Rising Down...

Yo, yo
Lost generation, fast paced nation
World population confront they frustration
The principles of true hip-hop have been forsaken
It's all contractual and about money makin
Pretend-to-be cats don't seem to know they limitation
Exact replication and false representation
You wanna be a man, then stand your own
To MC requires skills, I demand some shown
I let the frauds keep frontin
And roam like a celluar phone far from home
Givin crowds what they wantin
Offical hip-hop consumption, the 5th thumpin
Keepin ya party jumpin with an original somethin
Yo, I dedicate this to the one dimension-al
No imagination, excuse for perpetration
My man came over and said, "Yo we thought we heard you"
Joke's on you; you heard a bitin-ass crew but um..

The Roots (What They Do)

They did it again. Every time that I think it can't get better...it does. Yesterday, The Roots, a.k.a. The Legendary Roots Crew, the influential, Grammy Award-winning American hip hop band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, famed for a heavily jazzy sound and live instrumentation, dropped their 10 cd. They first debuted in 1993. And to this day...they are hotter than they've ever been.

I've always been a fan of this group. One of the things that has impressed me about them is that despite the fact that they don't sell a ton of records, their music has gotten better with time. They aren't one of those acts that are here today...and gone tomorrow. You can see the growth in their music. Their latest cd, Rising Down, is another critically acclaimed cd and it's on FIYAH!!!. The band tours extensively, and their live sets are frequently hailed as the best in the genre. Recently, the band played a concert in NYC's Radio City Music Hall with Common, Nas, Talib Kweli and Big Daddy Kane. They also backed Jay-Z a third time, for his Reasonable Doubt Concert, a celebration of the 10-year anniversary of the release of his first album.

The Roots have been featured in three movies: Dave Chappelle's Block Party; both performing album songs and playing as a backing band for other artists, Spike Lee's Bamboozled, and Marc Levin's Brooklyn Babylon, in which Black Thought plays the protagonist, Solomon, and former band member Rahzel narrates. Black Thought and ?uestlove were both featured in the movie "Brown Sugar," and Black Thought also made an appearance in the film "Love Rome" as Tariq Trotter.

For me, they don't disappoint me. Each time that they come out...it's a banger. Never a dull moment.

WHo does that for you? What artist just keeps getting better and better each time that you see them perform. And it doesn't have to be a music artist. Maybe it's an athlete like MJ? Maybe it's an actress like Sanaa Lathan? WHo does IT for you? Who makes you say..."damn, they keep getting better each time and they never disappoint me."

Holla at me!

Dollaz and Sense

Thinkin of a master plan
Cuz ain't nuthin but sweat inside my hand
So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent
So I dig deeper but still comin up with lint
So I start my mission- leave my residence
Thinkin how could I get some dead presidents
I need money, I used to be a stick-up kid
So I think of all the devious things I did
I used to roll up, this is a hold up, ain't nuthin funny
Stop smiling, be still, don't nuthin move but the money

Rakim (Paid In Full)


Damn! I didn't think it'd come to this.

What happened???

It wasn't always this way...

Things were good at one time...

Now...things have changed...

And they could get worse before they get better...

I've tried to hold on to you for as long as I could...

Now I have to hold on to what I have...

It seems to be a struggle to keep you around every day...

The struggle has me concerned but not sad...

I'll make a way...

We'll make a way...
Franklin

Grant

Jackson

and the rest of the crew. I won't let you go. I can't do it. I won't do it.


Haaaaaaaaa

I'm talking about them dead presidents, y'all. In this recession, it is important that we try to hold on to the discretionary income that we have. But when gas and food prices are worth a small fortune...you have to do what you can to cut corners to hang on to your loot.

I've stopped buying cds. I don't burn up all my gas cruising down Peachtree Street like I used to. The big lunch has been replaced by the small lunch. LOL. The road trips to SC to see the fam have been cut back. I'm doing what I have to do hang on to my bread.

Most of us are working hard but not seeing significant pay increases. Some of us are working harder for less money. Some of us have "money that's funny...and their credit won't get it. "

Since the money and credit crunch is affecting everybody...what are YOU doing to hang on to your paper?

Sound of da Police...

Fuck the police comin straight from the underground
A young nigga got it bad cause I'm brown
And not the other color so police think
they have the authority to kill a minority
Fuck that shit, cause I ain't the one
for a punk motherfucker with a badge and a gun
to be beatin on, and thrown in jail
We can go toe to toe in the middle of a cell

Ice Cube (Fuck tha Police)

I got an email on Friday from my boy Juan. He lives in the Bronx. He told me that the cops who had killed Sean Bell, the young brutha who was gunned down in a hail of 50 bullets despite the fact that he was unarmed, were acquitted. What? Are you kiddin me? How could that happen?

It brought me back to my thoughts and memories of run-ins with cops over my lifetime. I thought about a blog that LRenee did about police, racial profiling, driving while black, etc. I will share my post from that day.

Let me start by saying that I don't like cops. I hate to generalize it but I don't like em. I don't feel safe around them, they've never been around when I've needed them, and I haven't met one nice cop. That said...here's my story

I was in New Orleans about 10 years ago on a business trip. My co-worker and I decided to go to Bourbon Street. If you've ever been to N.O. you know that ANYTHING goes on Bourbon Street. We hung out and had a good time and then decided to head back to our hotel. Before we got in the car, my co-worker, who is white, was complaining about his feet that were sore from walking. When we got in the car, he decides to take his shoes off to "rest his dogs." As he was bending over to remove his shoes, I see a police car behind us that throws on the blue lights. We were only a block away from Bourbon Street and we weren't drunk so I dunno why we were being pulled over. The cops get out with their GUNS DRAWN!!! They are yelling at us to get outta the car. They make us stand in front of the running car with our hands on the hood of the car. Apparently, there must be some law about a young black dude and a white dude hangin together...because they thought we had drugs on us. They asked my co-worker why was he bending over...was he trying to hide some drugs? Drugs? You could get ANY drug that you wanted just a block away on Bourbon Street!!!

