When Room Service Gets Wack

It seems as if time is playing that same old dirty trick where it passes by without effort and springs up on your ass like 'noon to a drunkard'...sudden than a muthafucka! Here we are damn near in April and it it feels like just yesterday I was bringing the new year in. Fortunately, with the passing of the time comes the passing of the seasons and for New York that means that the cold weather is being forced out daily though it's still brick here. Back home Dallas my family tells me of 75 degree days while i spend mine wrapped in my winter coat like its Christmas time again. Fortunately, New Yorkers are resilliant creatures. They don't care if its three feet of snow on the ground, the city keeps on moving along.

I can say that since day light saving kicked in my appetite for partying has grown. It used to be that when I got off work 6pm it was completely dark. Now I can make it all the way home before the street lights kick on which lets me know that Spring is right around the corner.

Last night I went to Room Service. Village will be hosting Sunday nights there officially starting in April and for what it's worth it's actually a pretty cool spot. Great design, banging sound system and just big enough to where its not over bearing. I wasn't going to go but in the end felt like it was as good a night to party as any. Saw some of the regulars of course and suprisingly J. appeared out of nowhere. I hadn't seen him in a couple months and was pleasantly surpised to find him there. It was Rocko's album release party. You know the cat that sings "Ummma Do Meeee!!!". I saw a coule of Diddy's Day 26 memebers in there as well. I heard Jermain Dupri was there as well but I never saw him. Anyway, i woke up this morning feeling relatively normal since I didn't really drink at all and tried to take it in early. if you can count 3am as early.

I did speak to one of my best girlfriend's in the world, Ebony. I hadn't spoke to her in a while so it felt good catching up with her crazy ass as usual. On another note, I've started writing again. A new novel. And I'm extremely excited about the possibilities.

My Night At the Smiranoff Signature Series Event

The homie Jay hooked it up again and got me on the list for the Smiranoff Signature Series Party last night with Q-Tip, Common & KRS-1 along with Dre from Cool & Dre, Just Blaze and DJ Premier. It was at this spot called Element on the lower east side, two floors, pretty cool for a show as it has a stage and a pretty good sound system. Just so happens I get a call from Dave Lighty asking whats going on for the night and since he's on the guest list as well (you couldn't buy your way into this joint for the most part) we decided to meet there. Good thing too as the people on the regular guest list were not allowed to enter the venue until 7pm and did not have access to the upstairs VIP area. Me walking in with Dave allowed me to receive one of those coveted red bracelets that gave you autonomy to roam freely.

The first person I see walking in is Sway of MTV fame. Very personable guy. He was the show host and I appreciated the fact that he actually spoke to me as if he knew me which is always cool. I hate when lames act all Hollywood. As we walked across the dance floor to the nearest bar, which had all the free Smironoff you could want, I saw Jonny Nunez, which many people wouldn't know by face but I'm sure you've gazed at more than one of his photographs of celebrities mainly hip hop celebrities. I always see him out but for some reason we never really acknowledge that fact. I guess that's a New York thing.

While at the bar waiting on a drink who walks right up next me? Consequence of Kanye's label GOOD Music. The interesting thing about seeing him is that we actually had words, though very few, at this Usher party last year. This was before Don't Quit Your Day Job actually dropped but not long after The Cons Vol 3 - Da Come Back Kid was released. Anywho, at the time I was really feeling that mixtape so I said something to that effect to which he graciously thanked me. This time though, I didn't say anything but I did catch something in his face that saw something familiar in mine. Once again, that new york thing... And just to add my 2 cents, I wasn't really feeling DQYDJ. Something was missing from what I found so infectuous on the mixtape. I guess if you can't say something nice...

So after getting a not so tasty concoction of the Blueberry Smironoff and lemonade mix drink that was inspired by Q-Tip it was upstairs to the VIP area. We sat directly next to Dre's table. Dave actually knew him so fifteen minutes into sitting there we were all smoking together. He's cuter in person. Most times I see him in videos or on tv he looks kinda droopy in the face. You know, the sleepy eye look. But in person not so much.

Before long Sway stepped on stage and introduced Q-Tip. Donning an old school black and gold addidas suit Tip looked and sounded like he was in good form. It was good seeing him perform as I haven't really whitnessed him doing anything other than DJing as of late.

