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My Top 10 Sublime Songs

One of my favorite Ska Punk bands, Sublime was introduced to me by one of my close friends back in 2011. So many great songs by this band have been produced, sadly the lead singer died and since then the band has slowed down but still attends live shows!

1) What I Got

Album: Sublime 

Released: 1996

2) Doin Time

Album: Sublime

Released: 1996

3) 40 oz. to Freedom

Album: 40 oz. to Freedom

Released: 1992

4) Saw Red ft Gwen Stefani

Album: Robbin’ The Hood

Released: 1994

5) Scarlet Begonias

Album: 40 oz. to Freedom

Released: 1992

6) April 29, 1992

Album: Sublime 

Released: 1996

7) Caress Me Down

Album: Sublime

Released: 1996

8) Badfish

Album: 40 oz. to Freedom

Released: 1994

9) Santeria

Album: Sublime

Released: 1996

10) Wrong Way

Album: Sublime

Released: 1996

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My Top 10 Kanye West Songs Ever Released

With Kanye West officially titling his new album WAVES, I thought it would be a good time to give him a top 10 list worthy of the GOAT. Definitely one of my most difficult list to create...

1) Heartless

Album: 808′s & Heartbreaks

Off of the album 808′s & Heartbreaks which was released in 2008. In the song Kanye tells a story of a bad relationship involving a women with heartless tendencies. One of the albums biggest songs this track constantly invaded radios all over america.

2) Through the Wire

Album: College Dropout

"Thank God he’s not to cool for the safe belt”. Being his first hit single from the album College Dropout, this single proved his lyrics and presence would be long lasting in this industry.

3) Touch the Sky

Album: Late Registration

Taking on the spirit of Evel Knievel in this beautifully nostalgic video for Touch the Sky, Kanye spits lyrics with a much appreciated verse from Lupe Fiasco to top off the epic scope of this song.

4) Runaway

Album: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Accompanied by stunning visuals from his short film that came with the album, this song features spine tingling instrument selections as well as Kanye West’s beautifully delivered lyrics that criticize our views on sex, power and money and removes the glamour from it.

5) All Falls Down

Album: College Dropout

Featuring a stunning Stacey Dash along with a first person view from Kanye West, this song is one of my personal favorites. With lyrics that are still to this day repeated all over social media, this song will forever go down in the history of Hip Hop.

6) I Wonder

Album: Graduation

An emotional track that gives you the feel of wanting to accomplish those dreams you may have forgotten about. Kanye delivers to his fans lyrics about finally making it, along with a subplot about a relationship gone sour. With a great beat and inspiring lyrics this definitely deserves a re-listen.

7) Stronger

Album: Graduation

Featuring samples from the great Daft Punk, & personally being one of the best radio hits from this great album. 

8) Last Call

Album: College Dropout If you want to be inspired...listen to the last couple of minutes of this song! 

9) All of the Lights

Album: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Everything about this song is epic, from the features including Nicki, Elton John, Kid Cudi, Rihanna & many more to the beautiful lyrics and just overall a great opening to a great album!

10) Diamonds 

Album: Late Registration

Definitely one of Kanye Wests deepest tracks, with chilling samples and dark tones for the video. This song has a lot of hidden tissue so search deep for every word spoken on this track. 

Man this list was definitely one of my hardest due to the amount of great quality tracks this guy has put out! So of course I had to miss some great songs, so tell me which Kanye West songs are on your top 10!

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Top 10 Songs You Hear & Immediately Think of the Vietnam War

1. Paint It Black

Artist: The Rolling Stones

Album: Shine a Light

2. The Times They Are-A-Changin

Artist: Bob Dylan

Album:  The Times They Are a-Changin

3. Welcome To The Jungle

Artist: Gunz N’ Roses

Album: Appetite For Destruction

4. WAR

Artist: Edwin Starr

Album: War & Peace

5. All Along The Watchtower

Artist: Jimi Hendrix

Album: Isle of Wight

6. Fortunate Son

Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival

Album: Willy & The Poor Boys

7. Born To Be Wild

Artist: Steppenwolf

Album: Steppenwolf

8. House of the Rising Sun

Artist: Animals

Album: The Animals

9. Sympathy for the Devil

Artist: The Rolling Stones

Album: Beggars Banquet 

10. For What Its Worth

Artist: Buffalo Springfield

Album: Brother Short

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Hidden Gems: Top 10 Underrated Movies of All Time

1. The Fantastic Mr. Fox

Released: November 13. 2009

Director: Wes Anderson

An urbane fox cannot resist returning to his farm raiding ways and then must help his community survive the farmers' retaliation.Watching the animation in action and hearing the incredible voice acting is such a treat.You can expect a great movie with amazing visuals watching this one.Directed by Wes Anderson, what else would you expect but beautiful visuals and impressive voice acting from some of Hollywood's best!

