Well, there is alot to talk about. First, I want to say a brief prayer. I pray that the soldiers who go to Afghanistan remain safe, along with the Afghan people, especial civilians. I pray that we move toward a society where everyone can afford healthcare benefits. Most of all i pray for our children. I was listening to a popualr Baltimore radio station earlier today. They were having a town hall meeting to address the youth violence that has plagued the streets of Baltimore and other cities nationwide. The meeting was held at an AME church called the Empowerment Temple, which is led by a charismatic young minister by the name of Jamal Bryant. During the meeting, a popular radio host stated "single mothers, you can be role models for your sons as well." I nodded my head in agreement as I sat in my car. He then said, "you need to start beating your children, that part of the problem. Noone beats their kids anymore." The other panelist laughingly agreed. i was stunned and horrified. One can easily point out the fact that I have no children, so it is easy and convenient to suggest how other people should raise their kids. However, I have been involved in the rearing of my three nephews and I have seen what works and what doesn't. Contrary to what this radio host stated, I believe that the reason for the violence in Baltimore is in part because many of these children are being beaten. They see violence in their homes and believe that it is the first means to solving a problem. If you do decide on corporal punishment for your children follow my grandfather's rule and never hit your children out of frustration or anger. At that point it does matter how hard or soft you hit him or her, it is abuse. Wait until you have calmed down before you administer the spanking. The first answer to youth violence may begin with hugging your children and telling them they are brilliant. I have always credited my father, with encouraging me to believe my potential was limitless. I recall him telling me often statements like "you are destined for greatness." I am a firm believer in positive reinforcement for children. I believe if you took two children of equal capacity for learning and achievement, and told one he/she was brilliant, beautiful, and that he/she is filled with potential and told the other they were stupid, ugly, and going to be a failure, 98 times out of 100, the former child would succeed in life. Maybe more importantly, the later child would almost always fail in some or all facets of life. Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey and many others have taught black people the love of self is paramount to success and self-determination. once we love ourselves we will be better equipped to love others. Those lessons must begin in the home. Our community also needs role models who truly stand for something. Kids, in their infinite skepticism, are better at sniffing out charletons than adults. Which brings me full circle back to Jamal Bryant. Our children are robbing one another and adults because they feel the pressure to keep up with a materialistic society. Jamal Bryant, a supposed man of God, bragged about driving a Bentley (while preaching and collecting tithes from some of the city and state's poorest citizens). Too many preachers forget that Jesus himself was never monetarily wealthy. Bryant had an affair and impregnated an underage girl, while his wife sat home nursing their 3 year old and one year old twins. He also has a 8 year old child whom he previously had very little to do with. I do think men of the cloth should be held to a high standard, and how can you criticize parents with such an horrendous track record? I really don't care that Tiger Woods was swinging his club on someone elses green. I would not criticize Pastor Bryant either, if he A) slept with women over the age of 18 and B) made like a Christmas gift and wrapped it up. To his credit he did say some good things (including how our need good role models lol). But he ended the session by stating the following: "we will end this meeting in 90 seconds... but we are still in a church, so I can not let the crowd leave without taking up an offering." Amen to the almighty dollar.

My Dreams

Ok, so I'm writing this from my work computer, which doesn't have the hiccups like my home computer. The grammar should be improved as a result. My album is coming in less than 24 hours. It feels strange. When the Wade Waters album dropped, I was excited and nervous. I lobbied everyone I knew personally to buy the record. Now, I am floating this piece of work out into the atmosphere. I don't even think my pops is going to buy it. I still believe God has a blessing in store for me. It's still exciting. Devin Jones is getting his start. DEllis is getting his official tribute. It is a way for me to tell people I care for them. The staff from Foundation for the People of Burma wrote me a touching letter and email. I responded that I was embarassed i could only send them a small amount of money. They reponded that that was not what mattered. It made me think that however this album does or how much it sells isn't the most important thing. It's how it effects the people it actually touches. I hope that some kid stumbles upon it, and stands tall for his/her friends, community, or someone he/she doesn't even know. I hope straight kids listen to this and want to stand tall for gay kids. That the next good leader of Burma is a young person whose community is being served by Foundation for the people of Burma. He may never hear the album or understand it, but would be affected by it indirectly. i pray that the first female president of the US is some intern on the hill who workes for the DC Rape Crisis Center hotlines in her sparetime. Again, she's probably got Drake in her iPod, but will be indirectly affected by the resources made available by the sales of this record.. I hope someone purchases the album in order to make my hopes, prayers, and dreams come true.

