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It goes without saying that I’m a big Jay-Z fan. Not to the point of obsession (I’m no groupie), but I’ve definitely followed his career with great interest, respect and admiration (and a little disappointment) ever since his debut album, Reasonable Doubt.

When Reasonable Doubt was released in ’96, I was a year out of high school. I grew up on Hip-Hop since the days of Run-DMC. Throughout my childhood, Doug E. Fresh, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, Run, LL Cool J, Slick Rick, MC Lyte and KRS-One were some of my favorite MC’s.

I fell in love with Hip-Hop during the Golden Age era (roughly 1987-93). It was Hip-Hop’s greatest time. But in my opinion, the greatest MCs to ever touch the mic released their classic debut albums shortly after the Golden Age era: Nas with “Illmatic”, Biggie with “Ready to Die” and then Jay-Z with “Reasonable Doubt”

It’s hard to say who the greatest MC of the three is. On any given day, Jay-Z, Biggie or Nas could occupy the top spot with the other two always close behind.

But I will say that Jay-Z is my favorite MC and Reasonable Doubt is his greatest album. Thus far, Jay-Z has had a very illustrious career. His 11-year catalog can match up to that of any Hip-Hop artist. At this point in his career (38-years-old) he’s still very much relevant, enjoying great popularity inside and outside of Hip-Hop community.

With all that said, Jay-Z is sort of at a crossroads in his music career. Yes, he’s one of Hip-Hop’s greatest and most respected MC’s. Jay-Z’s accomplishments in business are quite impressive. But now I think it’s safe to say that Jay-Z’s last release, Kingdom Come, was a disappointment commercially (though I thought it was a solid artistic effort, but of course I’m bias).

Is the world really ready for his November 6th release, “American Gangster”?

The story behind the new album, American Gangster, is that after Jay-Z watched a screening of Denzel Washington’s new film, titled, “American Gangster” (to be released on November 2nd), based on the true story of Frank Lucas, a heroin drug dealer in 70’s Harlem, Jay-Z became inspired and decided to release his first concept album. Basically Jay-Z’s new album, American Gangster is inspired by the new film, American Gangster.

Now if you’re a loyal Jay-Z fan like I am, you’re somewhat conflicted. On one hand, you’re excited about any new release by Jay-Z. Heck, he could freestyle an entire album, acapella, and I would probably buy it. On the other hand, you’re keeping your fingers crossed, optimistic but concerned that Jay-Z’s American Gangster may fall short of the great expectations that are always put on Jay-Z when he releases a new record.

Jay-Z compares himself to Michael Jordan, but in a way he’s like the New York Yankees; there’s so much history of greatness and dominance, and everybody, especially his most loyal fans, expect him to win a “championship” every season. The long-time loyal fans of the New York Yankees remember the “glory days” of the celebrated franchise and when they don’t win a championship (such as this season) fans are always disappointed, angry even.

The long-time loyal fans of Jay-Z remember classic albums like Reasonable Doubt and Blueprint and expect every release to be an undisputed, certified classic. The New York Yankees haven’t won a championship in like 7 years. Jay-Z once rapped that he was on top of the rap game, “7 straight summers”.

But times have changed, and, well, the summer of ’07…

Can Jay-Z still bring the heat?

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Reasonable Doubt is on my top 10 list of greatest albums of all time; R&B, Blues, Rock, Hip-Hop….it’s in my top 10 list of greatest ever across all music genres. The buzz around American Gangster is that it picks up where Reasonable Doubt left off. Even more than his Blueprint album, on American Gangster Jay-Z returns to the streets and the life of a hustler; a gangster.

Oh, I’m getting excited, but I’ve got some mixed feelings about American Gangster.

As a fan, there’s nothing I would want more than to hear the kind of brilliance on American Gangster that Jay-Z showed on Reasonable Doubt. Reasonable Doubt made the street life cinematic as if he was Francis Ford Coppola creating the The Godfather trilogy. No other artist ever; MC or singer, made music about the lifestyle and mind-set of a hustler the way Jay-Z did on Reasonable Doubt.

There were so-called gangsta rap records before Reasonable Doubt and there’s been many (probably too many) gangsta rap records since Jay-Z released Reasonable Doubt. But Reasonable Doubt is more than a gangsta rap record. I submit that it wasn’t a gangsta rap record in its traditional sense at all.

Why do I say that? Because no other artists have been able to capture the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual complexities of a gangster on vinyl, tape, CD or mp3 the way Jay-Z did on Reasonable Doubt. No one; not even Jay-Z himself.