2. Children of Men

Released: January 5, 2007

Director: Alfonso Cuaron

In 2027, in a chaotic world in which women have become somehow infertile, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea. This movie will take you by surprise... I remember watching it for the first time and having my jaw open half the movie because of the sheer shock moments, not to mention the phenomenal acting from the stars and the unique way it is shot.

3. Catch Me If You Can

Released: December 25, 2002

Director: Steven Spielberg

A true story about Frank Abagnale Jr., who, before his 19th birthday, successfully conned millions of dollars' worth of checks as a Pan Am pilot, doctor, and legal prosecutor. This movie is pure fun to watch, from the acting talents of Dicaprio feeding off of the energy of the legend Tom Hanks you will not be disappointed in this gem!

4. Akira

Released:July 16, 1988

Director: Katsuhiro Otomo

A secret military project endangers Neo-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath that only two kids and a group of psychics can stop. Although many of you may say it is not underrated, take into account how many people really actually know about this movie? Of course us anime lovers do but I feel this movie could intrigue even the typical everyday movie lover that knows nothing about anime...with classic visuals from the crazy 80′s this is the anime movie that inspired a lot of the anime and cartoons you watch today!

5. Punch-Drunk Love

Released:November 1, 2002

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

I promise this isn’t your typical Adam Sandler goof ball movie! A psychologically troubled novelty supplier is nudged towards a romance with an English woman, all the while being extorted by a phone-sex line run by a crooked mattress salesman, and purchasing stunning amounts of pudding.Seeing Adam play a serious role is something most people at the time thought he would bomb at...instead he proved my theory that deep down all comedy actors can be taken serious in Hollywood with just one great movie!

6. FRESH

Released: September 2, 1994

Director: Boaz Yakin

Michael (or Fresh as he's well known) is a 12-year-old drug pusher who lives in a crowded housing project with his cousins and aunt. His father has become a street bum, but still meets with Fresh on occasion to play chess. Fresh is rather quiet in a crazy world. Fresh's sister is a junkie who sleeps with the dealers who Fresh sells for. As the story progresses Fresh realizes that he doesn't want to sell drugs anymore, he wants out. With honest acting and real life situations, this movie deserves your attention.

7. Gattaca

Released: October 24, 1997

Director: Andrew Niccol

A genetically inferior man assumes the identity of a superior one in order to pursue his lifelong dream of space travel. This film didn't do well in the box office due to its reliance on story telling rather than throwing action scenes at your face with no thought.

8. Big Fish

Released: December 10, 2003

Director: Tim Burton

A frustrated son tries to determine the fact from fiction in his dying father's life. Very few movies bring me to tears...I must say, the beautifully humble acting and genuine connection between the actors brings this story to life! This movie is also a new feel by director Tim Burton from his typically darker movies that he has come to be known for.

9. Memento 

Released: May 25, 2001

Director: Christopher Nolan

A man creates a strange system to help him remember things; so he can hunt for the murderer of his wife without his short-term memory loss being an obstacle. WATCH it!

10. Sideways

Released: October 12, 2004

Director: Alexander Payne

Two men reaching middle age with not much to show but disappointment, embark on a week long road trip through California's wine country, just as one is about to take a trip down the aisle.

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Whatever Happened to The Love in R&B? Top 10 Songs that Make you Want To Fall In Love

Its no secret that the current state of R&B is lacking the feeling that made it so powerful, love. Current R&B is more about sex than building and yearning for a beautiful connection...this list will only cover early R&B all the way to early 2000′s R&B so sorry...no Bryson Tiller...

