Derrion Albert, When Will It Stop

"Are we gonna live together?" (c) Senior Love Daddy

I just watched a video that made me sick to my stomach. I've often professed my love for all things Chicago but this my friends is one thing I can't condone AT ALL. There is no excuse. Such senseless violence being perpetrated by our young people. It makes me sad and angry. What's not so funny is I remember driving along an avenue similar to the scene of the crime. That fateful day there was another fight going on among some teenagers. The look of it was way more tame than what you will see when you watch the video (if you can).

I think of the culture of violence encouraged by our neighborhoods and by our country on a larger scale. This particular incident was a byproduct of the gang culture which has been present in Chicago since before I was born. Derrion Albert was reportedly NOT a gang member. He was actually an honor student in the wrong place at the wrong time trying to do the right thing. There has to be community outrage regarding this incident. A 16 year old is beaten to death by a mad group of his own peers. There is no outside force to blame here. There no need for blame, but there is a need for action.

Lets not wait until Derrion become James from the second floor in your building. I think this is a case of teenagers who have clearly insulated themselves in their own little world where this behavior is ok. Build a relationship with the young people on your block. It may save a life.

"Together are we gonna live?" (c) Senior Love Daddy

Dropbox comes to the iPhone

Looking at one of my favorite blogs Lifehacker I ran across this great piece of news. One of my favorite software items is now available for the iPhone/iTouch as an app. The software is called Dropbox. I'm sure a few of you have heard me talking about this program for a minute now. My good friend K Dub put me up on it a little over a month ago. I've been all about it ever since and even hooked it up on my mother's computer.

You see Dropbox works just like any other folder on your PC or Mac. The trick is this folder (or set of folders) starts out with a free 2 Gigs of space and has the same content no matter where you are. So say you set up Dropbox on your home computer, and also set it up on your work computer. You just did 80% of a project and would like to finish it at home, however it's too big to email. Place this file on Dropbox. When you get home you open up Dropbox and you are looking at the same folder from your job containing your project. Say goodbye to flash drives my friends.

You can also log on from any computer with internet access by logging into the Dropbox website and reach your folder that way without installing anything. And now that good folks at Dropbox have created an app to keep the good times rolling. I'm downloading this bad boy tonight. P.S. Just so you know, I installed Dropbox on my mother's PC so that when she needs new music for the iPod I bought her, I can just place it on my shared folder in Dropbox (which I gave her access to) and she can just pull it down. Cuts down on my traveling during the week.
Get Drop Box

Your Welcome
(Oh and hit me up dashaun@mothergreen.com for a referal so I can get my Dropbox size up. That's right with every person you get to sign up you get more free space)

Old School Mondays

This installment of Old School Monday's has a bit of New York titled songs. I figured since Jay-Z's Empire State song is getting so much love why not show just a few videos that help show the long list of NY anthems. Unfortunately there are some many other songs that don't have videos for them.

Old Blues Eyes himself


Kool G Rap, i mean what more needs to be said


Rakim just knew how to take your mind on a journey
through the NYC Streets


This video captured such a great feel for NYC. I mean
just the thought of riding around the deuce (Times Square)
at night with all the lights made it unreal.


When this song dropped on the soundtrack to
the movie Juice it was still a classic.
Major Tri-State appeal!!


Although this isn't a New York song I still decided
to add it just to introduce the song to follow.


Yeppers, This was all during the "East vs West" beef
but it was still a banger. So many NYC Pride songs
were dropped around this time. We've come a long
way people.

Tardy for the Party

I might be old fashioned when it comes to driving and not feeling the need to rely on modern technology to help me navigate through the streets of NY but I learned a lesson this day. I set out for a painting excursion to meet up with Sye, Keo and Fargo. I had a couple of ideas I wanted to execute but some how took a left turn and ended up in Cheboygan, Albuquerque (as Keo would put it). I don't think I've ever been this frustrated with driving. Needless to say by the time I showed up I felt like heads were almost done with their pieces and I had to play catch up. On top of that I wanted to add some characters but of course due to timing I wasn't able to.

