Is Hip-Hop to Blame for Sean Taylor's Death?

Good Morning to all my readers! I usually don't post about racial issues on this blog, unless it has to do with a big time controversy such as the Jena 6 event, notice I said an event, because the only time it becomes a major headline is when you have Politicians, Activists, and other high-profile individuals that come forth to defend the lives of people in that community.

Today, I'm compelled to speak out. I was listening to the local radio Hip-Hop show here in Houston, TX. Jason Whitlock, sports writer for the Kansas City Star blames hip-hop for the death of Sean Taylor. I beg to differ, jealousy and greed was behind that tragic crime. Yes, he did grow up in a community where sports existed to get out of the " hood" and a life of crime was a way of survival. Sean left his community behind, but not his fears and concerns of those who were once around him as a kid. Hip-Hop can't be the blame for every crime that involves a person of African descent in this country. Music in general is becoming more violent, over-hyped, and down right degrading. I want to point out a song from a different genre that involves crime against a person. Carrie Underwood has a song called " Before He Cheats" that talks about slashing the tires of her cheating boyfriend and taking a Louisville slugger to the headlights. Now in my opinion, that's not appropriate behavior for anyone. Yea it has a great beat and her voice is amazing, but the lyrics are very violent! I'm not making this a Black and White issue, it's about pointing out violence within a song. I'm sure Carrie was raised in a loving, Christian home, but somewhere along the line she discovered ways to punish her man if he doesn't act right. People get it mixed up, I know a lot of people of all races who were raised in those same type of homes, but outside variables factored in their life of crime. We all know what's right and wrong, but it's up to us to make wiser decisions on how to handle a situation. Most of the serial killers in this country have been educated and privileged. So what's the reason for their crimes? Do we blame heavy metal lyrics? Jimmy Hendrix was loved by all races, but his song " Hey Joe" was a song about Joe shooting his old lady and then going down to Mexico to escape. So it's up to you if shooting your old lady is the best way to solve her cheating on you with another man.

The bottom line is that crime exists in all communities. It's more prevalent in the Black communities most definitely, but that doesn't mean that music has to be the blame for all our crimes. Whitlock asked the question, " Does a Soulja Boy want an education?" Obviously Jason hasn't been paying attention, a lot of people in this country love that song! The most educated people have listened and danced to it. I guess he didn't watch the American Music Awards, Kimmel put Soulja Boy on a national stage. Now we can assume that it's because he loves the beat and enjoys the rhymes, but there will be people that say Jimmy was merely making fun of the Black community. I really don't listen to a lot of today's hip-hop, but that's my preference. I don't let my child listen to it, because sex and drugs are not something I want him to think is cool, but at the end of the day if he wants to partake in those behaviors then he will! We are in a generation of text messaging, Myspace, Paris look-a-likes , and the idea that having a million dollar home and a dubbed out car is the epitome of success.

In conclusion, Sean Taylor's death was committed by an individual that didn't want to get out of a life of crime, jealousy and greed took control of his respect for others. It's very sad what happened, but lets not make music as an excuse. How about celebrities in the entertainment industry go back to the " hood", educate and start funding some programs that will give these people some self-worth. Let them know that Soulja Boys can have an education! It's easy to look at things from a negative perspective when you're sitting in a leather recliner chilling by the fireplace in your nice home.

Update:
Two men and two juveniles have been arrested in connection with the death of Taylor. Their intent was not to kill, but to steal. Apparently, they didn't expect anyone to be home, but Taylor was home due to a knee injury. I knew it wasn't going to take long before someone starts talking, because you know they bragged to some friends. The police sure know how to hold out on the info, at first everyone thought it was one suspect, that's why they were so adamant to say it was a burglary. The intent is to charge them with burglary and murder! I will definitely keep you posted.

Video of the Day

I just have one question, is this clip worse than Sheri thinking the world is flat? Kelly Pickler is truly an American Idol!

Player Shout-Out

AP Photo/Tony Dejak

Lebron James is putting up some ridunculous stats this season. He already has four triple-doubles, but the "king" needs more than that! The Cavaliers still don't have any consistent perimeter shooters. Basically, Lebron James is the lone man out on the floor and management better make some moves soon. Unfortunately, Varejao won't be apart of the action this season. In my opinion, he was asking for to much. He is a good player, certainly not worth the upgrade he was looking for. So cheers to you Lebron for carrying the team on your shoulders!