1. A Long Walk

Artist: Jill Scott

Album: Who is Jill Scott

2. Just Friends

Artist: Musiq Soulchild

Album:  Aijuswanaseing

3. Lets Stay Together

Artist: Al Green

Album: : Lets Stay Together

4. Knock Me Off My Feet

Artist: Stevie Wonder

Album: Songs in the Key of Life

5. Where Would I Be

Artist: Kindred the Family Soul

Album: In This Life Together

6. Why Don’t We Fall In Love

Artist: Amerie

Album: All I Have

7. At Your Best

Artist: Aaliyah 

Album: Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number

8. Lost Without You

Artist: Robin Thicke

Album: The Evolution of Robin Thicke

9. Step in the Name of Love

Artist: R. Kelly

Album: Chocolate Factory

10. Come Close

Artist: Common

Album: Electric Circus 

Okay, so that being our top 10 list of songs from Early R&B to Early 2000′s R&B, obviously we had to have missed some...that being said I would love to hear some songs that make you get that loving feeling when you hear it! Let me know how you like my list and give me suggestions on our next top 10.

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My Top 10 Frank Ocean Songs (Where The Album Frank)

Frank Ocean is a artist I discovered musically around 2011, he has been blessing my playlist with his beautiful voice and unique songs ever since, at least he is bringing the love back into R&B... While we patiently wait for him to drop his highly anticipated sophomore album, I figured why not do a list on some of my top songs by this dope artist!

1. Pink Matter

This song includes a dope verse from the great Andre 3000 who is known for stealing the show on any song he is featured on, of course Frankie holds his own with sexy rhythmic lyrics and a beautiful yet somewhat eerie delivery.

2. Love Crimes

Honestly one of my favorites due to the calm yet cold delivery in which he tells a story of a past relationship. With the odd yet at the same time smooth beat, this song will have you relaxing while at the same time following his story.

3. Pyramids 

From his critically acclaimed freshmen album, Channel Orange. This song gives you a true treat in the form of 2 songs in one! Telling a story about an “escort” the second part to this song exudes a sexy feel that will change any atmosphere it is played in...go ahead and fast forward to 4:27 during the song its ok, we all do!

4. Super Rich Kids

One of the more popular songs to come from Channel Orange, this song enjoyed pretty decent air play from radios and other media outlets. Frankie gets help from the lyrically gifted Earl Sweatshirt. They keep it all in the OFWGKTA Family. 

5. Songs For Women

This entry is from his much loved mixtape Nostalgia Ultra. The song talks about a man using his gift (singing) to get the opposite sex. With a sort of 80′s feel to the beat as well as a greatly smoothed out delivery from Mr. Ocean, this is one of my favorites.

6. Thinking About You

WHY IS THIS SONG SO SHORT!

7. Swim Good

“Relaxing and smooth this song is” at least that is how Yoda would put it! This song takes you to places musically so much so you almost forget the song is about suicide...

8. Sierra Leone

No this song isn’t about Rocafella Kanye West’s home, its actually a beautiful tune about reconnecting with your lover sexually. With an amazing beat that will have you feeling both sexy and relaxed, this track is a very underrated gem in his catalog. 

9. Crack Rock

Well, the song is pretty self explanatory, what does need attention though is the passion at which Frankie sings this song. The beat takes a backseat to Frank Oceans smooth voice which is something that is unusual for a track by him, his beats usually are as commendable as his performance, still this song is beautiful.

10. Novacane

As he states in this song, Frank Ocean gives us a natural high with his voice and the almost other worldly beat that we just could not waste this high it gives us and take opportunity to give it some love. Chances are this is your intro song to Frank Ocean as this was one of his first big radio songs, I know that word is usually meant in a negative way...but trust me, this song still holds up to this day!

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Billboard released a list, why can’t we? My Top 11 Rappers of All Time

Kendrick Lamar

Notorious BIG

Kanye West

Eminem

Jay-Z

Tupac

J. Cole

Lupe Fiasco

Common

MF DOOM

NAS

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Top 10 Black Late 80′s to 90′s Television Shows

A Different World

A show about a group of students with different attitudes towards life trying to make it at a predominantly black college. The show started off as a spin-off with the daughter from the Cosby show (Denise Huxtable) then turned into a whole new show all together after its first season. Dealing with social issues of the time but still maintaining enough comedy to keep you entertained for days, this is a show that you should revisit. 

Martin

The misadventures of a Detroit radio show host and his assortment of friends and enemies along with his long time girlfriend. This show will make you cry from laughter at the many characters that Martin encounters (mainly played by himself). 

The Wayans Bros.

