person noticable, desireable, likeable and any other synonym you can find for the word popular. The question is what really determines swag?
I would expect most to say the flashy things in life. Fly clothes, flier whip, and jewelry all do grant the owner swag, but only a certain kinda of swag. It doesn't account for the people who lack those things but have such a live personality that it also grants swag. Nor does it account for the swag of a great athlete who owns no real personality at all. What about the shy person whose mysterious silence garners the attention of others? Swag goes further beyond physical appearance than we first realize.
In fact swag is a universal thing. Everyone possesses a certain type of swag whether they like it or not. Much like the rules of attraction, one level of swag doesn't appeal to all. You much find your niche and work with it. If you're nerdy, be the flyest nerd you can. You get the picture. The essence of swag is you. The natural you, so don't fight it trying to assimilate someone swag into your own. It never works. I'll holla. I have to find me a Louis Pocket Protector. LOL

TG

State of Hip Hop Address

2008-11-09T15:41:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first in a monthly series on the state of Hip-Hop. Nas decided to make a point to the world that hip hop was dead, which sent shockwaves through the new generation of rappers. Now I don't believe that hip hop is dead. I believe that its alive and well, locked away in a basement with the label of unmarketable. Hip hop is alive in the main players such as Nas, Jadakiss, Fabolous,Common, Lil Wayne, Lupe Fiasco,Ludacris, T.I. and yes Kanye West. After that there are many of them in limbo between real music and commercial garbage. Those like Juelz Santana, who have incredible potential , but is trapped in the side show of Dip Set.
In the bowels of mainstream hip hop, gems like Little Brother, Mos Def, The Roots, and Talib Kweli reside generally unknown to most new followers of hip hop. Gone are the rhymes about what really took place in your life, or the good times with friends. Metaphorical dreams and works of art painted with beats and breaks are truly things of the past that are relagated to the "Throwback at Noon." Now the majority of what we have are gimmicks. If you have heard the travesty that is Ron Brownz and his slaughtering of the synthetic voice sound that is T-Pain and the backbone of Kanye's new album then you know what I mean.
When a person's fav rapper is Soulja Boy, we are in trouble. When someone says that the success of rappers now has nothing to do with the ones that came before them, we are lost. When one says there didn't need to be a Jay-Z before to be a Lil Wayne now, we have a problem.
Secondly, we are not all drug dealers nor are we "thugs" We all don't own guns. We don't live in movies where are entire day seems to take place in the strip club or a porno. Our self-worth is not determined by how much clothing we have with names that we aren't educated well enough to correctly pronounce. Yet this is now the visible essence of Hip Hop. It's a sad day indeed in the world of Hip Hop... I offer a short comparison of Hip Hop and its captors...

TG

Lil Brother Feat. Lil Wayne -Breaking My Heart

The Cypha

Ron Brownz :(

Clear as day...

2008-11-07T13:43:00.000-08:00

In the days that have followed the historic election of Barack Obama to the highest office in the land, something amazing has happened to the black man. As a black man, I must say that when I awoke the next morning the world seemed different to me. It was as if the world was reborn in a way into which this time, I fit into it. No longer did I feel like an outcast in the country of my birth. Pride filled my body till I could no longer contain it. My walk was different. I looked everyone in the eye.( happily)
It wasn't just me. I could have sworn that night, as they annouced Obama as the next president that I heard a loud snapping sound. It was the people of color all over this country who , for the first time, raised their heads and chins up with pride. Pride in the fact that not only is an African- American president but that they also had something to do with it. A friend joked with me," is this what it feels like to be white?" I answered yes. Knowing that you can actually, realisticly achieve anything is a feeling very few people of color has come to experience.
The attitudes of the people changed with that day. People from all walks of life seemed happier, waving to say goodmorning to complete strangers.(something unheard of in NYC) If this feeling of euphoria holds true then the torch has finally been passed from the hands of Dr. King to a man who has also crossed the racial barrier to bring MEN and WOMEN together as MEN and WOMEN. A man who has in a short timespan, delivered pride back to a people and has truly become a leader of men.
In respect to that accomplishment, we cannot return to our old behavior. We have seen a Black man that is the head and caretaker of his family. How can you continue to neglect your own? How can you continue to waste your life on drugs and alcohol? How can you continue to blame your misfortunes on someone else?(the Man) If there was no other time to take charge of your life and transform it for you and yours, that time is now. Now because we have all witnessed that all things are possible.

A black president...... damn..... The sky never looked so blue, nor the sun as bright, as the day when black show us all its light....

TG