Monday, February 29, 2016

Promote Black History All Year Long ... #BlackHistoryMonth

We received an extra day this year for Black History Month, courtesy of it being a leap year.  I hope you made this day count.  If not, just because it's 'said' to celebrate for a month.. doesn't mean you have to.  You have all year to continue to promote Black History.  My church (who I won't name since I curse and carry on up here :} ) had a list of ways to do so on the bulletin.  I'll share a couple of theirs combined with my own::
Support Black Businesses
Share internships and job opportunities with the Black Community
Research your history.  Get involved.
Spread the word of Our Accomplishments
Make Your Own Accomplishments

I usually pick an older song, but this time around I chose to pick a current one that is overly powerful (along with the visual) to me and gives hope.  We have overcome SO much... but we still have a long battle to fight and endure everyday.  Keep standing tall.  We gon' be alright.


What's the Real Meaning behind February 29th??


The oddity of February 29th had arrived again; as it only shows up every 4 years.  Ever wonder what's the reason behind that?  I have.. and finally decided to do some research for myself today.  Here's the deal... apparently, the solar/tropical year is approximately 365.2422 days long.  Obviously for simplistic reasons, the human calendar cannot be comprised to match that number exactly.  The concept of a 'leap year', February 29th, is to make up for the time of those numbers you see above after the decimal.  
Humans usually ignore excessive numbers after the decimal (i.e. the actual cost of your fuel, weight of something, averages when doing a math equation etc.) to keep things less complicated, I suppose.  Interestingly found, you can't ignore Mother Nature's natural year length ... as evidence in history shows a result of wildly shifting dates and confusion (agriculturally, religiously, holidays etc.)  This extra day to accommodate the 'lost' time helps to stay in tune with the seasons.  

You can read up on more about the Leap Year and various calendars at National Geographic.

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Smithsonian Museum x "Hip-Hop Golden Era" exhibit

Nas at the Queensborough Bridge, NY.  1993
Danny Clinch, Courtesy of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Queen Latifah during the filming of the "Fly Girl" video.  June 23, 1991.
Al Pereira, courtesy of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
This Fall, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture is finally opening.  My anticipation has increased.  Per the NY Times Lens blog, upon the opening, there will be a photo exhibit documenting the 'Hip-Hop Golden Era' (time capsule).  The museum is set to open September 24th, but in the meantime get a glimpse of a few others appearing within the exhibit collection after the jump ::

Listen :: Years Later, Lil Wayne releases the Mastered version of "Trouble"


When 'Trouble' first started floating about 8 or 9 years ago, I remember vividly leaving work heading back to campus in my Toyota Corolla with this blaring from the subs.  I won't even touch on the amount of times it was played in my apt/dorm.  I would have the regular AND the chopped x screwed version playing back to back on repeat for an extended period of time.

Fast forward to today... the mastered version has finally surfaced.  Aside from the clarity, I noticed immediately they removed the 'war ensuing' in the background at the beginning of the song like they had on the 'mixtape' version.. along with other minor changes here and there.  You know the music is GOOD when years later... it still gives you the exact same feeling it gave you before.  I've already had it on repeat between the original and this one back and forth for the past ten minutes and counting.  Vibe out ...


{Personal Post} Somber Days // Home x Raury

One of my homeboy’s was murdered Tuesday.  You know how people say about your days ‘it can be worse’.. I never do.  I KNOW they can be worse (especially on my end) because they usually.. often do.. get worse.  I was feeling pretty good about something that day and it felt good to feel good... and then the slight ray of sunshine disappeared.  I got the horrible news.  I didn’t want to believe it. Unfortunately… what I’ve learned is.. not believing something won’t change it from being what it is.

From the voice of an Aching Heart.  

The crew met for happy hour two days later.  In an unsaid way, we needed to take a break from our lives and be around each other.  It was super sad.. and I did my best to try and deter the conversation. It worked.  Not in any disrespect.. but as we said he would say (since he made a joke out of everything)… “man ya’ll niggas in here all sad and shit that I’m dead.. man let’s party before I get to Heaven!”