When my co-worker advised him that he was removing his shoe (as evidence he pointed to his untied shoes), they threatened us. It was a black cop and a white cop. The black cop said "why are you two together?" We explained but the didn't listen. They proceeded to search my car (illegally). We asked could we take our hands off the HOT hood of the car. The black cop said "No. And you better not run. If you move, I'll put a bullet in your back!!" I couldn't believe it. I looked at the white cop and he was cool. He was the one who called off the black cop from going through my trunk and suitcase. My co-worker and I gathered our composure and got back in the car. We were furious and stunned!! We just sat there for about 5 mins before we left. We drove up the street and the SAME cops had pulled over a car full of Mexicans. Wow! I wonder what rule did they break? F@#% the police!

Please feel free to share any experiences that you've had with cops aka pigs aka po-po aka 1 time aka jake aka charlie...etc. You get my point

Holla atcha boi

Tagged

Sup y'all. Sorry for the late tag post. I was tagged a couple of times this week by MsP and The Flyyest

So here it goes. And since I'm late...i'm not gonna tag anybody b/c it looks like errybody got tagged this week.

1. Link the person who tagged you…

2. Mention the rules in your blog…

3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours

4. Tag 6 bloggers by linking them

5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged


6 Quirks


1. I bite my nails. Yeah...yeah...I know that I shouldn't but its a bad habit that I've had since high school. I only do it when I'm nervous...or bored. When I was in college and I had to take final exams, I REALLY did a number on my fingers. lol

2. I've never smoked weed before. I didn't have my first drink until I was 25. I would consider myself a "light drinker" right now. Even though I didn't drink in college...I was the designated driver for my drunk teammates. I've got some FUNNY stories, too! Nuffin betta than being around a dude who gets soooo drunk that he "tells you his life story." Too funny

3. I like to eat while laying flat on my stomach. While it may not be the most healthy thing, I love doing it. I also like to read something while I'm eating.

4. Sometimes I refer to myself in 3rd person...just for kicks.

"I don't understand why Kyle has to be the one who does the work and not everybody else." LOL

5. I will watch a game on tv in its entirety and then immediately watch the highlights on ESPN...just in case I missed something.

6. I do not...and will not...ride roller coasters. The feeling of having your stomach drop as you are falling is a sick feeling to me. I hate it. I hate when it happens on airplanes during turbulence.




Things that I learned while I was in Dallas for a week...

1. I've never heard the words "anti-social" and "coy" mentioned in the same sentence as my name.

I wasn't being anti-social...I just don't wanna be around co-workers who talk about work all the time.

2. White people like me. Dunno why? But they wanted to hang with me. I like you too white people...but I love black people.

3. Dallas is cool...but it aint Atlanta.

4. Bloggin from my blackberry was frustrating at times. I couldn't get on some blogs and I couldn't post like I normally would. I was "tagged" a couple of times and I couldn't even respond. Sorry bout that, y'all.

5. Neva underestimate the feeling of being awaken by the slap from the hand of your 1 year old son. While it may have been cool to "sleep in" all week while I was away, I missed that!

6. I never got used to being in Central Standard Time. Losing that hour messed me up all week. And NOW I'm tired.

Remember when...

I remember it. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was 12 years old. I was in my 4th year of playing football. I was good long before that October day. But then...it happened.

We were down by 4 pts with less than a minute to go. There was very little hope from the kids on our team that we'd win. They didn't care. We weren't that good and everybody knew it. We'd be getting our ass kicked and I'd hear some of them talking about being "happy about going fishing after the game". Huh? I cared about the game. To hell with anything else. I wanted to WIN.

Nevertheless, we were headed for a loss. We were down to one of our final plays. We were standing in the huddle and I told the quarterback..."Throw me the ball!" I yelled it! I may have shocked the rest of the team b/c I never raise my voice. The next play...the ball is thrown my way. I was running a crossing pattern across the middle. I saw it coming toward me and then everything slowed down. I caught the ball and proceeded up the field. There was only one man in front of me. I shook him so bad that he fell down.

The next thing that I know...I'm standing in the end zone. Just like that! The game winning touchdown. It happened so fast. It was fast...but in slow motion. That day...a star was born. On and off the football field. The kid who was kinda reserved and laid back suddenly became outgoing. The kid who was once quiet...became even more talkative. The confidence shot through the roof. That day I learned that I could do anything. The unbelivable self-confidence/swagger(arrogance) was born that day. And it has lived in me since that day.

What was your defining moment? What was that great memory from your childhood?

Wordplay Vol. 2

"Son, you must master the English language first."

That was what my Dad told me when I was 6 yrs old.

What he meant was that I needed to speak correct English before I could use slang words. We all use slang words. Have you ever stopped to think how ONE word can be known as FIVE other words. Check this out...

1. male- dude, homie, homeboy, peeps, folk, shawty, potna, bruh, brutha, nikka, sport, kid, son, playa, pimp

2. female- broad, babe, bunny, b*tch,
chick, jawn (my personal favorite), chickenhead, slim, slimee, stunna, shawty, playa, pimpstress

3. something nice- fresh, cool, def, fresh ta def, dope, cold (my personal favorite), hella cool, butter

I could go on and on...but I won't

Now...it's on you. Take a word...or 2...or 5...and come up with a slang for that word.

decision '08

This is the year that we head to the polls to vote for the best candidate to do the job. It's imperative that you vote. I don't care who you vote for...just vote. And if you're crazy and don't vote for Obama...we can still be cool. LOL

Today is Wednesday and we talk sports/entertainment.

Have you ever thought about who in sports/entertainment that you'd vote into office? Who WOULDN'T you vote for? Think about it. Hmmmmmm

THUMBS UP

President-Jay Z (the prez has to be cool). And he has a fine 1st lady

Vice Prez- Tiger Woods (he has game and he'll remain neutral on every political issue). The sistas might not vote him in b/c of that snowbunny on his arm. Lol

Secretary of Defense-TI (maaaad gunz, son)

Secretary of State-LeBron James (young dude who could be groomed to lead the country in 8 yrs)

THUMBS DOWN

Prez- Bobby Brown (the Weed and Wine campaign aint gonna fly)

VP- Dennis Rodmam (Rupaul wannabees need not apply)

Secretary of Defense- Mike Tyson (too much medicine will be needed to keep him in line)

Secretary of State- Britany Spears (do you want somebody who is an emotional wreck runnin thangs??) LOL

Now its your turn

Holla atcha folk...

It's all Relative

Peep this convo that I had with my boy Moe

Me: "You have daughters. I'm sure that you're gonna be hard on any little boy who comes to your house who is interested them."

Moe: "Hell yeah!!"