Keo working on his piece

Sye Working on his

Fargo getting busy
Had to focus and put time in
Keo close to finishing
Finished product Stab (Fargo), Black (Sye), Plague (Keo), A-Game (Vins)

When I was kicking it with Keo he let me see the Part TDS book that came out. When it comes to Part there aren't that many dudes that have been so consistent and burning on top of it for so many years. If you don't know get a coppy of the book and you can get a small peak into his career. I also recently just got a copy of Deal CIA's book called Graffiti New York which I came out in. It was the Super Mario Bros (aka Super Fame City Bros) that Sye and I did. It's part of the Crews section and a small highlight on FC.

inside spread

Brown Rice

I just want to to give praises to Oxini & Serena Paulino for bringing a beautiful new member to the MG Family. World say hello to Nyelia Grace Paulino. My wife, Jessie and I stopped by to check up on them and see the baby. She is so beautiful and was able to sleep even during our conversation with O. We all know how loud we can be at times. He already has her set up for Sunday Football in her white, black and green uniform to support the Jets. Well here's O falling right into place as a father and being so calm. He looks so at peace!!! All praises due my brother!!

Drake - Forever (feat. Kanye W. Lil Wayne, Eminem)

You be the judge.

Forced Vaccinations in Massachussets?

I ran across this video on the web and thought I would share it with you all. The bottom line is don't take your liberties for granted. There are folks out there who are looking to undermine your freedom at every turn. Keep up with laws being passed in your territory and find out what you can do to enact change when necessary.

DJ I Truth - Word To The Motha Vol.1

Allow me to introduce yall to my brother DJ ITruth. He's been DJing for quite some time and has a vast knowledge of all different types of music from Hip Hop to Salsa to House. On our Word To Ya Motha series of mixes you will hear all of ITruth's different musical influences. He can currently be seen at a hot party in NYC between rocking the turntables and killing the dance floor. ITruth used to be a dancer for Brand Nubian in the SOS crew (SOS are ya wit me?).

So I say to you all, enjoy and leave a comment with what you think of the mix.


Word To The Motha Vol. 1

Hands Off My Brooklyn Neighborhoods!

Recently I was in the market for a new apartment in Brooklyn. I'm finally taking the big step out of East New York (where the manic depressive psycho murderers stalk). As I looked through the different craigslist postings and real estate websites I got very upset.

First of all lets get something straight, I've been living in Brooklyn all 30 years of my life. I've spent time in Flatbush, Crown Heights, Bed Stuy, you name it I've walked there. These real estate maps are trying to tell me that Flatbush doesn't start until after Church Ave. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Also the area known as Lefferts Gardens is within Flatbush just for your information. Flatbush starts at Empire Blvd. Prospect Heights while it's a neighborhood now was only a high school when I grew up. There was no such neighborhood to my knowledge. Clinton Hill...only within Clinton and Washington on THAT HILL going between Fulton and about Myrtle. Now I got people telling me that Franklin and Dekalb is Clinton Hill, WRONG it's Bed Stuy.

I know there are still some Brooklynites out there who know the deal. Don't let these outsiders come and tell you what your neighborhood is. Reclaim the streets and buy property. Lets dictate how we live and who we live with. If you don't yours could be the next Williamsburg (unless you're into that sort of thing *smh*).

Remember When Gov. Patterson Was Liked? Me Either

Ok well that's not entirely true. When he took office initially I was hype. Here we have a blind Blackman living uptown in Harlem taking over the highest office in the state. You gotta love that right? ...Right? Well then the coke thing came out and I thought cool he's clearing his table to do the work. Then the relationship scandal dropped and I thought ok but now get to work. Then there was the... well you get the point. A LOT of time has passed now and I'm still waiting for him to get to work.

Apparently I'm not the only one as word has come down from President Obama's administration that the Gov. should not look to run in the next NY election. His poll numbers are in the dumps and have been for quite some time. The Governor in his steady pattern is still looking to run despite word from Capital Hill. *smh*

I had some high hopes for Mr. Patterson. He still lives in Harlem and is running the state. Maybe before he leaves office he can make sure the drummers in the Mt. Morris Park don't get edged out by the "new Harlemites". At least he pardoned Slick Rick.

Well here's further discussion of the tension between The Gov. and The Pres.

