Thursday Nights On Fox: The Real Must See TV

 

This month mark's the 30th Anniversary of the cop classic New York Undercover, which also marks the anniversary of when Fox had a trifecta of shows airing on Thursday nights and was the real Must See TV. Starting in the 1980's NBC pretty much owned the night with a television block of sitcoms originally dubbed America's Best Night Of Television On Television, throughout it's run shows such as The Cosby Show, A Different World, Wing's, Cheers, Dear John, and Night Court ran the airwaves. In 1993 the network decided to rebrand Thursday night sitcom's dubbing it Must See TV. Led by Seinfeld, Mad About You, and Fraiser. The following season a new sitcom called Friends, and a new drama named ER joined the party.

All successful shows, but over on Fox all the cool kid's knew what time it was starting at 8:00 pm. The classic sitcoms Martin and Living Single kept the laughs coming for that one hour block. Then at 9:00 pm New York Undercover bought the fashion, action and drama. That block of shows was legendary for the culture and cemented their place and to this day 90's kid's watch the show like they have never seen. While a new generation watch those shows and are in awe about how awesome the 90's were. 

I'm not sure there is a more legendary TV block for the culture. When using the phrase what a time!, Thursday night's on Fox were a time. You were guaranteed to be entertained the entire night and there are so many classic episodes among the three series. Martin, is a certified sitcom classic. Living Single is very relatable hilarious sitcom, especially as you get older. Then New York Undercover, had two of the coolest police detectives ever to grace the screen while providing compelling, realistic stories. Thursday Night's Fox was a can't miss time in television history. You really had to be there.

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28 Random Things That Define The Culture

It's Black History month and while Black History is 365 days a year, it's important to showcase all the culture has to offer in February. This blog cover's 28 random things that define the culture, other than the top 10 the listing has no real merit. It's just random stuff that came to mind while writing the article, so here we go.

28. Lunch Time Rap's

Lunch Time cipher's in schools across America are a staple and has not skipped an generation. There's always a "DJ" banging on the lunch table making the beat, while two aspiring rappers battle each other until a hating ass administrator or teacher comes along and puts a end to it.

27. Motown Records

We listened to it as our parents and grandparents cleaned the house, and now we jam to the classic Motown sound. It carried Black People throw the civil rights era and provided hit after hit. Judging by how everyone was on their feet during Stevie Wonder's Motown Medley at this year's Grammy's. Its clear Motown music is timeless.

26. Def Jam

The house that Russell built it, it's far from the powerhouse it once was. However Run DMC, LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy and many more Def Jam artist really were the first hip-hop artist to cross over. Many of their hits still load our playlists. 

25. Ginger Ale

Try to dispute all you want, but when your stomach just ain't right Ginger Ale can solve most of your problems. It's a reason it's a Black Household staple.

24. Fubu

Fubu (For Us, By Us) was a 90's clothing staple, it means so much more now especially on the renewed focus to keep Black dollars within the company. Time for a major comeback.

23. Essence

A staple of Black household book shelves and coffee tables, Essence has been telling important stories within our community since 1970.

22. Essence Fest 

Essence fest is a full weekend of parties, concerts, and celebrating the Black culture. The festival covers a lot of ground over the weekend from Black Health to Black Wealth, food, music and everything in between.

21. Jet magazine

Much like Essence and Ebony magazines, JET magazine is a Black community hallmark. Telling stories since 1951, it was an outlet for Black people during a time when our stories weren't told. This clip from Boomerang gives an idea on just how revered JET was.

20. BET

When MTV still wasn't trying to play Black artists, Robert Johnson started Black Entertainment Television. Initially known for playing music videos all the time, it's programming trajectory has changed but the mission of showcasing Black Excellence has not.

19. Apollo Theater

The mecca of Harlem, The Apollo Theater has been instrumental in showcasing Black artist since the 1930's. It's history is now, then, and forever.

18. Bad Boy Records

If Motown was the sound of Black America in the 60's and 70's, Def Jam was the voice of the youth in the mid 80's to early 90's. Bad Boy Records was the Black voice from the mid to late 90's, highlighting success, flashiness and just a good time.

17. 106 & Park

In response to MTV's wildy popular music video countdown show Total Request Live (TRL), in 2000 BET debuted 106 & Park. Which an entire generation grew up on watching the top ten countdown, waiting for the throwback of the day, and of course Freestyle Friday.

16. Yo! MTV Raps

Before 106 & Park there was Yo! MTV Raps, MTV's and the mainstream media's acknowledgement that Hip Hop was here to stay and couldn't be stopped. The show ran for five seasons and opened so many doors for so many artists. 

