3X5 Podcast #12

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Playlist:
1. Young Jeezy: Who Dat 2
2. EarlWolf: Orange Juice
3. Diplomats: Dead Muthafuckas
4. Black Roc feat. Raekwon: Stay Off The F_%$#n Flowers
5. The Lost Boyz: Renee
6. Fashawn: Ecology
7. Miguel: Sure Thing
8. M.E.D. feat Poke: Cheaters (Episode #3)
9. Sade feat. Jay-Z: The Moon and The Sky Remix
10. The Roots: Lazy Afternoon
11. Rick Ross feat. Aaliyah & Ne-Yo: She Crazy
12. The Fugees: The Score
13. Sean Price feat. L.E.G.A.C.Y.: TKO
14. DMX: Stop Being Greedy
15. Fabolous featuring Ryan Leslie & Ne-Yo: You Be Killin Em Part 2

Prince knows Billy Jean

When Michael Jackson died, I was sad to hear that he and Prince had a running feud. To me that is like Batman and Superman not getting along. Death seems to heal old wounds. Sad isn't it? Nevertheless, at a recent concert, Prince paid home age to the gloved one by covering a few songs. As an added treat, Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria graced the stage as a background and showed off her horrible dance moves. Now I see why Tony Parker divorced her. She could have injured him with those moves.

The Many Sides of Lebron

Lebron has had a tough season off the court. He was heavily criticized for how he handled his free agent departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Things have started to turn around for him recently. His new team, the Miami Heat rolled into the playoffs as the number two seed, he has the most popular jersey in the NBA, and he launched his new animated series online. The series will only be available online and stars the characters from Lebron’s Nike commercial: Kid, Athlete, Business and Wise. Young fans will get to learn life lessons from the series as older fans get to see a different side of Lebron. Check out the series premiere episode and let us know what you think. I don’t think Big Bird, Bert, or Ernie have anything to worry about.

April Showers Bring.......Accessories

BY: Liz Scudder. The Manager of Matthew Izzo's Center City boutique finds style in all things. From accessories, to shoes, and even furniture. With an eye for merchandise, Liz takes pride in finding style at high end stores as well in the clearance section.

Fun accessories make me happy, like really happy. Accessories can change an entire outfit from day to night, drab to fab and everything in between. The right pair of shoes or the perfect over sized ring can pull an entire outfit together. The accessories you choose totally reflect your mood too. Feeling rock and roll? Throw on a studded cuff and cropped black leather jacket. Feeling whimsical? I've got the perfect headband to match your flirty floral dress. Maybe you're feeling a little nerdy, switch it up with a plaid bow tie and horn rimmed glasses. Now that spring is here I'm excited to break out my spring staples and invest in some new ones!

Channel Winona Ryder a la beetle juice nervous system rhizome cuff. The collection is inspired by the veins in our nervous system.

Jeffery Cambell is simply amazing. This is what Pocahontas would be wearing if she were around today. Available at edgeofurge.com

I think every woman needs a pair of nude pumps. They literally go with everything!
Christian Louboutin Lady Daf for $995

Or keep it under 100 with the Russhh Pump by Steve Madden for $89

Spring jackets are serious business for me. You can never have too many and having some basics are fine but what fun is that?? I'm pumped that trenches are back. I love ones with epaulettes, a pleat in the back and a high collar. Unlike Morty Seinfeld I love when they're belted. A belted trench works on all shapes and sizes, whether it’s cropped or mid thigh length. Brighten up with a bold red or yellow or keep it classic with khaki!

Burberry Prosum short double breasted trench in gaberdine $1,195

Viktor and Rolf Trench Cape $1,155

Macy's $89

Burberry Bonded Cotton Tricotine Single Breasted Trench $2,196

Macy's $68

Varsity Jackets are back for guys, and the updated version is a less boxy, slimmer silhouette and are a great seasonal transition item. Custom-made wool and cowhide logo jacket, $125 at varsityjackets09.com, or try and find one at your local vintage boutique.

I came across these amazing Clark Desert boots in a beautiful new blue hue. Priced well at $92.

I love this Australian wallet brand Cheddar Pockets. Pockets for your paper.Brian card holder.

While this isn't exactly an accessory your skin needs to be kept fresh. The spring/summer is when it is the most exposed. If you use Kiehls Creme de Corps for 10 days straight it makes your skin so smooth and soft!

All Girls (and guys!) need to have at least one eternal scarf. Turns a boring outfit into something a little more pulled together.

