MEDIA IMAGE: A. KEYS DID THE "UNTHINKABLE!!" (I'll never be "Ready")

 

 A certified superstar, Alicia Keys has been a commercial success since 2001. Keys is blessed with a stunning physique which has garnered attention from the onset of her career. A gorgeous and talented vocalist/musician, she appeals to women through her empowering lyrics, and men with her evident sex appeal. Nine years later, Keys now has acting, songwriting, production and endorsement credits, but prides herself (and BRAND) on her numerous humanitarian efforts and promoting self-esteem in young women. On paper, she reads like the classic Black female role model, but reality is... her character is WEAK.

The facts are rather simple. Swizz Beatz was married to Mashonda and during the course of their marriage he cheated with A.Keys. Mashonda found out, was woman enough to approach Keys asking her to respectfully step aside (as reported by Mashonda), but Keys did not comply. She and Swizz continued with their public affair.
Sunday night's *EBTAwards Show placed Keys and fiance` Swizz Beatz in the front row with a permanent camera on the "loving couple", and I was shocked! I was floored when she accepted her first award (she won 2) and was extra affectionate in the camera, as most know the story behind the smiles. Then, she performed. TWICE. *le sigh*

I felt the EBTAwards performances were disturbing, because A.Keys was the physical manifestation of hypocrisy, adultery, and tastelessness. Her desire to perform while 5 months pregnant with a (technically still) married man's child, the decision to rock the Dolce Gabana minidress that accentuates her fetus-bump, and finally choosing to jump atop a baby grand piano during the second set (WHYLAWD), all proved Keys lacks class. It was as if her public figure status or celebrity accolades should omit her from judgement or "Maury"guest status, when in fact just the opposite was clear. Parading your baby by a married man is trifling and lacks noble decency. Period. Keys could care less about the mixed messages presented that evening, and had the support of BET to document the entire spectacle. As a Black woman/ fellow sistah, I don't respect her decisions.

To clarify, I see nothing wrong with showcasing the beauty that is a pregnant woman's body and tasteful representations do not offend or disgust me (See Vanity Fair Pic of Demi Moore-1st marriage, 2nd child). I overstand that (most) marriages don't often work out, and that people move on and find new loves. What I refuse to support however is infidelity passed off as "okay" simply because the couple is famous, rich or attractive. Keys' pregnant image is broadcast the world over, and it only takes a few clicks on the Internet to read the back story of her conception. Keys, who penned and profited of such female anthems as, "A Woman's Worth," "Unbreakable," "Superwoman," and "Karma."As a people, we continue to promote what is indecent, and ridicule what is righteous.

This is further evidenced by the many supporters of Keys' affair and demonization of Mashonda, a wife with a cheating husband that left her. Mashonda is the victim in the situation. If a man cheats on his wife, then commits to leave the marriage for the affair all before the divorce settlement smoke clears, he's not a real man. Sowwwy. Marriage in general is not valued as it once was, but that does not negate that two people were legally joined and a third party aided the dissolve. The media, or EBT rather, would have us all believe that Keys & Swizz Beatz are the new hip-hop power couple. #WHATTHEJOEJACKSONHELL??

       Women in general should bond together in an effort of solidarity, to support one another in a world clearly controlled by men. Black females in particular need that sisterhood in order to deal with the daily tribulations and cultural struggles indicative to our communities, relationships, jobs and careers. Everyone (even Keys) knows sisterhood is severed if a married man does not deter you from pursuing a relationship. Only a general lack of respect for one another would allow the celebration of that which is indecent in our community and culture. This sad mentality is popular, folks are quick to critique the Black wife (Mashonda) for not "keeping her man." Few people mention the disrespect shown by Keys on Sunday night. I wish them all the best, but do not believe or support A. Keys' music, "empowerment" message, or relationship. I am my sistah's keeper.

Peace,

Dawnavette

*EBT AWARDS= BET Awards. EBT (Food Stamps) HERscarical slant on the bootlegged representations of US on BET *

