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