So when I heard that Jay-Z was coming out with a new album, American Gangster, I wondered:

“Will American Gangster be a masterpiece greater than Reasonable Doubt?”

I’ve heard some say that Reasonable Doubt is overrated. I’ve heard others say the same about Biggie’s Ready to Die and Nas’s Illmatic. I couldn’t disagree more. Nas has never topped Illmatic, Biggie never topped Ready to Die and Jay-Z has yet to top Reasonable Doubt…and you’ll be hard pressed to name 5 Hip-Hop records clearly better than any of those 3 albums.

But anyway, I think Jay-Z is more than capable of creating a masterpiece that will at least equal the genius of Reasonable Doubt though The Blueprint album came very close to doing so. It seems to me that it would be hard to duplicate the atmosphere Jay-Z was in and the emotions he had during the time of Reasonable Doubt.

On VH1’s Classic Album episode, in which they spotlighted Reasonable Doubt, Jay-Z talked about how an artist’s debut album is filled with all of the emotions and experiences of his or her life up to that point. On Reasonable Doubt, Jay-Z put more than 27 or so years of his life’s experience into that record. Reasonable Doubt was a reflection of his life’s experiences before the fortune and fame. Jay-Z was at his best artistically on Reasonable Doubt. He’s had much bigger records but no other album was more personal or insightful than Reasonable Doubt.

American Gangster is a concept album inspired by a film so if it turns out to be a masterpiece it won’t be as spiritual as Reasonable Doubt in the sense that Reasonable Doubt was directly inspired by the Jay-Z’s personal life.

“Does Hip-Hop need an American Gangster?”

I think Hip-Hop does need more creative and artistic records. A concept album in itself is different than what most Hip-Hop artists release. However, it’s still gangsta and with everything going on in the world these days, a concept album about the life of an American gangster seems a little out of touch with reality. At the same time, maybe that’s what music is supposed to do; be an escape from the realisms of life.

But Hip-Hop has historically tackled real-life issues faced by those who don’t simply listen to Hip-Hop, but live it. Part of that reality for some is gangsta, no doubt. But there’s so much more to the lives of those caught up in the struggle than a gangsta complex. Too much of Hip-Hop seems to be relying on the gangsta route to grab and keep the listeners’ attention and Jay-Z has been at the forefront of that movement.

“Is American Gangster the record that Jay-Z should be making at this point in his career?”

I once read an interview where Jay-Z talked about how the ten years of his life hustling on the street has been the basis of his entire career. In my opinion, that’s both good and bad. I’ve written extensively about how inspiring Jay-Z’s triumph from his past is to so many of us who struggle to overcome our past and present. But the decision to rely so heavily on those 10 years of street hustling as the focus of the majority of his music is a little disappointing artistically.

The truth of the matter is Jay-Z is more than an American Gangster. I, being a loyal fan, would love to see Jay-Z recapture the brilliance of Reasonable Doubt on American Gangster. But I would also love to see Jay-Z continue to grow and mature as an artist. In other words I don’t want to see him go backwards artistically I want to see him move forward and challenge the listener while challenging himself.

Jay-Z is one of the most respected MCs in the game, by the old school, new school and next school. Instead of making another gangsta record, no matter how brilliant it may turn out to be, Jay-Z could lead by example, show true maturation artistically, and tackle issues that he’s only touched upon at times throughout his career.

I’m not saying Jay-Z should become KRS-One or Chuck D. But at this point in his life and career; and when you take into account the overall state of the world, specifically the streets he came out of, it seems to me that Jay-Z could make a record that is much more inspired by the struggles, redemption and triumphs of life than the storyline of a film set in 70’s Harlem, even if it is based on true events.

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Who am I kidding?

I love Jay-Z’s music and whatever he releases I’m going to cop it. But there’s nothing wrong with putting things in greater perspective and sometimes I wish Jay-Z would do that artistically. He’s such an eloquent poet that you just know he could really reach people with a message that transcends that tried-and-true gangsta formula that is much too pervasive in Hip-Hop these days.

As one of Jay-Z’s biggest fans, his career could have fallen off years ago and I would still anticipate the release of his newest record, American Gangster. Honestly, so much of what’s coming out of Hip-Hop nowadays is borderline wack that any new music from a great MC like Jay-Z, Nas or Eminem is desperately needed in the game.

