The Classics: Dick Clarke Interviews Sam Cooke

Sam Cooke talks about writing music, working with Muhammad Ali (who was known as Cassius Clay at the time of the interview); and sings "Ain't That Good News"...

The Nineteen Ninety Fly™ Video Of The Week

"Last Chance" By: Allure

Just Because...

...This has always been one of my favorite songs off of En Vogue's "Born To Sing" album. Terry Ellis sings, "I Just Can't Stay Away." All hail real talent!

CLICK HERE for video [SIDEBAR: The You Tube embedding was disabled; but it's worth the click!]

Just Because...

...I've always loved this song...

Just Because...

...It's rare; but every now and then I hear a song that echoes my sentiments exactly. This is one of those songs...

The Nineteen Ninety Fly™ Video Of The Week

CLICK HERE for one of my favorite Redman videos. (YT diasbled the link).

The Nineteen Ninety Fly™ Video Of The Week: Part 2

[SIDEBAR: I have love for this song on a whole; but Coko was sanging! She's one of my favorite singers.]

The Nineteen Ninety Fly™ Video Of The Week: Part 1

Fly Quotes: Jackie Robinson

"This ain't fun. But watch me, I'll get it done." -Jackie Robinson

[SIDEBAR: It's starting to get a little fun...lol.]

Consider This A Dropped Jewel

Farrakhan talks about Michael Jackson, his changing appearance, and his desire to create a movie showing the beauty of people of African descent...

Fly Hair Tip: Use Beeswax As A Curling Wax

I've been doing my own hair for most of my life. I've only had one professional stylist ever touch my hair (that was during my early teen years when I first got my hair pressed). Therefore, I have lots of experience doing my hair in a variety of styles [SIDEBAR:...As long as it doesn't involve a chemical process. I've never hasd my hair colored or relaxed.] I've accumulated some hair tricks that can rival a professional hair dresser's. Here's one:

If you apply Murray's Beeswax to you hair before curling it with a curling iron, your curls will last for a long time. After using Murray's Beeswax as a curling wax, my style has stayed until I was ready to do my hair again. This was one of my best discoveries for creating a curly style.

[SIDEBAR: I'm not particularly trying to promote one specific brand of beeswax. However, I've tried a couple of other brands and this is the one that has worked the best for me.]

The Nineteen Ninety Fly™ Video Of The Week

Fly Quotes: Bob Marley

"Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you're riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!" -Bob Marley

Who Writes Your Laws Of Power?

Sometimes I think that the With all of the books on "universal laws" and out of all the great intellects, leaders, and strategists that have spanned the eras (not to mention a one's own intuition); why are some people turning to Robert Greene to give them the "laws of power." I've skimmed his "48 Laws of Power," and decided not to read it fully. It seemed too sinister to me, and I didn't find a lot of it valid.

However, I literally just finished fully reading Robert Greene's "The 33 Strategies of War." Although I didn't agree with a percentage of it, I liked some of the allegories and some of the lessons. I especially liked the first part of the book that applied to self-discipline. [SIDEBAR: I recently took Mr. Greene's most recent tome (a collaboration with 50 cent) out of the library; so I'll see what I think about that rendition of "power rules" soon.]

To quote the author Robert Greene himself, from "The 33 Strategies of War":

"Over the centuries millions upon millions of readers have used Machiavelli's books for invaluable advice on power. But could it possibly be the opposite- that it is Machiavelli who has been using his readers? Scattered through his writings and through his letters to his friends, some of them uncovered centuries after his death, are signs that he pondered deeply the strategy of writing itself and the power he could wield after his death by infiltrating his ideas indirectly and deeply into his readers' minds, transforming them into unwitting disciples of his amoral philosophy."

So, again I ask: "Who writes your laws of power?"

Music With A Message: Fatherhood

Beautiful song & video...

Consider This A Dropped Jewel: The Christopher Columbus Edition

The Nineteen Ninety Fly™ Video Of The Week: Part 2

Who remembers this?!...I see the smoke coming out of your ears from here...LOL. This was that classic, never to be duplicated again track...[SIDEBAR: Was that Biggie in the background?]

The Nineteen Ninety Fly™ Video Of The Week: Part 1

Brooklyn gearheads loved this video! An afterschool favorite in The Video Music Box days...

Fly Flicks: Fly Athletes From The 1960s

Front row: Bill Russell, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, and Kareem Abdul Jabar
Back row: Carl Stokes, Walter Beach, Bobby Mitchell, Sid Williams, Curtis McClinton, Willie Davis, Jim Shorter, and John Wooten.

This photograph was taken at a press conference given on June 4, 1967. The top African American athletes of that time, gathered together as a show of unity for Muhammad Ali, as he publicly proclaimed his reasons for rejecting the Vietnam War draft.

Fly Interviews: Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix discusses music vs politics, the power of music, the importance of artists being humble, and more...

Happy Birthday: Donny Hathaway

Happy birthday to Donny Hathaway; a truly insoirational artist. He created an incredible catalog of soulful music that still helps people get through things. [SIDEBAR: For the past couple of weeks, I've been listening to this song and Donny Hathaway's rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Superwoman" on repeat. Nobody's music speaks to me like his right now.]

Fly Quotes: JFK

"If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him." -John F. Kennedy

[SIDEBAR: Pictured Above: Ernie Davis & JFK]

The Nineteen Ninety Fly™ Video Of The Week

This STILL bangs...
"Some try to copy, but they just can't sketch it..."
"Me fall off I'll have none of that...IF I do a show then you better have my dough!"

What's The Real Purpose Of The Internet?

