Review on Drake's HYFR (Hell Yeah F*cking right) video

   I finally had the opportunity to see the New Video for Drake's HYFR (Hell Yeah F*cking Right) and I liked it. It was edgy and pretty unorthodox, but that's something I feel like is missing in some videos nowadays. It seemed like Drake was having a great time in this video, it wasn't serious or had any doom and gloom to it. I like the fact that he went back to his Jewish roots in this video but he still splashed his YMCMB twist to it. My sister told me that she thinks that the Jewish community might be a little offended by the new video, but we'll have to see. All and all I think that Drake did a pretty good job with this one.

   The cameos were just as wacky and crazy as the video was, but you can't go by me because I like being edgy. Being edgy is a great way to live and be if executed properly, and I personally feel that's exactly what Drake did when he made this one. Hopefully he continues down the road of being edgy and unorthodox, because if he does then I'll definitely continue giving two thumbs up to his videos like I did with this one. If you want to check out Drake's HYFR featuring YMCMB CEO Lil Wayne then go to www.Octobersvery.net to check the latest video.

Black Boy ™ (Poem)

When you hear about a Black Boy what do you think?

Do you see someone who smokes, steals and drinks?

When you hear about a Black Boy do you think his destiny is jail?

You think of a person who does nothing but fail.

He cares nothing of school, so forget about Yale.

When you hear about a Black Boy all he does is party.

He can care less about a job, that's why he's always tardy.

When you hear about a Black Boy you see someone wild.

He impregnates a girl, then leaves the child.

When you hear about a Black Boy he's someone unwealthy.

He drinks and shoots up drugs and is far from healthy.

When you hear about a Black Boy he cannot dream.

He's too caught up in the hustler's scene.

When you hear about a Black Boy he wears a vest.

He's so use to hearing "you are under arrest."

But when you gave up on that Black Boy, and stripped away his pride

In the end all that Black Boy had was God on his side!

Horrific Train accident in Manhattan

   So sometime yesterday a man was out on the train platform in Bedford Ave near the L train line and fell to his death. He was drunk and obviously lost his balance and tripped on the tracks while the train was almost in the station. By the time he tried to climb back up he was crushed by the impact. The gruesome scene caused great horror to everyone that was in the station. Everyone was ordered to leave the MTA station immediately, but this won't erase the images that everyone in that station saw. They couldn't even pull the man from under the train because he was stuck between the train and the platform.

   The EMT's and the Fire Department was called and I can only imagine the looks on their faces when they saw this man's body protruding from the tracks. I live in New York City and to actually know something like this happened is mind blowing. What's even crazier is the fact that he fell because he was too drunk to keep his balance. I've NEVER been that drunk in a train station, those trains come in the station fast. Yout can slip and fall even if you're not drunk. And even though this has nothing to do with the Manhattan Transit Authority, they now should definitely add some bars of something to reassure safety to people.

   I'm not sure that this is even on the news yet in New York City honestly, but either way I'm sorry that the gentleman is dead. It was definitely his job to make sure that even under the influence he stayed alert, but he paid for it with his life. Hopefully with this crazy situation that's happened the MTA is looking for ways to help secure all train stations with some kind of barrier. Honestly I don't want anymore incidents like this to occurr again. What's even more sad is I can only imagine how traumatic that must have been for everyone on Bedford Ave to see that. His family and the ones who were there will definitely be in my prayers.

The Hunger Games: Racism in Movies?

  The Hunger Games is a young adult novel written by Novelist Suzanne Collins. It was originally published on September 14, 2008, by a company named scholastic in hardcover. It is based on a post-apocalyptic world called Panem where North American once stood. This story is narrated through the eyes of sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen. The Hunger Games itself is a Televised annual event where one boy and one girl aged 12 to 18 from 12 distracts surrounding Panem must battle to the death. The catch is there can only be ONE survivor in the end!

   Now that sounds like a pretty interesting novel, simply a page turner. However, here's when the racism plays in. On March 23, 2012, The Hunger Games Movie hit theaters in the United States. It was one of the most anticipated novel turned movie since the Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling. Everyone seemed to enjoy the Movie until Rue (An African American character in the movie) graced the screen. The excitement turned into disappointments and anger once the unveiling of Rue came on screen. Now clearly in the novel she's African American, there's no confusion there. What saddens me is the fact that the ignorance of people caused them to turn a great movie into a race war simply because she was "black".