**James Hannah-comedian- has a hilarious rant in support of my thoughts. Friend him on Crackbook**

Not Bad At All... Not At ALL: BET AWARDS 2010

         It's that time again, when everyone in Black America huddles around their flat screen, Internet, and Twitter accounts to discuss the performances, hits and misses of BET's Annual Coon Awards! This year, Twitter maven @Freshalina dubbed the event the #EBTAwards. So, per usual I've wrapped up the may-jah highlights in my annual wrap-up!
KEY POINTS:
Kanye West's Show Opener- Kanyizzle opened with his new single "Power", and rapped the whole set atop a mountain with a staff, 80's chain ( 10 times the opulence & size) around his neck, and a moving background.  A DOPE throwback to real MCing, I was thrilled Ye silenced all haters!
Queen Latifah Failing As Host-*Deep Sigh* Now, Queen may be talented in acting and singing (no comment, as I remain underwhelmed) but hosting is not her forte. Viewers had to suffer through her awkward readings of the teleprompter, a musical opening that lasted way too long, and too many irrelevant/incoherent costume changes throughout the night, I really wanted to scream, "LA! Sit your ARSE DOWN!!"
Diddy's Dirty Money Crew- A surprisingly energizing performance!!! That is, if you could see anything through the excessive smoke... *cough*  Yea. Ya boi Diddy went too far demanding smoke and pyrotechnics, so the audience had audio & thick fog for half the performance. Ricky Rawse, draped in all 50 chains owned in life, a too small Hanes that showcased his breasts, and of course a large jacket, lip-synced his verse on the remix. Nikki Minaj came out in a vinyl cat suit and lip-synched her verse (lookin like one of the daum Incredibles). Seemed like Bad Boy circa 1994 was onstage for a min.with all the dancers and the Dirty Money Trannies looking like Total 2.0. Well done Diddy! Held my attention...
Chris "BeatHerDown" Brown's Michael Jackson Tribute- With an intro from Jermaine "Crazy Hair" Jackson that omitted Chris' name ("Here "HE" is...") Breezy shut EVERYONE UP with one set!!!! His dancing-flawless, song selctions-perfect, and when he closed with "Man In The Mirror", he was so overcome with emotion that he had a breakdown. In front. of MILLIONS!!! GENIUS!!!! Now staged or otherwise, it was BRILLIANT PR that solidified who the most talented is right now, and inspite of personal feelings... it's BREEZY!!! I'm no longer a cynic, and am on the bandwagon that is C.Breezy's comeback. Surely his career is on FI-YAH this morning. Oh, and I predict this is the last year of Trey Songz' mediocre run as Breezy will eclipse Trey's crossover attempt. Yea. I said it.
The Prince Tribute- Um... well, it was for Prince! Janelle Monet opened the set with "Let's Go Crazy" and it was CLASSIC Janelle mixed w. James Brown!!! She danced wildly all over the stage, pompadour-a-flying, screeched her heart out and almost split her lil' tuxedo pants!! LOVED it! Jazz singer Esporanza Spaulding followed, singing, "If I Was Your Girlfriend", but she and her standing bass about put me to sleep. Surely she's better in different venues, but honeychile this was NOT your night. Sowwy. A Keys, dirtying the name of pregnant women everywhere, had the nerve to play "Adore" on the Baby Grand barefoot, then writhe her big @$$ on top of the piano to further gyrate?! Even PRINCE gave her the, "Bish, if your water breaks on MY account," look that should've slowed her down. Oh no. She kept slanging her hair and pumping her belly. She lost all my respect last night. Patti Patti closed the set kicking off her Loubitons (Prince caught one) taking everyone home with "Purple Rain." Prince  accepted his award clad in a tunic with his face painted in Crayola watercolors (whatthehellman?!), white bell bottoms, and 5-inch white boots. He's still the most beautiful being in the whole theatre. He did not perform, which was the crushing letdown of the night. I assume he's too good for EBT, and I honestly can't blame him...
John Legend's Humanitarian  Speech- Most may have overlooked, but Legend, in spite of his elusive hairline, gave one of the most impactful speeches. Ever. Essentially, he said Black celebrities aren't' doing nearly enough in the US or abroad,and that we all should focus on education reform and empowering our communities. I'm looking for the full transcript to post, but it was BEASTLY. TRUST. KU-DOS John!!! (See someone about that hairline please sir, thanks!)
Other Perfomances:
*Ursher's "There Goes My Baby" -smooth yet he had trouble hitting his falsetto
*T.I.'s "Takers" (Motion picture theme song) amped comeback performance featuring Travis Barker on drums. His first time back and the crowd went crazy.
*Drizzle's "Over" featuring a surprise appearance from Jeezy to remix to "Loose My Mind." A great performance that was articulate and fresh! Both artists looked clean in their too-tight jackets.
*BOB rapped "Airplanes" featuring Keyshia Cole- screeching the hook clad in a blond, arse-length mullet.
*El Debarge (MY FAVORITE) *SWOON*- Randomly appeared behind a piano and slayed the house w. a medley of some of his memorable hits. He sounded. The. Exact. Same. DAUM.
* Kirk Franklin's "Haiti Song"- included gospel greats like Karen Sheard and Yolanda "Christian Home wrecker" Adams. Nice job!
*A Keys' solo Performance (and double win) where she sounded great but looked a pregnant fool. I refuse to endorse her rubbing her belly, gyrating across the stage in an attempt to look "sexx-sy". Save it for Swizz, cause aintnobodywannaseethatish. Tacky. In. The. Least.
*Trey Songz "Your Side Of the Bed/ Purple Rain" ERR?? Worst performance of the night. Hands down. Trey sounded like a nervous goat, wasn't entertaining simply standing onstage, and once he tried Purple Rain, Prince shot him the deathly *Side eye* verifying he was stinkin up the stage.
*DJ Khaled "All I Do Is Win"- Closed the night with Busta (overweight & happy to be seen), Ludacris (with violinists & a phantom mask), Diddy (of course), Rawse (One more time for ALL his jewels), and a chunky yet energetic T-Pain. Oh, and Tommy Lee was on drums adding to the spectacle.
                     ***A Full Link to ALL PERFORMANCES (NecoleBitchie.com) ***
Random Mentions:
*Trey Songz' Mama-proving Black don't crack, looking like a 25 year old stealing all the buzz from other red carpet heaux, and almost having a "Janet" wardrobe malfunction when onstage w. Trey.
*Beyaki & GAGA not showing to accept their award for video of the year-*yawn* Clearly they're TOO international for the #EBTAwards.
*Rocsi- Just when I thought she could look no worse or smuttier... she trumped my hand last night. There are no words.
*Queen Latifah's homosexual references-From dressing as "Cleo" during the AKward T.I. sketch (anyone catch how TIP mispronounced her name?!) to the random rap where I swear she alluded to her being gay... I swear La was trying to tell us something.
*WHY did they place J Cole to play before the commercials?!?! That brotha was ROBBED!!!! Too fine and talented for BET to play him. ugh.
*Nikki Manaj's fashion choices & Firefox wig. *Fingers to temple* I can't.
*#WHATTHEJOEJACKSONHELL did Deborah Lee have ON?!?! EVERY YEAR this broad embarrasses a PEOPLE with her RIDICULOUS fashion choices?!? She has no friends, no stylists, and everyone must hate her as witnessed in her appearance. I can't.
      This year's show was chalk-full of decent performances , so much so that I can barely remember who won what (it matters not). Bottom line: several stars had GREAT comeback performances, Chris Brown is BACK, and BET did not totally shame us! In fact, minus a few suspect performances and poor selection of hosts (I won't even START on how embarrassingly drunk everyone appeared at the "After Party"), I'd rate this show a 7.5 out of 10. I'd watch pieces again, and was glad I tuned in last night.  Hell, I tune in every year just to critique the debauchery that's the EBT oops! BET Awards.