Sometimes I think that the internet may be some kind of mad social experiment to see what the masses of people would do with some of the power of the media in their hands. The internet can be a great tool. However sometime's it's like rumor and innuendo traveling faster than the speed of light. A life can be damaged with the click of a mouse. Also, truth vs perception can have its fiercest battle on this terrain. As with any weapon, even ones that are meant to annihilate, good can come from its presence. I've personally been educated to quite a few things via the internet, and I am appreciative of that...Please use the internet wisely.

Sending Lots of Love via The Internet☺,

Elsie Law The Rap Starlet aka Starface

How Much Is Television About Manipulating The Basic Tenets Of Psychology?

I came across this excerpt in a book and it made me think about how effect television, other forms of media, and advertising is in manipulating people's ideas and people's mental associations of images. Psychologists are often used by advertisers and television show creators to help them implement the best way to embed their messages into a viewers mind.

"One of Freud's greatest contributions was a concept called Angstsignal, or signal anxiety, which anticipated some of the most sophisticated contemporary work on implicit memory and unconscious associative networks. Freud's development of the concept grew directly from his groundbreaking understanding of fear and the pervasive ways fear organizes human existence.

Signal anxiety, Freud said describes an unconscious mental function that operates as a kind of early warning system for the psyche. It's what, after you've been burned once, stops you from having to consider consciously the merits of grasping a red-hot poker every time you want to pull it out of a blazing fire. Seeing a red-hot pojer leads to an experience of signal anxiety. It's a straightforward danger signal of the distress that would follow were you to keep grabbing red-hot pokers.

Signal anxiety results from the perception of danger. But it's also about learning to associate one thing with another, often unconsciously." [SIDEBAR: Italics as emphasized in the book.] -From, "Extraordinary Knowing: Science, Skepticism, and The Inexplicable Powers of The Human Mind." By: Elizabeth Lloyd Mayer

Fly Quotes: Jimi Hendrix (Reloaded)

"Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music." -Jimi Hendrix [SIDEBAR: If this quote is even partially true, it explains why musicians are under attack.]

"I try to use my music to move these people to act." -Jimi Hendrix

Fly Interviews: Johnny Carson Interviews Ray Charles

Happy Birthday to Ray Charles (September 23, 1930 – June 10, 2004). R.I.P.

[SIDEBAR: I love Ray Charles' music. I respectfully state that I hope he had a chance to have an expanded view of rap music. There are MANY rappers who offer knowledge to their audience to learn from, and who perform with live bands.]

Fly Flicks: Paul Robeson

The Nineteen Ninety Fly™ Video Of The Week

How Real Is The Hollywood Version Of The Ernie Davis Story?

This weekend, I caught part of a movie that told the story of Ernie Davis- the first African American Heisman trophy winner. I was very inspired by his story, and decided to do some research on him. I found some information that disputed some of Hollywood's rendition concerning the racism that Ernie Davis encountered.

According to the movie "The Express," Ernie Davis' teammates boycotted an event that barred Ernie from attending on the account that he was Black and the event was being held in a segregated/Whites-only facility. This rendition is disputed by John Brown, Ernie Davis' close friend, college roommate, and Syracuse football teammate who was portrayed in the film by actor Omar Benson Miller.

Wikipedia states that: "According to an article in the Houston Chronicle, all the players from the game attended the banquet. [John] Brown recalls that the teams sat on opposite sides of the room. After everyone ate and the trophies were handed out, the three black Syracuse players, including Brown and Davis were asked to leave and were taken to another party in Dallas by local NAACP representatives. One Syracuse player, Ger Schwedes, recommended that the whole Syracuse team leave the banquet to show solidarity with their black teammates, but the suggestion was overruled by Syracuse officials."

Here is a video of some snippets of Ernie Davis displaying his football talent in a 1960 Bowl game:

Fly Flicks: Jim Brown & Ernie Davis

Taking A Brief Hiatus...

I'll be back with new updates on Monday, September 21, 2009. Please feel free to enjoy and revisit old posts. Thanks.

Lots of Love,

Elsie Law aka Starface

The Nineteen Ninety Fly™ Video Of The Week

Watching this this morning made my day!..."Peach Fuzz" By: KMD

Book Excerpt: The Creation Of The FCC Edition

"Signed by the president on June 18, the Communications Act of 1934 created a single seven-member body, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to regulate radio as well as interstate and international telegraph, cable, and telephone services. Although it formally repealed the Radio Act of 1927, the new measure reenacted nearly all the provisions of the earlier legislation, much of it verbatim. The FCC is often described as a New Deal agency, but this is primarily the result of a coincidence of timing. Though the legislation had Roosevelt's signature, the actual substance had [President] Hoover's name wriiten all over it. It was hoover who had presided over the key constitutive choices in broadcasting and broadcast regulation; the 1934 legislation ratified and consolidated these earlier decisions." -From, "The Creation Of The Media: Political Origins of Modern Communications" By: Paul Starr

Book Excerpt: The Birth of American Radio & Radio Politics Edition

"The airwaves in the 1920s were like newly discovered virgin land that attracts colonists eager for adventure, wealth, of the opportunity to build a glorious new civilization. Like many a frontier territory, radio quickly became a battleground of legal claims and political deals, of new industry, dashed hopes, and great business empires. That had always been the course of American settlement whether on the prairie or on the spectrum. Broadcasting, however, was not simply a field of enterprise or an extension of society into a new domain. It promised to change society. The promise of broadcasting, even more than earlier media, was to make culture accessible to all, to enable the electorate to become better informed, to put people instantaneously in touch with the news of the world. Here was a new, buzzing and booming public sphere, an updated means of forming public opinion and public taste appropriately scaled to the age of mass democracy.