A show loosely based on the real life wacky escapades of brothers Shawn and Marlon Wayans, along with there wise but eccentric father. Loaded with funny jokes and a set of opening themes complete with great music inspired by A Tribe Called Quest, this is a gem that is ripe for a nostalgia blast.

Sister, Sister

A show that is made for kids but has enough mature comedy that any teen or adult can catch a great laugh from it; this show is about sisters Tia and Tamara, they were separated at birth but by a stroke of miraculous luck they find each other in their teen years and of course wacky antics begin to happen.  

Living Single

A show with possibly one of the best intro themes on this list, this show follows the lives of several single male and female roommates and friends in 1990′s Brooklyn, New York. With a cast full of different booming personalities and not to mention starring the Queen herself, this is a show you might want to re-watch.

The Jamie Foxx Show

Starring actor/comedian/singer Jamie Foxx, this show centered around Jamie King, an aspiring actor from Texas moving into his aunts hotel in Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment. With plenty of laughs that will have you crying and your abs feeling like you just worked out for months nonstop, this gem is definitely one worth reliving. 

The Cosby Show

Although two of the cast members are the center of countless media drama, this show was a godsend for the black community. It showcased a wealthy positive black family with beautiful values and a great wholesome cast of actors. The ratings this show received are borderline if not historic and even though the controversy surrounding the main protagonist of the show is getting heated, his work on this show still lives on in TV history.

Keenan & Kel

From the comic duo of Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, this series took place on a children’s channel but along with Sister,Sister , had a cult like following of young and older adults that understood both the mature and immature humor that happened on this show. 

Moesha 

Starring singer Brandy Norwood, this sitcom followed the life of a teenager struggling to come to terms with everything life throws at her with the help of her family and friends. This show is also infamous with ending on a mysterious plot that we will never find out the outcome of one of the characters fates...

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Ahh, of course this one would be on the list. A sitcom featuring a cast full of colorful personalities and hilarious as well at times very serious plots, this series stars Will Smith the A-list actors first acting gig while he was at the time a rapper. The show follows Will Smith as he is sent to live with his rich aunt Vivian and her husband Phillip along with there 3 kids in Bel-Air. It follows his struggle with going from the inner city of West Philadelphia to a rich neighborhood with hilarious and sometimes witty outcomes.

-Earl

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Top 10 MF DOOM Songs

Here are some of my favorite songs that have come from this mysterious legend of a rhymer who spells his name with all caps, MF DOOM has provided us fans with some of the most jazzy and unique music accompanied with dope lyrics that make you repeat the song just to hear it twice! Here is the list:

All Caps

Straight off of Madvillainy , this song is just one of the many gems on the album and features an ode to the golden age of comics with MF DOOM being a hulk of a creature. It’s so short though...

Deep Fried Frenz

A song from the classic album MM Food, in this single MF DOOM discusses the ideal of having fake friends who only come around when they need something or when you are popping. The song samples from various sources such as his song Myrrh, as well as from other artist for example songs like Out of the Blue by Caldera.

Papermill

This song was of course like many discovered on Adult Swim, it features a sample from Blonker’s song “Irgendwie”. The beat is very natural and adult swim “bumpish” which makes it sound beautiful to the ears.

Gas Drawls

Probably one of my favorite MF DOOM songs due to the crazy chill beat accompanied with the hard hitting lyrics that shouldn't mix together, but somehow it merges together so beautifully. Samples include Black Cow by Steely Dan.

Hoe Cakes

Using a sample from one of my favorite Anita Baker songs Sweet Love as well as J.J. Fad Supersonic. This song has a nostalgic beat along with the fresh and unique lyrics only DOOM can produce.

Eye

I admit, I only put this on the list because the beat is so relaxing and musically beautiful that it feels like it doesn't even belong in this genre of music but at the same time still feels at home in a DOOM album! Shout out to Stacey Epps for providing the vocals.

Rhymes Like Dimes

With a sample from the Quincy Jones cheese fest One Hundred Ways, this track is a “feel good” song deemed something you would play at a black cookout or while hanging with a couple of your friends during a summer day. MF DOOM spends the whole song showcasing why his rhymes are the best and how fluently he can spit a verse non-stop on a track.

Go With The Flow

With samples that include both Ain’t No Price on Happiness and Truly Yours by The Spinners and Kool G Rap, this song showcases the true beauty that DOOM holds when it comes to almost becoming one with his beats to the point it begins to sound like you are experiencing more than music.

