Monday, January 9, 2012
#MsLMstatus: Maya Angelou Upset W/ Common For His Use of N-Word In New Album (Dec 18-24th)
The Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet detests the word, which she calls “vulgar and dangerous” to the black community. “I had no idea that Common was using the piece we had done together on [a track] in which he also used the ‘N’ word numerous times,” Angelou told the New York Post. “I’m surprised and disappointed. I don’t know why he chose to do that. I had never heard him use that [word] before. I admired him so because he wasn’t singing the line of least resistance.” Common said he thought Angelou knew and understood that he uses the word in his music, but admits he didn’t specifically tell her he would be using it in the song they collaborated on. “I told her what ‘The Dreamer’ was about and what I wanted to get across to people,” he told the Post. “I wanted young people to hear this and feel like they could really accomplish their dreams.” Angelou and Common met several years ago when they recited poetry at the same benefit. Since then, the two have grown tight. He has rapped at her birthday bash, and she once said he could be her son. Common said the best lesson he has learned from Angelou is to “continue to be true to your voice.”
Sunday, January 1, 2012
The MAKING of THE LANE Reflection (1/1/2012)
Two years ago today I started this blog. My main goal was to produce a decade documentary of my experiences, productions and growth as a documentary film maker and aspiring entertainment mogul. In 2010, I blogged inconsistently but in 2011 I blogged weekly throughout the whole year. In a time where I was trying to get my life together and stand on my own two feet, I didn't have much time to share my words and opinions. In 2012, I will share more of my words and thoughts with those who follow me as a personality, blogger and most importantly a person. The blog entries will be short and sweet. To all of you have been following me on my journey, I want to thank you. 2011 was a year that I tried to separate myself from the game I have loved since I was born, basketball. Weekly blog posts were the beginning of that attempt to escape. Sitting here on January 1, 2012 I have been offered an opportunity to play professional basketball in Dominican Republic. I'm still undecided as to what my decision will be but I've come to the conclusion that I can still keep the option of playing basketball open while I continue to grow in entertainment. I hope my past, present and future experiences that I share with my fans, blog and the world are ones that motivate people to make their own lane.
- J.Shannon, #MYOL2012
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