The news of his death.. and HOW he was murdered.. and HOW folks reacted after.. put many many things in perspective for me… that I want to share.. but my OC privacy and guarding won’t allow me to do so.  I always say and attest.. the people that you all THINK are so happy and joking all the time…. You have not a clue what demons they battle behind closed doors. (As a famous example… Robin Williams). Usually signs are exhibited.. but no one pays attention, cares enough to reach out, or dismisses them as something small.  He and I side conversations had me knowing a side that most didn’t.  He was loved by many. Unfortunately.. in many of these cases… "people never get the flowers while they can still smell them". This is one of them. He is going to be MISSED. Hunsi… you were one of a kind. Save a spot for me and the crew up there. This post is for you.


Fly Shxt Only :: Future releases his own Emojis App


Future has followed in the steps of Kim Kardashian and Fetty Wap by introducing his own line of emoji's.  The Future emoji's, that he promoted via his twitter account, include emoticons of his face and noticeable items related to his interests and music.  I'm sure the FutureHive will enjoy this.  You can download the App for $.99 through the Apple App store.  
"If Young Metro don't trust You I'm Gon Shoot You".

Related Post :: From Keyboards to Fashion :: Andrey Artyomov x Opening Ceremony "Emoji Sweaters"

Artists Over-saturating :: I appreciate all the music but...

via akidnamedhiphop tumblr

I’m all for the abundance of new music.  As we all feel this way, new music brings excitement.
However… abundance on overload from the same artist can cause an opposite effect.  Don’t get me wrong.. it’s not going to stop us from giving it a listen.. but the reaction of exhaustion “damn he/she dropping another one?” “I didn’t even finish listening to this one” may cause us to miss out potentially.  Not giving one enough rotation because we’re deterred to listen to the newest.

Say Goodbye to the LOVE statue in Philadelphia; for now...

circa 2011
Say Goodbye to LOVE, for now...
Last week, the infamous Robert Indiana LOVE statue/sculpture was loaded and removed.  That's not all.  Love Park, the signature adopted skateboard home, was closed altogether.  Temporarily, that is. The popular tourist attraction is set to be closed nearly a year for renovation... a multi-million dollar renovation.  According to WFMZ, the 'new' park is said to have more grass landscape, a new fountain, and a food/beverage operation.  The granite that the skateboarders coasted on, however, won't be returning... BUT Mayor Jim Kenney says the granite will be distributed to skate parks within the city.  Until the renovations are done, you may be able to find the statue/sculpture at its temporary location at Dilworth Plaza.  

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Remembering Denise "Vanity" Matthews... | Give Me Your Love x Alfie Silas


The Last Dragon. Action Jackson. Girl Group 'Vanity 6'. and More.
Four months ago, she announced that she had Sclerosis Encapsulating Peritonitis.  Unfortunately, she had a drug overdose in 1994 and suffered significant damage to her kidneys, which caused major health issues later on.
  "I will endure until he comes for my soul...testimonies some hard and some dangerously painful are all unto the glory of the Lord.", she explained through her GoFundMe (for medical bills) page.

While I want to add her track 'Nasty Girl' to this post (currently singing the lyrics in my head while I type)... Vanity changed from her past as a thriving sex symbol and went on to become an Evangelist.  For that alone, I show respect... and won't.  Instead, I'll spread this rare gem to the masses.  
Rest in Peace Denise "Vanity" Matthews.  

Video :: Lift Me Up | Vince Staples #BlackHistoryMonth

I'm just a nigga. Until I fill my pockets.
And then I'm Mr. Nigga. They follow me while shopping…


So no one was gonna tell me that Vince dropped a video for 'Lift Me Up'? :(
This is my favorite song off his Summertime '06 album and one of the realest songs I've ever heard. The applicable and direct lyrics pack a mean punch behind this literal symbolic visual in many many ways. Listen. Watch.
Pray Jehovah lift me up.


TRAILER :: "The Black Panthers : Vanguard of the Revolution" airs Tonight!

"I was a free Negro.  In that lil' space I had...  I was the King.  And that's what I felt..."

