Archive for the ‘Social Upheaval’ Category

America Needs A Hero…

Monday, July 18th, 2011

cap

In a much simpler time Captain America was the hero that the United States needed. He was created in a laboratory to fight villains who were also made evil thru science. As a narrative for propaganda this was the perfect storm.

The vile German political military industrial complex was threatening our way of life (as we were told) and Captain America was just the man to put everything and everyone back in their place. I feel like the movie was made with the sensibilities of America in the 1940s using modern day CGI tech.

I knew Captain America kicked Nazi ass but I came to know the character as the dude who hung out with the Falcon. When John Byrne did a guest stint on the pencils I got to see the serious side of Captain America.

Cap was hardbody and he was not above killing someone to prove his point. This Baron Blood/Union Jack storyline culminates with Cap beheading Baron Blood and then watching the O.G. Union Jack die of old age. Pretty grim stuff for 10yr olds, but thankfully my old Queens neighborhood was a dumping ground for dead bodies so I wasn’t fazed.

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I love the idea that Captain America’s creation was engineered by Tony Stark’s father using weaponized medicine. The same shit that was prA’li used on those poor dudes in Tuskeegee. It’s crazy to imagine how closely the comic book world resembles our own reality. Weapons manufacturers sell their shit to the highest bidder and then send in their secret agents to confiscate the arms after the checks have been cleared.

All I can say is that the Avengers movie is going to blow the hinges off the fanboy domepiece. Is a comic book revival not too far off in the making? I hope not.

cap

The Source presents Ghetto Metal…

Friday, July 15th, 2011

ghetto metal

When the homey Combat Jack told me he was joining the Source mag staff I thought it was the perfect sign that the magazine might return to its roots describing the essence of the culture. The underground arts movements that breathe life into rap and Hip-Hop on the daily is what needs to be documented and highlighted.

I think the Source is doing a great job in presenting these music showcases along with Bazaar Royale. Established rap acts and underground punk rock bands all share the same stage throughout the night.

ghetto metal

From Maino to BeastMode to Burnt Sugar to Game Rebellion. It’s all part of the culture.

Fux around and you can even get a FREE tattoo applied to your arm in the green room.

ghetto metal

Dr. Cornell West was in the building doing his half a preacher rabble rouser routine. Dr. West should host every rap show from now on.

The Source mag is winning again with Ghetto Metal.

Mugshot Hairstyle Models…

Friday, July 15th, 2011

Rodney King is still making mugshots after twenty years of infamy and notoriety. Salute this man for his determined hardbody consistency.

Okay, not really.

rocket

Roger Clemens can reclaim his mugshot photos from the U.S. Marshal’s office after his perjury case was ruled a mistrial by the presiding judge.

“Filthy, but not guilty.”

The Block Is Hot…

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

Aliens are the new (old) boogeymen. When you need that go-to bad guy extraterrestrials serve as a handy stand-in for Black men and arabs. With that premise the producers of ‘Shaun Of The Dead’ and ‘Hot Fuzz’ have made a thoroughly entertaining earthlings vs. aliens summer feature.

Attack The Block has the right amount of gore, machismo and comedy to make it worth your time when it hits theatres at the end of the month. Vicious aliens come to Brixton neighborhood apartment complex and get more than they bargained for from a local band of juvenile delinquents.

The lead character is a 15yr old Black kid. This movie could not have been produced in America because of our relationship to young Black males. In Europe its a lot different. Well maybe not a lot different, but the neighborhood where the movie was set is mixed racially, just not economically.

The juvees are a motley crew of mixed race kids led by a Black dude. Watching a young Black male in a motion picture go from thug to hero and still maintain his thug style was worth my every viewing minute. Cool off for a few this summer and peep this hot flick.

So NYC, So I.C.

Monday, July 11th, 2011

mofongo

The Internets Celebrities tour du force thru NYC drops again this Wednesday. Come with us to the neighborhood of my childhood, the center of New York City (when you look at an MTA subway map) – Corona, Queens.

In this episode we’ll explore the origins of the delicious dish mofongo.

I.C. NYC is must see TV, er, internets.