Yet, by comparison with the traditional medium of the public sphere- the press- radio suffered from several disabilities. Its entire basis of operation, the radio spectrum, was a scarce resource allocated by the state. As radio developed during the late 1920s and 1930s, control devolved on only a few hands, and the new medium provided less latitude for cultural diversity and political dissent than did print. While the press was increasingly independent of politics, there developed an interdependence between those who held political power(and needed radio) and those who controlled radio (and needed political goodwill). Instead of extending democracy, therefore, radio threatened to distort it. Such was the promise- such were the dangers- as the political framework of broadcasting was established in the period from 1927 to World War II." -From, "The Creation Of The Media: Political Origins of Modern Communications" By: Paul Starr

The Classics: Paul Robeson Sings "Amazing Grace"

[SIDEBAR: Notice how he changed the word "wretch" to "soul"...Love that!]

Fly Flicks: The Classic Huey P. Newton Edition

A classic picture of The Black Panther Party Founder- Huey P. Newton

Lyrics Worth The Quotation Marks

"Stay underground and keep runnin' like Tubman
You can't sleep, not a peep, no slumber
Man I slept about a 100 hours rest this summer" -Artist: "Beanie Sigel" Song: "Wanted" Album: "The B.Coming"

Lyrics Worth The Quotation Marks/The Classics

"I'm just an addict addicted to music
Maybe it's a habit, I gotta use it
Even if it's jazz or the quiet storm
I hook a beat up convert it in a hip-hop form
Write a rhyme in graffitti in every show you see me in
Deep concentration cuz I'm no comedian
Jokers are wild if you wanna be tame
I treat you like a child then you're gonna be named
Another enemy, not even a friend of me
Cuz you'll get fried in the end if you pretend to be
Competing cuz I just put your mind on pause
And I can beat you when you compare my rhyme wit yours
I wake you up and as I stare in your face you seem stunned
Remember me, the one you got your idea from" -Artist: Rakim Song: "I Ain't No Joke" Album: "Paid In Full"

[SIDEBAR: This is what I was raised on, and I'm grateful for it!]

The Classics: "I'm Still Here" By: Eartha Kitt

I love this song! Eartha Kitt is the flyest! R.I.P.

The Classics: "Feeling Good" By: Nina Simone

Consider This A Dropped Jewel: The Crabs In A Barrel Edition

Marcus Garvey once said, "The whole world is run on bluff." Listen & Analyze...

Fly Quotes: Nina Simone

"Slavery has never been abolished from America's way of thinking." -Nina Simone

The Nineteen Ninety Fly™ Video Of The Week

Mona Lisa Sings Silent Night & His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Consider This A Dropped Jewel: Hollywood & The Cigarette Connection

Dick Gregory discusses how Hollywood movies unconsciously seduces the viewer into smoking, among other things:

Fly Quotes: Jimi Hendrix

"I just hate to be put in one corner. I hate to be put as only a guitar player, or either only as a songwriter, or only as a tap dancer. I like to move around." -Jimi Hendrix

The Classics: James Brown On The Arsenio Hall Show

A classic performance! True talent never fades.


SIDEBAR: It was my dream as a kid to grow up and one day be on Arsenio! [SIDEBAR WITHIN A SIDEBAR: I caught a lot of episodes of The Arsenio Hall Show as a kid because I was an insomniac.] Every time I use to watch his show. I would say "I'm going to be on his show one day." I wonder if somebody could convince him to come out of retirement so I could have an accomplished mission...Wishful thinking?

Interview: Tasty Keish of WBAI 99.5FM

I consistently would like to expand the features that I post on my blogs.

Even though, I created this blog to be music and entertainment oriented (as opposed to my newsletter blog CLICK HERE), I would still like this blog to be a source of information. With that being said, I introduce to you, this blog's first interview. Through my interview posts, I hope to introduce the reader to people who delve in music, media, and/or entertainment. It's my hope that the reader will learn about various aspects of the aforementioned fields, and the people who are affiliated wuth them.

My first interview for this growing vlog is with Tasty Keish from "Rise Up Radio" on 99.5FM (NYC). I met Keish when I was a guest on Rise Up Radio. As she has interviewed me a few times, it was only right that I become the interviewer, and she become the interviewee this time around. [SIDEBAR: I would write a more in depth introduction for the interview, but that would spoil the main dish; the interview below covers it all.]

ELSIE LAW: I first became acquainted with you through a show that you co-host on 99.5FM called Rise Up Radio. Tell me a little bit about your love for radio, and your journey through the broadcasting industry thus far?
TASTY KEISH: Radio is cool because you get to talk to people all day, and Lord knows I can talk for hours and hours. My mom put the joke bug in me and my dad passed down the power of public speaking...Only thing is I have stage fright. So, radio is good for that. You can be heard and not seen. I'm making the transition, but radio will always be my first choice. It's the people's medium.

I started officially doing radio in college. My freshmen year, I was at Marymount Manhattan College doing a radio show in a basement converted bathroom pre-podcast. So it only went out to the basement rec room, which was so wack because we had to try and get people to go sit in there so they would hear us. LOL. Then I transferred to CUNY Brooklyn College, where they had a radio station in James Hall. It was real radio-y...lol. Posters and records all over. I had my own show for like 3 years. Half music/half spoken word, and we had a live poetry party on air- which is where I pulled the idea for the female cypher that you were in, Elsie. By the time the station had moved to its present location on campus, it was time for me to graduate. I was sooo jealous, I hadn't yet gotten my hands on protools or any of the industry software that they have now. I still feel very cheated- real talk.