Peace,

Dawnavette

When A Policeman Punches Young Sapphire-Who Do We Call??

      A Seattle police officer (white) was videotiaped punching a young woman (17-years old) in the face post resisting arrest. Allegedly the officer was in the midst of detaining J Walkers, when the two young Black women were seen J Walking on the exact same intersection. In Seattle Washington, J Walking is deemed a serious offense (#WhattheJoeJackSonHELL) so the officer was performing within his job role when he asked the women to come to his vehicle. When he tries to reprimand them, the ladies curse him out and one tries to walk away. The officer then tries to physically detain them and one young lady pushes the officer. Clearly the officer becomess immediately frustrated and after wrestling with the ladies for a few seconds he punches one in the face. *PAUSE*
       The ladies' behavior is rather shocking, as we live in a country where the first offense is simply being Black and teach our children how to "interact" with crazed racist cops on a regular basis. Striking an officer was a bold move that did not end well-as evidenced in the videotape. Granted, the two women were provoking the officer, one arguably violent when she pushed the officer, but were there no other options to gain order? The officer doesn't think twice- he is immediately reactive and punches a minor in the face. Why was that his first reaction? 
       Had the two young women been white, I don't believe this instance would have ever happened. I imagine the officer would've politely walked over and presented the ladies with a warning as their safety is ultimately at risk when J Walking. The fact that these two women were Black, and *le sigh* unfortunately acting in the stereotypical *aggressive Black girl manor, will only give the officer more validity to justify his actions when investigated...for he felt "threatened." Ah yes, the standby excuse most culturally-limited white people use whenever a Black person becomes "loud", or resists (even if legal and controlled) the status quo as deemed by white society. WE are always the provokers and what happens to US, usually at the hands of law enforcement, is our own consequence.
     Unfortunately, I don't subscribe to that bullocks rhetoric as I feel passionately that law enforcement, above all else should seek to protect the people and not act solely on the defense treating minorities like animals. WHERE are the sensitivity training and cultural diversity courses for officers? Where were his attempts to verbally subdue a minor? This instance was in no way complete police brutality, or worthy of NAACP coverage. However, I found it worthy of discussion if only to consider the images we present in public, how they will quickly react and of course...how to properly conduct oneself in the presence of a... (high school graduate that probably wasn't socially accepted now armed with a gun, tazor, billy club & racist thoughts) police officer.
Marinate on it for a min...

