Maintaining Relationships

In life relationships with people are often your backbone. You'll come across people in your life whether family or friends, that you have certain relationships or bonds with. Sometimes throughout life we often forget to maintain those relationships and keep in touch.

About a month ago I lost my stepfather, just a little backstory him and my mother were no longer together but we maintained a relationship and kept in touch over the years. A couple days before he passed I randomly thought to myself I hadn't talked to him in a while and needed to hit him up. After I thought about it I went on and did something else and kept saying "I'm going to call him." Well I didn't and never got the chance to before he unexpectedly passed. 

Since then it really has been bothering me that I did not call him. Why didn't I call him? The day to day nuances of living life and kicking it down the road. 

Everyday we as people get up go to work, take care of any responsibilities we may have, take care of our families and do it all over again. Often times that interferes with checking on people.

I'm here to suggest stop doing that. If you have friends you grew up with but life as adults have caused you to not keep in touch as much hit them up. Have a buddy that has a common hobby with you, hit them up when something occurs that reminds of you them. Come across a old picture of you and your friends looking crazy when y'all thought y'all looked cool. Hit them up with "look what I found". Realized you haven't talked to so and so in a while? Call them or send them a text saying "Thought about you hope all is well" or something to that effect. 

Adulting is a busy lifestyle and keeping in touch with everyone you have or have maintained a relationship with in life can be difficult. I believe we as a society especially in this social media age sees a person make a post and assume they're doing fine or know their in a good place in their life. Other times we know so and so talks to them more often so I'll just ask them how they're doing. We have to stop doing that.  Especially with the different lines of communication phone calls, text, instant messages, emails, facetime etc.

In life some people just naturally gravitate from one another sometimes for a reason, other times just the way life goes. That's OK situations like that it is what it is, but take it from me when you think of someone send them a text right then and there, can't do it at that exact time? Make a note in your phone to do it within the next half hour to a hour, just make a conscious effort to keep in touch as much as you can as soon as you can.

Read More

Love Letter to Do The Right Thing

Today June 30, 2019 marks the 30^th anniversary of Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing”. In my personal opinion is Spike’s best movie out of his acclaimed filmography. Starring Spike Lee and talent who were already legends or on their to being stars in later roles, the film follows an eclectic group of characters during the hottest day of the summer in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn. Over the course of this sweltering day tension rises throughout the neighborhood among the many races who live or work in the area.

I could go on and on with the plot of the film but that's not important right now, what's important is about how the film was a product of its time but on the same token ahead of its time. The themes of the film dealt with racism, particularly learning to understand other cultures and their nuances, tolerating others who don’t look like you and moving past your own prejudice. Police brutality which has sadly dominated this decade, gentrification and “them people” moving in causing things to change. Standing up when you've had enough and fighting the power for a real change as indicted by the films classic theme Public Enemy's "Fight The Power".

Many issues that plagued the neighborhood in “Do The Right Thing” still plague the country today. While things really have not changed much since the films release, there is always hope that things will improve. One theme highlighted in the film by Radio Raheem played by the late Bill Nunn, is the conflict between Love vs. Hate. It’s a constant struggle but in the end love should prevail. “Do The Right Thing” is not just a film for the culture as in the Black culture, but it is a film for the culture of the United States. It’s a reason it was added to the National Film Registry for Preservation in 1999 because it’s "culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant". If you’ve never seen the movie do the right thing  and check it out.

Read More

Utilize history to bring a new generation of Blacks into baseball

April 15^th, is Jackie Robinson day in Major League Baseball. A day that commemorates Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in 1947. Each player, coach, and manager on every team and umpires wear the number 42 during this day. This year is extra special because it also commemorates Jackie’s 100^th birthday and the upcoming opening of the Jackie Robinson museum in New York City. Jackie Robinson was a pioneer in baseball and a man of great character, watch two movies based on his life 1996 Soul of the game starring Blair Underwood as Jackie, and the 2013 film starring Chadwick Boseman as Jackie.  

MLB is desperately trying to reverse the declining trend of Black players in the league and one way they could reverse this trend and honoring past players. While Jackie Robinson is the only player to have a whole day in his honor in the league, here are 5 players that MLB should name days after for being exceptional human beings and for what they offered to the sport.

