31Third beauty of the month

Beautiful women come in all shapes sizes, and yes even colors. Every month I will be featuring another beauty from around the world.

Here is the beautiful Sara Mascolo, originally from Naples Italy, now in Chicago. She is 18 years old, and her hobbies include extreme sports and camping.She also Enjoys horseback riding, modeling and swimming. Ms. Mascolo is also a seasoned traveler. She has been all over the world.

photos (c) 2010 Sara Mascolo

Detroit Deserves Better.

Anybody knows me knows that I am a proud Detroiter. Whenever I go out of town, I make it a point to rock the old English “D”. Roughly 80 percent of my music collection contains artists from Detroit. As a car afficionado, when ever I see a classic car, my heart beams with pride knowing that it’s not an automobile, but a piece of not only Detroit history, but a piece of my family history being that I came from 3 generations of autoworkers. I am the first one to defend my city from racist suburbanites and out-of-towners whose only experiences here were from watching the news and arrogant ex-pats who somehow think that they are better because they left the city. I still marvel at the historical buildings and homes. I still hold on to the ideal that Detroit can once again become the world class city it once was many years ago. However, there are many things that preclude Detroit’s return to greatness. We all know that just like every other major American city, the onset of the crack epidemic in the early 80s was part of Detroit’s downfall, coupled with the big 3 losing market share due to foreign cars, severely impacting our economy...however by now, this could have been overcome and Detroit could have been made it’s comeback but there is one thing that has stopped it and continues to be a hindrance to Detroit rising from the proverbial ashes. And that one thing is APATHY. Apathy is a small word with very large consequences. Apathy is why we have a corrupt city council that does nothing but bicker amongst themselves and call each other names...And they wonder why the auto show may be leaving, word is GM, may be leaving too. As far as I’m concerned, the Auto Show is a Detroit tradition, and even though right now they are as broke as I am, General Motors IS Detroit so it would be devastating to see them leave, but frankly I can’t say I blame them. Who would want to do business in the city with such unprofessional people in charge? But a lot has to do with you and me. We are the ones that let the crooked mayor who cost us MILLIONS get elected, as well as the arrogant congressman’s wife get in because we couldn’t get to the polls because of (insert excuse here), so therefore the man or woman best suited for the job lost out. When the media continues to drag our city’s name through the mud, we do nothing but yell and cuss at the TV instead of letting them know that we are not going to take this anymore. We are the ones that let the crackheads strip the city piece by piece for their next hit, and we are the ones that let the drug dealers take over our street corners and infest our apartment buildings instead of getting involved. It’s not about being a snitch, it’s about giving a fuck about your community. What ever happened to neighborhood watch and block clubs? I haven’t seen an active block club since when I was in my teens on Walden street on the East side. Neighbors looked out for each other. They didn’t wait for the city to come and clean up the block...We got off our collective asses and cleaned out our own block...and made a party out of it, and had lots of fun. And guess what, there were no drug dealers or crackheads, at least on our block. I truly believe that if we were to just get involved in just keeping our block in order, before we know it, the city can once again be the greatest city in the world again.

Where are they now....UPDATE

It came as a surprise to me...People actually DO read this blog. It just so happens that one of the very readers of this blog is G5, member of Suspect Establishment, one of the artists that was featured in my post “Where are they now?” It turns out that they never stopped putting out dope hip hop and have a new album. I chopped it up with G, about what he and the rest of the crew have been up to.

Q: How did you first get into music and what motivated you?

A: Well I started doing music really late compared to others I was staying in the house more after my first child was born so I needed a new hobby. My brother gave me his Casio keyboard and I started making melodies, baselines & beats. I bought a little Boss drum machine & later a 4 track recorder started recording my own original songs. I always loved hip hop & music in general but I never though I could create it until then.

Q: Who were some of your favorite Detroit artists coming up?

A: A.W.O.L. Kaos & Mystro, Smiley, Detroit B.O.X, Detroit ’s Most Wanted & Awesome Dre. We ended up playing some songs for Sole-man from AWOL & C-Nile & I did a couple songs with him later. I’ve got to dig that stuff up some day.

Q: How did the original #1 Suspects come about?

A: We all grew up in the same hood on the west side 6 mile & Livernois area. In our late teens/early 20’s I heard C-Nile was rapping and his step brother “DJ Tech 12” was doing his beats. When I heard their trax I started kick-in it to him that while their music was dope with these melodies and beats I’ve got, he also could have his own original songs, not just break beats & samples. So we hooked up musically and we really vibed, & the music was good… really good and we decided to be a duo something like Guru & Premier.