   I would have thought since we live in such a multi-cultural environment like The United States, such things would not matter. The days of segregation and bigotry would be far removed, and we would just live in peace and harmony forever...WRONG! Racism is well and alive and sadly won't go away for a little while longer. I wish I could say that 13 year old actress Amandla Stenberg; who plays Rue would just be judged on her performance alone, but then I would be lying. People can't watch a movie without pointing out something so little as a specific character being black. Why does that even matter?

   Something similar happened with the movie Red Tails when George Lucus, a world renown director couldn't get anyone to help produce his movie because the Cast was mainly all black with major roles. It sickens me to know that African Americans are still not treated with the decency and respect we deserve when we are just as important as everyone else is. I could go on a long banter and say how African Americans helped shape America, which would be the truth. But there's no point when you can look in the White House and see who represents America. I pray that people wake up and realize that bigotry amongst anyone is wrong. No matter what background or complexion they may may have they are still apart of the HUMAN RACE. Hopefully barriers will not hinder equality amongst people, because if that's all it takes, then we are in a world of trouble and I am worried about our future.

THE COME UP Entry #1: Chicago Femcee Bebe O'hare

Watch "Bebe OHare "TRILLA" Exclusive Freestyle" on YouTube

   So I had the Opportunity and the pleasure to hear some trill and invigorating music by Chicago Femcee Bebe O'Hare. I won't sit here and compare her to Nicki Minaj because they have two totally different styles all together. Bebe definitely deserves her OWN shine because she's bringing something new to the table. She's gritty, honest and appears to be a lyrical phenomenon; with witty punch lines and a swag to match. This Chicago based artist definitely deserves shine and I expect to hear more music from her.  She has two other freeystyles "Rollin" & Drake's "The Motto". Although there are only three freeystyles that I've heard personally, I'm certain that she will definitely be able to make her mark as a Femcee in this industry that's way too "commercial" for me.

    I miss when rappers actually had something to say, and at the rate that Bebe O'Hare is going; I'm sure that she will have no problem bringing the basics back to this dying game. If rap ever needed a female saviour, she's definitely one of the people holding the torch. I expect big and GREAT things from Bebe O'Hare, and at the rate she's going she won't disappoint AT ALL!

  Here are some of Bebe O'Hare's social Media sites that you can follow, and the original uploader of the video on this Blog as well. Big Shout Outs to the Director Nick Huff Barili for directing all three freeystyles, expect great things from him. Also shout outs to Hardknock Tv for the video, they're doing a great Job over there. And to Bebe O'Hare; definitely keep doing your thing, I expect to see you up there with the GREATS SOON!

Www.Twitter.com/Bebe_Ohare
Www.Facebook.com/BebeOhare
Www.YouTube.com/BebeOhare
Www.Vimeo.com/BebeOhare
Www.YouTube.com/HardKnockTv

MORE Then What Meets YOUR EYES

   I don't believe in fairy tales, or happy endings. I believe in real life circumstances and at times I believe in faith. My mind is like a bottomless pit that never seems to sleep or turnoff. Its almost as though my mind has a mind of its own if that makes any sense. I live in a community where people can care less about how intelligent or intellectual you are. You're expected to either sell drugs, play ball, be a father or be in prison for the rest of your life. I look outside and see babies having babies and children younger then I am pushing strollers. I head to the store and see people use their welfare cards to purchase things, because they can't even afford enough just to get by. Females I thought were sexy when I was younger, and never gave me the time or the day now push strollers of babies who can barely even speak; I look at their stomachs and now they're expecting another one.

   Each and every time I walk outside I see the same people in front of my building selling drugs. Pretending as though they are just hanging out talking about the good old days. What's even crazier is the kids look up to these people like a hero. It's unfortunate when your heroes are individuals who poison the community, with drugs they distribute to feed their families with. The drug dealers then say they sell because they've been locked up so many times, they can't even get a good job because no one will hire a convicted felon. Seems like everyone doesn't really want to be where they are, but have to do what's necessary. This is what MY community consists of, but I'm wrong to want to leave it? I refuse to be just another statistic. A poor black boy who's father left him, so he blames the world for all his mistakes. Not taking the responsibility for his own actions, because he wasn't bold enough to face the world head on.

   I refuse to lie and say that I get the same opportunities as everybody because I don't. I can be the smartest, the brightest, even a genius almost, but the fact still remains this world can care less. Jim Crow laws have long been "abolished", but verbally racist individuals will remind me where I stand in the world. Every black boy doesn't want to be a rapper, an athlete or a drug dealer. Quite a few a of us have dreams and visions of making a difference in the world. To help not only our families and ourselves, but the communities we grew up in. I've never seen myself doing enough just to get by, because that's what people already expect from me. I've been counted out just on the merits of me being a young black male in America. The place where lady liberty resides, and a city that never sleeps.