I can’t wait to cop Jay-Z’s American Gangster album and go to the theater to watch Denzel Washington’s, American Gangster film. Like 50 Cent once rhymed, “America’s got a thang for this gangsta sh*t…” From music, movies to books, the life of the American gangster has always captivated American society. Corporate America has mastered the marketing and exploitation of the American gangster.

And what better two modern day black cultural icons to play the role of an American gangster in film and music, respectively, just in time for the holiday season, than Denzel Washington and Jay-Z?

Only in America….

Jay-Z may never be able to top Reasonable Doubt. But based on his track record, Jay-Z is sure to raise the bar and challenge other MCs artistically on American Gangster.

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A couple of weeks ago I heard the new single, “Blue Magic” from the upcoming American Gangster album.

To be honest, Blue Magic didn’t blow me away when I first heard it. Lyrically, Jay-Z never disappoints (or very rarely does) but I was on the fence when it came to the music production of Blue Magic. Pharrell produced Blue Magic and sings the hook. I have much respect from Pharrell (I’m proud of dude, we’re both from V-A), he’s produced some of Jay-Z’s biggest hits and some of his most artistic songs (such as “Allure” off of the Black Album) but I’m just not sure if Pharrell’s sound fits the vibe Jay-Z is trying to capture or recapture on American Gangster.

But the more I listened to Blue Magic I realized that the song has that 80’s feel. That’s the vibe I’m sure Jay-Z is shooting for because though the American Gangster album is inspired by the film, the music takes the listener “back to the block” when Jay-Z was doing his thing in the 80’s.

I guess there’s just a certain nervousness I get when Jay-Z releases a new record. When an artists release a new record it’s important to get a good start coming out of the gate. The first single really lays the foundation and builds momentum for the album itself. The single, Blue Magic is a decent start; it’s a base hit, maybe a double, but it didn’t hit the ball out of the park. Of course, don’t be surprised if Jay-Z loads up the bases and hits a grand slam when American Gangster is released on November 6th.

Visit Mix Unit to pick up a copy these hot Jay-Z releases

*Note: On November 6th (or whenever it’s released), check out my detailed review of Jay-Z’s American Gangster. Sign up to get on my mailing list to be notified as soon as it’s published.

Last night was “Jay-Z” night on VH1. The music cable channel’s primetime programming included Jay-Z’s concert documentary, “Fade to Black” and after that went off hardcore loyal fans of “Jigga” (like yours truly) were treated to a documentary on Jay’s debut album, ‘Reasonable Doubt’ on VH1’s brilliant “Classic Albums” program.

I’ve watched Classic Albums before when the program did a documentary on Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life” album. I thought the show had a great concept; looking back on classic albums from legendary recording artists. I anticipated and hoped the program would spotlight other great albums from the past like Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” (Gaye is my all-time favorite soul singer).

I was totally surprised when my wife told me that VH1’s Classic Album program would be actually spotlighting Jay-Z’s “Reasonable Doubt”. Based on previous episodes I watched, I didn’t think the program covered classic Hip-Hop albums. It was quite a treat for me; a long-time Hip-Hop fan, lyrical enthusiast, Jay-Z loyalist and writer to view the brilliant documentary.

Reasonable Doubt is my favorite Jay-Z record. In my opinion it’s his best work (with “Blueprint” not too far behind). Reasonable Doubt would definitely be on my top five list of greatest Hip-Hop albums of all time and on would fall somewhere in my top ten list of greatest albums of all time!

I’ve written before and stated to anyone who would listen, that Reasonable Doubt was the first Hip-Hop record that really dug deep into the mind-set of the street hustler. The soulful music and insightful lyrics intellectualized street life without missing a beat as far as grittiness. I had never heard before and hadn’t heard since, a MC (and the other artists who guest appeared on the record) break down in a such a witty, metaphoric but vivid way the internal and external complexities of living, surviving and thriving in the street life…while trying to escape physically and spiritually at the same time.

If you missed it and VH1 re-airs the Classic Album episode of Reasonable Doubt check it out!

In the last week or so there’s been a lot of substantive dialogue going on within the media on race relations. BET’s 3-part series, “Hip-Hop vs. America” and Rev. Jesse Jackson’s appearance on “The O’Reilly Factor” were two programs that I watched and felt that in both cases the discussion about race and culture was productive.

See, I want to see progress in race relations in America. I think bitter divisions in this country make the name of this land, “United States of America” a joke. There is nothing “united” about us. What some in my generation call “real talk”; spirited dialogue that reflects honesty and open-mindedness, is what we need more of in America. We can have opposing strong convictions on issues and still find common ground.