Me: "I never had a problem with a girl's father. I got along with all of em. I didn't fear the father of any girl who I dated. What about you?"

Moe: "Mannnn, I never dated a girl who had a father."

Wow!

There is always a delicate balance between you and the family of your spouse or significant other. I have a good relationship with my in-laws. I can't say that it's a great relationship but a good one. Conversely, my mom and Mrs12 didn't always see eye-to-eye. A lot of that was MY fault. I should have been the bridge between the 2. I learned that over time. Things are much better now. She has always maintained a great relationship with my pops.

I know that some of my ex's parents are telling their daughters..."I sure did like Kyle. Why did you let him go? And now you're stuck with THIS clown!!!"

LMAO!!! Maybe not to that extreme...but you get the picture.

How is the relationship between you and your spouse/mate's parents? Have you maintained a relationship with the parents of an ex?

Gimme your vibe....

Name Game

What's in a name? Shoot, I dunno. I know that your name can be any number of things. It can have a DEEP meaning. It can mean nuffin

We all have names.

Do you have a nickname, tho?
Air Jordan
King of Pop
Material Girl
Tiger
King James
A-Rod
Dubya (clown)
etc...

My ole high school coach used to call me Kid Chocolate. But that wasn't my nickname. Randy Floss, KDitty, K-Dot, CBW (Chocolate Boy Wonder), 12, etc are all very cool. Growing up, I never really had a nickname that EVERYBODY called me. Now, most just call me KD...my initials.

What's your nickname? And I don't mean your blog name. If yo momma nem call you Pookie...don't say that your nickname is Eb the Celeb or Mizrepresent (y'all know I'm playin witcha).

Holla at meeeeeee!!!

Off tha Dome

Random thoughts...

Bout to board a plane to Dallas. I'll be out there for a week on bidness. So, if you see ya boy in dem streetz...buy me a drink. LOL

If you wanna see some STRANGE people...go to the airport.

Obama loves to shoot hoops. Know what that means...he's a baller!

I just talked to my boy, Ryan. He's leaving Atlanta today as well to go outta town on bidness. The only thing is...he's headed to Cabo! Damn! Talk about lucky!

I went to lunch with co-workers the other day. I didn't talk much. Too busy bloggin. Was that rude?

Do your co-workers know that you have a blog? Mine don't. I'm not ashamed of the 12th Planet. Just don't want them squares visiting the planet. LOL

I never thought that people from all over the world would be tuned into the 12th Planet. From Canada to London...from New York to Cali. Just got an email from a reader in New Zealand. Wow!

Have you ever THOUGHT about stealing gas???

Kids are great. Sometimes you need a break from em, tho. I'm gonna miss my lil ones this week...but the break will be good.

Penny loafers with no socks...not a good look. I didn't know that people still wore penny loafers!

Signs that I'm getting old...I am upset that I'm gonna miss church today. I like my church and I like where I am spiritually in my life. I don't force religion on anybody but I think that we ALL should believe in somethin'. I don't care what it is. You can believe in a rock. Just believe

Signs that I'm getting old...that pesky little gray hair has popped up in my mustache...again. A gray hair on this handsome face? Whut tha hell? I had to cut it! I damn near messed up my 'stache in the process.

Wonder if Beyonce cooks for Jay Z now that they are married?

Foxy Brown just got outta jail, y'all. I'll bet that it'll be 6 months b4 she's back in trouble.

I read Karrie b's blog the other day. It made me ask myself..."When am I gonna get a tattoo?" Tatts are cool...very sexy on women...when they are in the right place

The Hawks made the playoffs, y'all. Pop bottles!

Memo to Hilary...the clock is tickin on ya. It's almost over, son!

The Shout Out post the other day was one of my favorites.

Bloggin is the shit!

Pray for each other. I've read some blogs this week that have made me realize that some of us are REALLY going through some thangs!

I love black people

Shout out to my boy, Juan. He just went over (Kappa Alpha Psi). Proud of ya boi!

Too bad the Pope didn't come to Atlanta. I could have showed him the city.

Why don't they feed you REAL food on the planes anymore?

Do women REALLY like Flavor Flav? I mean if he looked like that and his name was Tony Brown...would they still like him?

I miss The Wire

Shout out to all of the ATL Bloggers. Check out Torrance's book release party @ the M Bar this week. Gonna be live. Wish I could be there to meet y'all.

Some folks should be slapped...just for no real reason.

I hope that I'm not sitting next to "corporate guy" on this damn plane.

I love me some me!!!

On Sale

The door opened. My wife walked in a few seconds later with a HUGE grin on her face. She stepped back outside momentarily into the garage. She returned with a 2 bags. I quickly noticed that the bags were from a department store and not a grocery store.

Me: "What's in the bag, baby?"

Mrs.12: "What bag?"

Me: The bag that's behind you

Mrs.12: Oh...you mean THAT bag

Me:Yeah. That one.

Mrs.12: I just bought some shoes

Me: Shoes? For who?

Mrs.12: For me. They were on sale.

She then reaches in the bag to show them to me.

Mrs12: Aren't they cute???

Me: Yes. They are fly. But when you say that they were on sale that doesn't mean anything. The shoes were prolly marked up to begin with.

Mrs.12: Awww quit hatin'. I got a good deal for these shoes. I'll rock em all summer long.

Me: *sigh*...i mumble something under my breath as I exit the room

One of the FIRST things that I learned in Marketing 101 is that when you see the word SALE...beware. In order to deem if it were truly on SALE, you must know what the original price was. As consumers, we never know. Sometimes when you drop a hunnid bux on shoes or a dress that was on SALE...you have to ask yourself what was the true price before you bought it. Was it really only worth $50 and it was advertised at $250 but sold for $100 to make you think that you got a deal? That's the way that I think. Some call it cheap...some call it frugal...I really don't care what you call it. LOL.

WEBSTER'S definition of being on sale...
able to be bought at reduced prices.

Now, I'm not saying that Mrs.12 DIDN'T get a good deal on her shoes but I just don't fall for that sale jargon. haaaaa

So...you tell me. When was the last time that YOU got a good deal on a SALE. It could be anything. Or something that you would call a STEAL.

Holla baaaaak

Shout Outs...