Old School Mondays- FIASCO Edition

Normally, we use Old School Monday's as a chance to celebrate musicians from decades gone by. I however am not so normal and today I'm giving props a to brother who will be a part of this post 10 years from now anyway, Lupe Fiasco. Been a fan of this dude for a lil minute. Dashaun, thank you for "Food & Liquor". Over this past weekend Lupe put down a most incredible performance on Govenor's Island. He didn't perform "Hurt Me Soul" :( but he did do Streets On Fire, Dumb It Down and threw on a few Justice beats to rock over. Good money in my book. If for some reason you've have not heard of this dude or taken the time to listen to any of his albums or mixtapes, I've included a few short selections from a man who actually has something to say about the state of the world today. Without further ado, Lupe.

Pencils a Blazing

This weekend I got to hook up with Bluster and Gemma at Dr. Sketchy's. I told them about it recently and they were all excited to go. I showed up a bit late (oh yes the MTA is the BESTEST!!!!....ah no). I really think the MTA takes a break on the weekends just like we all try to but they suceed at it. So anyways, like I said I got there a bit late but it was good non the less and to see how much they enjoyed it made me even happier. I would never want to refer my team to something that I would not enjoy myself. So here are some pics from the event. and I suggest if you have time to go for an event do so. Also here's the link for Dr. Sketchy's. Check out their blog and I've included a introduction video from their site.

The Hyena happy to see I was puntcual

Sorry for the blur but the site will show you much better pics from that event. It ain't easy to draw, sketch, drink beer and talk simultaneously...well actually it is but I need an excuse for a crappy pic.

Bluster's sketch

Gemma's sketch

My Sketch

This was also another sketch prior to all three. This is of the girl in the luchadores mask. When I showed up it was during their "half time" show. It can vary from musical acts to burlesque. The one on the left did a burlesque dance with these feathers like in the 1920's. Really dope!! The one in the ponytails was juggling flaming rods and for her finale put the rod in her mouth to put it out...uhmmm yeah quite the show!!
Bluster aka The Hyena with 2 of the 3 ladies.
This is just a pic of the railing they have for the stairs.

The Sciene of Numbers

I just recently saw 9 the animated movie. I loved it. Anything dealing with numbers always draws my attention. The science behind the mathematics has become our universal language. The simplicity of mathematics from 1 to 9 plus 0 (guess what the 0 was in the movie?) is always refreshing. Christian and I went to go see it. He's 10 years old and enjoyed it just as much as I did. Each character aside from having a number for a name to represent itself also had shown certain qualities for that "number". For the MG team I know this will be one to collect on DVD for future viewings. Here are some screen grabs from the preview. I'm just saying, "the spark of life alone got me.

A great idea to give the scientist a facebook account.

also to have it being followed on Twitter as well.

The Robert Glasper (Trio / Experiment)

The first time I heard of Robert Glasper (and the Trio for that matter) was over a year ago. I was invited by a friend to see them in concert in Madison Sq. Park, downtown Manhattan. Watching Mr. Glasper alongside Chris "Daddy" Dave on drums and Vincente Archer on bass I was stuck. Here is a young man on Blue Note records representing a new generation of fresh Jazz. Each member is incredibly talented.

I just listened to the new Robert Glasper album "Double Booked" and it's sick. On the album he moves from his Trio work to his second group the Robert Glasper Experiment. The change is apparent and seamless. Here's a video of the trio getting busy.

We got coupons...meet me around the corner.

So yes we have the online store up and we have more than a few creative pieces up there for sale. I know you've been eyeing more than one piece but can't bring yourself to spend on both items. Well now you can. We have a 15% off coupon that will allow you to make that purchase with a clear conscious. Just go to the item of your liking and before checkout input this code: 13G081113
Also you might want to make note that we have some of our older T's marked down in price. Now is the time people, get fresh.

So make your purchase, make your statement and make it MotherGreen.

Congrats to Our Origins Contest Winners

The questions were sent, the anticipation built and answers received. When the dust settled we had two bonafied winners to our MG Origins Contest. Lets have an e-round of applause for Lorraine and Armando. Both Cali natives (West West Yall) got all of the answers correct to our 1st round of questions. They will receive some MG apparel along with a few promotional treats and a book that will make sure you no long hear that awful phrase "not with those shoes on" anymore.

So to the winners Armando and Lorraine we salute you.