I honestly felt so very unprepared after graduating college. I didn't want to apply for jobs. So I sought out experiences that I could use to self teach. I worked at a sleep-away Arts Camp in Pennsylvania called Ballibay as their radio teacher/camp nurse. LOL. It was CRAZY. The kids there are smarter and more talented then most adults I know! (Shout out to John Janonne and his parents for making that camp what it is today) My wildest experience was with the youngest kids, I had a whole cabin of 7-8 year olds doing a morning show and running the boards and everything. One day one of them ran out and since it was so early I had to decide to either stay with the rest in studio or run after the one...I ran after the one girl. LOL.

When I got back home after the 10 weeks, I relaxed for a month or so and then I heard about Rise Up Radio needing new hosts, and that they would train you. So, I applied; got a call back and the rest is history. Rise Up Radio has been a blessing in my life for so many reasons. Working to build something from the ground up and being responsible for carrying on a legacy is something very serious to me. Also, very serious is the ability to mold and put my own slant on a show. I think with my co-hosts (Digo and Kswift- who I met at the training 4years ago), we've done that.



EL: You dropped a lot of jewels in that answer. You helped to orchestrate a morning show run by 7 and 8 year olds? Incredible, and believable. There's so much untapped brilliance.
TK: Ballibay is a great place. The ages ranged from 7-16 and I had them all at one point. That particular group was difficult because younger kids want to have you all to themselves; so if I had one with me running the boards, another wouldn't want to be at the table talking on the mics with the rest- which is what that incident stemmed from. It's funny when I think about it now. I saw the older kids had talents they wanted to integrate within their shows. There was one group that put together a band and we ran wires from the nearby barn and did a "remote" then had them in studio after- sort of like MTV Unplugged. I believe one of the girls is a young lady in college now. Her name is Dana Wilentz. She actually had her own band at the time and they played at real clubs. The brilliance of "kids" is very underestimated.



EL: You also mentioned feeling that college wasn't necessarily a totally adequate preparation for life after higher-education. However, you also gave great examples of being resourceful in educating yourself & creating your own opportunities. Please let the people know what opportunities you are currently building for yourself?
TK: I feel very two-fold about college. Due to my upbringing, I couldn't see it any other way. There was no choice BUT for me to go to college. I worked full-time and I couldn't afford myself opportunities like internships. How do you work full-time for free when you have to work full-time to pay for school? I missed out on a lot of things on one hand, and tried to do other things to make up for that- like write for the school paper, take extra electives in my major, and one summer of study abroad, etc... Without formal education, I recognize there are conversations I probably wouldn't normally have that I can now have. But those are conversations. Not hands on work. Maybe I learn, differently. I don't know.

The "opportunities" I'm building for myself is just how I go about living my life. No one is gonna give me anything. I wanted a radio show, I got on Rise Up Radio (WBAI 99.5 FM). I wanted a TV show, so I did some research and now I have my webshow "Taste of the Town." So what it's not TV per se, but it's mine. I'm the host, I'm the producer. I have a phenomenal editor (Dorian Chandler), and I'm having new experiences that I'm dying to share. The other thing that gives me a rush is hosting live events (bands, etc) which comes out of my experience at Rise Up and learning and getting to know different bands, and certain people believing in me. I was recently blessed to be asked to write a music blog for societyHAE.com- a global fashion, lifestyles, and culture website that comes from the Brooklyn Harriette's Alter Ego movement. I'm enjoying life right now, and I'm ready for more. I can only hope these are adequate building blocks.



EL: Wow. That's quite a journey. Whenever someone verbalizes their plight it always sounds a lot easier than it is in reality. You could have hit a stumbling block and decided to quit, or you could have understandably succumbed to the weight of all of your responsibilities. However, you persevered and are still persevering. What keeps you on track? What do you attribute your focus to?
TK: Plight is kind of a strong word. When I was in those tough spots, I definitely felt plight. I called a lot of friends and family at all hours of the day and night. I took certain thoughts to work with me to my "day" job everyday. Thoughts that I sometimes feel guilty about. In the end, I don't want to disappoint the people that have been a shoulder to cry on. I don't want to look back and not have tried to do EVERYTHING I could possibly do to live the way I wanted to. I want to make it so that my mom can keep telling people that story she tells people. The story that defends me from naysayers in the family. It starts; "Oh...Keisha does radio. Since she was in high school she said she never wanted a 'regular' job, she wants to have fun at work...." LOL. My parents will take a stack of fliers when I have a show and plaster them wherever they go. I want them to keep believing in me like that.



EL: I saw another interview that you did for a blog where you explained the origins of your radio moniker; but for people who may not have viewed that online interview yet, explain what inspired the name "Tasty Keish."
TK: Tasty Keish, is my name with the word Tasty in front because it’s the word "cute" all grown up. I'm a foodie as wel,l so it pays homage to the chunky girl inside of me as well...LOL. I love that girl.



EL: With the branding of your name and your entrepreneurial spirit I wouldn't be surprised if there was a Tasty Keish restaurant, cooking show, or food product on the horizon.
TK: Elsie...You're making me think of things I haven't even begun to imagine yet! You might be right. I never met a plate I couldn't finish. LOL. If I ever did, I would do it with my brother, Ronnie aka "Boss Bro," cause he's a take charge dude and he's doing his thing right now as a chef. For real though, I would LOVE to do a travel show that tries all local foods and nightlife in different location. That could definitely be in my future.