Me and my family moved in our apartment complex A gate with the serial code was put up next The claim that this community is so drug free But it don't look that way to me cause I can see The young bloods hanging out at the sto 24/7 Junkies looking got a hit of the blo it's powerful Oh you know what else they tryin to do Make a curfew especially for me and you the traces of the new world order Time is getting shorter if we don't get prepared People it's gone be a slaughter My mind won't allow me to not be curious My folk don't understand so they don't take it serious But every now and then, I wonder If the gate was put up to keep crime out or to keep our ass in

Cee-lo from Goodie Mob (Cell Therapy)

Have you ever been watching an award show and seen a rapper/singer give their acceptance speech...aka their shout out list!!! They usually start with the obligatory "First, I wanna thank God..." Then, they go on to shout out everybody that they can think of. As you watch the tv, you think to yourself..."that was sooo silly". Well, today I'll give you a chance to be silly and FAMOUS. Let's pretend that the whole world reads The 12th Planet (which ain't that far of a stretch b/c the blog is taking over). Now, you...the reader get to shout out whoever you want to. You can make it long or short. You can use your friends/family real names. Remember, the whole world is reading so you wanna make it sound JUST like you're on tv or in front of the world. Because on this blog...you are!!!

Since it's my blog...I'll get it started. I'd like to give a shout out to...my parents for raising me to become a successful young man. Thanks mom and dad. I love y'all. Shout out to my brother Damon and my sister Cara. Love y'all! Special shout out to my family...especially those who helped me along the way. Big shout out to my crew from Florence. Y'all mean the world to me. One love. Another big shout out to my potnaz from SC STATE. We did it...let's get this money. Shout out to the HATERZ who said that I couldn't do it. Keep hatin on me b/c that is fuel to my fire to succeed. Shout out to everybody at the 12th Planet. It started as an idea and now its a worldwide movement. I couldn't have done it without cha.

HUGE shout out to my 3 sons...Deion, Kameron, and Brandon. Daddy loves you. HUGE shout out to my beautiful wife. You are my best friend. And last but not least, I'd like to thank GOD. Thank you for putting air in my lungs and blood in my veins each day to live. Thank you for the blessings, the trails and tribulations. I am eternally grateful. Thank you and God bless

*walks off the stage as the crowd cheers*

Your turn. Lets have some fun with this...

Dooinit

November 7,1991

I remember that day like it was yesterday. I was a fresh-MAN at SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY. It was almost 6pm. I had just finished football practice when I made my way to the dorm. I heard somebody say "____ has AIDS".

My reply was "Man, don't say shit like that. You'll end up starting a nasty rumor."

It took a few mins to make my way to the 3rd floor to my room. When I got upstairs, a few of my teammates looked very sad. I dunno why but I headed to my room. I turned the tv on to watch the news. And it happened.

BOOM!!!

I saw Magic Johnson on tv and he was announcing that he had HIV and would be retiring from the NBA. WHAT? Are you kiddin me? Magic wasn't gay. How could this be? I'll admit that I wasn't a HUGE fan of his b/c I was a Michael Jordan fan. But I gave Magic his props b/c he was a winner...just like me. Keep in mind that in 1991, we thought that this would be the last time that we saw him on tv. HIV would kill him within 2 yrs. That's what we thought. Well, it's almost been 17yrs and Magic is healthy and living with HIV. I remember seeing some dudes CRYING when they heard the news. As the word spread throughout our campus, we all were concerned about our own vulnerability.

I remember vowing to never have unprotected sex (aka do it raw...lol) no matter what. Not only did I pledge it. Many of you did, too. And if you're reading this right now and HAVEN'T had unprotected sex...you tellin' a DAMN LIE!!! LMAO!!!

Sexual irresponsibility has run rampant amongst teens and young adults, a behavior that is displayed in music, movies, on TV and throughout society. Whether it's not using protection, not getting check-ups, not being tested or having lack of knowledge on STDs and how to catch them, this level of irresponsibility is on the rise.The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides the following staggering statistics on the rate of HIV/AIDS and STD infection: Over 19 million new sexually transmitted infections occur each year among all age groups, with the highest infection rate among young African-American Women.

HIV/AIDS
Although African-Americans make up only 13% of the U.S. population, we account for more than 49% of HIV/AIDS cases. AIDS is the leading cause of death for Black women ages 25 to 34, and the second leading cause of death for Black men ages 35-44.

Of all Black women living with HIV/AIDS, the primary transmission category was high-risk heterosexual contact (74%), followed by injection drug use. Of Black men, the primary category was male-to-male sexual contact (48%).

LADIES
You are becoming infected with HIV and other STDs at alarming rates. You have to think about the fact that when you are having sex, you can get little tears in the lining of your vagina, which makes the transmission of diseases and infections from a man to a woman extremely high. We've got to do a better job of cherishing our bodies.

There are several men out there who are leading dual sexual lifestyles, which can increase his chances for infections. Make that man use a condom. Better yet, keep your own stash of male and female condoms, so if he gives you a problem about wrapping it up, you can handle your own business and protect yourself.


FELLAS
You saw the stats above. One thing to know is that the majority of these women are catching these infections from heterosexual relationships. You are carriers of several infections that may lie dormant in your system, but are easily transmitted. And although the chances are slightly slimmer, you can catch these infections from women. Use a condom! This choice is not that difficult. If you are concerned about lack of sensation, use an ultra sensitive, ribbed, or dual pleasure Life Styles condom. There are too many choices and not enough reasons not to wrap it up!

Think about this…when you have unprotected sex with someone you are giving that person the ultimate level of trust. This is the same person that you wouldn't leave alone in your house or you wouldn't let drive your new BMW, but you are allowing them to possibly dictate how you live the rest of your life, whether it will be a life of fighting HIV, living with an incurable STD, or possibly having a child with them when you didn't even want to call them the next day. This is crazy!

There are a lot of smart people making dumb decisions about their health, decisions that are literally killing them. What has to happen for us to get smart about the situation? A few minutes of pleasure can lead to a lifetime of pain.

Protect yourself:Get Check-ups
Way too often, the only time we visit the doctor is if we are feeling sick or notice something is wrong - or we tend to skip the doctor and just diagnose ourselves. Our doctor visits need to be more proactive than reactive. Again, many infections and diseases lie dormant in our system and we do not find out about them until it's too late. Be responsible to yourself and make sure you are straight.

How responsible have YOU been? Have YOU been tested? Has your man/woman been tested? Are you STILL careless in bed? Holla bakkkk.