Q: In the 10+ years you have been in the game, how do you feel about how hip-hop has changed?

A: G- it’s a lot more commercial now a lot less about skill & really saying something in the music. I’ve watched the game evolve from east coast to west coast and then the south & now I think our time has come for the Midwest to put a strangle hold on the game for a while. We just have to have strong artist with a fresh new sound.

Q: As you know, Detroit is known for not being very supportive of Detroit artists over the years. What do you feel needs to be done to change this?

A: Good question, wish I had a better answer for you but it’s always been our experience that we got more love outside of the D than when were here. I just think in some folks minds, no matter how good you are, when you’re from here you’re viewed as a hood star but not on the same level as the out of town artist. It’s like you have to leave here, get validated by someone else like Dre, or JayZ and then comeback and The D will support you like we do for all of the other major label artist. That’s just kinda my observation on it I really don’t know how we can change things & why we don’t support more…

Q: In 1997 you had a single that outlined the problems of the city and the mayor at that time. What are your thoughts about the current mayor and city council?

A: Well I’m a city resident & I just don’t believe our city’s best & brightest minds are on the job of running our city. I think a lot of the people in place are there because they’re “electable” or popular but we need to get some of the really smart, morally sound, uncorrupted people in the D to run the city and the schools and maybe things will get better.

Q: Some say that hip hop has become stagnant. Others say that the market is over saturated. What are your thoughts on the current state of music in general?

A: Well Labels are trying stick with a cookie cuter like formula they believe works. Execs and A&R’s don’t want to get fired for trying something unconventional. So not many are trying to think outside the box and because of that yeah, I believe the market is over saturated with a ton of the same kind of artist that are all talking about the same things. Some just better than others…

Q: Your music has always had a message to it, but without coming off as self-righteous or condescending. How important do you think it is that music not only should entertain but speak to the listener?

A: Well I think it’s important for our music to have a message because that’s who we are. In this game “you’ve got to do you” so I have no problem with artist like Soulja Boy & Hurricane Chris that don’t really have a profound message just fun. Or like The Clipse or Gucci Mane and Juiceman that rap about moving weight. I just think there needs to be more balance with acts like us or The Roots, Talib Kweli, & Common.

Q: Before I end this, is there any other projects you have in the works, that you want to plug?

A: Well after a long layoff we are releasing a new CD in the summer 2009, “Keep Grinding”. Our music video “Dollar Bill” is getting a lot of air play on the “The Video Shop” on Comcast Detroit CH 68 so check that out. We are getting some spins on “What’s next on the Menu on FM98 WJLB check for that on Saturdays @ 9:00pm. Some of our music is going to be being featured in a upcoming film & on the sound track….That I can’t give the details on yet but stay tuned for that. We are also getting into doing production for other artist, that’s something we really didn't’t do much of in the past because we had so many in the camp we kept everything in house. We’re forming the company now and we will see where that goes… That’s about it Hit us on

www.reverbnation.com/suspectestablishment or

www.myspace.com/suspectestablishment or email us direct at suspectestablishment@yahoo.com

Interview with Tamika Gaines.

Detroit has issues. There’s no way to sugar coat it. The economy is in shambles. The city’s population is in decline, and the city is being picked apart and sold piece by piece. Once a proud city that was a major hub of the US economy, is now reduced to being the laughing stock of the country. Every morning, afternoon, evening and night, we are constantly embarrassed by our so-called “leaders”. For the last 4 years we have had our own soap opera. Sex, lies, corruption and all of the other things that make a good movie but bad politics. Life long Detroiter Tamika Gaines is running for Detroit city council and hopes to change all that. I recently spoke with Ms. Gaines over the weekend about her and the race for city council.

Q: For those who have never heard of you, please give us a background of who Tamika Gaines is.

A: A native of Detroit, someone who has passion, care, and concern for the geographic location in which I live, which is Detroit. I believe in the impossible being done, all it takes is: a plan of action, an execution of that plan, an elimination of excuses, extra work, and prayer.

Q: What made you decide to run for city council?

A: In addition to my love for wanting to see distressed areas succeed, I want to see the city of Detroit prospering once more. I have vision that I believe will help to move the city in a new direction. Also, I believe everyone was created to solve problems, and I want to solve as many problems for Detroit that I can.

Q: What do you think that you can bring to the city council that the others cannot?

A: A freshness, newness,and relentless second to none commitment to see this city national image restored; so it can be one of the most sought after places to live.