***UPDATE from original 01/21/15 post. The documentary airs tonight on PBS/ 9pm EST! Watch the trailer below::

Cooking Healthy :: Waka Flocka Flame and Raury Teaches Us how to Properly make Vegan Blueberry Muffins

via Ecorazzi
"When he find it, episode three gon' be on"
Who knew Waka was a Vegan?  If you haven't caught his noticeable weight loss, now you have your reason.  He goes into detail of why he chose to go that route.  With Raury agreeing that he's the same and... 'I have wet dreams about Chic-Fil-a'... they are sure to add a little comedy twist to the mix.
Btw, I'm not vegan, but those muffins look pretty tasty.  Watch below::

{Watch} FADER presents Mac Miller documentary... "Stopped Making Excuses"


"There's moments when it gets dark".  
Through a candid lens, Mac Miller is captured in a most personal way.  Not holding back, Mac goes into how being alone constantly affected his being, how he came into drugs heavy and didn't want to be sober, what it feels like to return home after fame, and conclusively... his testimony of overcoming it all.  Although only 12 mins and MJ seconds, Director Rob Semmer captured all of the necessities of realness exuded throughout.  It's really good.  Watch below::

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Documentary Tour :: No Malice of 'The Clipse' Speaks out... Watch "The End of Malice" Trailer


"...What happened to that boy!?"
Most people are familiar with 'The Clipse' break up after Terrence "Pusha T" Thornton's rise with solo success, but many aren't aware of the back story and why his brother's rap name changed from Malice to No Malice.  Gene "No Malice" Thornton has teamed up with Pusha and close friend Pharrell (as the commentator) for a 40 minute documentary of his compelling story of filling a deep void to find fulfillment of life.  


The documentary is set to appear on REVOLT on March 27th, however, prior to it's debut... No Malice is going on a 16-city tour to promote 'The End of Malice'.  Watch the trailer::



See the dates for "The End of Malice" film tour below to see if it's coming to a theater near you:

Video :: Perfect | Tyler, the Creator x Kali Uchis x Austin Feinstein


Under his direction ego- Wolf Haley, Tyler releases a visual for 'Perfect'... the song that appears at the end of 'Fxckin Young' on his current album, Cherry Bomb.  As a treat, this version is extended with new additions of lyrics, rhythm changes etc. that aren't found on the album.
Watch/listen below::

Meet Marley Dias :: 11-year old who launched 1000 Black Girl Books #BlackHistoryMonth


Meet Marley Dias... 11-year old from New Jersey.  
One day, Dias expressed in a sense  to her mother that she was tired of reading literature that rarely reflected black girls as the protagonist, but more popularly about white boys and dogs.  In return, her mother challenged her..  “What are you going to do about it?” 

” ‘What are you going to do about it?’ [my mom] asked. And I told her I was going to start a book drive, and a specific book drive, where black girls are the main characters in the book and not background characters or minor characters.”

Marley started her #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign in which she hopes to collect 1000 books with black female lead characters.  Once all books collected, will send to childrens book drive in Jamaica.   #GirlPower.

Monday, February 8, 2016

Motivation Mondays :: Scream | Michael x Janet Jackson #BlackHistoryMonth

Tired of injustice.

As jacked as it sounds.
The whole system sucks. 

You're selling out souls.
but I care about mine.
I've got to get stronger
and I won't give up the fight.

Sunday, February 7, 2016

#BlackLivesMatter movement receiving $1.5 Million donation from TIDAL


TIDAL X ,on October 20th last year, was hosted as the company's first charity concert.  As a success, they raised $1.5 million. 

Friday 02/05/2016, which would've marked Trayvon Martin's 21st Birthday, TIDAL/Roc Nation announced that they will donate the $1.5 million made from the concert to the Black Lives Matter movement, The Trayvon Martin Foundation, and other orgs such as Hands Up United, Opportunity Agenda etc.  