**Sapphire-the stereotype designated for aggresive, opinionated, and vocal Black women. If unfamiliar, research, wait for a post, or read my forthcoming book...:) -Nice plug!-**

Peace,

Dawnavette

BLACK WOMEN:SLIM THUG WANTS YOU TO KNOW...!!!!!!!! (I cant.)

   In what I would deem poor judgement on the creative and editing floor followed by lazy and underwhelming journalism, Vibe.com started a mini wildfire when they posted this "article" by Houston rapper Slim Thug.  Several disturbing factors passed off as Slim's opinion throughout the write-up made me pause. I was so ticked... I decided to blog about it. *Fingers to the temple & deeeep sigh*

1. WHEN did SLIM THUGG become a relationship expert credible to critique Black relationships?!
#WhattheJoeJacksonhell?!?! His most publicized relationship was with (ex-Destiny's Child member/ Beyaki nemesis) Letoya Luckett, and that allegedly ended because he cheated and procreated with his cousin. He has never been married, is not on-record as having any said degree in psychology or human behavior... I don't even think he's had a relevant hit single since 2005. So, I'm lost as to why he was even chosen as the latest gimp in the "BW Need To Do Better, Aim Lower To Get A Man v. 2010" debate.
2. Discussing all Black women in such general negative terms is a clear sign of self hatred. Seriously. Slim, your mother, sister, cousins, hell, even one of your baby's mother's is a Black woman. The rest of the world often struggles to decipher differences amongst Brown women as the media tends to lump us together. Slim describing Black women as gold-diggers with high standards that fail to silently submit to idiot demands of rappers (named "Slim Thug" that still rock cornrows past the age of 35 even in 2010?!?) in no circle would pass as an accurate depiction of US. *Pause* Apologies, "SimThugga" was not nearly that eloquent when attempting to describe his opinion. His chosen buffoonery:
  "It’s hard to trust a Black woman [sometimes] because a lot of Black women’s mind frame is that the man gotta do everything for her⎯ he gotta pay for this, he gotta pay for that, and if it ain’t about money then a lot of them ain’t fucking with him. If that’s what you’re here for then I don’t want to be with you."

3. Yet another Black man (or anyone for that matter) insists on telling Black women our standards are too high.
   "Most single Black women feel like they don’t want to settle for less. Their standards are too high right now. They have to understand that successful Black men are kind of extinct. We’re important. It’s hard to find us so Black women have to bow down and let it be known that they gotta start working hard; they gotta start cooking and being down for they man more."
Excuse me sir. WHY would you advise any woman, much less the strong BLACK WOMAN to settle for less?!?! It is this lazy mentality that really enraged me for clearly he does not recognize the daily struggles, accomplishments, achievements and even tribulations that comprise life- nor any reverence for the graceful way we excel at every. Aspect. Of. Life. We raise the babies in the single parent homes, educate the community as public school systems are on the decline, obtain multiple degrees and thrive in our respective careers, all in a society that has devalued while benefiting from our feminine power for centuries. The Black woman is the most "down", and it often is to our detriment as many Black men aren't mature enough to reciprocate on spiritual, emotional, and financial levels. Marinate on that for a min.
4. Slim had the audacity to compare Black women with "others" namely, white women as he prefers their docile nature over our hard-work (in his opinion). "White women treat they man like a king and Black women feel like they ain’t gotta do that shit. Black women need to stand by their man more. Don’t always put the pressure of if I’m fucking with you, you gotta buy me this and that."
*le sigh*. Really Slim?? Really?? If that is your limited and emasculating experience with white women, that actually sheds a crack of light. No real man would want a woman who was not equally yoked as it would eclipse the totality of what he could become! If you hate on the progressive Black woman, you're hindering yourself. *Message!*
    His ignorance is reverbed by young men with limited thinking and that is the real impact hence root of frustration. As Vibe.com lent Slim this opportunity, impressionable people can take from it and attempt to validate their ridiculous opinions with this piss poor article. I am more than comfortable with the fact that I, nor any woman I hope to ever call sistah (no matter her race) would NOT be the woman fit for Slimm Thug.  I hope he finds this senseless concubine with no self-worth as he described he desired. That way, he could sit his arse down, remain irrelevant and prayerfully, *Smokey from Friday voice* never. Ever ever ever. Ever ever EVER consent to an interview about Black woman for the rest of his life. Now... will all my REAL men, please stand up??