P.S. Be on the lookout for other opportunities to get some MG material. If you are not on our email list contact us @ admin@mothergreen.com.

Liquid Swords

I came across this site the other day perhaps by chance. Regardless it just happened to reinforce my love for typography. I always like to encourage other artists to take time to create their own type for any projects they might be working on. The outcome of doing so will end up giving your work a distinct feeling and always adds to the aesthetic. It is time consuming at times depending on the look you're going for but well worth it. Even if you are pressed for time I suggest working on what ever typeface you might be using so that doctoring it will also give it its own identity. Make some time and go check this man's site out. Sebastian Lester has done some really amazing pieces of work. For more click here.

President Jimmy Carter Telling It Like It Is

One thing that has come out of the South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst towards Pres. Obama is that some people are really looking that the political atmosphere right now. There is a lot of anger in the air. There are full on marches invoking the name Hitler on the mall while in the chambers elected officials are yelling at the President as if he's their bus boy. If this was some cat on the street I could understand his lack of civility, however this is an elected official yelling at the man holding the highest office of the land. Where is the respect?

Lets see what President Jimmy Carter has to say on this issue.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Song of the day: Monsters of Folk - Dear God

I heard this song on KCRW the other night and had to download it ASAP. The band Monsters of Folk are a super group of sorts with members from My Morning Jacket, Conor and Bright Eyes together. Their debut album comes out Sept. 22nd after the group being together for 5 years officially. I'm looking forward to it off the strength of this jam.

Who needs Libraries? Clearly Not Philly.

At least not free libraries because the state legislature has decided the money isn't available to operate Philadelphia's free libraries. I went to Philly for the first time last year and remember seeing a "free" library thinking..."is there any other kind?" Well the answer to that is a moot point now being that even those free libraries will be gone by Oct. 2nd if the legislature has it's way.

The Library is not just a hub for the latest Zane novel or a location to look up old Washington Post articles. It is often the location for community board meetings, G.E.D classes and after school programs. I myself was a latch key kid growing up in Brooklyn, and found many afternoons spent in my local Public library until it was time for my mother to arrive home. I read many books and took care of my homework in silence (while sending love letters to the college aged librarian, I was 12).

If you live in Philly I implore you to seek out information on this matter and take to action. If you do not live in Philly I implore you to find out where your community board meetings are being held so you can at least be up to date with what's going on behind the scenes on your block.
For more information on the closing libraries go here.

Kanye Goes Wild But He's No Ol Dirty

Let me start out by saying I don't watch cable much. I haven't seen MTV in almost a year if not more. However I couldn't get away from the VMAs last night on twitter. And when Kanye West got up on stage and made himself look even less classier than normal (as if possible) my stomach sank a little bit. I just couldn't believe he took it upon himself to completely ruin that young lady's moment. But then why is that, it isn't like this is the first time he's done this. He's a complainer and has been from the moment he got a mic in his hand. Kanye's whole shtick is "look at me! look at me!" which is what an entertainer is supposed to do however he does it with no holds barred. Kanye doesn't care if blood is left on the dance floor as long as he has his moment.

While on Twitter I saw someone mention Kanye set black people back 40 years. I also saw someone mention how this action was a negative reflection on black entertainers. What the hell are these people talking about? Kanye is a jerk because Kanye is a jerk. There are plenty of jerks in the world of all colors (not as many on Kanye's level but you get my point). What he did had nothing to do with him being black. It had everything to do (IMO) with him thinking the world owes him something. But who are we kidding, this will all blow over and his next album will drop and yall will all go and buy it (I haven't copped since Late Registration).

My final point is this wasn't even the greatest grandstanding moment at an awards show. That #1 spot my friends goes to the late great Ol Dirty Bastard. Dirty dissed Puff at his height after B.I.G died two awards or so after Wu Tang lost. This was AT THE GRAMMYS! Chew on that one.

Old School Mondays

In case you didn't know Shallah Raekwon aka Raekwon The Chef dropped a new album last week titled Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2. Now Rae dropped two albums since the first Cuban Linx record and they were forgettable at best. However this one is supposed to be a banger and is the substitute record to cop in light of Jay-Z's latest misstep of an album.

Lets go through some old Wu-Tang videos to see what made the Gods so special to begin with.