Potholderz

Surprisingly this song has no sample and is produced by DOOM himself, the song is about the entourage of a rap star that hold the pot and other illegal things for the rapper in case they end up getting caught. This song came off of the album MM Food.

Rap Snitch Knishes

This track is about rappers who tell on themselves to the point no investigation is needed due to the fact that all of the rappers illegal doings are featured in all of their songs. Featuring his most known associate and fellow rapper Mr. Fantastik, this song talks about a problem a lot of rappers have even to this day...Bobby...

This was just a list of my favorite MF DOOM tracks so if you didn’t see a song that you favor on the list, let me know and hip me to some of your favorite DOOM tracks and let me know who you want a top 10 of next! 

-Earl

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Saturday Night Movies With My Dad: Spectre (James Bond)

Tonight me and my father decided to go see the new James Bond movie Spectre, despite him wanting no part of this seeing as he is no fan of the series, he decided to give it a chance anyway...here is how it went: 

As me and my father made our way to the seats while the previews played behind us, I could hear the annoyed grunts from my father. We found our seats after searching for a while and sat down... Drinks, Popcorn, and Nachos here we go! 

The Bond movies are known for the intros being very action filled with a hint of stylish class that honestly no other movie has brought to the table as of yet. After being thrown into the action in a way slowly comparable to sexual foreplay, we finally get to hear the new Sam Smith song “Writings on the Wall” as we see beautiful visuals introducing us to new elements of the movie as well as reminding us of previous events that have taken place in this Bond universe. 

Of course around this time my father begin to look at the movie in distaste as he whispered to me how corny the visuals of the theme song looked. I of course, ignored this and continued to watch on as the theme came to an end & threw us back into the Bond Universe.  The usual suspects show up in this film with the exception of the 2 characters killed off in the previous film, Moneypenny, Q, Bond, and a new “M” played by Ralph Fiennes, who I must say did the role very impressively as he was under a lot of pressure to fill the shoes of actress Judi Dench. 

Halfway through the movie, I would glance over at my father falling or fallen into a deep sleep. Scenes in the movie lacked a lot of dialogue or action scenes so I understood why this was happening to him as I too at certain moments found myself becoming drowsy.

Now don't get me wrong, Spectre had some very engaging scenes that had me on the edge of my recliner movie theater seats, Spectre, in my opinion had some of the best dialogue in the Bond series...just to people like my dad who only watch movies for action or sexy women,it lacked the content needed to keep his attention as some of the scenes would go minutes without the actors talking  any dialogue or anything other than tension building happening. 

But you did get beautiful scenes like this:

And I feel the beauty of the scenes in the Bond series is a big part of what makes us movie lovers and series fans keep coming back to see the new installments or reboots. 

Except this...we don't remember this:

This bond movie definitely is a must see for the people who love good cinematography along with interesting dialogue and engaging action scenes, for people like my father, who by the way ended up going outside and talking on the phone rather than “suffering” through the awkward quite of the tense building scenes...I recommend you still see it, although my father disliked the movie he did love the action scenes, and the cars...oh the cars! 

Overall I will give this film a 3 out of 5, I would tell you what my father gave the film but i;m sure you can guess what he gave it...

-Earl

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Another Top 10 Upcoming Local Artist (VA)

Welp, its that time again! I have been doing some research on the different talents in Va and I must say this list was one of my most challenging; I say this because so many names made the list. Sadly of course I had to lower a list that consisted of 40 down to 10, so if your favorite local artist didn't make it this time be on the look out for the next top 10 next month! Without further ado, lets get to it...

Corey Williams

Debuting at our first spot is musician Corey Williams. He is a singer from Virginia and has recently dropped his project called REMEDY. With beautifully written songs and heartfelt lyrics about love, you are guaranteed to see him gain more recognition soon!

Favorite Songs

- TOM 

- Forever

Makala “K.A.Y.” Perry

This young musician has gained some shine recently for being featured on the reality TV show “I Got This”. With lyrics that have attitude as well as a strong hint of woman empowerment, keep an eye on this one. She is currently recording and is sure to impress with whatever she gifts us, but in the mean time, check out her Vis-a-Vis EP

Favorite Songs

- Take Direction

- Date Night

Until The wind Shifts

This band has definitely impressed me, as I don’t tend to listen to metal-core; But after giving them a listen I changed this due to hearing such a great combination of both vocals and song lyrics mixed with a dope roster of instruments. Give one of the bands projects The Skyborn EP a listen, it might introduce you to a new genre.