“The process of acquiring recommendations (for nonprofits) was collaborative and inspired by the message that speaks to racial and social inequities and injustice in our society.  Our ideology is to have a hi-fi level of consciousness in everything we do...”- Dania Diaz, managing director of philanthropy at Jay Z’s entertainment company, Roc Nation. 

S.o. to EssenceMag

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Remembering Maurice White :: "Burning Bush" | EWF


The chills you give us at the beginning with your notes is the way many of your (EWF) lyrics/songs made our hearts feel.  In honor of you and your timeless contribution... 

SLAY :: Beyonce' releases new single/music video "FORMATION"


I like my negro nose
with Jackson 5 nostrils.

Early Saturday evening (EST) was surprisingly shut down as Beyonce released a new single/music video for 'Formation'.  Set in New Orleans, this indirect empowerment anthem features super catchy lyrics accompanied by a heavy hitting production.  Meanwhile if that and the crisp choreography isn't enough, the 'Stop Shooting Us' segment where the police put their hands up with the black kid in a black hoody dancing, congregation praising the Lord, and drowning of the police car is one intense sonic boom punch of black symbolism.  This song and video couldn't have come at a better time (personally) and even sweeter...during #BlackHistoryMonth.

How You can help in the Flint, Michigan water Crisis


Unfortunately, the water crisis in Flint, MI is still occurring.  There have been LOADS of water donated to help the city out.  You can help too.  Here's how...


The United Way of Genesee County has a fund set up for the purchase of filters, bottled water, emergency support services, and prevent efforts that you can donate to.  100% of the fund is used for these purposes.  Any remaining funds will be directed to the Flint Child Health and Development fund; a fund that provides aids to children and families with interventions that support positive health outcomes.  Help a life.  
Donate here.

 P.S. If you know someone in Flint who needs assistance, have them call 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org.

Mixtape of the Week :: Saving Yusef | Stalley


From Start to Finish.

TRAILER :: Don Cheadle transforms completely into Miles Davis for biopic 'Miles Ahead'


***UPDATE from 07/09/2014 post- TRAILER Added.

“You studied piano too? “
“Nah… just woke up Black.  Knew how to play.”


Voted Unanimously :: France law to give Unsold Supermarket food to the less Fortunate



On Wednesday, this law was voted unanimously by the French senate after a petition circulated from Courbevoie councillor Arash Derambarsh.  The Supermarkets in France  (400 sq. metres or larger) now have a law instilled where they are banned from throwing away or spoiling unsold food.. and instead... are REQUIRED to donate that food to charities and food banks.

!!! REQUIRED. 

If markets do not abide, they could incur fine costs up to 3750 Euros (= a little over $4k in U.S. dollars).  Something so simple as this could finally be the beginning to an end of 'world' hunger.  Hopefully, it will start a domino effect and restaurants, bakeries, etc. will follow suit.  
 Attention AMERICA.... YOUR turn!


Lineup/Info :: Broccoli City Festival 2016 | Washington, D.C.




Related Post :: {Personal Post} PHOTOS:: Broccoli City Festival 2015 + 'we are all DOOMed' art exhibit inspired by MF Doom

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

NOPE : Video - Kids share their thoughts on Stacey Dash #BlackHistoryMonth Comments


Over the past several months, actress Stacey Dash has found a way to make her way into the media with preposterous comments regarding her own race... in which most times she seems to not include herself as being a part of it.. O_o
  Most recently, she took it upon herself to suggest the cancellation of the BET station and Black History Month.  *Sigh.  I could go on my own personal rant about her comments and behavior in this aspect, but that’s not what this post is about.  Let’s stay positive and focus on the beautiful babies- our kids speaking up and sharing their pride and thoughts with Eunique Gibson, the founder of ‘Because of Them, We Can’. 


s.o. to SaintHeron

{Personal Post} PHOTOS :: Premium Co Pop-up Shop Event



Premium Co. recently held one of the dopest pop-up shops I've ever been to.  With Maurice Electric Supply, Inc. as the location, they completely revamped the spot with a super creative dry cleaner/laundry service theme of their own.  Check out the fun event as I snapped a few photos and had others snap a few photos of she and I together...