Q: City business is at a standstill due to the corruption of the city government. What are your thoughts of this, and what steps do you think are necessary make those involved accountable for their actions?

A: New policies and procedures will need to be put into place. With an understanding that our environment is constantly changing; therefore, we must have policies and procedures that remain relevant with the current times. We must always have strategies and plans in place that deal with any issue that would arise with those in leadership positions.



Q: Neighborhoods all over the city are being stripped piece by piece and sold as scrap. What do you think needs to help combat the epidemic of thefts from property?
A: An Increase of police patrols, with faster response times along and Community involvement would change the minds of thieves. Furthermore, those who commit robbery and theft need something constructive to do. More jobs opportunities must be made available to the under-employed and unemployed.

Q: With a short staffed police department, what do you think needs to be done to combat our notoriously high crime rate, and what would you suggest be done to prevent crime?

A: Hire more police who live in the city !!!! I believe that if you have a vested- interest in a city you will fight hard for that city! Many who commit crime are already previous offender; however, that is a nationwide issue that must be dealt with. A reformation within in a jails and prisons must take place, so those who have been socially deviant can return to their communities changed.

Q: On your website, you say that the city's financial dysfunction is one of your main concerns. What would be some of your proposals to handle this problem?

A: In my experience with the City of Detroit, a lot of money has been wasted due to poor stewardship and lack of financial oversight. So, like I do with clients, I would do a Financial Needs Analysis which would trouble-shoot the areas within the city that need immediate financial resolve. Then, My co-workers and I would come up with strategies that would move the city forward financially.

Q: If elected, would you be willing to make certain sacrifices, for the greater good for the city?

A: Absolutely, It is about going above and beyond the extra miles to see this city not just survive but thrive again.

Tamika L. Gaines

P.O.Box10716

Detroit , MI 48210

www.gainesfordetroit.com

(888)543-3185

For the ladies....

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Unbought and unbiased music review #1

Here is a first in a series of reviews of underground hip hop from around the world. But what makes these reviews different from any that you would see in a magazine is that they are from the perspective of a hip hop consumer and music lover. Unlike most reviewers, record labels, producers and/or artists do not have me in their pockets so my opinions are unbiased. If it’s good, it gets the peace sign, and if it’s not, it gets the finger. With that said. On with the show.



Small Professor - Slowbus.

Many people say that hip hop has become over saturated and stagnant while simultaneously ignoring the underground. Enter Small Professor from Philadelphia. Just like a lot of music from Detroit, I have also been a big supporter of the music from Philly. From The old school Philly soul of Teddy P, the O’Jays and Jean Carne, to the Neo-Soul of Jill Scott to the organic hip hop of the Roots and everything in between. Small Pro is poised to become another chapter in those history books. Influenced by the late J Dilla (and by influenced, I don’t mean a blatant rip off) and Large Professor (hence the name), Slowbus goes hard with 13 tracks of straight heat. No corny synth riffs, no dumb ass dance moves and no incessant “yeahs”, “whats”, grunts or any other hip hop cliches. Just dope ass beats. The main head nodders are “John Henry”, “Winter Leaves pt. 0" and “December 6"...but those are just my favorites. I strongly recommend you cop this album as there is something you will dig. So it gets an emphatic peace sign from me.

Small Professor - Slowbus is available at:

Amazon.com
Beatsource.com
junodownload.com
and iTunes

and you can visit his myspace page : http://www.myspace.com/smallprofessor

Motor City Blues

I grew up in a family full of auto workers. My grandfather was among the thousands who migrated up north for a job with Ford. I also had 2 uncles that worked for Ford, another uncle that worked for Chrysler, and I myself worked for GM. So the financial crisis with the big 3 hits home. But the big 3 only have themselves to blame. Being that I am from an automotive family...Suggesting that I drive a foreign car is analogouss of disrespecting your parents. You just don’t do it and not expect an ass whoopin’. I am somewhat loyal to the big 3, as is a lot of the old school auto workers that came up in my parents and grandparents’ generations as well as a lot of good old fashioned Detroit muscle. And before I drive a Nissan, Toyota, Mitsubishi or Honda, I’d rather not have a car at all. With that being said, The big 3 hasn’t been very loyal to us over the last few years. They didn’t understand that everyone does not want an SUV with gas prices as unpredictable as they are. They don’t understand that not everyone can afford a decent GM vehicle unless you are a rapper signed with a major label, a pimp or a drug dealer. Ford makes shitty cars, and no one wants to keep taking their Ford whatever to the shop because of another recall, and Chrysler products are just butt ugly to begin with in addition to being prone to recalls. So what happens? People stop buying them. And before you UAW members start with your amens and hallelujahs, you all have a lot to do with the automotive crisis as well. You already make a decent living and have decent benefits but your wanting more has placed a tremendous burden on the industry by way of astronomical labor costs and simultaneously cock-blocking those who are willing to work for half. And because of it, the entire US economy which largely depends on the auto industry will be fucked (and guess what city will be hit the hardest). In a way I hope that the government bails out the big 3 but in another way I hope they don’t. I saw first hand how an economy that depends on the auto industry can be devastated when Chrysler left Highland Park back in the early 90s, and it wasn’t pretty. I don’t even WANT to think about if it were to happen to the entire state or the entire country. But on the other hand if they do get the bailout money, will they really get their shit together? Or will they be back a year later trying to hit us taxpayers up for more money to pay for their fuck-ups.