15. Jordan Sneakers

Since their release in 1985, Jordan's also called J's have been a must have in any sneakerhead's collection. 

14. Strawberry Filled Candy

If you went over grandma's or any older relative's house, chances are you found a bowl or jar full of Strawberry filled candy.

13. Crown Royal Bag

Once you finish that Crown Royal bottle, what to do with the bag is the next question. The answer whatever you need to store in it. Change, important documents, loose bills whatever it's better to repurpose than throw away.

12. Spades

Want to get a good time at the family function going, and possibly cause an argument. Play some spades. 

11. Uno

Maybe the only other card game that will have Black folks side eyeing you, throwing up their hands, and debating about how the game is supposed to be played.

10. Hennessy

                            Have no idea what's in it that's so addicting, Black People just love Hennessy. 

9. Plastic Market Bags

They serve so many purposes, protecting valuables and folks hair, sometimes their shoes in inclement weather. Something to carry the plates you took from the family function, dumping smelly food or diapers to mask the smell.

8. Spaghetti

If Black People having a gathering for a large group or just tryna make something that will stretch for the week. They gon make a large pot of Spaghetti, may even fancy it up a bit and put some shrimp in it.

7. Drawer full of Condiments

No matter how many we already have in the house. If some takeout food provides some condiments, we saving them for later.

6. Sunday Dinner

After a long week of work and running errands, Black folks look forward to a good Sunday Dinner. Sometimes the meal rivals that of a Thanksgiving spread. 

5. Fraternities & Sororities 

Seen all around college campuses and often pillars of community service. Fraternities and Sororities are a huge part of the Black culture.

4. HBCU's

The halftime show's, The Marching band's, Greek life, and just a sense of family. HBCU's play a important part in educating the future and celebrating the culture.

3. Frankie Beverly and Maze Before I Let Go

You cannot attend a Black function without someone playing Before I Let Go. Once it come's on even those not on the dance floor will be singing along, waiting for that moment to scream at the top of their lungs "Before I Let You Goooooooooooooo".

2. Line Dances

The Electric Slide, The Cha-Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle, The Wobble and many more. Black people love love love a good line dance.

1. Family Reunion

Life get's busy a Family Reunion is always a good opportunity to get everyone together near and far to enjoy each other's company, and celebrate love and family.

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Black Museums You May Not Know About

Black History Month is about educating others on how much we've contributed to the world, and celebrating the culture and the things we do that make us, US! Black influence and history is in every facet of society and there are many museums that celebrate that. The Great Blacks and Wax Museum and Reginald F.Lewis Museum both in Baltimore, National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. Motown Museum in Detroit, fun cultural museums like the Trap Museum and Culture Experience in Atlanta, Black Hair Experience in D.C. and of course the National Museum of African American History And Culture In D.C.

These are some of the more well known museums, this article will cover 5 museums that explore our rich history you may not be aware of .

Black Writers museum

Located in Philadelphia, this museum displays writings and contributions of many Black writers throughout history. Highlighting the perseverance of Black people to learn to read and write, then create our own stories and testimonies to share with the world. The stated goal of the museum is to inspire the next generation of literary greatness within our community. More Information about this museum can be found on the website https://www.blackwritersmuseum.com/

National Museum of African American music

Nestled in Nashville, TN this museum is fairly new opening in 2020. It showcases Black peoples various contributions to the music industry. All of the genres created, influenced, or inspired by us, and how our contributions to music intertwine with history. This museum is one I definitely plan to visit one day, more details about the museum's long history and it's mission can be foud on the website https://nmaam.org/ 

Apex Museum

Located in the Black mecca Atlanta, the African-American Panoramic Museum explores Black life and  contributions in every avenue possible. One thing that makes this museum stand out is that exhibits are rotated out every quarter, so repeat visitors learn something new each time. The museum's website displays a brief but powerful message, "Whatever you do, never let them begin our history with slavery." The museum's website is https://www.apexmuseum.org/

National Voting Rights Museum and Institute

Located in Selma, Alabama not far from the Edmund Pettus Bridge where "Bloody Sunday" occured. This museum highlights the struggles and battles many African-Americans went through to obtai the basic right to vote. The sacrifices made, the persistent activitst who continued to push forward and even the continued fight to this day for voting rights. More Information can be found on the website http://nvrmi.com/ 

