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Reader Comments:
Greetings,
Just wanted to tell you how elated I felt while reading this wonderful article ("Copa Controversy"). "You'd figure the lesson would have been learned from the Rio fiasco (e.g. hair cannot be permanently straightened without chemicals, hello!), right? But I couldn't help but be disturbed at the messages sent across in the Copa infomercial (as in most relaxer ads and commercials). That there's something inherently wrong with very curly or kinky hair, and one needs to apply chemicals to "fix" it and straighten it out. I looked at the abundant textures of the women's "before" hair, and couldn't find a damn thing wrong with them (actually, I preferred most of the pre-Copa dos, myself. But that's just me...). Teach! The most common defense I hear for hair-relaxing is, "But it's just a style option!" Please. It will NEVER be just a style option until we truly, whole-heartedly, and enthusiastically accept our nappy hair. Period. If we put as much creativity into "coming up" as we put into making up excuses to stay enslaved, we'd have our own nation by now! Peace, ---Karmella (Re. Copa): I, for one, wish I never put chemicals in my hair. My first dose was at 26 and I haven't been that "natural" since. I miss my coarse and kinky hair. Years later, I'm afraid to cut it all off and let it be free. Maura J. Mami, I just have to tell you that your site is hot! The thing that caught my eye was the article on the Copa backlash. I actually did my final research paper on our hair and the way it affects us, and found out about the whole Rio scandal. Once again, they're at it again. I've got a really short, curly cut, and most of my friends have locks. I'm not hating on anyone with a relaxer, or a weave -- or whatever, because we've all been there. I just think it's sick that someone like Debbie Allen with all her talent and recognition (not to mention the fact that I know thousands of young women see her as a role model) would get down on that level. Perhaps it was just the money that they flashed at her? Perhaps she doesn't even know the impact the image has on young black women? (Or the impact on a mind full of a few Amaretto Sours and exhausted from shakin' the booty all night?) Okay, I'm rambling now. Just wanted to add my two cents. Keep up the good work!
Tameka
Hey Triscene--I dig it the most! I was thrilled to reed the props you gave out to Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band. I'm 40 now and I can tell you that that was the JAM back in the day. In the Midwest, where I'm from, not a lot of folks were playing, it but I turned my friends on to it. I loved Cory Day's singing, the rumba beats and the orchestration of the horns! And I knew the whole album by heart. When I heard those beats on the radio a few months back I'm like, "Man, they're playing that joint on the radio again!" Turned out it was Ghostface Killah. After partying off the original, hey, I'm not feeling what he did with it all--but props are props. Thanks for the look back--that's good stuff! kr in Cali I'm a house music lover--I've been one for many years. I especially loved your piece on DJ Joey Vega--he's great! Thanks again for the informative words, and I wish you well. Ricardo Raul Thank you so much for your article singing the praises of Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band's "Cherchez La Femme!" I bought their greatest hits CD a few years ago; found it in my stash this past weekend and I've been blasting "Cherchez" all week before I read your article! And like you, I'm feeling totally blissed out by the inventiveness and originality of this masterpiece that sounds like it could have been made yesterday. The cover art is fantastic, too. I thought I was the only one feeling left empty by the formula music we're given now; thank goodness for re-mastered real music. Take care, Hey Miss Vonetta, My name is Tarina Pouncy and I live in Detroit. I was reading your interview with Morris Chestnut on Essence.com and noticed you live in Brooklyn. So I checked out your web site -- because I was thinking I could ask you about neighborhoods in Brooklyn (which I know is crazy to ask a complete stranger such a thing)-- but imagine my delight to see that you had dedicated a section to that very subject. Sweet! So, thanks for that and also, great job on the interview and on your website. I stumbled onto your website by
mistake and noticed you were featuring Ka-ren,
whom I met about a year ago when I visited her with a friend who was having a
dress made. I would like to know how to get in contact with her. I'm
loving the grey outfit and would love to meet with her to get something made.