5. Larry Doby

Larry Doby was the second African-American player to play in the major leagues and the first to play in the American league for the Cleveland Indians just three months after Jackie broke the barrier. He was the first negro league player to jump straight from the negro leagues to the major leagues. He was a seven-time all-star and the first African-American along with Saitchel Paige to win the world series in 1948. He also became one of the first American players to play professional baseball in Japan along with Don Newcombe. He was a home run champion and American league RBI champion, he managed the Chicago White Sox in 1978 becoming the second black manager and worked in the American League executive office. His front office skills transcended baseball as he held position(s) with the New Jersey Nets of the NBA as director of communications and community affairs. A former navy vet who served in World War II, his number was retired by the Indians and he was inducted in their hall of fame in 1994. In 1998 he was inducted into the baseball hall of fame, in 2012 he was one of four former baseball players pictured on U.S. postage stamps. Larry Doby passed away on June 18^th, 2003

4. Hank Aaron

“Hammer” Hank Aaron was inducted into the baseball hall of fame in 1982. His accolades include breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record in 1974 holding the record for 33 years at 755 (being beaten by Barry Bonds). A 25-time all-star, 3 x gold glove winner, National League MVP in 1957. Holds the all-time records for total bases, extra base hits, and runs batted in. He is currently a executive within the Atlanta Braves organization, one of the few African-Americans holding that title in MLB. In 2001 he was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal and in 2002 he received the Presidential medal of freedom. His number (44) was retired by both the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers and he is in the Braves Hall of Fame and Miller Park Wall of Fame. He was elected to the All-Century team in 1999.

3. Frank Robinson

Frank Robinson a 14-time all-star, triple crown winner, MVP of the American and National league respectively. World Series MVP with the Baltimore Orioles in 1966. He also broke barriers becoming the first Black manager in MLB in 1975, managing the Cleveland Indians while still playing becoming a player/manager. He ended up managing the San Francisco Giants and Baltimore Orioles, as well as being the first manager of the Washington Nationals. He also was inducted in the baseball hall of fame in 1982. As well as being inducted in the Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, and Cleveland Indians hall of fames having his number (20) retired by each team. He also was inducted into the Nationals ring of honor and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 and the first Jackie Robinson Society Community Recognition Award in 2007. He served in the front office of baseball organizations as well as the front office of MLB and was a member of the NAACP, working to improve baseball relations in inner cities. Frank Robinson passed away on February 7^th of this year.

2. Willie Mays

The “Say Hey Kid” famously known for the “catch” in the 1954 world series, catching the ball over the shoulder while running it’s one of the most iconic baseball plays ever. 1951 National league rookie of the year, 24x all-star, 12x gold glove winner, 2x National league MVP, fifth all time on the home run list with 660 homers. World champion in 1954, Eieht consecutive 100-RBI seasons, 4x National league home run leader and stolen base leader Willie Mays could do it all. While playing for the New York Giants he was a staple in the community often seen playing stick ball with neighborhood kids. He was voted to the hall of fame in 1979, his number (24) was retired by the San Francisco Giants and has held the title of special assistant to the president since 1986. San Francisco holds “Willie Mays Day” every May 24^th to commemorate the anniversary of his major league debut and his number. He has received honorary doctorates from Yale University, San Francisco State University and Dartmouth College. The major league beacon of life award and the presidential medal of freedom in 2015. He was voted to the MLB All-Time team in 1997 and All-Century team in 1999.

1.Ken Griffey Jr.

The “Kid” back in the mid-90’s when I was a kid, Griffey was the guy all the black kids admired. Wearing his cap backwards while going through batting practice, releasing a line of sneakers with Nike which I believe was a first for MLB players. Possessing one of the sweetest, fluid swings in baseball he is one of the best center fielders ever, constantly robbing hitters with his acrobatic video game like moves. A 10x gold glove winner, 13x all-star, 7x Silver Slugger award winner, 4x American league home run leader, American league MVP and RBI leader in 1997, the National league Comeback player of the year in 2005. He was elected to the MLB All-Century team in 1999, he was elected into the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds respective hall of fames, as well as having his number (24) retired by the Mariners. He was elected into the baseball hall of fame in 2016. Griffey was the “man” in the 90’s when it came to baseball.

