Former Prince Guitarist Needs Your Help

Before Purple Rain and The Revolution, the fancy suits and hairdos, a young Prince Rogers Nelson -  donning anything from gold spandex to a trench coat with leg warmers - could be seen on several music programs like Don Kirschner's Rock Concert and Midnight Special. On his left was a sometimes spiky-haired guitarist Dez Dickerson, whose attire was a mashup of New Wave/thrift store chic, playing his ax.  When you saw bassist Andre Cymone to his right, you knew the string solo would rival that of Ernie Isley and the late Jimi Hendrix.

In the song "1999",  Dickerson sang the most memorable line - "Life is just a party and parties weren't meant to last". Also, his guitar solo on Little Red Corvette (1983) was named in Guitar World's Top 100 that same year. That would be one of his last recordings with The Purple One. Yup, how time flies.

Shortly after, he was replaced by Wendy Melvoin, who would go on to write movie and TV scores with former keyboardist Lisa Coleman. While Dickerson made a brief musical appearance in Purple Rain, he's been mainly behind the music scenes for 40 years. At one point, he found his musical home in the Christian genre, where he was an A&R person for Starsong Communications. He also ran his own Christian rock label, Absolute Records.

Dez also wrote a book, a personal account of his time with Prince, which was published in 2003. Since his departure, he's remained active in the music scene and kept a low profile except for appearances at SXSW. When asked by journalists about his last conversation with Prince before his untimely passing, Dickerson wasn't about that life.

Today, he's suffering from a few ailments but has not yet publicly disclosed what or his reason for a Go Fund Me campaign. Reddit posters had some interesting takes on the subject, including money Dickerson rightfully deserved during Prince's peak musical period. Before his health took a turn, he also worked as a host for a Tennessee radio station.

Before You Decide to Floss

 Here's a subtle reminder of how the establishment sees us (yes, even today in 2017).  Think about it, how often are we featured in ads about investments and other financial services?  While I'm glad to more of us in ads referring to small business ownership and advanced education, spending wisely is the real key to success IMHO. Don't trust the big name institutions? Try these instead! (Courtesy of Watch the Yard). P.S. Thanks to my cuzzo Shadana for posting this on Facebook last month.

A Music Throwback and a Message

Sorry, if I'm a little MIA, had back-to-back exams and projects to complete.  But I've been lurking on the some of the blogs about what some of these new entertainers REALLY think about Black women.  Now, being from L.A., I think people should date who they please but respect their own as well, whether it be Black, Brown, or whatever.  

Seems the rappers have particularly strong feelings.  While Kendrick Lamar has praise, others go in on women with dark brown skin, natural hair, and features that are far from keen (but if you have an Inflata-Booty you MIGHT be allowed to party with those who don't have half the wealth they floss).

Anywho, I was so into my gym time today that I let my music tracks do their thing and ran across this gem by Meshell Ndegeocello.  A truly underrated sis whose Plantation Lullabies CD (from 94/95?) was truly on point.  Talk about reading sellout brothers for pure filth...

Black Folk's Career Suicide

Video courtesy of Keyboard Gangsta

I decided to switch some things up for this month so the music is coming tomorrow.

Now, I never wanted to start a gossip site or use this as a platform to put people down but is the world going crazy?  I'm not talking about the Kardashians or barely literate athletes or rappers showing out before the camera.  What I'm referring to is people killing their careers over BS.

Last year, it was Nate Parker.  I didn't see Birth of a Nation though I heard it was very well-acted and the cinematic visuals went above and beyond.  However, I wasn't feeding into the hype as to whether I should support his work as a member of the black community.  It wasn't even like it was a Nat Turner documentary, so I chose to pass.  Just like he chose to display zero remorse for his victim on camera and deny Oprah an interview (which may have at least piqued more interest).

Kanye's been on a downward spiral for some time and I can only pray for a speedy recovery.  Got the feeling there's a real serious situation here but I won't speculate.  Just please stop supporting the Orange Monster, if you thought George W. didn't like us, then you're in for a helluva shock.

Which brings me to Chrisette Michele...a singer who has struggled for years to get the audience her voice deserves.  Well, she recently got an audience and a little extra change, in exchange for her dignity and lack of respect for what our ancestors fought against.  And there's nothing wrong with needing money (especially if you don't fit the Top 40 mold...musically or visually).  My issue is that the community has to stand strong because white isn't right...it's people with common sense and a heart.

The last entry has jokes that write themselves.  First, Stacey Dash was never a great actress.  Before the BET awards scandal last year, she made her money making mostly straight-to-DVD movies with a weak plot.  Let me go on record by saying that if I had to play the Game's love interest in order to pay my bills, I'd call it a career (because Clueless was a loooong time ago).  Not that I'm special to look at but to be in hustle mode for decades...only to bite the hand that fed you...is insane.  