Where’s the outrage (pt. 2)

I’m back and I have to get on the hip hop bashers (read: hypocrites) once again. I mean the ones who claim that hip hop is a 21st century minstrel show, playing on negative stereotypes. Again I have to ask the question: Why are rappers condemned to be minstrels or “coons” but black comedians get a pass. Now I will admit part of this rant is because with the exception of the late George Carlin, I’m not a fan comedians of any race, but I especially loathe black comedians. Why? Well first of all there’s nothing funny about racism. It wasn’t funny when the guy from Seinfeld made jokes about black people, or the fat Italian woman (whose name escapes me at this moment) who makes jokes about black men and it’s not funny when Chris Rock or any other black comedian makes jokes about white people. But my main beef is how these Step and fetchit wanna-bes get on T.V. and set us back to the Amos and Andy era. What’s worse is people are so caught up in bashing hip hop that they don’t see it. Everyone and their mother wants to denounce hip hop and yet are literally splitting their sides laughing at black comedians who perpetuate worse stereotypes than any rapper (gangsta or otherwise) would ever do. No, hip hop is not perfect by a longshot. However like I said last time, if you are going to get on one, then get on the other too.

Where are they now? Detroit hip hop edition.

As I sit here, musically reminiscing about the good old days, there are some artists that stick out in my mind, and I wonder what they are up to these days. Their cassette tapes and CDs are long out of print and stubbornly hard to find. Some had their careers cut short by the legal system, while the majority of the others have just seemed to drop off the face of the earth. While some of these names may be unfamiliar to some and others are just not checking for them, personally I still wonder where are they now.

• Suspect Establishment: They made one of my all time favorite hip hop joints “Through the cracks of my blindfold” back in 1997, when they called then mayor Dennis Archer on his bullshit and ripped him a new asshole on his corruption and neglect of the city’s neighborhoods.

• Schoolyard Bully: He had a dope cut about his hood “12000 Block of Roselawn” that was pure dopeness.

• Snake Pletzkins: In 1993 he debuted with his first tape “We got a bone to pick 666" Featuring Bitches off 6 (6 mile) was produced by Detroit hip hop pioneer Doc Chill. While every track was fish grease, my personal favorite was the title track which in my opinion is the quintessential posse cut up there with “the symphony”(yeah, I said it) . Damn shame people slept on it though. To paraphrase biggie: “I let the tape rock til the tape popped”: Literally. And ain’t been able to find another one since.

• Rap Mafia: One of the first Detroit hip hop artists to get play on the radio, their single “The underworld” as well as “Assassination of a Kingpin” were fixtures on video jukebox (channel 41, back when Comcast cable was then known as Barden cablevision) in the early 90s. These boys were poised to put Detroit on the hip hop map until their career was cut short by federal charges of money laundering and they haven’t been heard from since 1991. Ironically this only generated more buzz about the group.

• Detroit Boxx: Affiliated with Detroit’s Most Wanted and their clique APB, Boxx and his lead-off single “Spin to the Grooveline” as well as his follow up single “R U with it?” Made big noise throughout the D in 1990 and ‘91 respectively. Then like so many others, just dropped off.

Needless to say I’m also looking for these artists’ music also, so if you have a copy get at me at mista.ecks@gmail.com

the 313 throwback

Videos courtesy of Funkmassa VIP



J to the D - Sackchaser (1990)



Detroit Box - Spin to the Grooveline (1990)



Rap Mafia - The Underworld (1990)



Kaos and Mystro - Mystro on the flex (1989)



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