Next up was Common. I havn't seen Common perform in a long ass time. It's easily been a couple years. And I was reminded of how great a performer this man is. And how fine! Of course he did the favorites and did a dope freestyle to end it all. I have to make sure I make a point to see him the next time he comes to the city to perform.

Lastly, came KRS -1 whom I'm not ashamed to say I don't really know. I was born and raised in Texas and if i never felt like a New Yorker, it was last night when this man hit the stage. Cats was madd hype to see him. Old heads, young heads, everybody. Although, I know the choruses to songs like South Bronx and Criminal Minded the only song I could probably recite is Self Destruction....Obviously, he didn't do that song.

Fucking Around With The Roots All Day

Dice Raw, Me, And Black Thought @ The video shoot for 75 Bars/Get Busy



Can I just say that both Dice and Thought were cool and laid back and the entire experience was memorable. I can't wait to see the video to see if I have a cameo appearance. Thought is absolutely grown and sexy in person. I also chatted with Quest and saw Kamal though i didn't have the opportunity to talk with him.

Surreal...For Real

"Last night I saw you in my dreams. Now I can't wait to go to sleep."

Ye gave this performance in rememberance/reverence of his mother and it struck a deep chord with me.

After watching this and going to bed I dreamed of my own mama.

How sweet it was...

When Life Comes At You Fast

I'm in a complete place of contentment today. I feel oddly at peace.






Interesting events that make you think...


Monday night I went to the Pink Elephant. I've never been and was pleasantly suprised at how nice it was. The New York Giants had there Super Bowl celebration there and the boys were definitely in the house pouring up Crystal like it wasn't funny. I swore I saw at least 10-15 bottles of that shit floating around at any given time. Confetti was flying, everybody was dancing, partying up like we'd all got a championship ring...it was actually a really fun night. The only way it could have been better is if my crush had showed up. Not that I would've done anything if he had. I realized that while football players are super fine but I'm not really attracted to them. Yet and still I appreciate the fitness.

So this past Saturday I hung out at my homegirl Corren's house. Donwizzle came through which is always cool. I hadn't seen his ass since I ran into him at the Pete Rock party a few months back. We ate, listened to music, smoked, drank...you get the idea. I like Brooklyn...it has its own soul. Whenever I'm there I feel like i'm trapped in an old common song...like my very own nag champa video. Erick ended up coming by as well although I think he was probably a bit dissapointed. I had not seen him in a month of sundays and the mood was akward and felt somewhat strange. I hate when that happens.

The primaries happened last night and voters in twenty-two states had the chance to choose who they would put into office. In the end Obama cameup trailing Hilary in electoral votes. The margin was a slim one and I think this solidifies Obama's presence even more. It would have been nice had he won though.

I had a training session this morning. For Gary to have worked me out so bad I actually feel good. quite rejuvenated and fit! Having a trainer is so expensive and prettty soon I'm going to have to figure out a way to supplement my income since I don't think I can keep paying as I go for much longer. Not for nothing, though, it still feels good getting my ass in shape.

See, That's Your Problem...

Last night I joined a gym. A pretty fancy one too. My boss had been telling me that the company would pay for membership if I was interested and I finally got tired of procrastinating and joined last night. For those of you leaving in New York City, you know David Barton as catering to a gay crowd. I walked in last night with no idea on what to expect and found what looked like a club. There was a dj and the atmosphere screamed party hard. Well, party hard and I'm gay.

Setting myself up for the Okey Doke I scheduled a personal training session for eight oclock this morning. What in the hell was I thinking? I forgot even what the commute on the train was like at that hour. NY'ers are beast durning rush hour. I don't have to be at work until ten and by then its pretty much quiet on the train. These clowns on the train before them seem more like walking zombies than human beings. I almost had to cuss this chick out for sticking her bag in my back. Rude!

After the fact, the work out session was actually pretty cool. And if it weren't for the fact that them shits cost an arm and a leg I'd probably commit to seeing a trainer twice a week. Looks like I'll be taking the group classes instead.

This weekend VH1 is hosting an open call for a television show that centers around the contest to become Puffy's assistant. Why am I intrigued by this? I've almost convinced myself to go and try out...but i'm scared. Scared they may actually choose me that is. I have the coolest job as it is...I'd hate to have to choose.

What else?

This was a passage written by the comedian George Carlin. It struck home on many levels and I feel the need to share simply because it's the truth. And it's definitely worth the read.

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

If you don't send this to at least 8 people....Who cares?

