Why do many people prefer to "LOOK" good as opposed to "LIVING" good?

I Ponder this:

When was the last time I had a good conversation I took something meaningful away from?

Why does it seem like muthafuckaz these days will spend 10 hours talkin' about bullshit like Gucci, Coogi, Juicy Couture, Louis, Marc Ecko, etc. but shy away from truly intellectual topics. or maybe it's just me. It's possible that only I notice this. I hope not. Try talking about community change and reevaluating our economic spending habits. Ha-Ha. Chances are your friend will look at you stupid. Like "what?, I'm talking about the new Sean Jean..." lol "I can't be thinkin' about global warming..." I gotta be on point for this weekend too. But I dress well and I'm blessed no to have to try so hard. I don't worry or talk about it, I just look good. Yes. I'm an arrogant fuck! Sue me. I just don't think it takes a days worth of airtime to discuss fashion. Oh, unless fashion is your business. Is it? Do you work in the fashion industry? NO! Shut the fuck up about it then. You are a consumer. You buy shit; and more shit. But let me ask you: Is there anybody home? or do you identify yourself by what you are wearing this weekend? Is there anything on you mind worth exploring? Can you carry a conversation that has nothing to do with clothing? I challenge you to try. I welcome it. How can we be better parents to our children? How can we live more healthy lives? Do we really need yet another reality show? Is there anything intellectually stimulating on television? or is "E!" it? What's really going on in Iraq? What's the real news story? What really happened? Are you voting for Hillary or Barack? or that other republican fuck? Whichever, let's talk about it.

Get at me!

G.

direct all comments, questions and suggestions to: truecontraband@gmail.com

also, check out: www.ginoblackmusic.com

Recommended Reading

Sun Tzu - "The Art of War"

Music Recommendations...Conscious Hip-Hop

"Desire" by Pharoahe Monch

This is simultaneously the most slept on and utterly amazing hip-hop CD in a while. The lyrics are socially and politically charged with potent production to match. Pharoahe Monch has created a seemingly effortless masterpiece. This is Fire!

The Source? Nigga Please...

On a recent trip, I arrived to the airport late and missed my return flight. With two hours to kill, I purchased the latest issue of The Source (No. 222, June 2008). For those of you who don't keep up with music, The Source has been hip-hop's bible for 20 years and I've read it for most of those years. I compose music and I've run an independent label and recording studio for nearly a decade so I like to keep up on what's good. I read a decent article on Gnarls Barkley and a pretty good interview with, hip hop band, The Roots. Then I stumble upon a horrible piece of shit column called "Real Talk". Oh my God! This month's "Real Talk" is an interview with an idiot who calls himself Max B. He's a member of a collective called Dipset. Max B was recently shot twice by assailants. Sorry. During this stupid-ass interview he goes on to tell his tale about the shooting. Personally, I'm thinkin' "Who gives a fuck?", but I'm stranded at the airport so I read on. This fuckin idiot talks about the trappings of being a would-be-rapper, fame, fortune, the streets, etc. What stops me cold is during his bullshit story about him being shot, is that while on Long Island at a Range Rover dealership, he got hit once in the arm and once in his side. Quote: "...So I grabs my man up and we get up out of there. I left my bitch though. Fuck it though. M.O.B."

-intentional pause-

Wooosah!

Ok. For for those that don't know, M.O.B. stands for "Money Over Bitches". Street slang if you will. Now the fact that he said "bitch" isn't what bothers me. What bothered me was that he supposedly rescued his male friend and left the female friend behind. That's gay as fuck!!!! What kind of a man leaves his woman but saves his boyfriend? And all the while, Max B is telling his story very proudly. He thinks this adds to his street cred. Nigga Please. Once again. That's gay as fuck! Really homo!

In my humble opinion, The Source is promoting the following bullshit: The black man loves his nigga more than his woman. What's worse is that it implies so many things about us.

1. Black woman gets abandoned to fend for herself. That's ok.

2. Black man isn't strong enough to fend for himself. Must be ok.

3. We black men hate our woman so much that we leave her to potentially die.

That's just three that immediately came to mind. I believe, The Source, which is recently being published by new owners, has lost it's street credibility. This Max B, muthafucka thinks he's a man. No real man leaves his "bitch"(girlfriend) to die while saving his "nigga"(boyfriend). It speaks volumes to our place as heads of our households and as fathers and husbands in our community. A man takes care of his woman. Max B believes his statements to be very manly and "hard" and "keepin' it real". The Source thinks it makes for good exploitative journalism. I think it's a fuckin' shame.

Tell me what you think

G.

send all questions, comments and feedback to: truecontraband@gmail.com

also, check out: http://www.ginoblackmusic.com/

Gino Black Music

Music Recommendations...Listen to this record.

Will.i.am - "Songs About Girls"
Brilliant.