Say Whut????

I had to pause for a second. Did he just say what I think he said??? Here I am...cooler than a spring day in Antarctica...custom made from head to toe...fly suit and tie...fresh Burberry cologne...headed to work. I came in contact with a young, white boy in a store. He couldn't have been any older than 25. We made eye contact. He says..."Whussup, bro???"

Pause...

*crickets*...

Excuse me? I am in my corporate gear...armed and ready to take on the world and that's how I'm greeted as I walk into a place of business? If I were in my jeans and Timbs, I probably would have let it slide. But not that day. Oh no! I'm suited up in my grown man gear. You will address me as "sir", especially when you consider the fact that YOU need MY business. Actually, he should do that regardless to what I was wearing out of respect for me. But I had to school the sukka. My response was..."Excuse me?" I looked around as if he was talking to someone else. He then changed his response..."Can I help you, sir?"

Ahhhh. That's betta. You will give me my respect! I command it and I'll give it to you. The moral of the story is that we can't let other people say "whateva they feel like saying" to us. I digress...

http://www.diversityinc.com/public/3372.cfm

"Fried chicken anyone?" "You speak really well." "Is that your real hair?"

In 2008, you'd think the taboo subjects and phrases would be clearly outlined and understood by all when it comes to what is and is not acceptable to say to a Black colleague. But that's far from the case. Here are 10 things you never want to say to a Black coworker or boss.

1) You're so articulate
You're so … articulate? Smart? Different? Yes, the speaker may intend a compliment, but what may be meant as praise instead comes across as being condescending. It implies the person being complimented is an exception to the rule and is exhibiting behavior atypical of others of his or her ethnic background.

"I haven't had it said to me, maybe I'm not articulate enough, but I've heard a number of Blacks say they've had it said to them … you're so articulate or you're so smart or intelligent," says Berlinda Fontenot-Jamerson, former director of diversity at Disney ABC Television Group. In her many years in the diversity industry, Fontenot-Jamerson has seen and heard it all. Some of it still makes her cringe.

"I feel like education and awareness is my mission, so I try to be kind when I check people to help them understand what they just said," she says. "I might make a joke to help them understand that it was a faux pas, and hopefully I have good enough relationships with them to have further conversations with them."

2) Is That Your Real Hair?
Danielle Robinson, director of diversity, talent and organizational design at Diageo, a wine, beer and spirits company, said she was amazed when she got this question from a colleague. But instead of getting angry, Robinson explained to her coworker why the question was inappropriate.

"There are a number of ways to respond. But I told the person they had no idea if they might be asking that question to someone suffering from a medical condition [such as] someone recovering from cancer treatment," she says. "I wound up giving this one woman a little lesson because you never know what the situation might be of the person you're asking a question."

3) "You" people
"I've heard this one several times," says Fontenot-Jamerson. Who exactly are "You people," and how do they differ from regular people? Use this poorly chosen phrase at your own risk.

4) Do you eat a lot of … (plug in the offending stereotype here)
Some stereotypes simply refuse to die. There's nothing wrong with natural curiosity about the ethnic eating habits of some of your coworkers. The problem lies in focusing on stereotypical Black fare such as fried chicken, watermelon, etc. It reveals the speaker has a very limited and narrow perception of Black culture and cuisine.

"One of my young relatives told me when they go out on interviews they may get queries about fried chicken and the stereotypes about the food that we like to eat," says Fontenot-Jamerson.

5) Why are you so angry?
This one is more often directed at Black males, thanks in large part to the media, which often portrays Black men as being angry and/or criminals.

6) Why are you acting white?
Consider this a relative of "You're so articulate." Why would exhibiting proper behavior, manners or dialect be categorized as acting white? If that's the case, what does it mean to act Black?

7) You don't sound Black over the phone.
What does Black sound like?

8) I don't think of you as Black.
DiversityInc Partner and Cofounder Luke Visconti received a letter from a reader who was presented with this particular compliment. He responded, "What you are experiencing is the first instance of a person accepting another person who is outside of their 'tribe.' Although the words and the sentiment are insulting, the person expressing them is (usually) not consciously trying to insult you. In their backward and ignorant way, they are actually trying to give you a compliment."

9) You graduated from where?
This particular offense came to our attention directly from one of our readers, Beatriz Mallory, who wrote, "In a career of nearly 30 years, I've heard them all. I am both African American and Hispanic, so I get it from both sides, on top of being a female. In trying to recall the worst, I'd have to nominate this one. It is the unguarded question "YOU went to CORNELL? WOW!" The implication is that in their mind, someone like me isn't automatically worthy of such an accomplishment. I never express my annoyance."

10) The N-word
The ultimate faux pas. Just because you've seen repeats of Dave Chapelle's show where the word is used liberally, that doesn't give you--or anyone--license to make conversational use of the word. To read more on the debate, read Double Standard: Can You Use the N-Word? in the Jan./Feb. 2008 issue of DiversityInc.

And don't fall into the trap of thinking substituting an "A" for the "er" makes the word acceptable. Fontenot-Jamerson believes it's a word used far too casually among youths, both white and Black.

"The new generation uses the N-word very loosely [and] the white kids do it too," she says. "I've been in the company where the youngsters have been using the word because they don't understand the history that comes with it."

Like Fontenot-Jamerson, Robinson looks at each misspoken phrase as an opportunity to teach and educate. "A lot of the questions are usually out of ignorance or genuine curiosity. So I always look at opportunities like these as a chance to educate," says Robinson. "Instead of getting angry, you don't want them to make this mistake with someone else. There are ways to ask a question more inquisitively that won't offend."

Has this ever happened to you? Your thoughts...

Either...Or

Can't scheme on em, Roc-a-Fella got a team on em
Chicks dream on him trick cream on him
Lose it when dudes think it's just music
Lean on em flash green on em and diamond rings on em
Sex around the way girls down to mida's
I'm somethin every girl gotta have like Levi's
Chiquita, me got more, see I brawl
You can love me or hate me, either or

Jay Z (Who You Wit)


As I've gotten older, I've realized that there are some things that I like...and even more things that I dislike. And then there are some things that you either like or you dislike. You know...either or.

So let's do Either Or...

You don't have to answer all of them (if you don't want to). Just answer at LEAST five of em. Herewego!!!!