Negro League Hall of Fame

Located in Kansas City is a musuem I have been clamoring to get to for years, the Negro League Hall of Fame. Everyone knows about Jackie Robinson who broke the color barrier in the major leagues, but what about Larry Doby the man who followed in Jackie's footsteps? Or Negro League legends like Satchiel Paige, Cool Papa Bell, Josh Gibson, and Buck O'neil? This musuem tell's their stories and the story of the leage overall. With so much history packed into the exhibit it is a must visit for any baseball fan. The musuems website is https://www.nlbm.com/

While this is just a handful of musuems highlighting Black History, there are many more throughout the country covering all that we bring to the table. For more information on Black museums

visit https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-museums-united-states-and-canada/

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Essence Experience Part 2

  

  On to the concerts which everyone anticipates. Held at the Superdome the concerts consist of the main stage, and several smaller lounges spread out throughout the building with various artist performing. Since I'm lazy I stayed in the main stage area. Let's start with Friday Night, due to working on C.P. time I missed a good portion of Miguel's set. What I saw Miguel put on a great show and he deserved a little more stage time. Next up was uncle Snoop D-o-double G. He performed previous bangers such as “Nuthin’ but a ‘g’ thang”, “who am I”, “ Beautiful”, “Drop it like it's hot”, and “Next episode”. He then invited Fred Hammond and The Clark Sisters on stage and took the crowd to church.

   The headliners for the night were The Roots with special guest’s. I like the Roots but I'm not sure they have enough star power to headline a event of this magnitude. Their special guest were Erykah Badu,Jill Scott, and Anthony Hamilton. Each performed their own set of songs and performed well but the whole headlining act seemed flat. Kirk Franklin made a surprise performance at the end of the night performing “I am here" and another song which slips my mind, before sending everyone home two stepping to “Stomp".

   Saturday night things got better. Again due to my C.P. time and traffic I missed Xscape performing, managed to catch a song and a half. Next up was Queen Latifah after a fire intro video she came out performing several jazz melodies and put the majority of the crowd to sleep. Queen Latifah actually has a nice singing voice but umm it wasn't working. Her set was saved by several special guest she bought in the later end of her set. Brandy, MC Lyte, and YoYo all came on stage for a rendition of “I wanna be down” remix. Next up was Remy Ma who bought mountains of energy for “All the way up”.

    Queens next guest never disappoints with her energy during performances Missy Elliott. Performing hits such as “Get ur freak on”, “Work It”, “Pass That Dutch", and “Lose Control". The mantle was then passed to legends Salt N’ Pepa who bought high energy as well coming out the gate with early hits such as “mic sounds nice" and “I’ll take your man" following up with “Shoop", “Whatta man", and “Push It". Queen returned to rap “Ladies First" with Monie Love, then ending her set with the classic still relevant today “Unity".

    Saturday night belonged to the Queen of Hip Hop Mary J. Blige. She gave her all her  heartbreak and heartache to the crowd, gave the famous Mary dance, and much more. I enjoy Mary's music and this was my first time seeing her concert. She more than held her own on stage belting out songs like “Everything”, “My Life", “Not gon cry", and “No more drama". Hitting them over the head with classic “Real love”, letting the audience know everything will be “just fine" and that we’re a family so let's celebrate a “Family affair”. Mary J. Knows her audience and gives them her all.      

    Which leads us to my personal favorite Sunday Night. I made sure I was on time to see Teddy Riley and the new jack swing experience. The new jack swing era is one of my favorites in music, it paved the way for the r&b/hip hop fusion sound that is so prevalent today and is still underrated. Teddy Riley is surprisingly a good showman and has a stage presence. He bought out guest such as Hi-Five to perform “Like the way" and their rendition of Ella Mae “Boo’d up". That part was a waste Hi-Five has several songs of their own they could have performed. They were  followed by Kool Moe Dee. Next up was SWV who gave us “Weak", “So into you", and “Right here". My complaint against them was they didn't perform “Anything" that is my shit, but cant win them all.

      Next up was Tank performing a rendition of Bobby Browns “My Prerogative” followed by Ginuwine performing “Remember the Time". Next up was Wreckx n effect “Shake your rump" and “New Jack Swing”, MC Lyte came aboard for “Rough Neck" followed by performing Queen Pens “A party ain't a party" to support Queen Pen during a health battle. Sadly at multiple points during this set, the performers were hindered by microphone issues to the point Teddy and Co. hijacked the show until it was fixed.

     Blackstreet next came on stage with Dave Hollister belting out lead on “Don’t leave” and “Before I let you go". Partytime  kicked in when the beat for “No Diggity" dropped and kept going from there. Guy reunited to “Groove Me", “Let’s Chill” “Goodbye Love", and of course “I like".