Life and Death and Life After Death

Wow it's been a minute! Recently, I haven't really been focusing on promoting the album. I know alot of people have been wondering what's been going on (by alot of you, I mean the two of you who actually read this blog). Well, last week was a challenging one to say the least. First, I received a message from my mom telling me that she was having chest pain. She was reluctant to go to the hospital because of the cost, even though she survived a triple bypass surgery about 10 years prior. She is one of the 40 million or so uninsured Americans who have to choose between death and financial ruin. Eventually the pain became unbareable and she had to go to the hospital. I stay with my niece until her return. One night became two, two became three, until she was sent over to Hopkins for surgery. After bypass surgery, any operation on the heart becomes that much more delicate. While I stayed in Ellicott City, MD, I decided to see my doctor to check up on the fatigue i had been experiencing. I wanted to get some blood work down to make sure it wasn't a thyroid problem or something. My doctor felt my lymph nodes and immediate sent me down for a chest x-ray. He later said "I don't want to scare you but some of this is consistent with Hodgkins disease." So, thoroughly freaked out, I returned home and waited both my results and those of my mom. During which time, I became obsessed and convinced of my own mortality and approaching decline. "How could this be?" I keep thinking. I weight 162 pounds and I bench press 235. I'm as strong and healthy as i have ever been. My doctor told me he would call me friday, but I finally got the results Tuesday that everything looked normal. My mother left the hospital Sunday and her heart surgery was a success (we'll see about the financial ruin thing). As I spoke to friends about this situation, I realized how much or little my demise would effect people. Many people who i suspected would have been as frightened or concerned for me as i was, were almost unaffected. At first this made me sad to think that i didn't make the mark with my life and the time that God had given me. In the end, It made me even more convinced that I am doing the right thing by giving my music money to charity. If I haven't made a big enough difference in the lives of the people I know, the least i can do is help provide resources for the people who change peoples lives for the better. I you care for and appreciate someone let them know. Also, acknowledge when someone you know does something to benefit another, big or small. I appreciate everyone at Words Beats & Life, Inc who serve some of the forgotten communities in DC. I remember when Mazi told me he was going to do WBL fulltime, i told him he was nuts. He needed health insurance and a steady pay check. However, that was what drove him. The people at Foundation Burma and the DC Rape Crisis Center the same way. I salute all of you, in whatever you do to help others. It's a blessing that I have alittle more time to make a mark.
The debut Haysoos album
Standing Tall: A Life Changing Experience
Oct. 28, 2009

Eat to Live

This particular entry is dedicated to Gertrude Baines, a beautiful African American woman who recently passed at the tender age of 115. Mrs. Baines enjoyed bacon and fried chicken and lived alone until she reached 107. She was the oldest human being on the planet, and rested comfortably in her home. Yet, Mrs. Baines had a lesson for all. She still saw the importance of exercising her civic duty. She voted in the last election and was rewarded by the higher power to be able live to see the first Black president of the United States of America. My uncle Charlie of Purcellville, VA maybe challenging for that spot of oldest person in the coming years. Uncle Charlie gardens regularly, walks without a cane often, and drives himself around (fast). He has a 60-something girlfriend and a diet that consists of a health portion of Black olives because they "improve your sexual performance." I often remind my significant other that she may have 71 more years of boom-boom in her future if she sticks with me, since Charlie and I share the same gene pool. She usually responds with a sigh and by demanding a back massage. The truth is, most African Americans die relatively young, due to hypertension, diabetes, and other diet related illnesses. The Japanese now have 40,000 people over the age of 100. Why? Because they eat healthy and in moderation. The get regular exercise. Thus, they live longer and have a good quality of life. I would bet that quite a few of them are bumping and grinding well into their eighties and nineties. This fact is precisely why we Americans must take the advice the Honorable Elijah Muhammad gave us long ago and "eat to live." Eat fish, veggies and berries. Go easy on the liquor and beer. Do not smoke. Try not to order out to often. As a matter of fact, I am making myself crave a hungry meal and it is almost time to eat, as the sun is setting. Hazmatic and I'm gone....

Critics and Critiques

I've been thinking alot about how great a quality it is to be able to take criticism. I always thought it was wack how rappers would get so sensitive over someone saying they didn't enjoy their music. Of course, it stings a bit, but if someone doesn't like Haysoos's music, they are probably not part of the intended audience. Or, perhaps I rub them the wrong way personally, which i acknowledge is also very possible. I must admit, this album is different. My inability to take criticism with certain songs on this album is precisely why I'm am not actively seeking reviews or internet press. This album has moments that are far too personal for me to read, "his flow was unoriginal" or "I didn't like the metaphors he used." If i read someone for instance diss a song like Standing Tall, which is dedicated to my hero Gina Rossini, who is a sexual assault survivor or criticize The Time We Shared, which is about my deceased friend Dave Ellis, it could be a problem. i know this is flawed, but it is the truth. What You Gon' Do is a song for my friend's son who is disabled. I wanted to make song that he could listen to later that would make him realize that he is not limited by his disabilities. If you want me to really get ignorant, talk bad about God and family or Noone is Free, which is dedicated to my loved ones. I guess this is the risk of puring your heart out on record, when some people want to hear you rhyme a bunch of meaningless words in succession. My motto I talk brief about my friend's mom who beat cancer. Diss that, and we got a problem. I'm open to criticism usually, but not this time around. If you like my music, you will love this album. If you don't, I don't want you to buy it. It's not about the money. It's not about rndomly supporting me. I want people to bu this album because they enjoy it, they agree with what it stands for, and they are interested in what my mind state was at this point in my life. if you are reading this, you are probably someone i care for or someone who understands where I am coming from. The entire album is dedicated to you. Hazmatic and I'm gone....