Hip-Hop is up against the whole world….or at least Amerikkka.

I watched part 1 of BET’s 3-part series, “Hip-Hop vs. America” last night. The program “takes a powerful and compelling look at the state of Hip-Hop” The special “showcases a candid, heated forum that will allow audiences to hear opinions of prominent leaders in Hip-Hop and politics”.

I’d like to commend BET for putting together the 3-part series. The dialogue within the Hip-Hop community and the black community is long overdue. The forum last night was candid and quite heated at times, but all and all, I think the debate was respectful and productive.

I have more to say but for now I’ll just wait until after I watch the entire series to give my two cents.

The sexual harassment trial of former basketball great and current coach of the New York Knicks, Isiah Thomas provides perfect monologue material for the late night comedian and plenty of juicy gossip for the celebrity/entertainment blogs.

The woman accusing Thomas of sexual harassment, a black female, who worked for the New York Knicks for over 15 years, claims that, among other things, he called her a bitch and a hoe. In the courtroom last Monday jurors heard Thomas say in a videotaped deposition that there’s a distinction between a white man calling a black woman a bitch opposed to a black man who calls a black woman a bitch….

Huh?

I don’t think most black women would make that distinction.

I loved watching Isiah Thomas play basketball for the Detroit Pistons when I was a kid. But his performance on the basketball court doesn’t excuse his ridiculous assertion that somehow it’s different if a white man calls a black woman a “bitch” versus a black man doing the same. In my book, calling a black woman a bitch is disrespectful regardless of whose mouth the word is coming out of.

Now, I will say that a white man calling a sista a “black bitch” would be a racist connotation. But calling a black woman a “bitch” is not in itself racist just because it comes out of the mouth of a white man which is what I believe Isiah Thomas was trying to imply in that statement he made during his videotaped deposition.

See, I believe that Thomas’s statement was an attempt to deflect responsibility for his own words; the same thing Don Imus tried to do when he defended his disrespectful language with the weak, scapegoat, “Well, black rappers say and do the same thing” argument.

It is not appropriate in my judgment to recklessly refer to black women (or any woman) as bitches and hoes whether you’re a black rapper, Don Imus or Isiah Thomas.

Another thing that struck me about Thomas’s statement is that he’s old school! He’s a forty-something NBA basketball legend not a twenty-year old rap star. In other words, if he indeed talked to that black woman in a disrespectful way then he should have known better!

Isiah Thomas’s nonsensical justification for being allowed or “having the right” to call a black woman a bitch or a hoe shows that the use of disrespectful language aimed at black women is more wide spread among black males across generations. It’s not a Hip-Hop thang. I’m not saying that it’s routine to hear the average black male refer to and “call out” black women as bitches or hoes. But I am saying, “Let’s not fool ourselves that only some of our young brothers are guilty of name calling our women”.

By the way, I believe black women who call each other “bitches” and “hoes” are doing just as much harm in degrading themselves as when black males call them out by these same vicious names.

When you have a well respected NBA basketball legend stating that he makes a distinction between a white man calling a black woman a bitch and a black man who does the same thing and then goes on to say that (and I’m paraphrasing) he’s not “as bothered by a black man calling a black woman a bitch”, it’s clear that there needs to be more dialogue within the black community about what is and what is not acceptable language to use amongst and toward each other.

I personally feel so hypocritical when it comes to this issue because although I don’t use the b-word or h-word, I am a habitual user of the n-word (I’m trying to stop, yal) and I regularly listen to Hip-Hop music filled with “bitches”, “hoes” and “niggas” in the lyrics. But like the title of that controversial BET program, I have to say that “We’ve got do better”.

I recognize my hypocrisy when I condemn the use of the b-word and h-word and yet some of the music I listen to is filled with these same words. Many of us, including many of you from the “old school” are being hypocritical as well. For example, Isiah Thomas (trying to clean up the mess he created during the videotaped deposition) was being hypocritical, when, as he left court last Monday he told the media, “Please don’t mischaracterize the videotape shown in court today. I don’t think it’s right for any man to call a woman a bitch.”

Oh yeah?

Nigga, please! (Oops, I used the n-word again! I’m still working on it yal.)

I’m very saddened by the Jena 6 case, yet I’ve very inspired by the protest that took place yesterday in Jena, Louisiana by thousands of blacks who came from all around the country (there were also some whites and others folks who traveled to participate in the protest). I didn’t go down to Jena but I’m so proud of all of the brothers and sisters who did travel there to let their faces be seen and their voices be heard. From all of the reports that I’ve seen, the protest was peaceful; no violence…no arrests.

