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

My Favorite Bobbys

It's February, which means we should be especially appreciative of black folks. Of my favorite Bobbys, I'm appreciative all year round. They bring me joy © Anita. However, some of you need to be put on. Consider this a gift, from me to you, wrapped in red, black, and green paper.




Bobby "Blue" Bland, born Robert Calvin Bland is the greatest blues/soul singer that people don't know. It's a shame too cuz the man is in his seventies and tours about as much as The Roots, which show he loves his fans. There isn't really a cute story that explains how he came into my life; I just pretty much grew up listening to him. My country-ass family (meant as a compliment) played him all the time. At every BBQ, family reunion, holiday, any occasion where music was warranted, Bobby backed us up. Years ago, he was a guest at the African Celebration of the Arts, the big festival in Washington Park, and I went. I was clearly the youngest person there, but the Bobby love was priceless.

Stormy Monday - The guitar solo makes you wanna slap somebody



Members Only - Standard Christmas music in my house


Little Boy Blue - Bobby broke this shit all the way down
DivShare File - 08 Little Boy Blue.m4a






I love Bobby Womack. He's made some of the best songs ever. He has that growl. His voice is rough but smooth. He knows that a "woman's gotta have it." There is no need for anyone to be deprived of his greatness. Partake, people.











Woman's Gotta Have It - It's true, she does


Across 110th Street - That's just too bad
DivShare File - 01 Across 110th Street.m4a

I Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much






Last, my biggest celebrity crush ever. I have loved Bobby Brown since fifth grade. I would argue down any chick who dared put Christopher Williams or Al B. Sure on his level. Bobby had more swagger than all of them, and he made one of the greatest R&B albums of all time. For his marriage to that woman, I forgive him. Hell, I'm with her on the whole King of R&B thing, and I dare you to say anything about it (punk).

All Day All Night - One of his more slept on jams
DivShare File - 09 All Day All Night.m4a

Don't Be Cruel - Still not played


Roni

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis -The Soundtrack of My Childhood - Parte Deux

So, let us continue our look at my favorite producers of all time. I've already sung the praises of their work with Alex, but what about his partner in crime, Cherrelle? She was featured on some super memorable duets with him. "Innocent" and "Never Knew Love Like This" were both featured in the first Jimmy and Terry post, but there was also "Saturday Love," a song I've spent so many evenings and weekends singing in my room I can't even tell you. This song also became my and Monica's signature karaoke song during the JFY years. We'd switch roles every performance; first I was Alex, then Cherrelle, and so on.

This tiny little thing had a big voice, orange hair, and hella bangers. Her first album, Fragile (fruh-GIL-lay [just kidding]) featured the title track (a jam) and "I Didn't Mean To Turn You On" (which should not have ever been remade). High Priority, the second album, contained the classic "Saturday Love" and "You Look Good To Me." Affair, which is super out of print, had "Everything I Miss at Home." All very perfunctorily listed, I know, but the point is, she had hits and I'm not sure everyone knows that. If you don't, get schooled.

Just like Alex, Cherrelle is still doing her thing, so do support. If she happens to come to the Star Plaza, make that move. Old school concerts are always the best.

Hits
"Fragile"


"I Didn't Mean To Turn You On"
The Video


"Saturday Love"


"You Look Good To Me"


"Everything I Miss at Home"