Before FOX News came along, BET paid this hoe's bills pretty much.  Then she goes off on Jesse Williams after dissing not just Black awards show but the idea behind the month of February.  Her public support of anything against the Black community seemed to be getting worse before it got better (unfortunately, that strategy only works for Ann Coulter).  Then suddenly, the Orange Monster wins, and she's out of a job she wouldn't qualify for anywhere else, FOX News used her because she's vulnerable.

Didn't forget about Steve Harvey....he's too easy.

L.A. Businessman/Philantropist Dies

E.J. Jackson, founder of Jackson Limousine, died Tuesday from a heart attack.  For more than 35 years, Jackson Limousine was a big part of L.A. culture.  Not because it was one of the few long-term businesses owned by a Black person but because of what E.J. gave back to the community.

Many people don't realize that life can get tough out here, even if you have the right connections or a decent job.  Communities change for the better and worse every day, and all some people have to look forward to having an abundant meal over the holidays.

This is not about celebrating a holiday that may glorify theft of an oppressed nation or promote gluttony.  Baby boomers and Gen-X intersections remember when family got together.  Good, bad or indifferent, there would be no moments like this.  While I'm not impoverished, I would donate a finger to bring back those moments.

Although some things can't be duplicated, E.J. thought of those  without the resources to enjoy this time of year.  For more than 20 years, feeding the needy was something WE got used to seeing on the A.M. news. 
However, it was less than a week ago that E.J. was on the KTLA morning news asking the public for a little help in fulfilling his annual mission.  I was touched because we all know that every bit counts but...he was no longer there to lead.

As a proud Angeleno, I will post updates on this because local heroes deserve as much recognition as those on the screen.

Goodnight Great One

Which Blaxploitation Actor Would You Like to See Make a Comeback?

New poll and maybe a chance for someone to get their last bit of shine before a new generation. When there's a demand, who knows what opportunities are around the corner. While Pam Grier, Antonio Fargas, and Glynn Turman still make appearances on TV in characters that are different from their 1970s film personas, many have transitioned into the pearly gates and people like myself are just now discovering their contributions.

While the 1990s film Original Gangstas (with the late Ron O'Neal) was a tribute of sorts to the original ghetto superstars,  we need to continue the greatness that is multifaceted and not stereotypical (and there's something kind of sad about old people doing battle...even if they do win in the end.  Yes?).  Don't let the less-popular blaxploitation DVDs die in the .99 bin at the supermarket.  Even if the quality isn't the greatest, get it and enjoy.

I still have a compilation to sort through myself so if you're asking 'Where the hell are the movie reviews? I don't want to see another music or RIP post!'  Believe me, I hear you.

Again with that Statue

Last week, those skinny b’s got on my damn nerves. One is mad because her husband didn’t get nominated and the other is forgetting where is bread is buttered. So once again, what about financing our own thing?
For those who want to get something going, don’t go after broke bishes like me and say we can’t unite. My heart is in the right place but my few coins are to ensure that I have a place to stay when I’m 70. Not to buy expensive shoes for hoes. Not to get a car with a name I can’t spell. And especially not to buy hard drugs or other stupid mess.

And take a better look. Asians aren’t getting noms either and if you want to find a Latino that’s down with the cause, let them in too! When it comes to creating a community with strength in numbers, you can’t have too many resources. And we can portray characters that are not dirty, stereotypical or oppressed. YAY! Hell, even go after some of those dealers-turned-moguls. They may not be holding the long bread like Buffett but this will give their asses an opportunity to be Robin Hood of sorts. Something for all with money looking to find wealth will think about…no?

For those who say they have to go through the man, I say have a talk with Spike Lee and other about distribution and word of mouth because I’m seeing a lot of Black/AA films get attention (and accolades) without traditional promotion.
Finally, let’s take a look at past Oscar winners. While Whoopi is still in the game and hasn’t altered her face to please anyone, others have not been so lucky. Halle, Jamie Foxx and Denzel work but don’t seem to have the same audience post-win. Mo-Nique, Cuba Gooding, Lou Gossett and others have been demoted to mostly straight-to-DVD or TV projects. Some, like Irene Cara and 3Six Mafia, have fallen completely off the radar.

That Little Gold Statue ...All That Glitters 2016

So it's nice that Mrs. Will Smith has something to say but does it really need to be said?   
How about saying something after other things have been accomplished?  
Such as no more police brutality, no more babydaddys, no more "uncles" and no more of our people using reality TV as a come-up.  