While the rank of #1 could be up for debate, Ken Griffey Jr. deserves that honor in my eyes simply because I was able to actually see him perform in his career, and he is the greatest pure talent I've ever seen. He’s also young enough to help attract a new generation to the great game of baseball. All of these gentlemen contributed a tremendous amount to the game of baseball and inspired younger generations. They all deserve league wide days named after them. If baseball is serious about bringing more black players to the game, they should not only display how fun it is but also look back to it’s history and show the younger generation what players who look just like them have accomplished in the sport.

Read More

You Should Attend Walemania

This Past Weekend was Wrestlemania, the Super Bowl of Wrestling where fans all across the world come to the host city and indulge in all things pro wrestling. From conventions to numerous independent shows, and of course the main show. Right in the middle of the festivities is WaleMania, a annual concert now in it's fifth year held by renowned wrestling fan rapper Wale. I've attended the last two WrestleMania's and this was my first WaleMania, after attending I had to ask myself why the hell did I miss the last couple of WaleManias?

Held at Sony Hall in New York City, The show started as a live podcast from the WrassleRap crew interviewing Joshua Williams of Wrestle N' Flow, Charly Caruso from WWE and ESPN, ROH wrestler Kenny King, legend MVP, WWE commentators Corey Graves and Vic Joseph, WWE wrestlers Richochet and Lio Rush and many many more guests. After a toast was held for the guest of honor 5x Champion Booker T. who showed his support for Kofi Kingston and proclaimed he'd been waiting to pass the torch "For a long motherfucking time.", things went a bit "left" as WrassleRap cohost Kaz mentioned.

From there the tables were removed and the party begin. Featuring performances by Flex Kartel, G4 Boyz, ADE, even former Young Gunner Young Chris made a appearance to spit some bars. Smoke DZA and Westside Gunna who are huge wrestling fans much like Wale also performed. When The New Day made a appearance the crowd went into overdrive with KofiMania.

The party went on until 3 in the morning and it seemed like a who's who of professional wrestlers from various promotions and rap artist were in the building. WaleMania is a perfect combination of the wrestling and hip hop culture, showing both cultures equal love and appreciating everyone in the building, a very diverse crowd that was all bought together by their love of wrestling and hip hop. Despite as both Wale and Wrassle Rap cohost Kaz mentioned the haters and their usual shtick of "that shit fake".

I'm so glad I stepped outside of my comfort zone and attended WaleMania, it definitely was a experience and I can see why it has gotten bigger every year. To be able to party with people who love the same thing you do, as well as mingle with rappers and wrestlers in relaxed settings is worth the price of admission. Hell Wale even showed some wrestling skills hitting Cryme Tyme member Shad Gaspard with a stone cold stunner. It truly is the perfect marriage of Hip Hop and Wrestling even if it's for one night.  WaleMania VI is next year in Tampa and I'm already putting the event in the books to be there, if your planning to be in Tampa you'll want to be there too.

Read More

Here We Go Again

 In a city that has struggled for decades to turn it around its image around, the mayor getting caught up in some shit is not unexpected but also is not something we need. Mayor Catherine Pugh battling a recent case of pneumonia has to take an indefinite leave of absence to focus on her “health” after it has come out she was working some big money deals under the table. As a member of the University of Maryland Medical System board of directors she received $500,000 for a series of books she wrote “Healthy Holly”.  She also received $100,000 from Kaiser Permanente for the purchase of her books, while Kaiser was vying for a city contract. We all know that is a serious conflict of interest.

  Just last week former Police commissioner Daryl De Sousa was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison for tax fraud. His original planned successor Joel Fitzgerald was nominated for the position earlier this year but withdrew for “family reasons” amid more thorough investigations into his background and resume claims. Now Police commissioner Michael Harrison bought in from New Orleans is providing some stability to the city police department as they work under a federal consent decree to reform the entire department.



   Michael Harrison seems to be doing a good job so far and I wish him much success as Baltimore’s commissioner to reverse the crime trend that has plagued the city for what seems forever. As he is getting a handle on the position and the city this news comes out about Mayor Pugh and once again the administration of Baltimore City local government has some type of scandal to deal with.



    Scandals are a part of politics it’s just a part of the game, but this is another example of how Baltimore cannot get out of its own way. Any progress made is often overshadowed by some shenanigans going on to briefly halt that progress. I don’t agree with everything Mayor Pugh has done in her administration, but I honestly believe she’s serious about turning Baltimore around for the better.

  I just want the best for Baltimore, it’s my hometown and has so much potential. Of course no place is perfect and has its own issues, but many of Baltimore’s problems are a result of Baltimore blocking Baltimore. Hopefully we can move past this scandal and continue to turn things around.