   Whether people want to come to grips with this fact or not I have two strikes against me already. I'm a male and I'm black. I'm sure as some people read this they're saying to themselves that can't be true, but it is. In the "eyes of America" and almost the world, I'm a disease. A plague that is cancerous to not only the world, but to myself. I'm the black sheep in the bunch and a person who has a high level expectancy to fail. What I'm saying isn't even giving what's truly going on any justice really. Its far more worse then what I'm writing, and even what you can conjure up in your psyche. These are FACTS non the less, and it deeply angers me.

  At the end of the day all I can do is be the best Derrick possible. That's something my mother tells me on a consistent basis. Whether I figure my purpose out today, tomorrow or next week, the fact still remains I'm here to conquer what the world says can't be done...MYSELF! Fighting those internal demons that I'm at odds with constantly. I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth or came from a wealthy family, but I'm here. Being more than just a vessel taking up space and oxygen, complaining about things I can change. People often say when life gives you lemons make lemonade, but I would rather sell those lemons and buy more lemonade stands. Whenever you begin to feel sorry for yourself and start giving up I just want you to remember this, Don't follow where the path may lead you. Instead, Go where there is no path, and leave your own trail.

Who Am I?

   I sit here everyday saying to myself what is my purpose in life? I can genuinely say I'm one of those people that has an idea, or at least a small assumption about what it is that I want to accomplish. I just want to live a life where I don't have to worry about just getting by. It's not even about being famous, or known by the world. Honestly all I want to do is matter, and have someone say I gave it my very all. I always hear people over use the phrase "it's not what you know, it's who you know". Well how about knowing people who know people that can genuinely change your life, but don't care how far you'll go because it isn't beneficial to them? Sometimes it isn't enough to know people, it's about making your OWN mark in the world. Being able to look in the mirror, and say to the person in it how proud you are of them. I would much rather create my own path however long it takes me, then accept a "handout" from any individual.

  I'm sure someone probably disagrees with this thought process, but it's a method to my madness. When you do something yourself you feel a certain high, its like you moved a mountain that couldn't be budged. It's as though you accomplished what couldn't be done, or at least what people told you couldn't be. Now when someone is "helping you out" you feel like you owe them something. Even if that person swears up and down that they've "got you", remember NOBODY does something for nothing. Now I know a few people who genuinely help other because they like to see others progress. However, everyone won't take on this selfless act. People are fickle, they're like a jealous child that wants to be the favorite. Most people don't want to see you do better then they are. They would much rather see you fail unfortunately.

   Maybe I'm being pessimistic, or maybe I'm just speaking from my own experiences from the short twenty-three years I've been living. Either way you take it that's just how I see it. Imagine how I feel seeing my peers who appear to be doing better than I am. Having conversations with individuals who I went to school with telling me all they're accomplishing, while I seem to stay the same. These people aren't wealthy or even famous, but it's like they have it all. I use that in a figurative sense not a literal, but it's as though they are almost at their peak. I try my hardest to be successful, but its like God is telling me it isn't my time just yet. Then the people around me seem to continue to become even larger then life almost, or maybe that's just my over active imagination.

  I feel like I'm at the brink in life where every move I make can mold me or fold me. If I could be honest I think I'm fearful of success, because I'm worried about people changing around me. I don't want people who I care about to view me in the manner where I'm almost "larger than life". I genuinely see myself as regular Derrick, nothing special or unique. What I do know is my heart is always in the right place and I believe in those around me. I just want EVERYBODY to be the best they could possibly be for themselves. Enjoying their lives and being whole people in this unforgiving world. Being able to make the mark, and reaching unheard pinnacles others said couldn't be done. That's all I sincerely want for those around me, but do they want the same?

   Questions like that go through my head often. I can admit I over think a lot, sometimes I even look to deep into situations; however that's what makes me who I am. I feel like for a long time now I'm comfortable in my own skin, I accept the man in the mirror looking back at me, and I smile. I didn't conform myself to fit anyone else's persona, I stuck to my own beliefs. I feel if more people did this they would have a huge weight lifted off them. God only knows what's next for me in this ever changing universe I'm blessed to be apart of. I may not know everything, but what I do know is time waits for no man. I'm not saying success should be rushed, or strike while the iron is hot. All those cliches never worked for me honestly.

  What I will say is prayer, hard work, dedication and awhole lot of tenacity can make you do ANYTHING...if you just BELIEVE that it can. Life is a never ending rollercoaster, it has ups & it definitely has its downs too, but feeling sorry for yourself won't change your present situation. Albert Einstein said it best when he said "in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." So with that being said why not start today!