Now let me give my two cents on this racial mess…

Before the “alleged” beat down administered by the Jena 6 to one white student, 3 white kids hung nooses from the so-called “Whites Only” tree at the school after some black students sat under it the previous day. The authorities should have dealt with that racist act appropriately. The white kids were suspended from school and didn’t even get expelled. That horrific act wasn’t a schoolyard prank as some of the whites in the town have claimed; it was a hate crime-period and they should’ve been facing charges in federal court

The “alleged” beat down by the Jena 6 to a white student was the climatic event following a series of racially-charged incidents that has made the small town of Jena an international story. Let me keep it real: Why do you think the white student “allegedly” got his butt kicked? I doubt very seriously that the young brothers “allegedly” jumped on him for no reason! You know he was “allegedly” running his mouth and “allegedly” much of what was coming out of his mouth were racial taunts.

Now you tell me: What would you have done?

Racist folks receive absolutely no sympathy from me. I have no compassion for those who hold hatred in their hearts for others strictly because of the color of their skin.

The Jena 6 case really bothers me because there’s a double standard when it comes to criminal justice in America. It’s not just happening in Jena, it’s happening all over this country. But back to Jena, there have been reports of other incidents involving violent criminal behavior by white youth, and in those cases the white youth have only gotten a slap on the wrist for their actions. But the Jena 6 originally got charged with attempted murder for “allegedly” beating up a white student who “allegedly” couldn’t keep his racist mouth shut and they all still face serious prison time.

The D.A. in this case should be removed from public office. See, he and others in positions of authority, are apart of the problem and not the solution. Watching the news coverage and special reports on this case, I’ve heard several white residents of Jena say that everything is being taken out of proportion and “outsiders” are making Jena out to be a racist town when it’s not. Oh yeah? Well, as far as I’m concerned, like the old proverb says, “If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, looks like a duck…” then it’s a freakin’ duck!! And who are the “outsiders” the white residents are referring to-the black residents who also live in Jena? It’s the black residents of Jena who have courageously spoken out about racial injustice and inequality in their town. Blacks all over the country have simply joined the fight.

I hope good things come from the protest that took place in Jena, Louisiana yesterday. I hope America wakes up because many of us are living our good lives, lost in our comfort zones, unaware or unconcerned about the racism and injustice that continues to poison this country. We shouldn’t rely on the mainstream media to pay much attention to the racial injustice going on in this country. Since O.J. Simpson’s arrest on Sunday, the media has spent the last 5 days devoting around the clock coverage to the Juice’s latest troubles, while, at least from my viewpoint, the Jena 6 case and Thursday’s day of protest has been downplayed by the national media.

That tells you where the media’s priorities are….

I think the protest in Jena, the rallies around the country and the buzz and dialogue created over the Internet by bloggers, journalists, on discussion boards and on websites like MySpace and YouTube have shown that the Hip-Hop generation has a voice (and a heart) and when we have the opportunity we’re fully capable of having a real purpose and making a real impact.

But the protests and other activism shouldn’t end because it’s Friday and we all have to get our party on this weekend. This “party”, the battle for justice and the war on racism, needs to go on all day, all night, every day and every night until real change comes.

The O.J. armed robbery, kidnapping and whatever other nonsense he’s currently being accused of will likely dominate the blood thirsty media for the next few months. My initial reaction to his serious legal troubles was:

“O.J., you done messed around and now those white folks really got you!”

It’s been a few days since the story broke and I still have the same reaction. I gotta call it like I see it. It seems to me that O.J was tipped off by a shady character that other shady characters were trying to sell memorabilia that belonged to O.J. “The Juice” then decided to go and retrieve his belongings-by any means necessary.

Unfortunately, when you have a shady character setting you up by secretly audio recording the confrontation in the hotel room, guns being possibly involved in the confrontation, not too mention the fact you’re the most hated man among White America; well, it’s almost guaranteed that, you, O.J Simpson is going to prison for a long, long time and possibly for the rest of your life.

With that said, the shady details in this case already revealed and those details yet to come to light may actually work in O.J.’s favor. Of course, O.J can’t rely on the courtroom skill, charisma and all around heroics of Johnnie Cochran (Rest in peace). But I’m sure he’ll still have a very competent, high profile lawyer, or team of lawyers (Dream Team II) who will go to war on his behalf and try to get him off once again or at least minimize his prison time if he’s convicted of lesser charges, etc.