Shout out to Tiane for actually reading my blogs! Also, shout to Adam, Sam, and all the bamas I argue with at the gym. There are quite a few interesting things to talk about. Sonia Sotomayor is now the first latina on the Supreme Court of the United States. Progress!!! Perhaps more people who are currently uninsured will get health care, including my mom! Now, the recording industry world wide gets the gasface, for trying to front on my advance. ASCAP also gets the bozack for not giving me my royalties. Ramaddans coming so its almost time to delete all the porn out of computer and get on the right path. I'm just about to leave the country for a short period of time. It's always interesting for me to leave our borders. It's humbling to see a different level of poverty for people who work so hard. When i was in the Dominican Republic for the first time, I rode by sugar cane fields on the way to the resort and saw the Haitian immigrants chopping sugar cane. I've heard they are mistreated severely in DR, because they are illegal, and because of the fact that Haiti ruled the whole island for 20 in the early 1800s. Personally, i think some of it is anti-black racism, which is so interesting considering the fact that 90% of the Dominicans I saw were "morenos." What's also interesting is that when Dominicans travel to the east, they face discrimination (not quite as severly) on the same grounds from their Puerto Rican neighbors. Sometimes one has to wonder, as a Black man, why did God place me int the circumstances he did. Why did I attend the finest schools, live in an upper middle class neighborhood, and come from an educated family? Why am I not toiling in the fields in the hot Caribbean sun like some of my Black brother? God only knows. I thank him for the opportunities he's given me, and i sometimes feel alittle guity. The only thing i can do is devote myself and some of my time to helping others. I feel like I have to give my album Standing Tall to my brothers in those fields, the sisters who suffer sexual violence in Africa (and worldwide), and the children who cry themselves to sleep with empty stomachs. Now, I'm expecting once again, on my way back to be thoroughly searched when I go through customs like I was last time. (Seriously, even the white people were saying it wasn't fair) However, I will stand up and speak up for a Dominican immigrants rights. Though some Mexicans call Blacks "Mayates" (or just plain old nigger), I support Mexican immigrants here in the states. I just hope that all of us realize that it could be anyone of us working those sugar cane fields in the sun. Hazmatic and I'm gone...

Black People World Wide

I was instructed that my blog is boring as it currently exists. I was told by my close friend DJ Bam that I should add something, maybe some music or better yet, perhaps a video of me crying like Stephon Marbury. Say what you want, but he got alot of hits with that. However, there were many things that made me want to cry this week. Most recently, I was teaching a class. The demographic is as follows: 3 continental Africans, one haitian (American) woman, and a Chinese (American) woman. The haitian woman was born in the US, but you would never know if judging by her accent. She was raised in South Florida in a Haitian community, so she was probably inundated with creole and Haitian culture. Through most of this summer class, the students have nodded their heads in agreement as I have gone on my 20 minute long rants about white supremacy. However, today was different. A woman from the Ivory Coast suddenly stated that "Nigerians are not to be trusted. One Nigerian man stole my purse. Another Nigerian man stole 9 thousand dollars from me." I immediately stepped in and said that her examples were anecdotal and certainly not representative of most Nigerian people. the Haitian woman then chimed in by stating "no it's true. A Nigerian man swindled my parents. Now, my family does not trust them. They are sneaky." Despite my efforts to calm this nigerian bashing session, this situation persisted with both woman defiantly claiming that they were not being "racist", "prejudiced" or even "discriminatory." It is so interesting that people can make blantantly prejuidiced or racist comments, then defend them merely by saying they are not racist, but indeed "true." The Haitian woman then went on to try to connect Nigerian men to rape, and also stated she would never marry a haitian man. I admit, i was blind sided by this entire exchange. It seemed no matter how eloquently or forcefully I stated my case, they would not be moved. It just made me realize what we are up against. If black people feel it is necessary to discriminate against one another, how will we keep other from discriminating against us as a whole? I realize that in a six week course it is difficult to dispel ideas they have been developing all their lives, but it can be upsetting. Hazmatic and I'm gone....