What about giving the average person some love because they did something good without being famous?  
What about showing off your kitty kat or eggplant to that special someone you plan to spend your life with instead of the world?

So in other words, it's one night of alleged celebration.  What about the other 364 days when people don't have a platform that makes worldwide news based on celebrity?  What makes people special?  Because they put out a movie or because they made a profound difference in someone's life?  

I say eff a celebrity and let's get back to celebrating real people!

Prayers For All

This summer is exceptionally hot in L.A.  Smog mixed in with southern humidity and traffic is a sad combination.  Somebody on another blog stated that they did not feel safe with all of the recent violence.  These days, I seldom feel safe anywhere outside of my home, and this includes "good" neighborhoods where my dark skin is either a novelty or disregarded because it is assumed that I am poor, lack sense, as well as the resources to move up in society.

Yet, I still work at being the best bad-ass I can be...and I encourage others to do the same.  It may seem naive but there is nothing wrong with enjoying life.  Anyone can have it without bringing harm or threat to others.  Feel good about helping others in need without pretentiousness, let go of excess and take care of home.

People want to pray or meditate when things go wrong but often a clear head can prevent mistakes made.  While IT still happens, communities can be stronger by lending a hand.

Goodbye Great One

Nelson Mandela was born the same year as my last uncle who I lost a few years ago.  While I was glad the physical suffering was over with in the case of both men, I cried inside because I knew these type of men are a dying breed.

My uncle was never a political person but at peace being a Black man who provided for many making an honest living and never took BS from anybody.

In short, we now live in an age where Black males are more than happy to display their sexual prowess on camera for 15 mins.  And make babies without a ring.  And accept scraps from anyone with a smile.

We hear more about this type of being instead of proud family men who are upstanding citizens, pass down morals and good living to the next generation.

New Shows From Bounce TV

 I still love Bounce network even though their last attempt at original programming left me a little dry (seems others felt the same because its been about a year and no mention of either show returning).

Anyway, I love a good roommate sitcom and you can't tell me Laverne and Shirley wasn't funny back in the day.  I once even read that before they became really famous, Wendy Williams and MO nique were supposed to do a buddy-buddy show before they fell out for good.  Hopefully, Bounce will get the rights to The New Odd Couple with "Lamont Sanford" and Ron Glass (Black dude from Barney Miller).

Yes, roommate shows are nice but why do I get the feeling that My Crazy Roommate is a copycat of Half and Half?

The show about half-sisters who live and try to get along in the same apt. bldg. was one of my favorites and I hate that Rachel True was maligned because she only spoke the truth about these up-and-coming networks.

So politics and racism aside and back on topic, I see the multi-colored eclectic-style apartment (I liked Mona Thorne's place better) with the lighter female as bourgie, a little too uptight and other characteristics that remind me of DeeDee Thorne.  Then there is the darker one with curly hair but a lot more attitude but still an outcast of sorts.

Hmmm....I'm going to stick around to see where this goes.

BRKDWN is news geared towards a younger demo.  It also has a lot of scripted dialogue that goes on behind the scenes.  I don't love or hate it but I do think it needs a little work.

Hosts - Ol girl is cute and has personality but IMO, multicolored hair went out with Kelis.  The guy is kind of just sorta there...maybe.  This could be why the female sometimes talks superfast.

Supporting characters - As a former member of Team Chunk, I have to say this.  If you're going to have a big girl on there, show her some love.  Get clothes that fit and weave that's not matted or weird looking.  A big sweet dark Chunky Bar in bad wrapping though funny like Shirley the waitress from Whats Happening.

Though I hate they debuted with RayJ but I appreciate them spreading the message on politics, cancer, and college ball.

Should Blacks Stay Away From Reality Shows?

Since I've been without cable for going on two yrs. now, I've gotten deep into cooking shows when there's nothing else on.  Though I love to cook, I hate the predictability of reality shows.  Particularly those that star 
Gordon Ramsay.

Just found out that former MasterChef competitor Josh Marks allegedly committed suicide.  Not long ago, the 26-year old had an altercation with police and it has been said that he suffered from a mental disorder.

Coming from someone who deals with addiction and other destructive behaviors from various family members, a reality show is the last place he should have been.  Even if he was talented (though he lost to a blind competitor), needed the exposure or money.

Reality TV is one thing I do not miss with cable services.  Recently, while in recovery, I skipped through many marathons of Hollywood Exes, R&B Divas, and too many too count.  I got my NeNe fix back when she had a medium-length weave and bell pepper nose.  I'm not even going to discuss Basketcase Wives.