Live performance of one of my favorite Wu joints. Peep the lyrics about AIDS.


This is my favorite song from the Enter the Wu Tang album.

Seeing this video let me know I was copping OB4CL the first day. Peep the Helly Hansons!

And just so you know the brothers haven't lost it here a new joint from the OB4CL2.

Organized Konfusion Performing Live! 9/25

And I won't be in town to see it. I am a pretty big Organized Konfusion fan. However I've never seen these guys live. Not together anyway. I've met both members Prince Po and Pharoahe on seperate occasions and I've seen Pharoahe perform. There second album Stress: The Extinction Agenda is one of my favorites from the 90s.

While on twitter yesterday I asked Pharoahe if he would ever perform the song Thirteen (possibly my favorite song from the album) again. He replied that he would at B.B. Kings in NYC on Sept. 25th. I got very hyped and then very sad. You see I'll be traveling to San Fransisco on the 24th and thus will miss this historic performance. If you are in town however I recommend seeing this show. If you are unfamiliar check the videos below for some education.

Sasabune and the problem it creates.

A little over a year ago I took a trip to Hawaii with my friend Lorraine. While in the beautiful city of Honolulu I stumbled across a top tier sushi restaurant named Sasabune. This place provided the best sushi experience I'd ever had. The set up is omakase style which means there is no menu. The Sushi masters layout a piece by piece spread for you until you are floating on cloud 9.

When I was in Hawaii the tuna (which I rarely to almost never eat) was great and the eel was sublime. It was damn near orgasmic. As the servers arrived with each new selection they would let you know what kind of fish you were about to enjoy and whether soy sauce was allowed or not for said piece. Fond memories for the kid.

Fast forward to Sept. 2009 and I'm seated in the Sasabune location in the Upper East Side of NYC with Shino. It felt like we had been transported to Japan for two hours. The staff was very friendly and accomodating. The sushi was fresh and delicious. As each piece arrived our smiles only got bigger. Sasabune has spoiled me for any of the NYC sushi restaurants of a different name. It's a whole other level of taste when dealing with this establishment. It's now hard for me to run out and get a lil sushi for lunch knowing that it's almost a joke.

I highly recommend this place. It's definitely on the pricey side so I would only go for a special occasion (unless your rolling like Scrooge McDuck). Until the next time, I'm haunted by the realization that it will probably be another 6 months before I dine on such a delightful piece of sushi.
*Oh and it's even better than the sushi I had in Japan.*

New Ryan Leslie - You're Not My Girl

My boy Ryan Leslie is back with a new jam. I really like the melody of this record. I tell you this kid has a way with melody. I was just playing his album yesterday and I guess it's that time again. His new album "Transition" will be out in October. Check out his new video You're Not My GIrl.

MG & HKM New Season

Since the conception of MG & HKM it has been a tough name for people to understand. I remember when I first came up with the name, one of the first people I told was my brother Alyasha. He told me straight up "keep that for yourself, don't be stupid and give it away". As time passed, getting the Mothergreen idea across has been the challenge.

Full Metal Jacket Vietnam Surfin Bird Scene - The funniest videos are a click away

Whether you just got let go from a job or supporting a family on top of trying to maintain your lifestyle you are what MG is all about. MG salutes those who are in the struggle and carry with them the memories of yesterday that help make the difference in life today. This is dedicated to all my people in the struggle. © Notorious B.I.G.

Here is how some of the ideas behind the new graphics for MG & HKM were developed.

The Big W (win) was inspired from the HBO documentary Breaking the Huddle. Aside from that we have been toying around with the term Refuse to Lose for some time. When I saw this one night it all became clear. Bigger than just a term these words describe a true champion.


Disposable Heroes, now this idea was born being frustrated with all the crap that is out there. Standards have been lowered and it's okay now to whine, dumb down your work and whore yourself out for the next dollar. However one man's trash is another man's treasure.

Animal Mother is just that, full volume, live and direct. Inspired by the character from the movie who was cold and way over the top but was there to hold you down.

Kill' Em All lets you know what the full name for this brand is. This is about where you're from and who you rep with.

The Performance Shell, This piece is there for the stealth moves of the strong and helps protects against the elements.