Favorite Songs

- Forrest of Uncertainty 

- Clouds

DP

This Virginia Beach rapper has been on a come up so fast, it rivals that of fellow musician D.R.A.M. His song Jabar has received praise from Va natives and social media has eaten its raw lyrics up and loved every bit of it. Check out his project Designer Casket for more!

Favorite Songs

- Jabar

- For the Love Of

Tokyo Trendz

With beats that are so smooth you could kick back and relax to as well as lyrics that speaks to the everyday guy, Trendz has made a lot of noise in the last couple of years as an artist to pay attention to. Check out his project MW2YW !

Favorite Songs

- Put You On

- Paradise Fantasy 

Ataraxis the ACE

This entry has a style all his own, with lyrics about his personal life and a voice and rapping style that shows love to the great Cudi as well as a style that draws inspiration from the legendary Mr. Hendrix; this musician definitely deserves the shine he has been receiving as of late. Keep this artist on your radar and check out The Angst Diary: Finding Autumn.

Favorite Songs

- Gone

- Gypsy Boy

Al-Dom$

I recently was hipped to this artist by a mutual friend, and I must say I wasn’t disappointed. Cool flow, jazzy beats, and of course lyrics that will make you listen! He channels the inner soul of music which in turn,brings it to life! Check out his project Concepts.

Favorite Songs

- The Purgatory Pendulum 

- Let Me Know

Najah Lewis

This musician has been featured on American Idol season 14 and although she did not make it to the finals, she showed America how powerful her voice can be. With lyrics that make you feel every word spoken into her trusty mic as well as enjoy the rhythms of her guitar, you'll get a sense of what i’m talking about by checking out some of her covers on YouTube.

Favorite Songs

- Gone

- Nothing More

Brunswick

Something very Harlem Renaissance about the way this band sounds, they have been low key on the local circuit for a while although recently getting noticed by some very influential individuals. This band is known to mostly do covers, but has come out with a few originals worth giving a listen to! Keep an eye out for this one...

Huey Supreme

This artist was introduced to me not too long ago, as many have come to know I am a fan of good lyrics and smooth beats and this artist fits both of these categories. As he is new to the scene, we are still getting to experience his new material, but with his new release Trips it is guaranteed we will see him more in the future!

Favorite Songs

- Trips

- Summertime Blues

This ends another introduction into the Top 10 Local Upcoming musicians, again if your favorite local artist didn't make this list just wait on it, you might see them on next months list! I would like to give a shout out to a couple of people that almost made the list! Btw check out Anteup D new song “All I Know” for more local artist on the rise!

-Earl 

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Why Glenn May Be Alive (Spoilers)

On Sundays episode of AMC’s “The Walking Dead”, we got to see one of viewers favorite characters get killed off...or did we?

Glenn may still be alive, in fact, if they did what I feel they have done this may make him one of the smartest characters in the whole show! Sundays episode was filled with a lot of suspense to the point it had me on the edge of my bed almost about to go into cardiac arrest, “Im coming to meet you elizabeth”. In the episode, the group is seen still driving the herd away from their new found home in Alexandria; a lot happens and we see Glenn split from the group with Nicholas.

They both end up being cornered by a few dozen walkers in an alley and see no escape exceppt to get on top of a trash can and wait it out until they could think up a plan, Nicholas had other ideas as he took his gun out and put it to his head while saying “Thank You” right before shooting himself, knocking them both to the ground due to Nicholas falling on top of Glenn and into the pit of zombies to be devoured, que sad music and screams from Glenn and BOOM, your favorite character is dinner.

Here is where my theory kicks in though...

You all remember this badass right? 

Well remember her tactic for being virtually invisible to the walkers? Yeah genius right...now back to Glenn, Nicholas shot himself and fell on top of Glenn, leading to a buffet for the walkers. What if Glenn took the technique Michonne showed Rick and his group and used it to escape the walker feeding frenzy? They’ve done it before...

If so, due to being covered by the guts and blood of Nicholas, glenn could be undetected by the walkers after they finish devouring ol’ Saint Nic.

What do you think happened? Do you think Glenn is dead or no?

by Earl

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4 Facts about Rape No One Tells You

Rape is a very touchy subject, one that a lot of people choose not to discuss due to the taboo nature of the subject. Since this subject is not discussed enough in society, I will be informing you on some things that you may not know about rape and rape victims...