Peace,
 
Dawnavette

HEAUX-DOM DOES NOT EQUATE TO VIOLENT ATTACKS

 KAT STACKS CAN'T CATCH A BREAK-"Kat Stacks" was videotaped last week getting punched in the face and ridiculed by two-men at a lounge off Peters St. in Atlanta, GA.  I really wasn't going to comment on the foolery. But with all the Twitter commentary (still), and her resurfacing the other night (June 1-FreddyO.com) in AtL, I just couldn't resist. Allegedly folks in Atlanta have issue with her walking the street, buying drinks, and well, living. So, for those Amish folk that may have missed it, a quick background of what happened.
        *Kat Stacks is an under-21 year old female who is known for having sex with several C/D-list rappers, then creating an illiterate blog and disturbing viral video where she "exposes" her trysts to whomever can stomach her entire bootleged "Heaux Confessions." When she first appeared I was intrigued if only for a second, because I have a deep affinity for women of color who perpetuate all modern aspects of the "Jezebel" script-one of four (4) traditional media images relegated to depict Black females since chattel slavery. Modern aspects and examples vary from stripping, and prostitution to the "hottest" female rapper and video chicks. However...Superhead...Kat. is. not.

      The basic elements of last week's attack are simple. Two men approached Kat Stacks while seated and minding her business at the bar. One man is video recording the entire process, they both call her to turn around, and the other sucker punches her in the face. Once Kat hits the floor, another mush to the face is given while they further taunt and disrespect her. The most memorable and incriminating line now repeated across the 'Net is, "Say sorry! Say Sorry to Shad! Say 'SORRY BOW WOW!'"
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WHATTHEJOEJACKSONHEL?!?!?!?!?!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
       Kat Stacks is a female-no matter her moral character, sexual history, partners, often questionable appearance or limited vocabulary. She is a WOMAN. Her attackers in the video were men, well, immature boys, weigh more and have penises. Hitting females is wrong. That is how it will always be judged in my book because men have a physical advantage and were designed to protect. Period. A real man walks away, takes the high road, files a lawsuit or Son's you (you know, the verbal smack down only a strong man can give that makes you think, "well daum! Yessir!"). The display in the video is appalling. The men (or at least one) must have been really close with Shad because tracking down a female (an admitted Heaux for that matter) in public to administer a "smack-down" based on what she said about your "man" BowWow is borderline crime of passion/ homoerotic territory. Seriously. I don't know any of my strait male friends that would care that much about a woman's sexcapades with their friend to entertain bar-smacking fcukery.
          Since the tapes release last week, I have yet to hear about any charges being brought against the two attackers, but I have seen horrible jokes about Kat deserving what she got, or listened to other women tear Kat down worse than the men. Which perplexes me as it speaks to a larger issue of giving sympathy passes and paying more attention when domestic violence happens to pop culture's beautiful "Virginal" or "good"sexual scripts but could care less when the "Jezebel" or females with "bad" sexual imaging are abused. A decent example would be how the public rallied around Princess RiRi during her attack (granted, Chris beat-her-down went HAM and was convicted) but Kat Stacks' attack was filmed in public and not a naan onlooker cried out in protest, ran to assist the woman or ridiculed the men for their ridiculous behavior. That is not right to me. At all. The only reason every one's is upset with Kat that I can validate is that she choose to be promiscuous then spoke her truth on that tacky viral video. (Still not sure about this daum Kat Stacks Confessional. Kid Fury broke. It. Down.) It's clear that Kat Stacks needs serious professional help, and to publicly beat on her seems cruel and inhumane. Even taunting her when she returned to Atlanta this week is too immature for further commentary. What do you think? Consider if the female involved wasn't an attention seeker, but just a highly sexual female with a big mouth. Like a young high school student. Still think this behavior is hilarious??? I think if you stopped laughing to consider the ramifications, that maybe the next time some young women you know could be the next victim of such barbaric, cowardly, bitch-arse behavior, jokes would stop, and charges would be pressed.

Peace,

Dawnavette