Hov & B

Jay-Z and Beyoncè are always the 'it' celebrites to talk about when mentioning music, tabloids, entertainment, etc. -- especially with the birth of their newborn, Blue Ivy Carter. In relation to COM 323, elements of feminism and the male gaze are exemplified by both Jay-Z and Beyoncè. Beyoncè has continuously pushed the envelope for women and the level of their success within the music industry. We all know that wonen have come a long way from being oppressed, and still are in some instances this current day. With her music, clothing, & acting career, it is evident that elements of feminism have been an obstacle knocked down by Beyoncè. As for Jay, he IS the male gaze, so to speak. As a successful CEO/Businessman and artist, Jay is the epitome of one of the best rappers to ever live. Because of this, he has a significant effect on how aspiring male rappers and businessmen want to be him. This also displays elements of the penis envy where even women wish to be Jay-Z. There are people who literally wake up every morning and try to imitate the life of Hov.

False Consciousness in "Young, Wild, & Free"

Wiz Khlaifa has made his buzz in the music industry with his steong lyrics in support of marijuana over experimental hip hop beats. He is also becoming identified as an artist who has catchy melodies to his hooks. He has a new song that features advid weed smoker Snoop Dogg. The song's chorus says, "So what we get drunk, so what we smoke weed, we're just having fun, we don't care who sees. So what we go out, that's how it's supposed to be. Living young and wild and free." This serves as an anthem to those who snoke weed or drink alcohol, in relation to having a good social life, however, these lyrics create false consciousness to listeners who really sit back and think that they can partake in these activities without a care in the world. While Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa can probably do these things, people such as myself and even you reading this cannot do. It's almost like a romantic comedy where the guy always wins the girl at the end, but it doesn't really happen like that in all reality.

Tupac's Back

At one of music's largest festivals, Coachella, many artists performed the spectators' favorite songs. The most interesting part of the night was when the playback of legendary westcoast rapper, Tupac Shakur's voice started to fill the venue. Not only did this get the crowd hype, the surprise came when a hologram of Tupac appeared on stage as if he was resurrected. You could see the clothes, the sweat, his tattoos, he even used the same type of slang and language style that Tupac used--it just looked like Tupac was standing there right in front of you. Now, rumors are circulating that this authentic looking hologram of Tupac will be going on a musical tour. This is taking post modernism to the next level. Can this really happen? Can you really see a Tupac hologram going on a world tour? Would you purchase tickets? There are so many questions that get raised in this regard.

Another Stunt?

Everytime you hear these two names you know there is quite a story to follow--Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. It's renownly known that Kanye West is a popous arrogant yet ironically a kind hearted individual. Kim Kardashian is argued to be famous from the release of her sex tape with Ray J. Considering her stardome there has been great question whether the tape was a stunt to get her name famous. Have someone Kanye ans Kim publicize a relationship, do you think it would be beneficial to both individuals careers? Rumors and tabloids make money. This relationship I feel is another stunt to help create buzz surrounding both their known names. Besides, when are relationships real in Hollywood anyway? You decide.

NFL Upholds Suspension Decision

Legendary NFL New Orleans' Saints' head coach, Sean Payton, has been suspended begining April 16,2012 until April 16, 2013 for failing to comply with NFL bounty rules and regulations. The team as a whole was fined a whopping $500,000 and the 2nd round draft picks for the next 2 years. The decision to suspend Payton was appealed, but ultimately upheld and it looks like the Saints have a few options as to who can fill this position. However, my question is was this neccessary? Yes, we understand that there compliance elements behind all the touchdowns we see on TV, but to suspend a coach of this caliber for a whole season? I can't say that I see why this is absolutely necessary.

"At Last"..

"At last, my love has come along. My lonely days are over. And life is like a song." These lyrics are recognized by millions around the world. The late legendary blues singer Etta James died 5 days before her 74th birthday on January 20, 2012. I personally feel like celebrities and people who carry big titles to their name are coincidentally passing away to send messages to the public that it doesn't matter who you are, you cannot escape death. And it may sound corny, but some people really think they can control when, where, and how they're going to die. Money cannot prevent you from getting in a tragic accident. These stars are leaving right before our eyes. We just lost Soul Train legend, Don Cornelius to suicide. Many people relate money to happiness....wrong! And this statement will remain false for eternity because we hear about and see these people with luxurious lives and we assume they must be the happiest folks in the world; then a weak later we see their obituaries in the newspaper. Now James didn't commit suicide, but her death is what I want this post to be focused on in addition to those notable people who have also made the transition. I want you to really stop and take the time to think if you are living your life for quality or quantity...or both? It's a question even I need to ask myself. Can you say that if you were to die today, your life has significantly effected those around you? Will you really be able to sing, "And now we are in heaven and you are mine, at last..."

New York's Saving Grace

One of New York's most historical and legendary teams in sports is the New York Knicks. If you ask a sports fam to name some legendary or notable players from the Knicks, you'll hear Wilt Chamberlain, Isaiah Thomas, Patrick Ewing, Allan Houston, and a host of others. All players you see listed were all pretty outstanding players in college and were noticed by the public early on. Fast forwarding to present day, take a young 24 year-old, Los Angeles born and bred, asian descented, undrafted Harvard graduate who lived on his brother's couch, and place him as the current face of the New York Knicks. Find it difficult to believe? Well, believe it! The LINsanity is real! He plays the point guard position and got his shot to stardom when he was substituted in for an injured teammate. He made fans question, "Where did this kid come from?" after he dropped close to 40 points in his debut. The Knicks' season was not looking promising with their stars out because of injury--Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups. Sports news everywhere has been nothing but Jeremy Lin stories and why his talent is just now being revealed. Even Knicks' head coach Mike D'Antoni said that he was blown away by Lin's performance. Lin has now made a name for hinself. Madison Sqare Garden has raised ticket prices and filled their gift shops with Jeremy Lin apparel. Endorsements have been overwhelming Lin and his contract has been slightly adjusted to accomodate a few more zeros. But is this all hype? Will Jeremy Lin be named in the select elite when asked "Who are the legendary Knicks?"

Numbers Don't Lie - Happy Black History Month

There are many mixed reviews on new George Lucas cinema release, "Red Tails." Personally, I thought the movie was well illustrated. I had the pleaseure of attending a late night showing with a group of about 25 from my school on the date the movie was released. I found it interesting that critics expected this movie to do poorly in its opening week. According to www.washingtoninformer.com, "The movie brought in 19.1 million, second only to 'Underworld Awakening' which raked in 25.4 million." Why did critics expect this movie to do so poorly? The history of Red Tails is rich with its sole significance being that of the contribution of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators in the United States armed forces. They fought in World War II. Before they were known as the Tuskegee Airmen, they were the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group of the U.S. Army Air Corp. Especially with Black history month being shortly after the movie's release. Producer of 'Red Tails,' George Lucas, invested $58 million of his own money to make and distribute the film and explained on The Daily Show by Jon Stewart, that no Hollywood studio would produce the movie. This raised alot of question amongst the black community. but proved all critics and doubters of the movie's success wrong.