Update
Well I'll be damned, Lebron sprained his index finger during the first half of the Detroit game tonight. He returned to the bench suited up with his fingers wrapped. The Cavs lost, final score was 74-109! James is the number one offensive player in the league with an avg. of 31.7 points per game. I can only hope he heals up and gets the monkeys back on his shoulders.

Dancing with the Stars is Still Brewing with Drama!

Getty Image

I had no intention of posting another DWTS story, but this one is good! I knew it wasn't just me that felt the fireworks. Everyone in America could feel the heat between Helio and Julianne, even his now ex-fiancee! Helio and Aliette Vazquez were together for almost six years and engaged for one. Apparently, the couple didn't want to confirm anything until after the show in fear that Helio could lose some votes. Maks's almost tearful commentary about Mel B. last night, made me do a double-take. I've never seen him so compassionate about anyone. He was Laila Ali's partner last season and the chemistry wasn't there, at least not for me! Maksim said, " I love Mel". Of course this doesn't mean in a romantic way, but aren't you secretly hoping so? This show is becoming a prime-time As the World Turns!

What's Your Opinion?

AP Photo/Marie Claire

I wasn't sure about the title of this post. I've backspaced so many damn times it's not even funny! I know it's sexy and expressive, but why do celebrity women pose naked on a magazine? I'm a mother and to me, exposing your pregnant belly is not a way to gain respect. In my opinion, it's an intimate delight that should be kept between mother and father. In the 90's Demi Moore did it and lets not forget Britney Spears a couple of years ago. I just don't see the point, maybe I'm just old-fashioned. Halle Berry will probably be the next hot celeb to expose their belly for the world to see. I mean don't get me wrong, a cute little Pea in the Pod outfit with a little belly exposure isn't that boo! It's the nakedness I have a problem with. Oh well keep up the good work ladies, I'm sure your boy or girl will be very proud. OMG, I just had a Marie Osmond moment, reports are surfacing that Britney is preggers with her third child! Please let this be one of those out there rumors that came from the mouth of a stoned party goer that met Brit in the hallway!

Safety for Redskins Dies in the Hospital After a Shooting

Photo by Matt Stroshane/Getty Images

The NFL is mourning one of their star athletes today. Sean Taylor, a safety for the Washington Redskins died on Tuesday morning at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Taylor and his girlfriend had been victims of a burglary or robbery, authorities aren't sure just yet. The only concrete information the police have is the girlfriend's accounts of the crime. She said that the couple were awakened by noises and Taylor armed himself with a machete. A suspect forced their way into the bedroom and fired two shots, one unclaimed! What's more shocking is that eight days prior to this event, someone had entered Taylor's home and ravaged through his drawers. The suspect left a knife on his bed, my guess as a warning.

Taylor is no stranger to crime and league fines. He entered the league in 2004 as the fifth overall draft pick and shortly after that, he fired his agent. He skipped the mandatory rookie symposium and was fined $25,000! Later in that season, he was driving home from a party and was pulled over by the cops. They charged Taylor with drunk driving. In 2005, he was accused of brandishing a gun at a man during a fight. He pleaded no contest and received 18 months of probation. In 2006 during the playoffs, Taylor was fined $17,000 for spitting in the face of Buccaneers running back, Michael Pittman. It's really unfortunate when past behaviors can't be suppressed once a player gets in the league, but Taylor showed great improvement after the birth of his child, Jackie. He was like the Barry Bonds of the NFL! He rarely gave interviews, small inner circle, played hard on the field, sometimes to hard. Sean Taylor went to the Pro Bowl in 2006 despite those behaviors, because of his hard-hitting tactics on the field.

I sincerely send my condolences to the Taylor family. I can only hope that police can attain more evidence in order to arrest the perpetrator. I will definitely keep you posted. In my non-expert opinion, the suspect is probably someone he knows.

Barak Obama Inhaled, So What!

It's been a minute since I've posted anything political, so lets bring out the hats and bongs shall we! This video was made about a year ago when Obama first talked about his past drug use. Last Monday, Barak discussed his pass indiscretions with some high school students and of course he's coming under fire for doing so. In my opinion, Obama did the right thing! We're to busy trying to give this picture of perfection to our youths. Our kids aren't dumb nor blind, they listen to Pink and know about the current president's whiskey and Cocaine habit! I mean seriously, get the past out of the way! It's admirable of Rudy Guiliani to praise Barak for his honesty and I totally agree.

