The "N" Word

Is it OK for anyone or everyone to use the word "nigga" to refer to another person? I must say that I am guilty of using it in conversations with my homeboys. It sometimes slips out in public places too.

Can other races use it? What about when they are listening to music that has the work in it... Do you really believe that the automatically mute themselves when that work comes up in a lyric?

Where is the line? What if it is crossed?

Click on this link to check out a story about a school teacher who thought it was ok to use the "N" word on one of his students.

A classic case of "When Keeping it Real Goes Wrong"

For Sale: Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is upon us once again. I must admit, I thought this "holiday" was cool at one time (when I was in the 6th grade!). I loved the little cards that came 30 to a box. Back then, the candy was ok but it was not as good as Easter goodies or Halloween treats. The little hearts that looked like Necco Wafers or better yet Tums with short and sweet messages on them like "Be Mine" "Hug Me" were better to eat than the school lunch.

But now Valentine's Day as an adult is just annoying. I'll admit that I'm more in love now than I have ever been but that still doesn't increase my admiration for this consumer's holiday. Many of us are just getting over Christmas bill paying and now it's time to get a card, boxes of chocolate, stuffed animals, flowers, romantic dinner, and for the ballers jewelry even.

Do your job 365 days a year, let your mate know how you feel on the regular and then on February 14th you don't have to make up for a year of not showing your feelings by trying to bring home everything the stores have for sale.

LADIES: Is it a major "turn off" if your man doesn't come to you bearing gifts on Valentine's Day?

FELLAS: Do you feel pressure to deliver the goods on February 14th?

The Grammy's are Coming!

Grammy's are coming! Tune in February 8th at 8pm... Who is gonna clean up this year? My money is on Mariah. She is nominated for Album of the Year along with Kanye "Jesus Walks But I'm Gonna Take The Bentley" West. Those two are also up for Record of the Year.

Ciara and John Legend are up for Best New Artist.

The other nominees and categories are:

~my choices are in yellow~

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
1 Thing - Amerie
Wishing On A Star - Beyonce from: Roll Bounce
We Belong Together - Mariah Carey
Free Yourself - Fantasia
Unbreakable - Alicia Keys


Best Male R&B Vocal Performance
Creepin' - Jamie Foxx from The Luther V.Tributee album
Ordinary People - John Legend [likely winner]
Let Me Love You - Mario [I gotta rep for Maryland]
Superstar - Usher from The Luther V.Tributee album
So What The Fuss - Stevie Wonder


Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group
So Amazing - Beyoncé & Stevie Wonder
Cater 2 U - Destiny's Child
If This World Were Mine - Alicia Keys
So High - John Legend Feat. Lauryn Hill
How Will I Know - Stevie Wonder


Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance
Mine Again - Mariah Carey
Summertime - Fantasia
A House Is Not A Home - Aretha Franklin
If I Was Your Woman - Alicia Keys
Stay With You - John Legend


Best Urban/Alternative Performance
SupaStar - Floetry
Dirty Harry - Gorillaz Featuring Bootie Brown
DustVan - Hunt
Welcome To Jamrock - Damian Marley [likely winner]
Ghetto Rock - Mos Def


Best R&B Album
Illumination - Earth, Wind And Fire
Free Yourself - Fantasia
Unplugged - Alicia Keys
Get Lifted - John Legend
A Time To Love - Stevie Wonder


Best Contemporary R&B Album
Touch - Amerie
The Emancipation Of Mimi - Mariah Carey
Destiny Fulfilled - Destiny's Child
Turning Point - Mario
O - Omarion

Best Rap Solo Performance
Testify - Common
Mockingbird - Eminem
Disco Inferno - 50 Cent
Number One Spot - Ludacris
U Don't Know Me - T.I.
Gold Digger - Kanye West [likely winner]


Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group
Don't Phunk With My Heart - The Black Eyed Peas
The Corner - Common Featuring The Last Poets
Encore - Eminem Featuring Dr. Dre & 50 Cent [don't even ask, you know why]
Hate It Or Love It - The Game Featuring 50 Cent
Wait (The Whisper Song) - Ying Yang Twins [this song was groundbreaking]


Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
1,2 Step - Ciara Featuring Missy Elliott
They Say - Common Featuring Kanye West & John Legend
Soldier - Destiny's Child Featuring T.I. & Lil Wayne
Numb/Encore - Jay-Z Featuring Linkin Park
Rich Girl - Gwen Stefani Featuring Eve


Best Rap Album
Be - Common
The Cookbook - Missy Elliott
Encore - Eminem
The Massacre - 50 Cent
Late Registration - Kanye West [if he doesn't win he will put a hex on all of us!!!]