The Gentleman’s Playlist

“F#@k what you heard!”

Often asked what i’m listening to when not performing or all too eager to share when listening, I, The Gentleman, have compiled a list of tracks that I hope you (all) have heard or will go find. Read more

Slapping Miss Daisy

Gee whiz, Beave. How can i best backslap the rest of your people and slightly exclude you?! Maybe if i say “no offense”.

Growing up I remember using the huge box of crayons with the names you knew someone was overpaid to create (we’re looking at you “orange-yellow”). In that box, the one that always pissed me off was “Flesh”. Especially since my flesh wasn’t “flesh” colored. What were they trying to say? How self-centered do you have to be not to realize the ramifications of labeling one hue “flesh”; dangerous not to just yourself, but your company? Do you not consider how you may be inadvertently offending… oh… say… everyone else? Go find this crayon… if you are around that color, this sermon is for you. Why the “flesh” colored people? Because they are the main perpetrators of the non-compliment. I’m going to use the most recent example in my life but please recognize that “…this type of sh*t happens ev-ery-day!” Read more

Reclaiming the Drizzle Dizl…

“Yes, we can?”

So… I watched Black In America: Reclaiming The Dream . Ye-e-a-h… so much I could say, but I will hold back. I will say they asked the pseudo-tough questions… but that’s about it. As well, I think my self-esteem was tested by all the statistics they kept lobbing before each commercial break letting you know just how far back Black America is versus … well… the usual suspects. Also, my first reaction to the airing was “wasn’t this originally slated for February?” Read more

Transitions of Progress

I was in the commons (the park) downtown the other night with my homegirl just talking. Clearly, this was her idea. I don’t find chillin’ in a park downtown at night to be the wisest nor safest place to chat but i figured she’d get uncomfortable soon and we’d be on our way. So as the random winos and crazies who take residence in the vicinity made cameos in our causerie, she and I observed the subtleties of the subdued nightlife. I was sharing a theory on relationships when the sight of two dudes on Segways made me trail off mid-sentence. Why? ‘Cause i’d simply never seen Segways in real life, simple as that. They looked convenient and fun, in that way that life sometimes imitates art (or at least the art of commercials). I thought “Hmph, cool, but is that really necessary?” Read more

Where do you invest your money?

Have you invested in your community today?

Investing time and money in our community is one of the greatest gifts we can pass to future generations. Economic recycling in our individual communities promotes small business, growth and stability. Every time a chain restaurant or store comes into your neighborhood it has the potential to close a family-owned mom and pop shop on your corner. Yes, the guy who knows your name and sells those amazing burritos around the block from you is scared to death at the prospect of Taco Bell moving in. Read more

Gloomy Weeks…Plan Ahead

Today I want to talk about a conversation I had with my aunt recently. She was explaining to me how she became broke for awhile because she didn’t really plan longterm. I’m speaking with regards to pension plans, 401k retirement plans, and Individual Retirement Accounts or IRA’s. I was really getting schooled on alot of stuff and learned many things. Some advice. For those individuals working already, or getting ready to join the workforce here’s some cool and interesting information. Read more