George Carlin

Afflictions with Obsessions

I'd say this weekend passed effortlessly enough. I made plans but of course once it actually came down time to execute them I decided to do otherwise. I did go grocery shopping which only aided in my staying in for the two short days that is my time off from work and I must admit when i made the concious decision to stay in it felt strangely liberating.

Whilst at home I somehow became obsessed with watching the S. Carolina primaries. I was overjoyed that Barack Obama took it with such force and was literally on the edge of my seat while listening to him give his victory speech. I've taken the liberty of posting it up here in case any of you missed it. For the first time in, well, period I feel connected to the election process and hopeful that something other than self serving initiatives can take place from within it. It's was Barack calls the audacity of hope! I wanna attend a rally or some shit, get more into it all! I want to take part in this political revolution.

I find myself severly motivated by this man and his ideas...




So last night was the birthday party of one of the guys in the click that I sometimes go out with. I'd pretty much been phsyched to attend since i received the invite being that I think the guy is interesting and all but like so many other plans I had for the weekend, shit just fell through. I think this goes back to me not wanting to move forward in regards to my crush...shit I just like having one. In the end I just didn't feel like being bothered but in the spirit of keeping crushes alive, I'm posting up the new video for Honey.

Erykah Badu - Honey
The video has as much of an old school feel as the song itself and I love it! Check it out.



Man, I can't wait to get my tax return money!!

Life is Full of Interuptions and Complications

Mental Tug-O-War...Bodies dancing closely yet not together. I felt like he placed himself there beside me...strategically. Or maybe sub-consiously for it was as if he appeared magically. Normally a reserved specimen, even in the club, he became animated for the slightest moment raising his arms in the club's haze filled air..."I got the baddest chick in the game wearing my chain!" I danced along side him feigning dis-interest. Why do I feel like a school girl around this man? Is he my crush...a moments fixation...a fleeting fantasy? At moments I clearly felt his gaze fall on my face and body. Seemingly outlining every inch he took in. Never as I watched him though. Not once did he allow me the chance to look deep into his eyes. For that is where I can see everything, that's where I would be able to tell, to see. Even as our glances passed over each other I could tell he made a consious effort to not give in to me regarding this. And this did nothing but heighten the feeling of wanting to know.

I almost prefer to leave it at this. I fear i'll not like him at all if I even attempt to get to know him. Not knowing keeps the dream alive so to speak, for life is full of interuptions and complications and whose to say this isn't exactly what that is.

There were other people there too, obviously. I saw those Making the Band boys. Oh and Danity Kane too who I must say looked somewhat busted. Especially that D Woods chick who seemed to be coupled up with Q, which is funny since I figured him to be gay since the first time I saw him. And Will that man is fine but even he was with some drunk dumpy looking girl. Go figure. The NY Giants were in the building as it was their celebration for making it to the Supebowl but since I don't follow football like that I couldn't tell you the Quaterback from the towel boy I won't even try to name names.

I love when nights go all perfect and shit.

Since No One Else Has The Guts To Say It...

They boo'd his ass! The other night I went to the Jam Master Jay Tribute Concert and Award Show at Hammerstein Ballroom. There was a long list of performers like Snoop, De La Soul, MOP, Dead Prez, and Mobb Deep. The few that stick out is Papoose who did a bunch of mixtape songs noone new or cared to hear and Jim Jones who the crowd actually boo'd. I'll be honest and say he deserved it too! For some reason he didn't have a show tape to perform to. He was trying to rap over his own lyrics which came off as sounding as if he didn't practice. Where's the professionalism? I actually dig Jimmy but his set was the absolute worse. Actually, maybe it was the ex-rapper turned country singer Everlast who stated "Johnny Cash was the first hip hop gangster!" And even sung a Cash song. Either way the it was absolute hilarious.

Shouts out to my homie Shucky who somehow bumrushed the MOP set, wildin' out, drunker than a you-know-what! And Jay for hookin' a girl up with that free ticket!

Finding Solace in the Randomness...AKA...A Dime A Dozen

Last night I went to a club called Retreat. It's a pretty chill spot, kinda small but nice atmosphere just the same. My homie Village, whose a promoter invited me to this NBA party where I don't think I even saw any players. Well, maybe there was one or two but I didn't know the faces and only assumed they were players becasue they were tall and had a little bling. Yes one of them tried to holla but, no, I wasn't interested. I always like going out with Village cause I know its bottle poppin and VIP all night long. I also like the fact that he has a pretty cool bunch of people he hangs with. If nothing else they don't fuck with me.