EL: What can people expect when they come to a show hosted by Tasty Keish?
TK: Ummm....A good time for sure. A couple of laughs. Some crowd participation; and you get to see me sweat!



EL: You're engaged in a winning battle with stage fright, and you're mastering the art of hosting live performing arts shows. What has been your favorite or most memorable experience hosting so far?
TK: As for as the stage fright thing...I'll just say one thing: NuBLU with The Real Live Show! Those brothers are FIRE! They let me sit in with them and bring back my spoken word or just talk to the people. They are the most supportive team. Things didn’t always work out the way I thought, but working with them allowed me to stray from my usual state and explore performing in another way. I co-sign The Real Live Show. Go see them at NuBlu every Tuesday!
My most memorable one so far.....Would have to be the night MJ died and I had to co-host a show for The Dugout, Queen GodIs, Baje One and several other artists. I was brought on by my friend and co-host, Conscious for that show and we ended up doing Buddhist chant with the crowd to get them (and ourselves) centered and mid-way thru we did a MJ medley. Please take note...I am NOT a singer!



EL: I'm not familiar with Buddhist chants; but a Buddhist chant at what turned out to be a partial MJ tribute show? How did the crowd react to that?
TK: My co-host on that gig is very cerebral like that LOL....That’s the kind of thing he does if the crowd is going left. I had seen him do it before and I was like “Oh. I'm about to learn something.” He asked if anyone in the audience knew any chants. One girl did. So while she did "Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo" (you know, the Tina Turner “What's Love Got To Do With It” chant), we had the crowd going "Ohm" real soft to loud...It was cool, and very appropriate for that time. He's a good person to host with. Recently, I hosted his ALL LADIES Bondfire show, and after that he asked me co- host officially his show- Bondfire at The Bowery Poetry Club. A very artist friendly open mic and concert series every last Tuesday of the month. Soooo, I guess he thinks I'm a good host too.



EL: I think that we covered a lot of ground. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
TK: Just that I'm really happy right now. Thank you so much for this opportunity, Elsie! And if you guys would like to hit me up I'm a devoted twit-head www.twitter.com/tastykeish, www.facebook.com/tastykeish, or learn more without the stalking qualities at http://www.tastykeish.com/ :)

Spoken Word = Spoken Truth: Lauryn Hill

Consider This A Dropped Jewel: The Effect Of Watching TV Edition

"The world as given to us through television seems natural, not bizarre. For the loss of the sense of the strange is a sign of adjustment, and the extent to which we have adjusted is a measure of the extent to which we have been changed. Our culture's adjustment to the epistemology of television is by now all about complete; we have so thoroughly accepted its definition of truth, knowledge, and reality that irrelevance seems to be filled with import, and incoherence seems eminently sane." -From, "Amusing Ourselves to Death" By: Neil Postman

Consider This A Dropped Jewel: This May Very Well Be The Realest Video Ever!

[WARNING: This video contains profanity. HOWEVER, this message is extremely real and pertinent!]


It's time for us all to take the blinders off and stop falling for the okey doke. May all God's children be strong, protected, and prayerful.

Love & too much appreciation and gratitude to put into words to everyone who is contributing to the awakening. Continue to pray for all of the true warriors and truth seekers. Peace & Love.

Music With A Message

I've always had a lot of appreciate for this song. Enjoy, before YT yanks it down...


Here's the live version, just in case the regular video posted above becomes m.i.a. on the net again...

The Nineteen Ninety Fly™ Video Of The Week: Part 2

Fly Quotes: Dave Chapelle

"What is happening in Hollywood? Nobody knows. The worse thing to call somebody is crazy. It's dismissive. 'I don't understand this person, so they're crazy.' That's bull...These people are not crazy, they're strong people. Maybe the environment is a little sick." Dave Chapelle on "Inside The Actor's Studio"

The Nineteen Ninety Fly™ Video Of The Week: Part 1

One of my favorite vocalist of all time (R.I.P)...

Consider This A Dropped Jewel: The Game Just Rewinds Edition

Here's some interesting observations and recollections that Quincy Jones made about the music industry in his autobiography:

"But by and large beboppers were artists, proud, sensitive, intelligent people who practiced for hours and didn't want to shuffle and entertain white folks anymore. They said, 'We're artists and want to be treated that way.' You can imagine how that kind of attitude came off in the 40s & 50s- Black men and women talking that way. Forget it. That's why so many turned to drugs.

These were the days when managers would sign an artist, record him, take a million dollar life insurance policy, record him, let the artist tour Vegas, record him again, then smoke him and collect the insurance.

At the first sign of Charlie Parker's jones coming down at a recording session, they'd have him sign away all his composing, publishing, and artist's royalties before they'd let in the dealer so that Bird could shoot up. Monk, Bird, Miles, Basie, nobody knew the business. Most of us sold our songs and publishing rights for peanuts to people who didn't give a s*** about anything but money."

Fly Quotes: Ray Charles

"If all artists would do what is really right for them and would feel with themselves what they are doing, they would stay up there longer. A new star is born every day, but it's always a question of how long he will shine. A true artist will be around for a long time."

Fly Duets: Phyllis Hyman & Melba Moore

I became acquainted with these two women's stories after watching biographical documentaries about them on You Tube. They are tremendous talents & legends.

Happy Birthday To Phyllis Hyman

Today is extraordinary jazz vocalist Phyllis Hyman's birthday (R.I.P).


CLICK HERE to view a video of Phyllis Hyman discussing why she made sure her company was a Black Business. This interview clip is a must see! You Tube diabled the clip's embedding ability, so please click the link to view it.