This is a 611 distressed leather weekender for men. Whether you're jet setting on holiday to Milan or sitting on a bus back, as a dude you need to have a sick bag. You're an adult. Your book bag ain’t cute anymore. Available at matthewizzo.com

I love the line Duke & Winston and especially the limited addition canvas tote. Simple design and so versatile!The spring 2011 collection is superb. Don't sleep on emerging designer Seun Olubodun and his assistant (and best friend) puppy Duke. It’s also only 10$. Available exclusively at matthewizzo.com

MOVIE OF THE WEEK: DUE DATE

“Due Date” stars one of my favorite actors Robert Downey Jr. and one of country’s new hot stars Zach Galifianakis. Downey won me over through the years with his consistently good work while Galifianakis won folks over with his show stealing performance in “The Hangover.” In “Due Date”, the two join forces and bring you a host of laughs. After getting thrown off their flight, the two work together to get home for the birth of Downey’s first born, and to scatter Galifianakis father’s ashes. The laughs from these two were long overdue.

Freaks Can Be Politicians Too

I remember Uncle Luke as the leader of 2 Live Crew and the freakiest rapper of all time. To this day, an Uncle Luke song can bring the inner freak out of any prude. It looks like he is serious about running as Mayor of Miami. I hope he wins. The man once challenged the United States in government and won. I’m sure as hell not going to bet against him. If Sarah Palin can be a major political figure and Arnold Schwarzenegger can be the governor of California, Uncle Luke can run Miami. I’m dying to hear what song he plays when he wins.

Piss on Week 4.26.11

Warning!! No one in the following post is actually being pissed on. It is simply an expression meant to describe how outrageous and unforgivable the actions of the following people really are. Anyone who finds this segment offensive automatically gives me the right and the duty to piss on them as well.

Sincerely,

Professional Rationalist

10. Michael Vick

It has never hurt me so much to piss on someone, but I had to do it. Is Michael Vick actually excited that he is a finalist for the cover of the 2012 Madden?
Doesn’t he know about the Madden Curse?

He regretfully gets pissed on for being excited about the potential misfortune that comes with being on that cover. What’s next? Is he gonna’ stand under a ladder and break a mirror while holding a black cat on Friday the Thirteenth?

9. Prodigy


Half of the rap group Mobb Deep broke the number one hip-hop rule and had the nerve to call Biggie Smalls “corny.” I could piss on him for calling the best rapper ever corny.

Instead I’ll give him the business for not realizing that B.I.G. has been dead for almost fifteen years and in that fifteen year period he still hasn’t made an album better than Biggie.

8. The Generals


In case you haven’t noticed the Harlem Globetrotters play a team by the name of the Generals every single game. This franchise and their revolving roster of washed up high school ballers haven’t won a game since 1971.

Fixed or not, The Generals get pissed on for taking a beat down from guys named Curly and Special K for over three decades.

7. Jennifer Lopez


J-Lo used to be one of my favorite female celebrities. Who could forget her body in “Selena.” I let the ass reductions back in the day slide. But now she is getting out of control with this weight loss thing.

Jennifer Lopez gets pissed on for getting rid of her Jenny from the block curves.

6. Bragging


Listen my man, I know you got a new car. I know you make $207,000 a year. You told me a hundred times that you’re dad used to talk to Phylicia Rashad in high school. Bragging doesn’t get you a pat on the back from me, but it will get you pissed on.

I’m giving the business to anyone who tells me a story and thinks that it is going to make them look like a superhero.

5. Kanye West


After four years in operation, Kanye’s charity intended to reduce the high school dropout rate. I can’t piss on the guy for raising an average of $492,000 a year.

But he does get “soaked” when that generous amount only provides an average of $18,000 in grant money. Yeezy has some explaining to do.

4. iPhone WatchDog App


There is an iPhone app that gives you the opportunity to submit pictures of city workers slacking off.

Don’t snitch on the mail man because you’re upset he goes to the strip club during his shift. Just become a mail man and you can do it too! Otherwise you get pissed on for being jealous.

3. Mike Leake


Major League Baseball pitcher Mike Leake makes over $400,000 a year. So why in the hell was he trying to steal tee-shirts from Macy’s?

Leake gets leaked on for thinking that the saying goes, “Don’t buy it if you CAN afford it.”

2. Spike Lee


I was watching the Knicks game and saw their mascot jumping up and down and slapping five with fans after every bucket. Then I realized that the Knicks were one of the few professional teams without an official mascot. Who was the character acting a fool donned in colorful Knicks gear you ask? None other than Spike Lee.

He gets pissed on for being as good of a mascot as the Philly Phanatic. Hey Spike! Do the Right Thing and sit your ass down somewhere.

1. Soulja Boy


Can someone please tell me that this is a joke? Soulja Boy is going to attempt to remake the 90s classic “Juice” and air it on BET.