Thank you! For the most part your review (of Black and White) was pretty accurate, but did you really see any redeeming qualities in that picture? I thought it was offensive to all races, simply imposing already-existing stereotypes. And if Mike Tyson is stealing the show with his cameo appearance, you know there's a problem. True hip-hop heads will know that movie was not down for the cause. Surprisingly, the soundtrack is phenomenal, check it out. Kadie Presley I just happened upon your website and I must say I am very impressed! I just read Vonetta Booker's "Two Cents" on the Elian Gonzalez case. I am pleased to know that I am not the only person who feels that this case has been blown out of proportion. If I am correct, during the time that the Haitian boat was turned away, there were two young children whose mother had died in childbirth on the trip over. No one seemed to care if those children had family to return home to or not! At last count, we as taxpayers have spent over $500,000 on Elian. Goodness knows how much that will amount to after all the custody hearings and appeals! S. Catherine Mack Hey, I like your site. [Designer Ka Ren's] styles are really HOT! I have actually seen her work up close and personal at the African Street festival in Brooklyn last year, and I could not resist buying a skirt and halter. I hope to see more things about her on your site and could you please let me know where I can reach her. Keep up the good work!!! Blessings, (Re. Scene's rant about the 2000 Soul Train Awards): I enjoyed your opinions on the Lopez and Mary J. dress--however, don't you think you've laid it on a little heavy? Are you bucking to become the next Ms. Gossip Queen? Noreen Editor's note: No, Noreen, we're not trying to be the next "gossip mavens" or anything--it's simply called "having a little fun." Relax, already! I couldn't agree with you more! But I couldn't help but point out that you left out the screwed-up techs who weren't able to show Prince's video montage before he was presented his artist of the decade award. What was up with that? It was pathetic and really ruined the momentum for an award to a distinguished talented artist. Joy Editor's note: Hmm, Joy--you have a point--that was bizarre. There were so many issues Saturday night, I guess that one got away from us. But we'll definitely have to throw that one in. I
do agree with the comments about the Guy CD,
it does lack that "magic" that the previous releases had, especially
their 1st joint, which was the ultimate bomb! There's really no bomb-ass R&B slow cut that stands out, other than
"Why You Wanna Keep Me From My Baby." There's no cut that matches
"Piece Of My Love," "Goodbye Love," or "Let's
Chill." So it's only good
for about 3 or 4 songs. I think
Teddy needs to really revamp his position in the R&B group category.
Maybe he should just leave it alone, period! No disrespect; he's the
bomb producer, but when it comes to groups, he gets the failing grade! Has anyone done a review of D'Angelo's Voodoo? If not, I'd like to be the first! Overall, the CD is quite good, but I think it's a little too mellow! It's definitely a CD you put on during those certain times, i.e. about to get 'cha groove on, being romantic, etc. But the mellowness can put you to sleep if you're cruising down the freeway, or kicking it with the homies--you definitely have to be in the mood for it. But it does have some good joints, such as "Left & Right" (feat. Method Man & Redman), the ever-popular "Untitled" (getting all the ladies hot with his rather "revealing" video), and "Devil's Pie." Yes, it is better than Guy's CD, but beware of when you put it on! Ken Williams, Detroit I am FEELIN' Scene! This is quite the bomb-diggity! I plan to be making regular hits to this, 'cause you are puttin' out the kinda info that I can relate to. This loc perspective (Better Ask Somebody and The Sculptress) was excellent! As a loctician (cultivator of the kinks!) and a card-carrying member of the Nappy Nation ; ) I could relate to the commentary and it gave such a varied perspective. Props, fo' real! "Princess" Great article on Iyaba; I have been following his art and poetry career, and he is definitely on the rise! I am a former resident of Stamford, CT. who has now relocated to Florida. I have collected some of Iyaba's art over the years and I am now a proud owner of his first published book of poems, 41 Times--I encourage anyone of positive thinking to get one. I think there is a positive future for the youths of Stamford with someone like Iyaba as an influence. Stamford had better wake up and realize the riches it has in Iyaba's presence! Keep up the good work, One Love! Bonnie Good day. My name is Jerome McDonald. I am 24 years of age, and I currently reside in the city of Stamford, in this oh so beloved state of Connecticut. ;) Recently, I began the process of locking my hair. Being that I am of West Indian descent (Jamaican to be exact), I was bombarded with criticism and opposition from family and friends alike. Basically, I took their comments, paired with the never-ending negative outlook upon the "dreadlocks" affair, as a reminder of how mentally stagnant and regressive some of our people are in this day and age. Brainwashing ("rinsing" as I have heard KRS say once) plays a big part. I don't want to preach, so I will keep it short, but sweet. To my people wearing their locks, as the brother Ish from "Digable Planets" said...be happy what ya kinkin'. Locks carry an aura, a spiritual power that can be harnessed and wielded by their wearer. Don't let this Babylonian system get you down at all...for this temporal plane upon which we co-exist is but only for a while. The almighty shall see to it that all wrongs are righted, whether by his/her intervention, or by us interceding to carry out his/her works. Guidance. Sincerely,
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