Here is the incomparable Phyllis Hyman performing the Duke Ellington classic, "It Don't Mean A Thing"...

Fly Quotes: Billie Holiday

"If I'm going to sing like someone else, then I don't need to sing at all." -Billie Holiday

The Classics: Lauryn Hill Sings "A Change Is Gonna Come"

I couldn't resist posting this audio of Lauryn Hill singing the song that Sam Cooke made legendary: "A Change Is Gonna Come."

Book Excerpt: The Treachery Of The Music Business Edition

"Let's not beat around the bush: The music industry as commonly known is, from the innermost innards to the outermost exteriors, a murderous international crime syndicate. There's no other way to describe it as accurately. An outgrowth of the chattel slavery system, the music business is just one tentacle of capitalism, a monster that's sole objective is the continuous accumulation of wealth by all evil means im/possible at anyone's/anything's expense. Its very nature is ill-will towards wo/men, dog-eat-dog, the cavewo/man's basic instinct in full-effect for 'modern' times...

Though the music business- which insiders always insist is a business first and foremost- has money as the ends to the means, it is the will of white supremacy, the progenitor of capitalism, which has shaped the structure of music in European domains. This volition redefined the meaning, the purpose, the very qualities of music so much so that it became unrecognizable to the cultures of color subjected to colonization. And the ways we conceive of, perform, listen to and hand down music to generations are warped out of shape and sense. It's more than money, even power. It's the drive to destroy a people's inner/outer worldview. It's the battle of the minds- rather, those with instigated by those without." -From, "Warrior Song" By: Djehuti Wa Kamau

The Nineteen Ninety Fly™ Video Of The Week

The production on this track is like...

Undeniably, Talent Unparalleled...

I live my life fairly disconnected from the mass media. I don't own a television, and I only turn on the radio every 8months or so to hear what's in rotation. Therefore, I was relatively late on hearing about Michael Jackson's passing.

When I received a text message about his death, I didn't believe it. I checked CNN's website and it said that Michael Jackson was in a coma. CNN was reportedly one of the last news outlets to confirm Michael's death. The delay in their reporting added to my incredulity. However, I still don't believe that Michael Jackson is dead. Call me out of touch with reality, a dreamer, a conspiracy theorist, or whatever; but, I'm not buying it.

Michael Jackson is one of the few people (in, or out of, the public eye) who exudes being born to specifically do something at its highest level. His talent was that potent and fine tuned. [SIDEBAR: Michael Jordan is another person who I feel fits this criteria.]

Here's a video of Michael Jackson displaying some of his talent:


Is that Dom Deluise dancing with the Jacksons?...Lol.

Fly With Me...Digiwaxx Femcee Of The Week Interview...

Shout out to Glennisha (Thanks for the continued support. She conducted a fairly extensive phone-in interview with me for Digiwaxx.

CLICK HERE for my Digiwaxx Femcee Of The Week Feature/Interview.

Happy Born Day To Tupac...

Happy birthday to Tupac Shakur- My favorite rapper.

The Classics: To Be Young, Gifted & Black

Here's a live version of Donny Hathaway singing his classic, "To Be Young, Gifted & Black":

Spoken Word = Spoken Truth: Taalam Acey

"$200,000 automobiles don't fool me, I know pain when I see it..." "Your record will sell if it sounds like Willie Lynch wrote it..." I've always loved this poem. It's a must watch for me!

[SIDEBAR: Warning: This video clip contains some explicit language]

This Saturday...Bless Roxwell At "The Synch Chronicles"...

Tonight, I'll Be Doing An Interview On Blog Talk Radio...

Tonight at 9:30PM (EST), I'll be doing an interview on Blog Talk Radio with Taz. CLICK HERE to tune in (www.BlogTalkRadio.com/ATazP).

The Nineteen Ninety Fly™ Video Of The Week

This was one of my favorite tracks off of that Nice N Smooth album when I was coming up. [SIDEBAR: I still love tracks that are heavy on the piano.]

The Classics: Mahalia Jackson & Nat King Cole Duet

The Classics: Lauryn Hill Sings Curtis Mayfield

Audio of Lauryn Hill singing Curtis Mayfield's "The Makings Of You" live...

[SIDEBAR: If I had to pick someone to sing the soundtrack of my life, it would be Lauryn Hill or Mary J. Blige.]

All I Ever Wanted...Does This Answer Your Question?

I seem to get asked a lot of the same questions on a repetitive loop. I don’t mind. If I think someone has good intentions for asking me certain questions, I’ll answer them in a heartbeat (even though I don't necessarily take kindly to personal questions most of the time).

If I can share helpful information, share knowledge from my experiences, or help to add a certain perspective to a situation; I’ll do it. I think doing so is part of what life is about. Plus, I’m always extra-appreciative when someone does so for me! With that being said, here are my answers to what some people- who range from being strangers to being family- want to know most about me and how I think:

1) I don’t have certain habits that some people might feel that a person from my background & profession should have because I don’t believe in accumulating weaknesses. Very early on in life, I saw up-close and personally how certain people can fall into certain traps. I promised myself I never would. [SIDEBAR: If you know me personally, you know that I’m big on keeping my word- which leads me to #2...]

2) I keep my word to the best of my ability because I know what it feels like when people don’t do so. I’m not into passing around pain & disappointment like party favors. The buck has to stop somewhere- so to speak.

3) I’m a girlie girl, but I can’t stand makeup! Lip gloss stays poppin’; occasionally some eyeliner or mascara; but, I can’t stand anything more!