Soulja Boy gets pissed on for being the driving force behind the worst BET original film since (enter title of the last BET original film you saw).

Sun Shades Block The Sun Rays...

One of the best things to shop for online is sunglasses. I remember about five years ago I was on South Street in Philly and saw a sick pair of vintage Porsche aviator sunglasses in one of the stores. When I walked in the store the sales person told me they were $600, but by the time I was about to walk out he was willing to sell them for $250. I still wasn't feeling it, but I didn’t give up on the shades. I love to google shit. When I got home I looked up the sunglasses and found out that back in the 70s and 80s, when you bought a Porsche car, they gave you the sunglasses for free. So realistically, they are free sunglasses. I did more research online and was able to find the same exact sunglasses I wanted for $89. That’s more like it. Now that its spring and the sun is really starting to shine, it’s a good time to find the perfect pair of sunglasses for you. Here are a few cool pairs you might like...

Super Flat top

Oliver Peoples DJ Ru

Bvlgari 8076

Tod's

Persol

Shwood Canby (made of wood)

Jeremy Scott x Linda Farrow Cafgar Sunglasses

You have the right to Parrttyyyyyyyyy

Before Eminem hit the scene, the Beastie Boys were the coolest white rappers on the planet. Tours with Run DMC, hit songs, sold out stadiums, and an affiliation with Russell Simmons was proof. On May 3rd, they will be releasing their 9th album. To celebrate this accomplishment, the Beasties will be releasing a short film starring some of today’s funniest white actors: Will Ferrell, Seth Rogan, Danny McBride,Elijah Wood and features a gang of cameos from the likes of John C. Reilly, Jack Black, Rainn Wilson, Rashida Jones, Jason Schwartzman, Ted Danson, Steve Buscemi, Stanley Tucci, Susan Sarandon, and Chloë Sevigny. The group once told us to “Fight for your right to party”, and now its daring us to fight our urge to laugh at this funny trailer.

Lil B isn't gay but his album is! Huh?

Lil B is a star. I have no clue why, but he is a star. I tried Google and it’s the one answer that it doesn’t have. Youtube couldn’t give me a clear definition either. All I know is that he has tons of fans, sells out shows across the country, and makes catchy songs and dances that young people love. He also has an album that will soon hit stores. Not breaking news... other than the fact that it is titled “I Am Gay.” Turns out that Lil B is attempting to show us that we don’t have to worry about what people call or say about us.

What do you think about this? Is he being genuine? Is he going to far to get publicity?

Let's just say I made this face after seeing the video. Once upon a time, new artists only worried about putting hot music

I Just Had Sex

Sex is good but make sure you wear a condom please. This song isn’t as good as sex. This song isn’t very good at all. Then again who am I to judge? I didn’t like The Lonely Island’s other hit, “I’m on a Boat,” either. The group consists of comedians Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, Somehow they have been able to get Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, and Akon to appear on their new album “Turtleneck & Chain” which will be in stores on May 10th. Check out their new single “I Just Had Sex.” I did and it didn’t make me want to cum out and buy their new album.

Happy Holiday's - Blow your Mind

In case you haven't been on a Facebook or Twitter today, or looked at a calendar, today is the National Weed Holiday. Whether you plan to celebrate or not, the fog you see covering your city should not concern you. Hippies and stoners alike (me excluded) are joining forces to spread cheer.

Your boss or teacher didn't let you leave early in observence of the holiday but you can play this tune below with no interuptions. Happy 4/20 from Contrarian and let the good times be rolled!


Styles P featuring Swizz Beatz "Blow Your Mind"

Nostalgia

By: Kenny Johnson. A daydreamer, perpetrating as an aspiring writer, leaving a trail of ink from Jersey to Los Angeles. He has something to say. Let’s see if you can relate.

According to dictionary.com nostalgia is defined as “a wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one's life, to one's home or homeland, or to one's family and friends.” Occasionally, I find myself in this state of mind more often than I find myself focused on the present. Whether it’s observing the cultural explosions of the 60s and 70s, the excess of the 80s, or something as simple as watching old episodes of Martin, I gravitate to yesteryear.

This brings me to a conversation I had with my man the other day. He said he wouldn’t have wanted to be black before the 1980s. Not that the 80s was the greatest decade for black people (a mixture of baking soda and cocaine had something to do with that), but in comparison to prior decades, injustices had been exposed, rights were gained, and opportunities to move up in the social and financial hierarchy of the United States were becoming a reality. The following decades saw more of the same, with hip-hop culture surging into and taking over mainstream America and so on. No need to go into detail, you’ve lived through it.