Benz or Beemer
Benz

Whopper or Big Mac
Whopper

Vanilla ice cream or Strawberry ice cream
Strawberry ice cream

Football or basketball
football

NY or LA
NY

Paper or Plastic
Plastic

Summer or Spring
Spring

Cash or Credit
Credit

DVD or VHS
DVD

Dogs or Cats
Dogs

ipod or cd player
cd player (don't own an ipod)

House or apartment
house

R&B or hip hop
hip hop (till tha day i die_

Women or men
women

Satellite or digital cable
satellite

Cigar or cigarettes
don't smoke...but i'll take cigars

Prince or Michael Jackson
Prince Rogers Nelson

Cake or cookies
Cookies

Walking or running
running

Sex or abstinence
sex

Shower or Bath
shower

High school or college
college

Superman or Spiderman
Spiderman

Martin or The Cosby Show
Martin

Chris Rock or Dave Chappelle
Dave Chappelle

Biggie or Tupac
Biggie

Black or White
BLACK

3 Times Dope

Just wanted to take a second to give you a visual of the 3 most important people in the world to me. I can't begin to describe the love that I have for them and the way that I light up when I talk about them. They are the reasons why I do what I do, why I bust my azz errrrryday at work, why I strive to be the man and the example that they need me to be.

Deion...age 8
Kameron...age 5
Brandon...age 1

Deion is the happy-go-lucky peace maker in our house. Kameron is the jokester. He's very witty and funny (see our convo )
And then there's Brandon. He runs the house...he just doesn't pay any bills.

100% Dundee

rhyme time

Yeah, sitting in the staircase, holding back tears
Looking over mad years worth of photographs
Pictures of some places I ain't never going back
Some people I used to love, why I ain't show them that?
The skies was overcast, when I was sober last
My head is spinning, couldn't tell you if it's slow or fast
It's starting to get too clear, I got to go and grab
To y'all it's a shame but life is what we know it as
Waiting, navigating the plot, without plans
In the cards, it's hard to read as a clock with no hands
How your man's goin' get up and stop with no yams
All it take is one break, it could pop the program
Whether sinning or not, my back bending like I'm sendin' alot
I feel some brothers is beginning to plot
It might have been a close friend I forgot
Who started up and ain't remember to stop
I bet these niggaz going remember the shop

Black Thought of the Roots ( Clock With No Hands)


Sup y'all. Back on March 31st, I wrote about what I saw as the sistas plight and struggle within this dating game and the game called life. Many of you who responded with comments like..."what about what men do...what role do they play...12kyle, don't just blast women you have to talk about men, too." Well, that day has arrived. I'm not here to bash my bruthas. I'm in the same race that you are in. However...I have to call it like I see it. Hopefully, I won't step on any toes in the process. If I step on your toes...then say ouch!!!!

1. Be YOU!! We gotta stop tryna be somebody that we aren't. We can't all can't be a THUG. Women don't want a man who can't bring any sensibility to the table. Too many times we try soooo hard in being somebody else. Be you!

2. Take care of your kids. If you and the baby momma ain't together...do more than sending a check. You have to understand that you are Superman in your child's eyes. You can do no wrong in their eyes. Don't disappoint them. Be a ROLE MODEL

3. Stop talking about "she just wants me for my money" when you spent 20 mins driving up and down the street for everybody to see you in your 600 Benz. Then, you throw your Benz keys on the bar so that the chicks can see what kinda car that you're driving. C'mon, bruh

4. Take that shit (grillz) out of your mouth. There's nothing cool about that look if you're older than 25

5. Pull ya pants up. And if you see a young cat with his pants falling off his ass, then tell him to pull his pants up.

6. Be HONEST with women. If you don't want a relationship, then tell them that on DAY 1. If they proceed from there, then its on THEM and not some lie that you told.

7. Complement a woman in a non-sexual situation. Trust me...it'll go a long way.

8. There are a TON of educated women who are looking for YOU. Stop settling for these crazy chicken headz out there.

9. Find a woman who will challenge, motivate, and encourage YOU. You don't need a woman to tell you what you wanna here b/c we aren't always right. I know I'm not.

10. Be a LEADER...not a follower

11. Be man enough NOT to care if she makes more than you. Who cares about that?

12. Understand that sistas will do anything sexually that white women will do. All you have to do is ask.

13. How long do you intend to be a playa? I'm not saying that every man should run down the aisle to get married but you can't be a playa forever.You don't wanna be the "old dude in the club"

14. Don't be afraid of a COMMITMENT. Period

15. Understand that at SOME point in time, you must put your rap career on the back burner.

16. You must have a game plan for how you will handle a woman. I don't mean that you should run game on her. Even if you could. You should have a plan for what you want from a woman. More importantly, you should be able to eloquently present that to her.

17. Surround yourself with positive influences

18. Set goals for yourself, your family, and your woman

19. Be able to spot a good woman and keep her in your inner circle as a friend...even if she doesn't KNOW how good that you could be for her.

20. LOVE HARD. You'll never know love until you open your heart.

1 Sista's Perspective

rhyme time

A young wild beautiful love child
You like them thug style link rockin, then mink coppin
Hit you on the sink a hundred dollar drink poppin
The head'll make you take him shoppin, a foul doctrine
Reminiscent of my first time up in a chick
You was innocent, but now you rent-a-dick, wear the tightest shit
Chanel lookin real, airbrushed nails
Hit the gym, hit the scales, heaven-sent but negligent (so fine..)
To see a prophecy, your ebony tone is lockin me
The way you moan make me daydream of you on top of me
Wishin I could be the one man; but you juggle
way too many Willies all in one hand
You wanna run up in clubs, gettin rubbed on
Niggaz pull your hair, shake your fat rear
Get your fuck on - followin week, you back there
But what you stuck on, weed, clowns and cars
Puffin with some lil nigga, husband not knowin she's out
Could you believe Eve, Mother Earth of the seas
Niggaz thirst you, you just let em hurt you and leave
What up mah, frontin like you naive
Pusherman's whip, callin police when you flip
Can't understand it, yo it should be a throne for us
But for now that's a whole different zone from us, word!