However, it did start off innocently enough with Real World back in the early 90s.  I even made plans to join the San Fran (1993-94) cast but found getting that audition tape was at the bottom of my priorities.  Now I think had hat come to fruition, I would probably be another stereotype that would not have the resource to turn things around for the better.

Though it's been argued for more than a decade now but the question remains, Why even support these shows? The ones that try to not be violent are dull, other were bust at the starting gate (e.g. Who Wants to Marry a Midget) and truthfully, nine times out of ten, when you've seen one person sing, you've seen them all sing.  Little Asian men that sound like Barry White or blue-eyed blondes that can wail like they grew up in a Baptist church are nothing new in L.A. or other major cities.

So while Bounce TV may not exactly read my mind or show the old blaxploitation movies I want to see, every day of the week...I will always respect their choices.  I discovered the Aspire network while I was recovering and I have to say I'm pretty impressed at the strides Black Hollywood is making when it comes to showing positive images.

Will Bounce TV Take a Stand Against Russy?

What I think about Russell Simmons money.

I haven't seen the entire travesty of a video and I will not share it here.  However, I've seen enough to know that drugs really fries brain cells.  Though I've had my own issues to deal with in the past few weeks, I've noticed that I haven't seen those Rush Card commercials on Bounce TV.

Yeah, everybody's got bills to pay but I've heard many not-so-great things about celebrity-endorsed debit cards and how they take advantage of regular folks trying to get ahead.  Particularly the Russell/Kimora Simmons Rush Card.  I went on YouTube to find a testimonial but none in the immediate searches got to the point in the first 3 minutes of viewing.

Hopefully, Bounce TV will stop running these commercials and in the meantime, you can check out this 411 on debit card account fees and what is legitimate.  Courtesy of the Federal Reserve Consumer site.

Wayback Wednesdays...For Trayvon and Justice

This is not to imply that a young man we lost way too soon did not have his faults but how many Trayvons are out there beaten by vigilante neighbors, unable to care for themselves or earn a living because they looked suspicious?

We all have moments when we blow up and say things to provoke that we cannot take back.  There was once a time when someone would take a deep breath and think about the consequences.

Right now it's the consequences that will lead people in the community to make these things disappear...outside of the legal system.

Why?  We HAD to BEG for a trial.  People had to explain why an unarmed BLACK teen should not have been shot at in the first place.  Then the media had to make a mockery of his friend.  For anyone who does not already know, Halle did not look the same when she was 18/19.  Is being dark, heavy-set and not a traditional beauty a crime or reason for some ugly, underachieving virgin to poke fun?  If so, they need to come get me right away!

So basically instead of coming full circle, the course has gone way off.  I didn't know about Mr. Martin's home life but often we hear about absentee fathers, mothers too busy working or trying to keep a man to pay attention to her kids, and the list goes on.  And of course, there's TV to tell others that we love to fight, have OOW kids we can't afford on our own, and cloud our heads with substances.

The New Mayor of Compton?

I went to school in the CPT long before it became the home of gangsta rap.  Recently, there was an incident of Latino gangs attempting to take over the city that once boasted more than 75% AA/Black population.

Anyway, many cities in L.A. County need help and while the immigration issue is definitely a hot topic for those trying to make a living, can a former burger pitchman make a difference? Courtesy of Yahoo News.

While it is impressive that this young man managed to stay out of trouble despite his popularity (raise your hand if you tried to get in on the 1970s commercial campaign to star with him), not sure if his recent work history reflects someone that can help a sometimes turbulent city.  His LinkedIn Summary reads like this:

WRITER, PRODUCER, DIRECTOR. CREATIVE MARKETING, LIVE EVENT PROMOTIONS, VIDEO PRODUCTION, PHOTOGRAPHY, HOST, TV/RADIO PERSONALITY, SPEAKER

Specialties: LIVE EVENT PROMOTIONS, SAG, AFTRA

Anyway, I wish all well as he may be able to use his contacts to bring some fresh revenue to the city.  Sorry, couldn't find the commercial with the song.

Veteran Thespian Documentary Needs Our Support

The grandson of Ruby Dee and the late Ossie Davis  is seeking assistance for a documentary about the veteran actors.  Read more at his Kickstarter page.

Tribute to the 'Fro

Right now, I'm sporting one of these under a scarf (and occasional 1/2 wig) because I'm pretty much home-bound.  Otherwise, I would be at the beauty supply trying to figure out if the keratin hype is really worth it.

Though my extra-coily hair is a task for the brave to maintain (with a really good conditioner), here is a book that celebrates the natural look.

If you want to show your support via KickStarter, click here.  Courtesy of Clutch Magazine