4) Yes, I make mistakes; they’re just not usually obvious and catastrophic because I don’t do things that I know are morally wrong. My mistakes are usually based on me inadvertently not paying attention- I’m in road runner mode sometimes, on me misunderstanding certain things, or on communications not being thorough enough. [SIDEBAR: At least a couple of people have told me that my biggest mistake/flaw is that I’m too self-protective. I’m still thinking about/monitoring that. However, right now, my perspective is that: I am as my situation calls me to be. After all, I am The SHE. E.O., and I play my position!]

5) I think kind people are the strongest and smartest people on the planet. If someone can sincerely retain their kindness with the world being what it currently is; then trust that they have some real inner strength (as well as some other kinds of strengths), and are likely more than capable of maneuvering well on ANY terrain. [SIDEBAR: You rah-rah cats don’t move me!]

6) I don’t party because it’s not really my thing. I enjoy the simple things. I’d rather just chill, crack jokes, debate or have a conversation, watch some DVDs, and get something to eat. I mostly only go to clubs if I’m performing, or showing support to other artists. Clubs aren’t really my comfort zone. I’m almost always ready to leave as soon as I get there.

7) Yes, I’d rather read than watch tv. I don’t currently own a tv. [SIDEBAR: Some shows I get on DVD.] We all know that knowledge is power; but I think that my heart makes me smarter than I probably am. I’ve met some BRILLIANT people who make deadly errors that an imbecile wouldn’t make because their hearts are no good. People who think they’re “slick” can usually only maintain relationships with other people who think they’re “slick.” This just enacts a bottom-feeding/cannibalizing cycle where everybody involved ends up down & out.

8) I am a very serious person. I take everything I do seriously. However, the people who know me personally know that I’m a SERIOUS comedian. One of my favorite people in my family is in her 80s, so she knows nothing about “this rap thing.” However, she thinks I should be on tv making people laugh. Lol. I have to be comfortable around you to show my jokey side though.

9) The things that mean the most to me are what some people may consider minor. One of the best compliments I ever received was from a guy who was standing on N.A. when I was walking by one night, at about 3 in the morning. I usually don’t stop to talk to men I don’t know in the street- more less at 3 AM. However, there was something about this guy’s demeanor and approach that made me stop. We started talking, and when I told him my name he realized that he had heard about me from some people he knew. He was like, “Elsie Law, that’s you?!!” When I said, “yeah.” He told me that I was “a miracle.” That makes me smile every time I think about it :)

10) I will quietly- but surely- show support (to the best of my ability) to anyone I see who is trying to build something from nothing because I relate. I don’t see too many people who move like I move. Therefore, if I see somebody who I think is similarly trying to build something with little resources, I’m quick to help. I’m aware of the potential of this backfiring. [SIDEBAR: Some people take kindness and decency for weakness. They should refer to #5 and take heed...Just some friendly advice.]

11) I will share almost everything I have with a person, and simultaneously keep that person at arm’s length (Refer to #10). I’m sensitive about who I let get close.

12) I’m naturally a loner. I’m not into “networking” and “schmoozing.”

13) I have love for just about everybody, even if I don’t particularly care for their life choices or how they move. I’m still capable of showing that person basic love. We’re all human. However, my instincts will demand that I keep a certain distance from people who move a certain way. It’s for the better good of everybody.

14) A majority of the time “petty slights” go over my head. Someone else has to explain to me that someone was trying to be insulting. [SIDEBAR: Some members of my family are great at that job...You know who you are *side eye* LOL.] Petty slights don’t register with me. I brush them off- and am still able to sincerely be cordial with the offender. I don’t engage in petty back & forth. I’m pretty forgiving (on certain levels) of people who try to engage me in that type of situation. In rap speak: I know what real beef be like...I let veggie platters self-wither. Lol.

15) While we’re on the topic of food...lol...I don’t cook & I have no aspirations to do so! Lol. My family is afraid that any children I have in the future will have hella hunger headaches...Lol. [SIDEBAR: They should scroll down to #19...I’ll hire a chef.]

16) My pet peeve is when people try to pick at me, or set me up in certain situations to “see what I would do.” I find this unnecessary, and a fake way to get to know someone. I’m aware that a lot of people look at me like I’m “an anomaly.” However, someone using this “strategy” to “figure me out” will only make me run in the opposite direction. If you really want to get to know someone, just spend some time around them and pay attention. People’s values are really obvious if you spend a little bit of quality time with them.

17) No, I don’t feel that I’m part of “the music industry.” Never have been, and don’t desire to be. I’m not into what seems to be the requirements...I’m in the Elsie Law/Legal Eagles industry; self-built & no hidden tricks.

18) Yes I love clothes & fashion. Despite what it looks like, I don’t spend a lot of money on my wardrobe. I can get fly on next to nothing! I got the hook ups! :) Right now, almost every penny goes towards building my businesses. When all of my entities are fully profitable, I’ll spend my money in a manner that counts!

19) I WANT TO BUILD AN EMPIRE & HAVE TRUST FUND BABIES! Some probably think that America won’t let me; but since when have I ever asked anybody for their approval or their permission! *[UPDATE SIDEBAR: CLICK HERE to read my Op-Ed piece: "Is America Really The Land Of Opportunity?" For my expanded view on this topic.]*

20) I move the way I move because ALL I EVER WANTED TO PROVE is that you can build something from nothing; and you don’t have to sell your soul or your body, or use ill-gotten gains to do so! If I can do it, anybody can. That’s all I want to show. In addition to it being against my belief system, that is the other reason that I don’t “cheat” or take sloppy short-cuts.