The night started out cool enough and I was pleasantly suprised to see that Village had also invited Jay. Jay is this guy that I seem to randomly see at various functions. The last time I saw him I was at my old boss Micheal's restaurant on a Thursday night. I didn't say anything then just like the times before but for some reason last night I felt ok to introduce myself and told him that I thought he was handsome. He smiled, said thank you a couple of times and gave me mock praise in return in the form of a worshipping motion with his hands and arms. That was it. No more conversation. I did catch him looking at me a couple of times after that but nothing more. For some reason something about the whole exchange intrigued me.

After Retreat a group of us went to Lotus. Lotus was crazy. Packed to the brim with people (at least on the first floor) but that didn't stop Village from getting us all into VIP. I saw Swizz Beatz who said what's up (I'll talk about that later), Terrence and Rocsi and I think Treach from Naughty By Nature. I caught Terrence checking me out and if I didn't know better I'd think Rocsi was looking at him looking at me like what the hell is he looking at. Of course I was tipsy and can be guilty of a small amount of narcissism here and there so there is the very minute possiblitly that I mistook a passing glance as checking me out though I very seriously doubt it. Around 3:30 I decided to leave and just as I get into the cab I see Swiss walking up to a Maybach with some guys. "Hey cutie." I say. "No you're the cutie." he replies. I'd met him at a party a while back and asked if he remembered me. "Of course I remember you" he says. And of course I didn't believe him but it still felt good to hear.

For the most part it felt really good to go out and just chill with some cool people and party in the midsts of it all. I hadn't really been out like that in a while and it did wonders for my ego. It was a completely random evening and I can't wait to do it again.

Changes Abound...

I contemplated changing my hair for a while before I actually mustered up enough nerve to do it. While I do fancy myself as a proponent of change, changing my hairstyle seemed a little daunting. I mean, I liked my old hair style. Being that i'd rocked if for the better part of the last four years a change not only felt needed but wanted.

I figured since 2008 is steadily approaching, why not. The end of the year has always been a time for reflection, of prospects and of realizing my future. I figured with all the changes I've been facing recently changing my hair was actually no biggie. It seemed more of a progression than any thing and I can honestly say that I'm so glad I did it.

Overlooking the undeniably obvious....

So many things have managed to change within the blink of an eye and like they so often do they have popped up suddenly than a muthafucka! These things have caused me to analyze and pick a part every minute detail of my life. And as we all know with self reflection comes the menancing cruelty and uplifting enlightment of reality. For the first time in a long time I feel as though I'm able to really let myself fully experience things without utilizing the defense mechanism I've developed over the years of feigning disinterest. I'm opening myself to all things with nothing expected but the experience of living itself and I"m filled with this the undeniable feeling of being young again. I mean, not that I'm old but I've got my share of baggage in life's perverbial trunk and it feels good to lose that shit in the universal airport.

Kings or Pawns, Emperors or Fools

First have any of you been to this blog at jonathanjaxon.blogspot.com? It’s the most entertaining tabloid read I’ve had online in a long time. He claims to know the inside scoop on certain celebrities who are gay or bi-sexual. This list is crazy. He says Jonnie Gill & Eddie Murphy been sleeping together for years. I think everybody pretty much knew this. Well except for maybe Tracey Edmunds. This chick is either in it for the money or completely off her rocker. Who’d want to marry a man who’s had his lover live in he and his last wife’s pool house. Baby! These old hoes act more stupid than the young ones at times. Although he doesn’t call Ludacris gay he does say that back in the day Luda used to have sex with some random gay guy that’s now become a porn star. He claims that R Kelly, Ja Rule and DMX all have slept with their male stylist at some point and that Big Tigger at some point was fucking with both Superhead and Tyson Beckford at the same time. None of these people surprise me. Not even Luda. Now this guy Jonathan Jaxon is this gay, ex-publicists or something like that. He’s hung out with some celebs, represented some others and fallen out with others still. Although I can’t say if everything he says is the truth, if you go to his website and watch his video blogs you’ll find him very convincing. And definitely not afraid of getting sued. Personally, I think he’s a breath a fresh air. Who didn’t know Usher, Will Smith and Jamie Fox weren’t gay? OK, so maybe we didn’t know but yall know we, at least, thought it. This guy had the guts to come out and say that he’d actually shared a hot and really good kiss with Cuba Gooding Jr. Now you see poor Cuba in the tabloids being accused of hitting on all sorts of women. I guess his PR person believes its better to be an aldulterer than to be gay. Damn fools, I tell ya. I, for one, can’t wait to see what happens with all of this.