Like Minds Attract

Just finished getting back from a nice long trip up to Montreal for the Meeting of Styles. The car ride both ways was both extremely memorable because of the stories being shared. Trust me when you have a good mixture of people in the car you will realize that a 6+ hour road trip will fly right by. So many stories being shared as well as the way up was a story of it's own. Have to make a shout to the heads we bumped into while being held up in customs (you know who you are). Only got a chance to squeeze off one piece and it wasn't even the new outlines I've been working on. So here are some random pics around the streets of Montreal as well as pics form the jam.

We stopped by get a vegan meal real quick and the mural on the wall was dope...its the mural for the gentleman's club right next door.

This wall got me open. I had to take a close up because it is done partially in small dots like stipple as well as lines. Dudes really got busy on this one and to think all with spray paint.

This wall is really dope but the pic I got of it isn't that fresh.

on the walk up a few pieces

Taking pics of taking pics

Dash tonal mugsy canvas

Canvases by Ebn, Sye, Doves & Web

Grand Wizard Keodore

Wane Canvases

Got to meet up with Sharp. I haven't seen him since the days of HUB-MAGIC on 149st Grand Concourse. I was like 16 back then.

Wane, Rath and Kems setting up their outlines

While heads were getting set up I took a walk with Sharp and Sebar to get some water and we came across the Maytag store. Maytag store people, "Maytag Man can fix it". That doesn't exist anymore here in the states snd the window displays had vending machines form the 70's. Had to take a pick.

Doc doing a Supreme piece

Web doing a Power piece

Yourz, Wane, Hemps and Vins

Rath piece coming together

Kems piece coming together

Fargo working on his piece

KR

Heads getting busy on the other wall

Chino setting up his outline

Snack Man struck again overnight and decided to leave the remains of his most recent victim in the car for us to find in the morning. The sight of these remains were grousome. The thought of such a carniverous act sent chills up our spines. One of those bones looks like a finger.

Got a little happy with the sticker bombing

These kids at one point looked like an army of ants attacting the wall. The whole crew contributed to finishing up that wall and it shows. Team work is a beautiful thing.

Omen working on the Angela Davis portrait.

Snatch CWK

Sharp

Some bugged out works. I think the geese one wasn't finished

Rath and Kems finished product

Finished TC5 Supreme, Black, Power, IZ (RIP), Yours with
a Wane Piece at the end, then above him Vins

The Long wall finished..almost. A few pieces weren't completed by the time we took these pics

The other side of the wall

Got Ur Self A Gun

Despite Slump, U.S. Role as Top Arms Supplier Grows

OH, WORD?!?!?!

Read on.........

Don't do anything I wouldn't do.

Labor Day weekend is upon us. Yes the summer is unofficially over (like it was ever really here). This is your last chance to score a BBQ or wear shorts and have it be justified by the time of the year. Honestly I don't feel anything about this upcoming weekend. My overall feeling is eh. Sure I have plans, and I'm sure they will turn out to be great times. However right now none of that matters.

I think the opinion I hold that this summer has been one big FAIL is starting to take its toll on me. Because the summers in NYC are normally epic I choose to stay around. I should have traveled. There were very few reasons to be in NYC this summer.

That being said Sunday's Prince vs. MJ will be epic as always. The fact that my day job has given us an extra day off (Tuesday) should put a smile on my face right? Right?

I say to you all to go out and enjoy your weekend. Maybe I'll see you at the party?

One thing that's for sure is you have a few more days go get your answers to the contest. Email us at admin@mothergreen.com

Enjoy people.

Soul Slam Prince vs. Michael Jackson 9/6/09

It's that time again kids. Keistar productions takes over BLVD/Crash Mansion to kill us all with the best in Michael Jackson and Prince music. But don't forget their respective camp catalogs are also up for grabs so expect to hear Janet, The Time, Vanity 6 and Jermaine.

I recommend that you get to the place to be EARLY! Also you should buy your tickets now. You don't want to be that person on line looking silly. The jam starts at 10pm and it don't stop til we get enough.

See you there.

Oh and you can cop tickets here.

Talking Heads

I was digging around online and came across this. Even though this may be an old video I enjoyed it so much I decided to post it. This video is brought to you by Neurosonics Audiomedia Labs.

Neurosonics Audiomedical Labs Inc. from Chris Cairns on Vimeo.

