I would say that, at the age of 40, LL does not look a day over 27. That is amazing and I wonder what the dude is eating. I guess you guys would have to find out.
For all you work out enthusiast and for those who sit down on the couch with donuts and egg creams. This is the issue for you.
Now if you wish to let your time slide by because the first few weeks of a work out is hard. Then you do not know what hard work really means.
It is time that you hit the gym and make things happen.
I think this video will get you started. Sorry to be so blunt by the way.
First and foremost I would like to apologize for my long awaited return to blogging. It has been one heck of a reality the past few weeks. I do not want you guys to feel that I have forgotten about you. I have been taking the time out to watch some awesome movies to provide to you guys. As you can see in the title I got my hands on a great one. That goes by the name 'Decent', which is a first time production effort by Rosario Dawson.
If you all can remember those college years in which you witnessed horrific acts of violence, wild partying and such just to come out unscathed. Well many did not have that luxury, and those who were more touched by the social aspect than its educational wealth offering and second this film and put it up there with films that tell a story of truth.
I do not want to give this film away at all so allow me to try my best to deliver to you the premise. We have here a college student which is a young lady who is brilliant and about to take the next leap in life just to find herself in a situation that will not allow her out, both emotionally and physically. In which her only response to it is wild parties and drugs, and a hidden agenda for relief.
All to often we are offended in society, one way or another and are left to live with the tragic offense with no offering of understanding or support. So we must take into our own hands justice, however before that justice takes place something within our hearts shifts to a place that is more damaging than that act that has lead us to that road. This film provides a vivid picture into such a state of mind.
I must warn that it is worthy of awards beyond anything that Hollywood can offer. For a production effort that far exceeds expectations Rosario Dawson and her team did an awesome job. I feel that this film will be talked out for years to come. I think all you ladies who come across this will thank me for this film and what it has to offer, however I must warn you that this film is not for the faint of heart, but for those who respect great art.
I am simply blow away by this performance from Jay-Z. If I said anymore than that I would have to write a book and neither you or I have that time to spear. So I would like this short clip to show you what I felt. You will see an artist behind the artist and your mind will finally connect the dots on who this guy really is. Perhaps In short, his greatness is undeniable. Even if he is a man amongst men, he is the King of Musical lyrics and performance.
Now many of you may have heard about the hype suronding the artist formerly knowins as Jay-Z. Shawn Carter almost did not make it on that stage. However I am not one to repeat the facts. I rather give it to you from a source I respect.
There’s been a lot of controversy concerning Jay-Z being a Glastonbury headliner, notably from Noel Gallagher who told BBC News “I’m sorry, but Jay-Z? No chance”, which is the first thing we hear as cut-together video clips light up the big screens and the faces of the thousands who have turned up to watch.
Jay-Z walks on stage wearing a Gallagher style parka and begins with a tongue-in-cheek cover of ‘Wonderwall’, which the crowd duly sing and sway along to. There is a tentative mood hanging in the air as to how he will be received but, as he energetically launches into ‘99 Problems’, everyone screams, hands go up and you hear a chorus of people shouting word perfect lyrics back at the stage.
Jay-Z mishmashes old classic hits from Hard Knock Life, The Blueprint and The Black Album and hits us with specially written rhymes about Glastonbury, the aftermath of New Orleans, George W. Bush and Barack Obama (“It’s time for a change!” he announces as onscreen Bush’s face is replaced by Obama’s) - it’s cleverly written, amazingly performed and all to rapturous applause and cheers.
“Do the ladies here like American men?” asks Jay-Z, the ladies (and men) show their appreciation while Estelle’s ‘American Boy’ kicks in and Jay-Z rocks the mic over the top, he also performs over Amy Winehouse’s ‘Rehab’ and Rhianna’s ‘Umbrella’, so if you’re having trouble rapping along with him there’s always something you can sing along to. He’s a superstar and one of the best rappers in the world. Actually, scrap that – THE best rapper in the world!
His lyrics are intelligent, well written and as he spits them into the mic the pace of his rapping gets faster and faster, almost to the point of being indecipherable, and you wonder why he’s not passing out as he’s still going strong minutes after anyone else would be gasping for air.
If people still think Jay-Z doesn’t belong at Glastonbury they are wrong. He’s one of the best performers in the world and Glastonbury is lucky to have him.
The lollipop cover I could not refuse. I had to let the work be seen as long as I had a say. I think this was a great take on the song and it shows that the lyrics broke down a barrier or two.
However I do not have much to say. I will do my best to get more on these dudes who put down this electric guitar version or the hottest Hip Hop song out.
Vanilla Lollipop (Lil Wayne Acoustic Electric Cover)
Here is another hot one that I think is worth listening to more than once.
Now since I decided to bring you the covers, I also wanted to bring the original Lil, Wayne song. However you will notice this is not the music video but a sweet action sequence that you would enjoy while jamming out to Lollipop.
sa Sade has that rear ability to melt away the day and open the mind to possibility. I have gone on many journeys through the conduit of her voice. Her sex appeal transcends race,sex, status, and breaks down emotional walls of the fatal misplacement of loves emotions. I wanted to do a full tribute to her life, and then I realized she speaks for herself and when that day comes that the wish is for someone to speak for her. I will step in and apply myself to the task. Until that day we will always have her music, a music that breaks up the confusing train of thought we carry pertaining to love and its imbalances.
This is the return of LL Cool J. I do not know where he was for the past few years. However I do know that he has come out from hiding behind that actor Todd Smith. LL is for the music! Todd smith is for the movies and clothes!
It is a wRAP for most of these rookies. I am digging this track and for the first time since he ripped open canibus, who I might add , had the lyrical guns to get the job done. Which proves that LL is a sleeping giant and makes the choices that he makes out of pure desire to do something other than what he is known for.
Make no mistake about what I said pertaining to his acting career. I think he is an actor with high growth potential who has done notable work as of late.
Todd 'LL Cool J' Smith has done some films that may have gone under the radar. However I have the stealth watch that always finds those gems that most of the world missed. I will be bringing those to the blog soon. So be on the look out.
JOHN ROCKINS UNIVERSITY has been brought into existence do to a silent demand for representation. A representation in the media of Ethnic American Films, music, books, and plays. Although this blog is not singular in a focus solely on Ethnic American art, it allows the reader to see that it fits into a full spectrum of works, across the entire industry.
With the exposure JRU's hopes to be a piece of a large pie. An integral part that can be shared at all tables involved and with all who take an interest in the art of our modern day as well as past, and leaping towards a greater future.
No longer should Americans or the America we love, have a split down the center. If in art that continues it will forever bring out the underlying mistrust, and misunderstanding that we face in reality.
I hope to bring all races together with this blog and to bring about a change within our work in the media as well as the art forms of entertainment that we love.