Read More

Get Out Of Your Own Way

We're a few days away from a New Year. As often the case is when a new year is upon us, many people proclaim they will be a new person.New Year resolutions are made, goals are set, and then the new year hits. Most folks start off strong with this new change and then either nosedive or tail all the way off. After a while their back to the same shit they did the previous year and the year before that, and the year before that.

They fall back into the "old" them because of habits. Whether cognizant of it or not old habits are hard to break. Even when you know you need to stop doing certain habits to progress, that habit is so ingrained into who you are because you've being doing it so long. Well it's time to break that old habit completely.

The Saying "Can't Get Out Of Your Own Way" is a very true statement that resonates about how sometimes "being you", holds you back. In a career, relationships or life in general if a person "can't get out of their own way" and continues to do the same stuff. They'll end up in the same situations, never really progressing as individuals. Fully aware of whats holding them back, but not making a effort to address it and change for the better.

I know how hard habits are to break. I have several bad habits, some I know are  holding me back from progressing as an individual and different parts of my life. I'm making a pledge to start getting out of my own way, and work to break those habits. It's not a quick fix and it will be a struggle as some of the habits are ingrained in me. It's part of my personality and who I am, but I want to break away from being my own worst enemy. I encourage everyone who reads this to join me in 2019 not only in creating new resolutions or things we want to accomplish, but make strides to break old habits and get out of our way to prosperity. 

Read More

WWE! Shake Things Up

After a few months of some abysmal Monday Night Raws, full of lackluster matches, illogical segments, characters fans were tried of and plenty more. Amid harsh criticisms from fans and sagging ratings, Vince McMahon and family decided to return to TV this past Monday to shake things up. Promising new stars, new match ups, and that fans were the authority they promised they heard the fans and things were going to change.

For now it looks like their sticking to truly making a change. I just finished a Fan Council survey from the WWE on changes I would like to see on the programming. For the most part they did the right things on Raw and Smackdown this week, we'll see if they stay true to their word going forward. For now here are three things I think could help the product and switch things up.

1. It's been the main crying point of fans for a few years now, make Brock Lesnar defend the damn universal championship. The Universal Championship only being defended 4 or 5 times a year severely devalues the championship and the wrestlers purpose of fighting for the top spot. If in the eyes of the McMahons Brock is a "special" attraction, and their willing to pay him millions of dollars to work a handful of times a year that's fine. However instead of making him the champion and letting the title disappear for months at a time. Use his special attraction status to build up some superstars who could use a rub from working with him. Much like many guys of the attitude era begin to move to the side for the ruthless aggression era guys, it's time Brock pays it forward and does the same. If he doesn't agree he can always make fighting in the UFC a full time job again.

2. The McMahons should really limit the amount of time they are on screen. We know their the owners of the WWE and they have been fixtures of WWE television for 20 years now, every one of them have flipped between face and heel authority figures and that path has been beaten to death now. In fact and this is not just limited to the WWE but authority figures in wrestling period really need to take a backseat. That character has been done to death and many times especially with the McMahons as authority figures they overshadow the superstars. Create one General Manager/Commissioner  type figure who works as a liaison of the McMahons who oversees both brands. Their sole purpose is to make appearance for special announcements and restore order when things seem to get out of hand.

3. I often try to avoid comparing the product today to the attitude era, they were two different time periods with different rosters and agendas. The attitude era was great for many reasons, and one often overlooked reason that the current era could really benefit from. Is during the attitude era if you were on TV, Raw, Smackdown, Sunday Night Heat it was for a purpose. There were the main angles featuring the likes of Stone Cold, The Rock, D-X etc. Then there were smaller angles that were just as important Jeff Jarrett berating women until Chyna came to the rescue, X-Pac humanizing Kane. Val Venis tryna keep his willy intact after sleeping with the wrong woman. They all served their purposes no matter how outlandish some of the stories were. People cared about the entire roster from top to bottom. With a influx of talent and the brand split there isn't much reason fans should not care somewhat about every single wrestler on the roster during Raw and Smackdown.

I'm just a fan offering my two cents on how WWE can improve their product. These are a few things I feel would make the product better. I'll continue to watch and suffer through some rough times and wait for the tide to turn. In the meantime maybe WWE will hire me, a guy can dream.

Read More