But with this newfound prominence, also came more exploitation and division. Not so much among groups, but among individuals. If you’re alive, you have to have peeped it. Shit, you’re probably guilty of it, I know I sometimes am. Everybody seems to be out for self. We’ve been exposed to the paper and now it consumes our lives. Unfortunately, it’s not collective.

This lack of camaraderie and unity is what I miss about the 1960s and 1970s, and would have loved to experience. We had far less than we have today, but back then we had one common goal. Everybody had their helmets on, ready to ride for one another. Back before the corner store was the Chinese spot, the Johnson’s that lived up the block owned it. Back when we were rooting for Mohammed and Jim Brown, and styling like Sidney Poitier (by the way his daughter bad as shit), Smokey Robinson, and thinking like Martin, Malcolm, and Huey.

How often do you go to the club and only focus on a good time? I know I always keep my head on a swivel. Not that I’m wishing for anything to happen, but it’s expected. In the 60s they may have still been lynching people in the south, but what’s the difference between catching a bullet from the law now? It’s about the destination; doesn’t really matter if you take a bus or a train. At least back then, you knew we would riot. Now we’ll just post it on worldstar or youtube.

My pop and uncles tell me of the good times they had growing up during that time. The originality and culture poured out of Harlem, Chicago’s Southside, the Chocolate City, and South Central, as well as other places. I didn’t understand when I was young, but now things are starting to come around.

So if they ever invent a time machine, you know where I’m going as soon as my vacation is activated. Some say we can’t miss what we never had, but most of the time we just don’t know what we’re missing.

Peace.

Piss on Week 4.11.11

Warning!! No one in the following post is actually being pissed on. It is simply an expression meant to describe how outrageous and unforgivable the actions of the following people really are. Anyone who finds this segment offensive automatically gives me the right and the duty to piss on them as well.



Sincerely,



Professional Rationalist



10. Scream 4





The first “Scream” was good. The second and third were acceptable. Now they are just taking it too far.



I’m pissing on the “Scream” movie franchise for not knowing when to hang up the mask and fake blood.



9. Not Knowing Your Jordans





A woman at work wore a fresh pair of Jordan IX’s last Friday. I decided to offer a kind gesture and said, “Nice IX’s.” Her response was very honest..."Huh?” She had on a pair of $150 shoes yet had no idea what they were called!



I’m pissing on anyone who laces up a pair of Jays without taking the time to find out what number they are.



8. HBO





I’ve given HBO long enough to produce a new season of my favorite show, “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” It’s been almost two years since I’ve seen the antics of Larry David. Sure HBO’s website says that new episodes should be airing soon, but until I get a premier date HBO gets pissed on for depriving me of the funniest show on TV.



7. NBA





The NBA fined the New Jersey Nets $50,000 because part-owner Jay-Z went to the University of Kentucky locker room to congratulate them on clinching a spot in the Final Four.

Yeah I understand that it’s against the rules for team personnel to have contact with college players, but being fined 50k for saying congrats is piss-worthy. What’s next? Are they going to consider college players listening to Jay-Z CD’s improper contact too?



6. Socks





Everyday of my life I put on a pair of socks. Everyday I put that same pair of socks in the hamper. Once a week I throw that same pair of socks in the washing machine. When I go to take those two socks out of the washing machine, magically there is only one. Everything else I put in the washer comes out. Where in the hell is that other sock?



Allow me to give a new meaning to the phrase “Gold Toes” and “wet up” socks for never coming out of the washing machine as a pair.



5. Lil John





Music mogul Lil John is denying that he had anything to do with the release of an upcoming porno titled “Club Lil John.” This is not a big deal except for the fact that he has directors credits and is actually in the flick. Hell its called “Club LIL JOHN.”



He gets pissed on for trying to dispute the obvious.



4. Earn Up to 70k





Have you ever applied for a job where the job description says earn up to $70,000? Only to go on the interview and find out that the realistic figure is closer to $24,000?



I’m pissing on these B.S. job descriptions for playing with words.



3. Tom Watson





Golf is by far one of the classiest sports of all time. You can’t even get on the golf course without a polo shirt. If anyone in particular should know that it would be PGA legend Tom Watson.



That’s exactly why he gets pissed on for having etiquette amnesia and urinating on the golf course during the Masters.



2. Ashley Judd





Actress Ashley Judd referred to hip-hop music as “rape culture” in her book titled, Until then you get pissed on for being a whole weirdo.



1. Gloria James





First she allegedly slept with her son’s teammate and now this. Gloria James, Lebron James’ mother, was arrested in Miami for starting a fight with a valet because it took him too long to get her car.



She gets pissed on for being the biggest headache for an NBA player since Allen Iverson’s entourage.