The whole thing feels like 1995 again. I was senior in high school during O.J.’s double murder trial and now I’m a 30-year old grown man. I’ve grown up and matured. It’s really hard to tell just how much O.J. has matured or at least settled down. Since the “Trial of the Century”, O.J. hasn’t been able to stay out the media’s cross hairs or out of legal troubles but that’s certainly not all his fault.  And besides, O.J.’s current troubles isn’t about his ego, it’s about his guilt or innocence.

I really don’t know what else to say about O.J. and his recent troubles. But I’m sure as the case “heats up”, I, along with all of America will have a lot to say about O.J. I can guarantee that just like his 1995 double murder trial, O.J.’s armed robbery case will have strong opposing viewpoints that will clearly lie along racial lines.

If you haven’t already, pick up a copy of Kanye West’s new CD, “Graduation” and listen to the song, “Big Brother”, a tribute to his mentor Jay-Z.  In the song, West shows his love, respect and appreciation for Jay-Z. 

When I listen to music, particularly Hip-Hop records, I try to apply the principles in a positive way to my life.  It’s often hard to do nowadays due to the lack of substance in most Hip-Hop songs.  On “Big Brother” however, West gives an inspiring, dare I say, touching, performance about how Jay-Z has served as inspiration and motivation (to out do himself and Jay) for his career and life.

Young males, particularly black males, desperately need mentors and role models in life.  Though it can important to find positive role models in sports and entertainment and from those in other high-profile industries, true role models and mentors are (or should be) at home, in school, in church and in the community. 

Just like Jay-Z is Kanye West’s “big brother”, young males, many who grow up without few if any positive male role models, need father-figures and big brothers in their lives, those men who can relate to their experiences and give tough love and guidance.

I feel that a lot of the problems facing young black males today can be overcome if more had strong, positive mentors to “show them how to move in a room full of vultures” as Jay-Z would say; the “vultures” being the traps and temptations of life.  Jay-Z was instrumental in Kanye West’s success.  It was Kanye who had to seize the moment and fulfill his destiny but Jay-Z served as his inspiration.

To all young males:  Not matter how much swagger you have, you don’t have all of the answers to life’s many questions.  Don’t be afraid or hold too much pride to seek guidance and inspiration from strong, positive “big brothers.”

To all older males:  Be a “big brother” and reach out to young males, sharing with them how your good and bad experiences have given you wisdom and made you the person you are today.  Shower them with love, respect but stern instruction that will lead them down the road to glorious futures.

Ok. I fell for all of the hype.

The 50 Cent vs. Kanye West publicity stunt worked…well; at least it grabbed my attention. When Nas told the world that “Hip-Hop is dead”, I agreed and the majority of what’s happening in Hip-Hop nowadays supports his proclamation. Kanye West and 50 Cent however, are bona fide superstars in the rap game. Releasing both of their albums on the same day, September 11, and creating a well-executed media campaign to promote themselves and their albums did not turn out as silly, cartoon-ish and self-serving as that I thought it would be.

Ok, well maybe the publicity was self-serving…

But the point is Kanye West and 50 Cent, though two completely different artists are both truly at the forefront of Hip-Hop music these days. Yes, I admit, at 30 years old, I watched 106th and Park on BET Tuesday evening to see “The Clash of the Titans”; Kanye and Fiddy. The show really wasn’t all that bad. It was watch able, even for a grown man living with grown-up issues. I found both 50 and Kanye to be quite entertaining. 50 Cent gave the harder, more energetic performances while Kanye gave the more inspiring performances.

*By the way, as readers of my blog from day one know, I’m a long-time Jay-Z fan so obviously I thought the highlight of “The Clash of the Titans” show on 106th and Park was when Jay-Z (greeted by mass hysteria and Roc-a-fella dynasty signs from the crowd) joined Kanye on stage after West performed “Big Brother”, a song off his new album about his love, respect and appreciation for his mentor, Jay-Z a.k.a. Shawn Carter

During both the individual interviews and the one they did together at the end of the show, Kanye and 50 Cent sounded like grown me (after all, they are) with mutual respect for each other. Sure, at times they played up (or should I say “down”) for the mostly teenage studio audience (though I did notice a brother in the crowd that had to be in his 40’s!) but Kanye and 50 are both from my generation and not the generation of my nephews in junior high school. I’m not saying that their interviews were “high brow” but regardless of what you think of their music or their public images, they’re smart, shrewd, hard working, talented and driven brothers. If they have something to say, I’m not “too grown” to listen.