      The originator Doug E. Fresh stopped by for a never gets old rendition of “The Show", some beatboxing only Doug E. Can do. And a little Doug E. freestyle to let the masses know who he is to “teach me how to dougie".

     The last surprise of the New Jack set was an original new jack star Keith Sweat. Singing “Make It Last Forever" and “I want her" he had all the forty and over woman bout to let loose. The New Jack Swing Experience was a highlight for me and all those artist still got it.

      Fantasia hit the stage next for "Without Me", “Free yourself" and “When I see you". I honestly didn't know the other Fantasia songs, but this was my second time seeing her and she gives 110% at every performance. She sings, she dances or twerks whatever her heart desires at that time, engages the crowd, cracks jokes she does it all. Her set was kind of short and I wasn't sure if that was by design or time constraints. Either way she deserved more stage time

    Sundays headliner the Icon, sister to my favorite artist MJ, Janet Jackson. Despite being in her early 50s Janet still moves flawlessly. Playing hits from Control to Velvet Rope and beyond. Janet let everyone know she still has it and don't sleep on her.

    She performed “Scream" intercutting portions of the video with MJ and they had me on my feet the whole time. Ending the night with “Rhythm Nation" Janet reminded us that times have changed but haven't, and it’s up to the people to really change it.

    Janet's act did not end until after midnight and several people left to either get ready for their flight in the morning or were just tired. While not anyone's fault it was kind of disrespectful to the show Janet was putting on to see so many people leaving at one time during her performance.

    All in all it was a great weekend of celebrating the culture and music. I saw so many legends perform I wouldn't have seen perform otherwise. Looking for some good music and an experience check out Essence.

    

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Essence Experience Part 1

For the past 20 plus years, every first weekend in July New Orleans becomes the epicenter of Black culture. The Essence Music Festival, and not only is it a festival it’s a experience and a celebration of our culture.

 I was privileged to attend Essence this year and it truly is a bucket list item. Let's start with how many black people you see over the weekend embracing positivity and love. Multiple generations come to this event, primarily woman attended by woman a single guy on his A game would be in heaven during Essence weekend. If he doesn't get at least one phone number he needs to adjust his game.

 The Essence convention held every day during the weekend is a overwhelming experience. Backed by some big name sponsors such as Coca Cola, Disney,  McDonalds, Ford, AT&T and Wal Mart among others. The convention contains screenings for new films and television shows, celebrity interviews, independent vendors, meet and greets, workshops on financial literacy, building brands, gaining business, overcoming hurdles in life and so much more.

  Be prepared to walk the expansive space and stand in line for all the FREE stuff being given out. Most the free items and sample sizes given away are items you need. I received 3 bars of deodorant, some soap, and other trinkets from a Dove giveaway bag.

   Most importantly though you saw Woman taking their daughters, granddaughters, or little sisters to Essence and get inspired and learn young just great and beautiful they are.

  Nothing's perfect no matter how well planned out it is, and the Essence convention was no exception. I waited in a ridiculous long line to meet Regina Hall and the cast of Power, only for them to take photos for 20 minutes and maybe meet 15 people. There wasn't much communication provided to folks about what was what. Of course if you asked a staff member a question, you received a different answer than the last staff member you asked. All the meet and greets were confined to one space which didn’t help matters. I'm not sure how meet and greets were handled the rest of the weekend or in previous years, but it was horrible this year.

   There's also small companies and vendors selling their products inside the convention. Paintings, workout gear, fish fry, bbq sauce, statues, and more all available from vendors. Outside the convention there's even more vendors selling t-shirts, hair care products, soap, cd’s and more. There were also promotional giveaways outside the convention. Walk a few blocks away all food trucks selling food you can eat while your on the go.

    Now Essence should really send Universal Studios and the cast and crew of “Girls Trip" a thank you gift. There were so many groups of woman who were clearly inspired by Girls Trip and The Flossy Posse down there. A newspaper article mentioned there were over 500,000 people in New Orleans and it clearly showed. After Monday Morning it looked like a completely different place.

  Along with the girls trip inspired crowd, there’s somebodies ol’ uncle who still think they cool and can dress. Hell going down I felt like I was on soul plane.

  Essence is definitely catered to woman, and they throw a guy a bone here and there. If you like good music the concert is definitely for you. Love Black culture you’ll appreciate the convention's. It truly is a celebration and a bucket list item and I highly recommend attending one year if you can.

  

  

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