1) Colleges are Sweeping Rape Under The Rug

 Could you imagine seeign the person that sexually assaulted you everyday and having to deal with it because of your school sweeping it under the rug in order to protect its reputation? There are a whopping 55 colleges currently under federal investigation by the (DI) Department of Investigations due to  students filling out Title IX complaints against the schools for mishandeling the cases of sexual assault reported to them by a student or not giving any punishment to the perpetrator who commited the crime. In some cases, the rapist is allowed to still attend and stay on the campus in which the incident happened. 

2) LGBT Individuals Are Targeted More Than you Think

Corrective Rape is where rapist seek to “cure” or “correct” someones sexuality. Rapist feel that the homosexual individual is not really gay and that they just “need better sex” to convert them back to heterosexuals. In a recent study on an unamed campus, more than 42% of students who identify as homosexual , reported that they were forced to have sex against their will, double that of the heterosexual students on the campus. Sadly these cases tend to go unnoticed due to people not taking them serious, almost in the same boat as a prostitute rape case.

3) Orgasming During Rape Happens More Often Than You Think

Due to humans not being able to control fully what goes on inside of our bodies, things like this can happen while being raped. Orgasming during rape has been reported to happen more times than you would think. Most people feel that since you are not enjoying the feeling of someone entering your body without your consent that naturally you would not be able to have such a positive reaction to something so negative, unfortunately our bodies still function as if you are having regular sex and your vagina or penis does not know the difference between rape and regular sex. This of course adds to the emotional trauma a rape survivor goes through as now they start to feel ashamed or start blaming themselves for something they could not control.

4) You Are More Likely To Be Raped by Someone Close To You Than A Stranger

Reading up on this one gave me sort of chills seeing as I had heard of this before, but reading up on just how many stories and accounts that prove just how often this occurs is something that will dim any mood. The more I researched the more I found that family members are actually the main culprits of most of the cases I read about. They say people that are close to you are more likely to sexually assault you than a stranger is, that is a scary theory seeing as you hold so much trust in those around you and to know that people (especially family) can betray that trust in such a horrible, unforgivable way...

This one was sort of a difficult one to type and research. When I was 8 while living in DC, I was raped by a family friend who we had went to visit. Although I was not physically raped, I was touched inappropriately after telling the person stop and yelling for my mother who could not hear me due to being too far down the hall and it being late at night. Rape is something that you cannot truly get over...you just sort of start to deal with it in different ways, but it has affected the way I interact with individuals. I have not seen the person since it happened but honeslty if I was to see him today, I truly do not know what I would end up doing to him. My situation was very light compared to the thousands that have to deal with the fact that they have been raped and no justice has been served to the rapist! The hardest thing about researching about this was seeing that people do victim blame and victim shame. If you have ever been raped or are in a household where you re being sexually assaulted, please know that you can recieve help! IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT!

If you are a survivor and need someone to talk to or information:

https://rainn.org/get-help/national-sexual-assault-hotline

http://www.aardvarc.org/rape/states/varp.shtml

By Earl

[hiddenlotusinc]

Virginia’s Top 10 Local Artist

This list is for the music lovers and the ones that are interested in hearing new music from very talented artist in Virginia. This list is in no sort of order as well as not being in any fixed category or genre, this is just a list of people that are on the come up around Va. I will be doing one of these every month so keep an eye out because if you are an artist, you may just be our next feature! Lets begin:

Masego Music

Masego Music has been getting a lot of buzz lately in Virginia as a local artist whose music gives off strong jazz vibes along with hip hop influences that you can sit back and relax to as you vibe with the musical rythms of his beats. 

Favorite Project

Tribute EP 

Pink Polo EP

Scott Burton

Burton composed three albums of hip hop/jazz music with his band Glow in the Dark. He has worked with hip-hop wizard Jneiro Jarel and with his melodic hip hop jazz with accoustic magic this leads to great music!

Favorite Project

OG Catfish

Electric Spring

Sunny & Gabe

This entry into our list demands attentions as they mix both R&B and a bit of hip hop influences into a beautifully woven mix of music that sounds like a blast from both the past and a visit from the future.

Favorite Projects

Luv It ft DRAM

Fly

Ful-Metal

This one is a new listen for me as I was just recently hipped to this up and comer in the Va music scene. With trap beats that also feel a chill vibe in the air, this guy should find his way on your radar soon!