Both Kanye West and 50 Cent have the potential to do greater things as they grow and mature artistically and as men. True, there are a lot of more important things going on in the world. Like the Jena 6 case. Like the hate-crime case in West Virginia where 6 whites (all with extensive criminal records) have been arrested and charged with kidnapping, sexual assaulting, and torturing a young African-American woman. I’m a serious brother and I’m concerned about my own life and the lives of brothers and sisters everywhere, but the Kanye vs. 50 Cent publicity stunt is harmless and actually entertaining without been too much of a distraction.

Now go out and cop both albums!

*Look for an extensive review of both albums in the upcoming days.

I love the “Niggas vs. Black people” routine by comedian Chris Rock. The material Rock performs in the routine is both outrageously funny and brutally honest. When Rock talks about the differences between so-called “black people” and so-called “niggas” he brings humor to a subject African-Americans are reluctant and uncomfortable to talk about (unless done so privately).

Well, this column is my “Black people vs. Niggas” moment…but with a twist.

Contrary to what some believe, African-Americans are not a monolithic group. We come from all walks of life and have a diverse array of thoughts and ideas. However, there are two types of blacks that all of us know and most of us can’t stand:

“Black Bourgeoisie” and “Bourgeoisie of Blackness” (a term I coined)

Black Bourgeoisie

The Black Bourgeoisie have been examined, profiled, attacked and at times celebrated in books, movies, plays, television sitcoms, etc. They are folks who don’t associate with the “regular” black folks. They are upper class, middle class and sometimes even underclass blacks who genuinely believe that they’re better than other blacks. They feel that they’re better than other blacks due to things such as the neighborhood they live in, what kind of car they drive, where they attended college, what they do for a living and even the complexion of their skin! They have pride, so much pride, not necessarily in their race and culture but in themselves! But pride without perspective is arrogance.

They’re likely to be highly educated and if not, they do an Oscar award-winning performance pretending to be. The Black Bourgeoisie live their lives with a sense of entitlement. They’re likely to avoid any significant interaction with other blacks. They’re totally disconnected from black culture and the masses of black people. They believe that they are privileged and hold themselves at a much “higher standard” than that of other blacks; at least that’s what they reason.

The Black Bourgeoisie rejects the “less dignified” aspects of black culture and embraces only the most “exclusive” elements of black culture. They’re obsessed with European culture, however. They’re conformists who are all too happy to assimilate to white American society. They tend to live differently than most blacks, residing in majority white or so-called “diverse” communities where there are few blacks and they like it that way. Others live in “Black Bourgeoisie” majority communities.

But there are blacks in the ‘hood as bourgeoisie as they wanna be!!

Black Bourgeoisie talk differently, walk differently, dress differently, but most importantly, they think differently than most blacks. They make a conscious and determined effort to gain the approval and respect of whites. Therefore, they adopt an entire lifestyle that is full of whiteness (and wackness) but void of blackness.

Now I’m not going to say that all of the Black Bourgeoisie “act white”. But they identify with whites more than they do blacks and I truly believe that some of them wishes they were white! They have bought into both the negative elements of truth and myths within black culture that are promoted by whites, while totally dismissing the positive and uplifting aspects of black culture while “justifying” white racism.

The Black Bourgeoisie are apologists of white racism. They’re pawns within the hate-filled agenda of white racists and separatists. They’re highly, harshly and relentlessly critical of blacks who don’t live or think the way they do. They’re judgmental; completely disgusted by the way other blacks behave. If you disagree with a member of the Black Bourgeoisie it’s because you’re dumb and ignorant in their eyes. They don’t talk to you, they talk down to you. They’ve seen it all and done it all and therefore they know it all…

The Black Bourgeoisie is not concerned with unity within the African-American community, they live their lives with obsessive personal ambition, seeking money, power and respect; well, at least respect from whites because they could care less whether black folks respect them or not!

It’s fitting that they don’t care how other blacks feel about them because the Black Bourgeoisie gets no respect from other blacks anyway. They’re considered Uncle Toms and Aunt Tomasinas; sell outs, in the black community. The Black Bourgeoisie are constantly insulted and ridiculed by blacks making them a lonely, detached segment within the black community. The Black Bourgeoisie are often among the brightest and most successful within the black community but they are least influential among blacks and the least threatening to whites.

They sell their souls for “silver and gold” and the company of “respectable” white folks. The Black Bourgeoisie live their lives under the curse of shame and self-hatred; for their culture, their people, their history and their true personal identity.

