Terminator X - Juvenile Delinquentz

I just had to post this video. This was my ish back in eighth grade. Oh, how time brings irony. Just think, I was yelling "we say f*ck school, but we still get through" and now I'm a high school teacher. Hilarious!

Breaking News - The Boys/The Suns of Light

Yes, The Boys, of "Dial My Heart" fame, are the focus of this particular entry.

Walk with me, back to the past, say 1988, when I was young and fresh-faced and totally in love with this new boy band aptly (and perhaps too simply) named The Boys. There were four of them, and though they were all talented, I reserved my girlish, squealing love for the second oldest, Hakim. (I watched Ernest Goes to Camp a million times just to see him sing "Gee, I 'm Glad It's Raining".) The Abdulsamad bothers were such a big deal for a minute that having their white tape with you guaranteed instant friendship with other adolescent girls. I recall showing up to a birthday party with tape in hand and causing a frenzy. For the rest of the party, we all gathered around the stereo and screamed and screamed.

In 1998, when I dropped out of school to move to Atlanta with my rap group (mmm hmm, you read correctly), I stumbled upon an article on my lost loves in Creative Loafing, Atlanta's version of The Chicago Reader. Apparently, they had moved to Gambia, grown locks, and were now performing as The Suns of Light. I was intrigued, but didn't pursue this further.

Today (in 2008), I'm on YouTube looking for older R&B hits from the 80's and who do I stumble upon? Hakeem and Tajh!!!!! Dude, they turned out cute. I figured that I had to blog about this, just in case some other old ass thirty year old was out there reminiscing about The Boys. Why these reminisces occur in ten-year intervals, I don't know. Something about completeness and order, I presume, but nevermind the esoteric stuff, enjoy these strapping fellas, ladies.

Fun facts:

Hakim is reportedly releasing his solo album this year. I'm all over it.

Also, he wrote "Mama Africa" from Akon's Konvicted album.


The Boys then
"Lucky Charm" from Messages From the Boys


Performing "Dial My Heart" on Oprah


Them now
Hakeem with the Gambian youth (yute):


Hakeem doing "shout outs"


Tajh greeting the people


The Suns in Gambia


On some non-lechery, they look really happy. Much success, fellas. (And for those of you reading this, support them.)

"Spring" is Here

(Note: There may be an obvious absence of r's in this post because MC Fatty Fat Ass spilled delicious treats on the keyboard and now the r and z are stuck, sorry.)

The arbitrary calendar says that spring is here, and though those of us in Chicago know better, understand that spring is some illusory season that never really comes, there's no reason to not welcome the spring fashions.

As I've done for many springs now, I have decided on a theme upon which my entire wardrobe will be based. This year, my theme will be (wait for it) ... Bright Assed Global Animal Farm. Yes, it sounds awful, like some loud ass hodge podge of fur and skin; however, do not be mislead by this simple description of what may be my best summer yet; I will be fabulous. In honor of my chosen summer theme, I present some pieces that must be copped. Please do resist the urge to bite, for biting is neither grown nor sexy.



It is not enough to simply hint at the animal influence. No, there must be actual animals hanging from one's ears. We all know I'll one day be that older woman draped in zebra print. Better to embrace it now.



Snakes on a chain. *snicker*



Nothing like a big ole piece of fake turquoise to liven things up.



♪"Monkeys [no] and tigers [yes], loop the loop."♪
Crouching tiger, hidden dragon.



Stacks and stacks of Ma(a)sai bracelets are good for the soul.




Love this shoe. It looks a bit overwhelming here, but I've seen it in person and trust me, it is divine. The leather is as soft as those nice guys who finish last, and the shoe is so well constructed, I could probably wear it exclusively all summer.



I anticipate this shoe will fill all my "neutralize this look" needs.




Another from my current favorite shoe designer.



This post would not be complete without a wedge. We all know that I love a wedge. This one, in electric blue and suede, is enough to fulfill both my shoes wants--comfort and ridiculousness.



Cute and comfy mini-wedges from Due Farina's diffusion line. Just bright enough to pair with even brighter colors.



As you can see, I haven't exactly made it to actual clothing yet, but I'm getting there. And really, once you've got you accessories and shoes picked out, everything else is a piece of cake.

RIP Static Major

I'm really late on this and am really sorry that I am, but atrack's been experiencing some emotional difficulties that prevent her from posting. Needless to say, this was surprising and just plain sad. I guess we'll never get another album from one of my top five male groups of all time, Playa; but I do thank you, Static, for the years of bangers you've provided. There were many who didn't know your illness. Sucks to be them.

Jokes aside, this is quite sad. My heart (the part that's actually worth a damn) goes out to his family, Black, and Smoke.

Select Bangers
"Can I Take You Home" - Jamie Foxx
When I heard this, I just knew someone from Playa was involved. The song has Playa written all over it. Static should've kept this one for himself and the boys, but oh well.


"Happy Birthday" - Playa
The boys in rare form.


"Your Dress" - Playa
Those harmonies, y'all, and those delightfully inappropriate lyrics.


"Top of the World" - Playa
From one of the best R&B albums of the 90s.

Yum

This is the greatest thing I've ever tasted. Seriously, I teared up when I tried it. I simply thought this was because of the delicious flavor, but once I had my friend Rachel taste, I realized the reason was a bit fatter and more disturbing; this is essentially butter in ice cream form. So, if you love butter, could eat sticks of it (like I sometimes do), get thee to your local Haagen Daz supplier.

Honorable Mentions

Caramelized Pear and Toasted Pecan

Green Tea