Over the past few years I’ve felt like…and believe me, it’s hard to even admit this…that Fat Joe probably hasn’t gotten the credit he’s deserved. I’ve come to gain a new found respect for Joe. I know, he can truly irritate the hell out of people…me included, but one thing none of us can deny is that somehow…Joe survived! Fat Joe’s first album “Represent” came out in 1993. He’s from the day when Chris Thomas was the Mayor of Rap City…and he’s still relevant. That’s a feat within itself…

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Juelz Santana, Max B, Remy, Cuban Link, Jay Hood, everyone on Roc-A-Fella…the listed of disgruntled rappers we’ve heard from goes seems to go on and on. But lets all be honest…they primarily have only themselves to blame for breaking one of the cardinals sins of the business of hip hop…a mistake you out there, you “potential rappers,” would be a idiot to make…they all signed…to another rapper!

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Everyday we hear tragic stories on the news that end with some young person being dead, and we think it’s absolutely shame and a waste. Then…every so often…we hear a story that could have been tragic, but since no one died…it becomes absolutely hilarious!

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BY Michael Partis

Mary on her relationship with Oprah

“’Oprah was like, ‘I didn’t care for you, but it was when I got to know you that I realized who you were.’ Though Oprah is now a friend, Mary is not surprised at her opinion. ‘I understand somebody like her wouldn’t even feel me at all.’ Mary says. ‘I’m a nigga, you know what I’m sayin? So when she said that to me, I was like, ‘Thank you for that honesty.’”

Mary J. Blige
No Shame
VIBE February 2008

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Before you read any further…make sure you’ve taken a good look at the video right above from the Flo Rida concert from last week, courtesy WhatsPoppin.net….Alright, have you taken all that recklessness in. Let’s continue…

When I saw this wonderful piece of visual magnificence, I will be honest…I was moved to tears…just a little. I was emotionally overwhelmed by talent and tenacity young lady in the purple! Did you see the COMMITMENT!!! Even when she realized that there wasn’t a chance in hell of keeping her H&M dress down…she attacked the stage with fervor! And…and this is just the opinion of Bari the Beautiful…if you’re going to get your reckless self on the stage…just gimme the COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE! Completely embarrass yourself…and entertain the rest of us! Have NO shame! Pull up your skirt! Hit the floor! No draws on…that’s ok with us. Be all you can be! That’s what your parents would want!
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If you are a fan of the young lady I affectionately still call “Lil Penny”… you may call her Janet Damita Jo Jackson… I would suggest you start saving up more than the $9.99 you thought you were going to need to cop her new album “Discipline” next Tuesday. Oh she’s going to need you to buy a few copies…a minimum of 3-5 for you core Janet Jackson fans that have been complaining and crying that Janet’s been getting blackballed ever since she exposed her areola to millions of (white) people at the Superbowl!

It hurts me deep in my soul…in my loins…to have to say this, but Janet is on the fast track to catching herself a brick next week! I’m not talking about a “bad for Janet” brick…no those days are over! Not even a Ashanti…or a Amerie brick. I’m talking about….like a Blu Cantrell brick! A Kelly Rowland brick! Like an Oliva pre-GUnit brick! One of those bricks that will have Janet touring in a play with Malik Yoba.

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When The Empire Strikes Back, We Say YES WE CAN: The Boondocks, Hip-Hop, & Politics As Usual

By Michael Partis

“Excuse me. I have brief announcement. Jesus was black, Ronald Regan was the devil and the government is lying about 9/11. Thank you for you time and good night.” Huey Freeman- “The Boondocks”

“Don’t make sense for Obama to win/if Hilary still getting votes from ya mama and them”
Jadakiss-“Mornings was Hashbrowns” Freestyle

“I’m not sure America is ready for a Black President.” 50 Cent to Bill O’Reily- February 2008

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