Michael Jackson Death One Year Anniversary

I grew up on Michael Jackson. The songs. The dancing. Everything. Even though I primarily rap, I'd say he was probably my biggest musical influence. The man knew how to put on a show. He knew what was catchy. He understood music in it's deepest sense. Every element of whatever he did was a production and planned and perfected. You could see the brilliance and creativity coming to life before you. In fact, if you haven't seen the movie "This is It" documenting his preparation for his final concert, check it out. It's evidence of everything I'm talking about.

Anyways, his death was a tragedy felt across the World. I've never seen in my lifetime a reaction to someone's passing that was so huge and widespread. I have to say, I was overcome by grief myself. It was the end of an era. After Michel Jackson died, I put together a tribute song and video for him. Check it out




USA advances to Round of 16

Alright. So, I've had a few requests to make another video. I'm always tentative to do them because I never really know if they're entertaining at all. But they're fun to do...and keep me from getting bored out of my mind at times. So...I guess there's at least one person who is entertained.

I wasn't exactly sure what to make a video of this time around, but an idea came to me after watching the crazy soccer game between the U.S. and Algeria yesterday. I'm not going to go into details about the scenario, but I'll just say that the U.S. basically had to win the game to advance to the next round of the World Cup.

They played an extremely close game that literally had me (and American fans all over I'm sure) at the edge of my seat. The game stayed tied 0 - 0 for almost the entire game. I watched a controversial call by the ref that disallowed an American goal, yet again. I watched missed opportunity after missed opportunity. And just when I was sure the U.S. would end the game in a tie, knocking them out of the tournament, Landon Donovan scored to put the U.S. ahead for the win. It was crazy. You have to understand...this goal was scored in the 91st minute. There are 90 minutes in an ordinary game...and extra time is added if there are injuries throughout the game. So this goal was like an MJ at the buzzer type shot. I was going crazy. In my apartment. Just me...making a hell of a lot of noise. What an amazing outcome that kept the U.S. alive.

So then I started wondering if President Obama would comment on the game at all, since it was such a huge win for the U.S. But I figured, with the oil spill and health care and the economy he probably had a lot on his plate. But Obama surprised me and proved that there's always time for soccer...

Check it Out.

World Cup Fever

I know I know.  Don't even say it. It's been almost five months since my last post.  My apologies.  The time really flew by.  There's been so much going on.  My last post was in response to the tragic earthquake in Haiti.  And I've been networking with various people to try to do some projects for Haiti.  My song that I displayed in the last post was supposed to be making it onto a benefit CD produced by Alan Cavé.  If you are familiar with Haitian music, then you know who that is.  I still don't know what's going on with that.  I should probably call him. But as soon as I know something I'll let you know.

But on another note, the 2010 World Cup is here!  Soccer (ahem I mean Futbol) is a passion of mine.  My dad played professionally in Haiti, and my siblings and I grew up in an environment where soccer was seen as a major priority.  

This year the World Cup is in South Africa.  And I couldn't be more happy to finally have it in the motherland.  That's pretty big.  The U.S. plays their first game of the Cup today, against England.  While the U.S. is only 2- 7 against England,  the only official game was in the 1950 World Cup, where the U.S. beat England 1-0.  It was perhaps the greatest upset in soccer history.  And if I can interject some Haitian pride for a second, the single goal was scored for the U.S. by a Haitian striker, Joe Gaetjens.

Now many, including myself, are hoping for history to repeat itself.  The U.S. hasn't met England in an official match since that 1950 game.  They aren't expected to win, just like they weren't back then.  And again, they have a young striker of Haitian descent, Jozy Altidore.  So are all the ingredients there for another upset?  I hope so.  Because as far as I'm concerned, it'll be a game for the U.S. and secretly a game for Haiti as well.

Now enjoy this Shakira video and this video of K'naan's performance for the start of the Cup.  If you weren't already suffering from World Cup fever, these will help.