Method to the Madness…
I’ve been working out for almost two weeks now. I’d noticed I gained a few (actually 12) pounds over the last six to nine months and figured I’d better do something about it before the situation totally got away from me. I guess, as I get older all the sweet cakes and potato chips with hot sauce is catching up with me. I figured to make the situation easier I’d join a gym and get a trainer. You know, get someone on my team to motivate my ass to exercise and eat right continuously. What I didn’t expect was the affects it would have on my energy and my attitude in general. Last night I went to the gym to get on some of the three hours of cardio I have to do outside of my sessions with the trainer weekly. After leaving I thought I’d be out of it but to my surprise I felt like a million bucks. I did forty minutes on the treadmill and twenty on the elixir. At some point I realized I liked it and it was as though the more sweat that poured off me the better. I was in a trance.

Chronicles of a Real G

I came across this yesterday and the man made so much sense I had to post it up. He's basically speaking on the state of Hip Hop and how we must incur some much needed changes before it's totally ruined. He spoke of this fake gangster rappers are leading our children to believe that selling dope is the way to go or that instead of talking about how much money and jewelry they have they should try teaching something within their music. He even speaks on closeted homosexuals in hip hop. He says nothing's wrong with being gay - its a preference - but something is definitely wrong if your hiding it or you feel ashamed about what your doing. He talk about all kinds of stuff and he doesn't beat around the bush about it. "Get off the boo boo!" is what he says and I'm down with that! I've included the link below. If you love hip hop check it out...

http://www.trillsouth.com/blog/news/the-chronicles-of-pimp-c-ozone-magazine-official/

Fact Is Sometimes Fiction...

I tell all my non-New York friends that some how the time passes more swiftly in New York than in any city I've ever been in. The days pass like hours and before you know it a month of Sundays have gone by without you barely taking notice. The last time I wrote I'd just gotten back from home. And when I'd arrived I was overwhelmed with the feeling of ambitious energy. Meaning that I was somehow motivated on my last trip home to do more than what it is that I'm currently doing with myself here. I mean, here I am in the city of dreams and I'm not utilizing all that is at my doorstep. I was acting complacent when the truth was I was anything but. Do I like my job? Hell yes. Would I like to do this for the rest of my life? Hell no! (emphatically no!) I was actually having a conversation with Sal yesterday about how it seems that in working for monetary gain I've began disregarding my creative-self and I'm non too happy about this fact. For some reason I find doing what you love for a living very romantic in a worldly kind of way. And it's something that I want to do. And it's something I AM going to do.

My cousin who lives in Florida sent me some pics of his son, Lil' Brandon. Isn't he just the cutest Little people intrigue me. I find it rather interesting to know that one day they will turn old and take care of little people of their own. I guess it has something to do with the life cycle. It actually can seem pretty depressing. It's like this old gay guy told me once..."honey none 0f us are getting any younger." Ain't that the truth.

Have any of you guys seen the new version of Google. It's called Blackle and it's supposed to save energy by having a black screen as opposed to white. Not a bad idea, however, I like it because it black. Black is my favorite color by the way. Go check it out... www.blackle.com

My ex-boyfriend James came to New York this past weekend. I hadn't talked to him in months and i wasn't quite sure how I'd react to him. We met for a quick bite to eat at this really cool outside brasserie called Maison. Just like the old days, our conversation flowed like water. It made me remember how effortless things were between us at some point. We talked about music (he's working closely with Chamillionaire - Don't ask), Dallas, and about new opportunities in New York. I took him to one of my hotels and showed off a little bit. Letting him know that his girl isn't exactly running New York but that I do have some swagger and am certainly on my way. He said he was proud and joked my current boyfriend would have something to worry about if he took the job being offered. We both laughed at that for some reason. It's weird to because I never would have thought back then that we'd be living our lives completely separate at this point. It felt good sitting in his presence, reminiscing about the good old days and talking about our respective futures. We had drinks on the rooftop of the Dream Hotel and eventually said goodbye promising to keep in touch. We were supposed to link up again before he left but it didn't pan out. Oh well...