Lit Fuse

Steel sharpens steel, every time I get the opportunity to catch up with members of the MG Fam I am happy to say that when they share with me what they've been up to I get amped. We are all so busy but when you see the work we produce it automatically makes us want to do better in our own endeveours.

While I've seen the imagery around prior to the event I had no idea it was "gang related". So many people I know were preparing to go to this since it is one of the annual events that lets you know summer has had it's time and fall is nearing. Here are a few designs that Fuse laced this special event with. For more on Mr. Green's work click on Fuse Green.

Saturday Aug. 29th more than 10,000 die hard MJ fans descended on Prospect Park in Brooklyn to celebrate the King of Pop's 51st birthday. When legends unite to celebrate other legends the result is magic.

Fab Five Freddy and Spike Lee. Classic material

Brooklyn's Own Tracy Morgan

Spoke Lee and Rev. Al Sharpton

Michael Jackson's Prospect Park Extravaganza

Photos by Shino Yanagawa

Rain? What rain? Thousands of people came out to Prospect Park on the 51st anniversary of the birth of The Man The Myth The Legend Michael Joseph Jackson. It felt like the whole park was in on the celebration. As I walked with Ms. Shino into the park we saw lines of people walking ahead. The workers of the parks department were very nice and seemed almost happy for us to be there. As we walked up through the path leading to the open area where the event was taking place I saw a group of little kids dressed like the Scarecrow and the Tin-man from The Wiz. You gotta love it.

We continued walking to hear the sounds of MJ blaring through the air. I looked out at a sea of people. Never before have I seen so many folks in Prospect Park in my life. There were barricades up separating sections of people so the parks dept. could keep order. A number of NYPD folks were on deck but no one seemed to be on edge. There was so much love in the park that day you could feel it. At first we were told we couldn't go into the main front area where I could see my friends from afar dancing it up. So feeling a little defeated we walked along side the gate figuring out what to do. After running into a few friends we were given the idea to have someone try to bring us in as if we were already there. Shino told a park worker and then a police officer a wonderful tale on the spot which was sort of true to get us in. That tale along with our friend Lorraine waving an armband in the air (which had nothing to do with the day's event) telling the cop to let us in sealed the deal. The officer escorted us into the coveted section and it was on like popcorn.

Through the day I saw plenty of friends and family come through. We danced til we couldn't dance any more in the heat and under the rain. DJ Spinna did an excellent job weaving in well known classic Michael records with under the radar Jackson gems. For those who decided not to go because of the rain...you really missed out. I was a part of two HUGE electric slides that day. Spike Lee, Rev. Al Sharpton , Ed Lover and Tracy Morgan took turns being the MCs for the event. Plenty of michael impersonators were on deck and the kids...I can't say enough about the kids. They had the most fun. The whole place even sang along in Karaoke to "The Way You Make Me Feel".

We miss you Michael but Brooklyn will always uphold your spirit. Here's the pics from Shino Yanagawa.

To buy a buy or not a slim PS3...

...that is the question.

I love video games. Mostly old games but video games nonetheless. Just the other day I was playing Galaga on my computer (the arcade version not NES). I'm a fan of old school gaming, however there's Street Fighter 4. I first played this game when I was in Japan earlier this year and fell in love. Before that game I had no inclination to purchase a next generation system, and that alone was not enough to have me throw down 300 or 400 bucks on a system. I mean lets face it, I'm hardly ever home and when I am I might play Super Mario World for all of two boards before I'm off doing something else. So sticking to free games on my computer seems to be for the best right?

Then comes the PS3 Slim.

Sony decides that yes you too (Dashaun) can watch Blu Ray DVDs and play Street Fighter 4 (online even) for 300 bucks. The new PS3 Slim also has 120 GB hard drive and wireless controllers. Also the new design is very slick. I was never a fan of the "Fatty Girl" version of the PS3 anyway. The original version at it's cheapest had 80 Gigs so I would also get a Hard drive size increase. My original plan was to just get a cheap (read free) PC to play some arcade fighters using an arcade stick and roll with that. However I'm getting a little tired of waiting on that PC.

So tell me, do I give in? Start getting Blu Ray DVDs? Cop that Street Fighter 4 and start going to town online? What say you?