21) I have the most admiration for people like: Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, and Harriet Tubman. They spoke & lived the truth at all costs- even when their own people lied on them, betrayed them, and turned their backs on them. I believe that all they ever wanted to do was give our people courage.

Okay. I’m done! This has been one of my most personal internet postings. I don’t usually put this many of my personal idiosyncrasies into words outside of song format. I prefer to let my actions speak for me. However, for some reason I felt compelled to do so- so there it is! Did I spill enough of my guts for you?? If your answer is “No,” then you’re way too noisy! Lol.

Lots of Love,

Elsie Law aka Starface

Happy Birthday To Malcolm X!

Today is Malcolm X aka El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz's 84th birthday. Happy birthday to Malcolm X. I am eternally grateful for all that he contributed to the world. Check out my newsletter blog at: www.LegalEaglesFlyOrDie.Blogspot.com for more Malcolm X posts through out the day.

Music With A Message

In honor of Steve Wonder's birthday today, I posted this beautiful rendition of "Love's In Need."

The Nineteen Ninety Fly™ Video Of The Week

In honor of mother's day, I had to post the obvious choice...

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers & nurturers.

The Nineteen Ninety Fly™ Video Of The Week

Spoken Word = Spoken Truth: DMX

Warning: This video clip contains some explicit language

The Nineteen Ninety Fly™ Video Of The Week

I'll Be On WBAI 99.5 FM 9 PM Tonight...

Keish from WBAI's Rise Up Radio & Me at The Bowery Poetry Club

9 PM tonight I'll be On Rise Up Radio on WBAI 99.5 FM. If you're in the NYC area, you can tune in on your radio. You can also listen to the live stream at www.WBAI.org.

The show will be a birthday bash for my homegirl Keish. It will also be a Ladies Live Cypher featuring: Me, Eagle Nebula, Liv, and Likwuid. Shout out to the ladies and the Rise Up Radio family. See you tonight.

Photo Exhibit At BKR This Weekend...

Event: "The Dope Girl Project" Photo Exhibition Photographs By: Nakeya B.

Event Description: Woman come in all forms of Beauty & Talent. Seeing us come together to express such a rendition of unity brings bliss to most. Combining Art, Photography, & Personality is a creation that only a few can pull off. Talented New Jersey based Photographer Nakeya B. has originated such an outstanding Exhibition of Portraits.

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2009

Time: 7PM to 11Pm

Location: Brooklyn Renaissance 1049 Fulton Street Brooklyn, NY 11238

Directions: A/C/S to Franklin

Elsie Law Designs Throw Pillows Now Available...

My handmade crocheted pillows are now exclusively available at Brooklyn Renaissance (Price $45). Brooklyn Renaissance is located at 1049 Fulton Street (Between Irving & Downing; Near Classon Avenue). These one-of-a-kind items make great mother's day gifts, and baby shower gifts. I didn't leave the men out either. I have a lot of earth tone colors, and an army fatigue design, available too. The guys, as well as the ladies love them!

[SIDEBAR: BKR also has art (see picture above), and some great t-shirts available for sale too. They also provide full service screen printing for t-shirts as well.] Please go out and show your support. My design company website is also coming soon! I'll keep you posted.

A Brooklyn Poet At The Apollo Tomorrow...

I am happy to announce that Brownsville, Brooklyn poet and open mic host extraordinaire, Essence, will be performing at The World Famous Apollo Theater tomorrow night. He made it to the semi-final round of the historical Amateur Night show. This is a big deal for a poet. If you happen to be in Harlem at the show tomorrow night, cheer the homie on. [SIDEBAR: What's up, Essence? You already know I'm routing for you. Bring the championship back to BK :)]

The Nineteen Ninety Fly™ Video Of The Week

Tonight...In Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn...

Tonight in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, Chris Slaughter [SIDEBAR: See him hanging upside down above. What's up, Chris? Lol.] Presents..."Get Bliss or Die Tryin'." It's an open-mic for all genre of artists. Tonight's features will be: DROOPY THE BROKE BALLER and NGOMA: The God Father of Spoken Word.

Time: Doors open at 8:00pm Showtime: 8:30pm
Location: JUKE JUICE JOINT JAFFE
1585 Fulton Street (between Marcus Garvey Blvd & Albany Ave). C train to Kingston and Troop or B25 puts you right in front.
Price: $5 donation, but if you don't have it ... come anyway!

[SIDEBAR: I've been attending and performing at Chris' events for a minute. He presents the most talented artists! No disrespect to anyone else's entity, but the talent that I've seen displayed at Chris' events could shut down just about everything else! Come out and support...Also, lots of love to the whole poetry crew who always shows me love!]

Art At Its Finest: The James Top Afros Edition

Some art from legendary graffiti artist, James Top.

Music With A Message

'Til We Get There By: M1, Stori James & K'Naan

This song bumps in the MP3 on a regular.

[SIDEBAR: I dedicate this video to my loved ones: I'm out here doing the best I can with what I have. Meet me halfway, okay?...'Til We Get There.

Fly With Me...Ultraviolet Underground

Shout out to Ultraviolet Underground and Purple Magazine. Thanks so much for the love! CLICK HERE for the link.

Look for an in-depth interview from me, with Ultraviolet Underground/Purple Magazine soon.

[SIDEBAR: PZ- In the words of Smith & Wesson, "I Shine, You Shine!" :)]

Fly With Me...Rap Cypher

Thanks to Rap Cypher for featuring me on their blog. CLICK HERE for the link.