Barak is also looking to get some women voters from Mrs. Clinton. Ms. Oprah Winfrey will be on the campaign trail with the Illinois senator next month. Wow, what a platform he's going to have! Oprah can make 20 min segments just for Obama on her show everyday if she wants. We can only wait and see how Oprah's influence will help the former "420" member in his pursuit to the White House!

Dancing With the Stars Champion Is......

ABC Photo

I wanted to watch the finals before blogging my prediction. First of all, Marie Osmond had to be on something more than caffeine! I mean she was a hot mess, blurting words out and dismissing the judges comments. I think her partner was a little taken back by her behavior. She kept saying how she's one of the top doll designers in the world and that's the motivation behind the hideous doll routine they performed.

My favorite couple Mel and Maks were a little disappointing! There has been reports leaking that some of the Spice Girls were a little irritated with Melanie's practice schedule and they fear she may not be able to perform at her best for the tour. Oh goodness, stop whining already and enjoy the publicity you're getting from her being on the show. The girls clearly don't need any promoting across the pond, their tickets sold out in 38 seconds! So their first dance was the cha-cha and it looked more like a blah-blah, real shit!! The freestyle to Timbaland's " The Way I Are" was better, but the live band completely ruined it for me. They would've done better playing the damn CD and getting on with it! I know there's a little aggression in my words, but it's so justified.

Helio was all dimples and jagged teeth! I saved him for last, because I feel he'll be the last man standing. He will hold up that cheap, glittered disco ball that helps to catapult ones career and give us one last Colgate smile before heading to the race tracks!

Video of the Day

OMG is all I can say!

The Bachelor and DWTS

Carol Kaelson/ABC

I was going to write about the Bachelor, but it doesn't make sense to waste my writing energy on an idiot. Mel B and Maks should totally win DWTS, I mean seriously! Their chemistry is just undeniable and so fun to watch. I've never been so excited to watch a show, except for my beloved O.C.! Anywho, because that topic brings out so many emotions. Tonight is the results show and if Marie Osmond is still standing and not under those hot red lights, I'm going to throw my television against the wall! The last statement was so false, but the thought did cross my mind. My fingers are crossed and the right eyebrow is raised, so it better be good! Is it just me or does Mel and Maks make a hot couple?

I have a little energy left so let me just make a brief statement on the Bachelor. Brad Womack was a good-looking, funny, country, bar-owner that was in search of his partner in life, at least that's the bait from ABC. I watched the show mostly all season and my money had always been on DeAnna. She was beautiful, smart, funny, independent, and all the qualities that Mr. Womack was supposedly looking for. Last night, I was glued to the tube and elated when he sent bubbly Jenni on her way. I just new that DeAnna was the one and then he gets all choked up and punks out!! I will never watch the Bachelor again! I can't wait until the special tonight, where they can rip in to his a**! The next Bachelorette will be.....

Update:

Marie Osmond is in the finals, can you say REAL MAD! Kelly " the slut" from 90210 was kicked off last night after an amazing 30 cha-cha the night before. Mrs. Garth was the most improved and I felt she deserved a shot for the disco ball trophy. All of Marie Osmonds children probably voted a thousands time, she probably had a telethon working or was it sympathy that played a major role in the outcome? Her adopted 16 yr. old son entered rehab last week, she fainted 3 weeks ago from allergies resulting from the fires, and her 90-yr old dad passes away. You have to admit that it tugs at the heart of the American public! Congratulation to the finalists and I'm sure there's more drama coming our way.

"After the Final Rose" show last night was real good and Brad came off as a real jerk. I don't by the whole notion of not being in love justifies him walking away. I've seen other seasons where the man said, hey lets spend time together and see where we go from here. I'm like DeAnna, how could he just send her back home broken-hearted. I think the revelation of the studio flying DeAnna's dad spoke volumes. Brad said he wanted to ask permission from her father. Well, at the end of their segment when she said goodbye, he told her that she'll never know how much he misses her. Oh Brad please, just say that having 25 women drooling over you was a great way to get publicity and gain investors for that huge luxury hotel you're developing!