Bourgeoisie of Blackness

The Bourgeoisie of Blackness are the type of folks who believe they are the true representation of blackness!

That’s right, members of this group all believe that photos of their hardened faces are in the dictionary next to the definition of “blackness”. These blacks too have pride. But once again, pride without perspective is arrogance. The Bourgeoisie of Blackness believe that the way they talk, walk, dress, act and think exclusively defines what it means to be black. They define blackness by such trivial things like where a person lives or where and how a person grew up. Personal preferences like taste in music or style of dress are heavily-weighted factors in how they determine another’s blackness.

Basically, if you don’t live a lifestyle identical or very similar to theirs and that of their closest friends then you are simply not black enough or not black at all!

Members in this group are suspicious of other blacks. They are critical and judgmental of any black person who doesn’t fit their distorted view of blackness. They tend to be quite ignorant-of just about any and everything that is authentically black. They don’t know their history. They have little if any understanding of the present state of black America and the struggle and triumphs of other blacks apart of the African Diaspora. They don’t study, they don’t read and they don’t ask questions yet they know all of the answers.

The Bourgeoisie of Blackness tend to lack respect and are overflowing with reckless hostility toward the whole world. Their hearts are filled with hatred and their tongues are filled with vulgarity and they reserve their most “poisonous venom” for other blacks! There are those within this segment of the black community who are quite intelligent but are unfortunately misguided. Their belief systems are founded and built on radical and conspiratorial ideologues and theories. But even when they’re studying powerful and revolutionary “black accredited” scholarship they tragically misinterpret it or dismiss it. Bourgeoisie of Blackness folks are lost; they don’t know where they’re going primarily because they don’t know where they’ve been.

People who fit this profile call themselves “pro-black”; militant, radical; they are indeed proud of being black. The problem is they’re not as pro-black as they are pro-ego maniacs! They talk loud but say nothing, and what’s even more telling is that they often do nothing! They’re “armchair quarterbacks”, “backseat drivers” who have so much to say, making “speeches” (to anyone who will listen) that lack thought or substance and they never back up their words with action.

There are two common types within the ranks of the Bourgeoisie of Blackness. The militant type believe that other blacks have to be down to “kill whitey” (or commit other radical acts) or else we’re not black enough and yet they’re likely to be the ones who shy away (or downright run away) from a confrontation with whites or with anybody else. The ones that are “straight thuggin” clown on us “punks” who ain’t down with “acting a fool” or breaking the law without a just cause and yet punks are exactly what they’re revealed to be when the pressure is on, their tough exteriors are stripped away and their vulnerabilities are exposed!

Bourgeoisie of Blackness folks love to challenge other blacks’ authenticity but crack under the pressure when others challenge their knowledge of self and culture. You can barely carry on a conversation (especially one on meaningful issues) with them because they think they know everything and if you disagree with their mindless ranting and raving then you’re not black enough. They simply believe that they are the authority on blackness.

Both the Black Bourgeoisie and the Bourgeoisie of Blackness have gotta go!!

So which one are you?

Now I know there’s not a person reading this column who falls in either of these two categories, right?

I don’t know about you but I have equal contempt for the Black Bourgeoisie and the Bourgeoisie of Blackness. I have no patience for people who reject their people and their culture. And I also become easily irritated with those who question others’ knowledge of self and culture when they’re clearly the ones who don’t know who they really are.

The Black Bourgeoisie and the Bourgeoisie of Blackness are two very different types of people; in fact, they’re enemies. Yet, they both have similar tragic character flaws. They both alienate themselves from the majority of black people. The Black Bourgeoisie is vilified more within the African-American community (and I can understand why) but the Bourgeoisie of Blackness are more rampant and equally inhibit the progress of establishing more unity in the African-American community.

I’m not a perfect person. I’m still young and I’m still learning but as I get older I strive for more understanding and well-roundedness in my life. I’m not as bull-headed as I used to be. I try hard to be objective, to listen to opposing views, looking for common ground before I close-mindedly go into attack mode. The Black Bourgeoisie and the Bourgeoisie of Blackness are two kinds of people who live precarious lives and are foolishly stubborn in their narrow-minded and intolerable views.

I love all things black, therefore, I even have love for the Black Bourgeoisie and the Bourgeoisie of Blackness. But because I know it’s impossible to meet the “high standards” of ideal and identity of both types, I can guarantee that neither the Black Bourgeoisie or the Bourgeoisie of Blackness have much love or even tolerance for me….or you!

Unless you’re one of them…