Favorite Projects

Adult Swim

BAPE TYAHH

D.R.A.M.

Im sure you already have this guy on your radar seeing as his song “Cha Cha” has become that of so much popularity that his noteriety has doubled in the past year! Not much intoduction is needed for this guy seeing as he is on top of the local scene right now, keep him on your radar.

Favorite Projects

Cha Cha 

IBG2U

Shaolin Park

This group came to me in the summer of 2012 and my ears have been blessed since. With jazzy beats that mirror adult swims “bump” music along with influences that are aparent such as MF DOOM and Flying Lotus, this group could have gone far if not for the death of one of the members,but still carrying on they have since been making waves still locally!

Favorite Projects

Adult Swim

Kung Fu Hustle

Conscious Kane

I was put on to Kane by my friend Perrin in 2013, his production was so dope I remember thinking “this dude isnt local,he has to be signed”...hearing his music will either get you in the mood to party with your homies or roll up a spliff and chill out for the night, music that can accomplish both is rare so keep him in mind when searching for new music on the Va scene! 

Favorite Projects

Wavy at the Wave

Todds Lane

Naomi Rahj

This singer has technically been all over the pace it seems when it comes to living arrangements, but she has resided in Va and has worked with artist in Virginia including previous entries Conscious Kane and Masego Music. With an angelic voice that’ll amplify your day as well as dope beats that will have you moving, this singer deserves a spot on your music radar!

Favorite Projects

Familiar Desire

Blues

AWKWARD JAZ

This rappers rhymes draw so much influence from early and mid 90′s hip hop and it feels so good to hear a female with a flow that can rival that of Queen Latifah in her prime! Her music and style seems so different and rare that it feels like a breath of fresh air and she is definitely one you need to get hip to soon.

Favorite Projects

Hydro Plane

Calendars

HANZ

I noticed this artist as he has been featured on one of the previously mentioned artist tracks, his dope chill beats and smooth toned raps as well as an electic flow has grabbed the attention of music lovers in Va and it doesnt look like his shine will dim anytime soon, put him on your radar now!

Favorite Projects

Staring Into Space

Fall Into Time

Thats All Folks

Welp, here you go! Remember if you or your favorite artist did not make it on this list, another list will be coming right around the corner! So keep grindin artist and music lovers keep discovering new music and artist locally!

[hiddenlotusinc]

HL Short List: Is Porn That Great?

Porn is something of a taboo subject to most seeing as it pertains to a very intimate session of hot steamy sex with...yourself. Porn is used to pleasure the person that is surfing through every clip they see  just to find the right one to climax to just for them to feel horrible afterwards. Yes masterbations can be a very healthy activity to partake in for many reasons, but when you add porn into the equation the healthy bits start to dwindle into a sea of addiction and temporary erectile dysfunction. 

Although porn has become the butt of many jokes shared between countless numbers of guy friends as well as the internet gobbling it up in its infinite web of memes...the addiction that comes to many that indulge in watching pornography tends to happen more often than you think. Being addicted to porn is just like any other addiction in which you feel the need to want it at all times, this feeling even hits some addicts after sexual intercourse; in fact people addicted to porn sometimes cannot attain an orgasm due to them desensitizing there sexual organ to the point they can only come to a climax when porn is involved, also being desensitized, the sex organ in men can sometimes become a victim of temporary erectile dysfunction....

Ahhh impotence, when talking about this subject I was suprised to learn that this was a big problem with the addicts community of porn watchers. Impotence s caused from porn desensitizing your sexual organ by making it believe that the images and video you are being shown is the norm of what happens during sex. This also involves your brain, which controls everything so imagine when it gets sent signals that warrant unrealistic sexual exspectations thus making it hard to “get it up” due to you being programmed unintentionally to only be arroused by the fake orgasms and moans of the porno business...

In closing, it takes a lot not to get sucked up in how easy it is to pleasure yourelf to big booty hotties that hold no commitments and garner no expectations except to bring you to your climax and let you fall asleep afterwards without getting annoyed...yes so easy,yet the things that bring us pleasure arent always things we need. Go out and get laid by a real man/women, enjoy being social and take home an actual human being, nothing beats the real thing I always say...so close your laptops and enjoy the world!

[hiddenlotusinc]

Lotus with the homies P.Richardson & Toast

[hiddenlotusinc]

Urameshi on the Screen