Nas (Black Girl Lost)

As I was debating on today's subject for the 12th Planet, I got an email from Sexxy Luv. She sent me the link for this video that's on youTube. If you don't get youTube at work, then you wanna go to the library or go home to watch this video. LOL. I normally have a lot to say but the video says enough. What's your vibe on this one? Is this sista right or is she dead azz wrong? The crunching noise that you just heard is some toes that were being stepped on. Uh oh...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tdNxTV9i2c

Undacova

Yo, now
You and your nigga shit shaky
And at the time your heart feel down and broke like Achy Breaky
Lump in your throat, feel like a trachea, oh dummy
The pain that's in your chest done made it's way
down to your tummy, you wide open, you start smokin wit ya girl
She nigga bashin sayin you don't need em in your world
Niggaz all dogs? If niggaz all dogs, then what you call broads?
Felines in heat, meowin for some yawn balls
Now you and her done got to drankin
Oh now it's really crunk, cause y'all silly drink
and your girl done got to thinkin
She talkin bout, "Girl you look so beautiful"
You say thank you bein nice you try to change the subject
Want some beans and rice? But she's back at you like a pit
mixed with a chihuahua how much meaner can you get?
Don't let her have her way with you she's gonna have a fit
You're the candy apple of her eye and bout to get bit
here's what you do -- you
grab her by her neck, throw her on the wall
Say, "Bitch don't ever disrespect me never not at all"
These simple words can put a pause to half of the applause
Them black ball laws of balance at all cost

Andre 3000 (Mamacita)

Last night, the Tennessee Lady Volunteers won their second basketball national championship in 2 years.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a fan of women's basketball. College or pro. I don't hate on it. I'm just not a fan. Women's basketball does not draw huge tv ratings either...so it's not just me. Last year, women's college basketball came to the forefront when that idiot Don Imus described members of the Rutgers women's hoops team as "nappy headed hoes." And we all know about the firestorm that came after that. In women's basketball, there has been a HUGE assumption by the public that many of these women who play the sport are gay. If they are, then so be it. I played college football. While I can't say that I knew if someone was openly gay on my team, I can only assume that someone was. I mean, we had nearly 100 dudes on the team. The numbers alone would suggest that there were at least 2 dudes on the team that were gay. Those numbers may be higher in women's hoops.

Personally, I could care less what you do behind closed doors. I can only assume that many athletes...male and female...are gay. As far as womens hoops, I can only assume that some are. I won't generalize and say that they all are...no matter how they look. Some of them look very pretty off the court. Other females look like Iraq...bombed and depleted.

I remember having a conversation with my boy, Da Reason. He's a HUGE basketball fan. He's married with a daughter who is my god-daughter. He said that he wasn't sure if he'd steer her towards basketball b/c of the wide spread lesbianism in women's hoops. He didn't say that he'd prevent her from playing the sport. He said that he was unsure. Keep in mind that she isn't 3 yrs old yet...so we have some time before we cross that road.

What's your take? Would you let your daughter play in a sport where it is assumed that most of the participants are lesbians? I don't have any daughters. What is your take on sports and homosexuals and lesbians? Lemme know whut ya think!


btw...happy bday to my ex girlfriend from 8th grade. she reads this blog every day. happy bday girl. enjoy ya damn self!!! social security is right around the corner for ya! LOL

DARTS

Most critically acclaimed Pulitzer, prize winner
Best storyteller thug narrator my style's greater
Model dater, big threat to a lot of you haters
Commentators ringside try watchin my paper
Almost a decade, quite impressive
Most of the best is in the essence
for this rap shit that I stand for
Expandin more to the big screen, Bill Gates dreams
But it seems you'd rather see me in jail with state greens
Want me off the scene fast, but good things last
like your favorite MC still makin some mean cash
First rapper to bring a platinum plaque, back to the projects
but you still wanna hate, be my guest, I suggest

NaS (Hate Me Now)


I love to watch the world evening news on NBC. Every night, I'm in front of the tube at 6:30. I dunno why. Maybe it's because I like to look at the world globally. I really don't like the local news. I probably SHOULD watch it for more than the weather. But if you watch the evening news here...you'll be depressed within 10 mins. It doesn't matter if it's the story about the high school kid who was gunned down, the mother of 3 who was stabbed to death, or the people who were shot outside of a nightclub. I can't watch it b/c it's soooo much bad news. I'm not suggesting that the world news is much better. Especially when you see the scenes from Iraq. But the crime that happens here locally is unreal. I heard a story about a month ago about a 17 yr old kid who accidentally shot his mother who was in the next room in their house. He was cleaning his AK-47 and the bullets discharged. He wasn't charged with a crime but my immediate thoughts were..." what the hell is he doing with an AK???"

What is wrong in this country? Are we desensitized by the crimes that we read about? Do we even care? As long as it doesn't happen in our hood...is it really an issue? I have to point the finger at myself sometimes b/c I' sometimes wonder if I am solving anything by looking the other way. For example, I saw these 3 kids standing on the corner in the middle of a school day. They should have been in school but they were pushin rocks. I know it and so did everybody that passed them that day. Did I stop my truck? Did I try to talk some sense into these lil knuckleheads? Did I show them that there is a better way of life? They weren't in my nice, middle class, suburban neighborhood. Why should I give a shit? Those 3 kids weren't my sons!

I did nothing. I drove by and gave them a look and that was it. Then I pumped up the Jay Z cd and sped off. Were those kids mine? No! But I am responsible for them to a degree. The life that I've built for myself is one that they could relate to if given the opportunity. I'm not LeBron James or Jay Z but I can have more influence on these kids as a role model before they could. I am a role model. Not just for my 3 sons but for any young person with whom I come in contact with. And you are too! Live your life so that you can set for the example for others to follow. Not only should you do that but you should also give your time. We always find reasons NOT to give our time but then we complain when these kids are on the news...or worse...in jail. There's a continual cycle that MUST be broken. I can't change the world but I can do my part. And so can you. We can't afford to walk around with our heads stuck in the sand.

Sorry for the sermon, y'all...but I had to say somethin.

Hollatchaboy...

Making the Grade...

My oldest son LOVES school. I mean he really does love going to school. He's in the 3rd grade. I remember when I was in the 3rd grade. I really liked school back then, too. School was very easy back then. All of the subjects were a piece of cake. I was a straight A student back then. And then...it happened. School became difficult all of a sudden. The subjects, like math and science, that were once easy for me were not easy any more. By the time that I had reached middle school, seventh and eighth grade, school wasn't fun anymore. In fact, it sucked. LOL. I don't know if school was really that bad or maybe my disposition changed b/c my parents were going through a divorce. I don't know. It just wasn't the same anymore.

