GANG STARR's Guru Dies at 43

GANG STARR_356x237
Originally uploaded by DJJAMAL

Wow, it's hard to believe another Hip Hop Veteran is gone. Keith Elam better known as "Guru" and one half of the Hip Hop group Gang Starr, has died at age 43. According to sources, Keith had a stroke last year, went into a coma, came out of that coma, and then die from a battle with cancer. Undoubtedly, Guru will be missed.

Gang Starr were pioneers in the Hip Hop scene dropping their first album in 1989 called "No More Mr. Nice Guy." The lead off single "I Manifest" was an instant hit among hip hop heads in the underground scene. They went on to drop other dope classics like "Ex Girl To The Next Girl," "Dwyck," and "Daily Operation" just to name a few. It was rumored that the group had broken up but it was never clearly confirmed by either member.

I actually had the pleasure of meeting the brotha (Guru) some years ago during the Bad Boy/Death Row beef. It was at a club called Greenlight that was started by David Faustino of "Married With Children" fame. My boy, Marcus, who was then apart of the rap group The Little Rascals, introduced me to Guru, whom just had to be chillin by the bar with two beautiful lady friends. He actually introduced himself as "Guru, gifted unlimited rhyme universal." It was kind of comical at the moment, but I noticed he had a few drinks as well. Though we didn't start up a mind-boggling conversation about hop hip, he turned out to be a real cool and down-to-earth type of guy despite the West Coast/East Coast beef and his fame. He was and still is a stand up kind of guy. You will be missed my brotha.

Step in the Arena

Ordinary People, A Classic Movie

Timothy Hutton & Donald Sutherland in Ordinary People
Originally uploaded by oscarnow2009

I had the pleasure of watching a really great movie yesterday.  A movie from 1980 to be exact.  It won several prestigious awards including an Oscar for best picture.  It was Robert Redford directing debut and Timothy Hutton's first major movie in a starring role.

 It's about a family trying to deal with a tragedy and coping with the death of a love one.  Conrad (Timothy Hutton) and his brother Buckey had a boating accident that lead to Buckey's demise.  Feeling guilty for his brother's death, Conrad at some point, tried to take his own life and end up spending some time in a mental institution.  When Conrad returns home, where the movie takes place, it is Calvin (Donald Sutherland) the dad, that tries to keep the family together.  It's obvious the mother, Beth (Mary Tyler Moore) have some animosity towards her own son Conrad.  It seems that she blames Conrad for Buckey's death and is now very cold towards him.  She shows no affection towards Conrad and excludes him from a family vacation.  She also lash out at Calvin for speaking about their son's mental problem with a friend and hates when Calvin sticks up for Conrad.  She also believes their family targedy should be private.   Conrad notices his mother lack of affection and begins to lash out himself while Calvin tries to keep the peace.  In the end, Beth leaves because Calvin tells her he's not sure if he loves her any more because of her demeanor towards them.

In all, this is a great movie, very realistic.  It's a story we all can relate too because we're all ordinary people at some point.  On a scale from 1-5, 5 being best, Ordinary People deserves a 4.5 in my opinion.  Though it was a good movie to watch, I wouldn't say it's one of the best movie I've ever seen.  But it was very dramatic.  If you really want to see a good movie this weekend, pick up or rent Ordinary People.  You wont be disappointed, I guarantee that.  Enjoy.  

Ordinary People   

Apple's iPad

Apple Announces iPad, Full Specs Inside
Originally uploaded by Appmodo

So far everything I've heard about the iPad is negative. Too bad because I happen to think it's a great little gizmo. Well, I guess I'm not the techie that most people are today, heck I don't even have a iPhone yet. However, I think the iPad is a pretty neat product from Apple once again. It's my belief that Apple wants iPad to compete in the eBook market and that's it. Now i would much rather have an iPad than a Kindle. From what I understand, a Kindle is for reading only where as the iPad does so much more. An iPad is good for reading, contacts, movies, games, photos, and a bunch of other stuff. Well it sound like the iPad is the better buy. And of course, in a few months, I'm sure Apple will release another version of the gadget to satisfy all you nay sayers...it's called marketing people. They want you to buy now and upgrade later. Isn't that what all company want you to do. So take it easy on iPad. It's a good product. Now, who wants to buy me one?

Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred

Georgia Anne Muldrow

Georgia Anner Muldrow
Originally uploaded by superrhymes_dot_com

Georgia Anne Muldrow is a delightful Neo-Soul singer I had the pleasure of discovering today. Her album "Early" is filled with soulful melodies that will treat your ears to a dish of candy. And everybody likes candy right. The lead off single 'Run Away" is an instant classic. The beat is smooth and catchy while her voice is, simple put, beautiful. And from other tracks I've heard on the record, this is one album you should have in your collection. The girl is bad, bad meaning good that is. On a scale from 1 to 5, 5 being best, the single and album are 5's. Georgia Anne, it's been a pleasure.

Sade - Soldier Of Love

Sade - Soldier Of Love
Originally uploaded by Ryen David

Don't get me wrong, I truly love Sade. She is one of the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Her singing is like that of a magical song bird of some sort, her voice does something to me, her songs take me to a place of calmness. I feel like I'm at peace with the world when I listen to her music. Nevertheless, I am not happy with the lead off single from her new album. "Soldier Of Love," the first single and title of the new album, is a slow tempo song with a military theme to it, this doesn't work for me. Though she still sounds good as ever, the track is not what I'm use to hearing from Sade. Most of her previous hits are up tempo with a contemporary jazz feel, just listen to hits like "Smooth Operator" or "Lovers Rock" and you will immediately tell something is missing with "Soldier Of Love." The good thing is, this is only the first single from the long anticipated record. If the album sounds anything like the single, well, her record company can expect lack-luster sales. But knowing Sade and her previous work, I can bet me last dollar this album will be amazing just like all of her other material. I promise, Sade will not let us down.

No More Katherine Heigl, Maybe!

blonde ambition
Originally uploaded by valentine_mariner

Just read Katherine Heigl maybe leave Grey's Anatomy to pursue the big screen full time. Though I think it is a great move for her career, it will be sad not to see "Iizzie" on the show anymore. She also has adopted a little girl named Naleigh, and that's why we haven't seen Heigl on the show as much. Well is she most definitely and TV star and I have no doubt someday she will be bigger as a movie star. Rock on Katherine Heigl. However, is the timing right? Should she be leaving the show with only a few movies under her belt? 

A Patriot's History of the United States: From Columbus's Great Discovery to the War on Terror

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres
Originally uploaded by ronpaulrevolt2008

Don't get me wrong, I love Ellen DeGeneres, she's funny as hell. However, what does she have to do with music, she's a comedian. I disagree with Idol's choice when it chose her as a new judge for the show. I believe they should have pick someone experienced in the music biz, that would have been a more concise choice if you ask me. I'm just saying. Let me know what you think, post a comment.

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