“Rihanna is my Celebrity crush”. Rapper B.G. fills in the blanks from Prison


Christopher Dorsey a.k.a B Gizzle a.k.a. Baby Gangsta b,k.a B.G.
Unfortunately in 2012 at age 31, B.G. was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for gun possession and witness tampering.  While doing his stint, XXL Mag/Emmanuel C.M. caught up with him for the Winter 2015 issue for a piece called ‘Doin Lines’.  I’ve always enjoyed the ‘fill in the blanks’ of random questions.  See what B.G. had to say below::

1. My biggest regret in life is FLIPPING TO THE LAST PAGE OF MY CASH MONEY CONTRACT AND SIGNING IT OUT OF LOVE & LOYALTY.

2. Birdman is FAMILY, HE RAISED ME.

3. I keep busy in jail by READING, WRITING, WORKING OUT AND CHILLING.

TRAILER : "F*ck, That's Delicious" starring Action Bronson & Friends


If you've been keeping up with Action Bronson the past couple years, you may have recognized that he has been dipping his hand into his culinary skills often.  In the latest series installment of "F*ck, That's Delicious", you will see Bronson travel the world on some unique adventures... of course including food of all kinds.  Alongside his close friends Big Body Bes and Meyhem Lauren (also, the Alchemist), check out the trailer of education, comedy, and fun all wrapped in one; airing on March 3rd via VICELAND::


s.o. to HypeBeast

Related Post ::  STANCE socks x Action Bronson collaboration

Related Post ::  YUM :: DJ Khaled's 'Finga Licking' restaurant in Miami

Lineup/Info :: 9th Annual Roots Picnic | Philadelphia, PA


Monday, February 1, 2016

"There are so few black artists featured on it, why is that?" :: Remembering David Bowie x Notable Hip-Hop Samples


His influence has resonated through Hip hop artists as several have sampled Bowie. His legacy will continue. Here's a few...

Motivation Mondays :: We Will Survive | Nas #BlackHistoryMonth

Still we will survive...
No matter what my people just stay alive...

{Personal Post} :: Lost Photos from 2015


A co worker came up the idea to have office moral on Friday by wearing similar shoes.  This particular day was 'Jordan Day'.  I'm sure you can spot my small feet out the bunch. 


Paging Mr. Herman ! Check out the trailer for "Pee-Wee's Big Holiday'


Coming from someone who can recite nearly the entire script of each movie (Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure and Big Top Pee Wee) … can we say .. excited?   Paul Reubens better known as Pee Wee Herman announced that he is releasing a new movie… titled Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday.  The movie is set to premiere at SXSW in Austin, TX and then will begin streaming on Netflix at 12:01 AM.. Friday, March 18th.  According to his site, the movie is described as :;

The new film stars the beloved fun-loving hero of TV, stage and film, ME!! In Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, a fateful meeting with a mysterious stranger inspires me to take my first-ever holiday in this epic story of friendship and destiny. The film stars me (!), Joe Manganiello (True BloodMagic Mike XXL), Jessica Pohly (Stalker), Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development) and Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), and was directed by John Lee (Wonder ShowzenThe Heart She Holler). Paul Reubens and Paul Rust (Comedy Bang! Bang!Arrested Development) wrote the film, that was produced by Reubens and Judd Apatow (TrainwreckBridesmaids).

Watch the trailer below::

{Late Post} :: Top Albums of 2015


The annual tradition continues.  I didn't extend the submission invite to many compared to previous years.  Just a panel of 4 this time around.  I solely copy and paste the submissions with no alterations from the original to keep the generator's authenticity.  With all the good music that released, it was a difficult weigh in.. but we made it work.  Check out our Top Albums (projects) of 2015 after the jump!

ADDICTION's 6th blog-aversary!

I can't believe it has been 6 years of blogging already.  ADDICTION has come a longgg way from various contents.. to writing styles.. all types of things.  I'm ever so thankful for my faithful supporters.  You all keep me going.  It's only going to get better from here.  Let's start black history month off right.  Stay Tuned
XOXO- Dolcezza