I realized that subjects like math were very difficult for me b/c I had never developed good study habits. That stuff used to come to me very easy. I REALLY met my match when I got to 10th grade. I had to take Geometry. My teacher, Mr. Greene, was one of the toughest teachers at our high school. He challenged you everyday. Most kids were afraid to be challenged. Not me. I just hated Geometry and didn't see the purpose of it. Looking back on it now, I STILL think that the course was useless. LOL. None of you have ever had to figure out (x+y=z) or figure pi on your job. You've never been told to explain the Pythagorean theorem, either. Nevertheless, I barely passed that class. I had a "D" average and it was the worst grade that I got in high school. Geometry damn near destroyed me mentally.

When I got to college, the 2 courses that gave me fits was microeconomics and macroeconomics. Talk about boring!!! Man, I'd rather watch a race between a spider and an ant than to sit through either of those classes again. My degree was in marketing so I had to take these classes. I passed both of them but I barely made it. I finished school with a GPA of 2.8. That's not a great GPA but I think it was pretty good when you consider that I played football. I will admit that I didn't always work as hard as I should have. My mind was on other things...at times. LOL

Nevertheless, what was the subject that was the thorn in your side? It doesn't matter if it were in elementary school, high school, or college. Everybody had that ONE subject that kicked their azz. What's yours?

Off tha Dome

random thoughts...

I usually have FOUR headaches a year. Some folks have 4 a week. I'm going through # 1 right now. OUCH!

Gas is high...and we haven't even reached Memorial Day and Fourth of July. Damn!

Naomi Campbell needs her ass kicked! Maybe I can get the Opinionated Diva to beat her.

Have you ever seen a chick and thought..."Damn she looks good." Only to find out that it was a dude!?! WTF?

Yesterday marked the 40th anniversary of the death of Martin Luther King, Jr. Wonder what he'd say today about his Dream?

I miss The Wire

I love black people

Wonder if ma dukes reads my blog?

I sent my dad a text msg the other day. He didn't know what the hell to do with it.

I told y'all that people have blog crushes on 12kyle. Sheeeeeeeeeyt, I even have a fan!

Just heard the new joint by The Roots. It's sick!

The movie The Wood reminds me sooo much of me and my crew.

Hilary Clinton...let it go. It's ova.

Something tells me that Obama will appear on a remix single with Jay Z by the time he reaches the White House

Beyonce marries Jay Z? I thought that they were already married. LOL. I aint mad atcha Jigga. But she needs to stop telling folk that she's 26. That's a damn lie.

Let's stop patronizing the corner stores in the hood where the cashier talks to you from behind the "bulletproof glass."

suffering+sacrifice = success

Sometimes I watch the Spanish speaking channels even though I don't speak Spanish

Love yesterday's entries about food.

Wanna hear something strange...
My birthday is December 9th
My youngest son, Brandon, was born on December 10th

I got married Sept 23, 2000
My niece was born the day before (Sept 22, 2000). Her parents were married the following year on her birthday.

My oldest son, Deion, birthday is August 9th
My middle son, Kameron, birthday is August 8th. Before you ask...no we didn't plan it this way. LOL

A Bite to Eat

As always...thanks for coming thru to the 12th Planet. I really do appreciate the love and the vibe that you bring. Without you...the planet would not be the same.

The subjects that we discuss here are those that come to me during the day or whatever comes to mind when I'm on the computer. If you have any subjects that you want to discuss or if you wanna vibe...hollatchaboyeee (12kyle@gmail.com)

That said...I'm starvin right now. I had some popcorn about 4 hrs ago but there's no way in hell that I'm gonna eat something THIS late. It'll be sleep for dinner. LOL. I would love to have something good...like my favorite...lasagna. Not only is it my favorite food but it is one of my best dishes (yes...12kyle can cook). We'll keep it simple today...

What's your favorite food????

rhyme time

When the average minimum wage is $5.15
You best believe you gotta find a new ground to get cream
The white unemployment rate, is nearly more than triple for black
so frontliners got they gun in your back
Bubblin crack, jewel theft and robbery to combat poverty
and end up in the global jail economy
Stiffer stipulations attached to each sentence
Budget cutbacks but increased police presence
And even if you get out of prison still livin
join the other five million under state supervision
This is business, no faces just lines and statistics
from your phone, your zip code, to S-S-I digits
The system break man child and women into figures
Two columns for who is, and who ain't niggaz
Numbers is hardly real and they never have feelings
but you push too hard, even numbers got limits
Why did one straw break the camel's back?  Here's the secret:
the million other straws underneath it - it's all mathematics

Mos Def

Ayo Technology

I raced out of the house the other day. I had everything. Keys...check! Brandon (my 1 yr old son)...check! His bag...check! A few cds to bump in my truck...check! I got halfway to my destination before I realized that I had forgotten my cell phone. How the hell did that happen? That's usually the FIRST thing that grab before leaving the house. I have a blackberry aka the crackberry. And it's addictive. I do so much with it. I blog from it. Send emails (i prolly shouldn't do it while in traffic). I mean everything. That day, I turned around so that I could get my cell phone. I was willing to risk being late (i'm never late for anything) just so that I could have my cell. Is that crazy or what? I remember when a cell phone was almost as long as your arm. Now, they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They are responsible for emails, IMs, text msgs, and ringtones. Some days...I use the phone for everything EXCEPT talking on it. LOL.

In the days of new technology, we have all attached ourselves to certain gadgets. I remember when cell phones didn't exist. You'd get a page and have to stop at a pay phone. Are pay phones still around? LMAO. Seriously, I talked to a woman the other day who didn't own a laptop NOR a microwave. Huh? How is that possible in 2008? We are all about our gadgets. It doesn't matter if it's cellphones, laptops, ipods, GPS systems, HDTVs, etc. What is the one gadget that you can't live without?

rhyme time...

MCs get a little bit of love and think they hot
Talkin' 'bout how much money they got; all y'all records sound the same
I'm sick of that fake thug, R&B-rap scenario, all day on the radio
Same scenes in the video, monotonous material
Y'all don't here me though
These record labels slang our tapes like dope
You can be next in line and signed; and still be writing rhymes and broke
You would rather have a Lexus? or justice? a dream? or some substance?
A Beamer? a necklace? or freedom?

dead prez