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IMBIBE Belgian Beer at it's Best Book of the Month Interview with Blue Harmonie Chat with a Progressive Hip Hop Artist Hyp No Music Monthly Underground Waves
2018/Volume 3/Winter
IF IT AIN'T RUFF IT AIN'T WRITE
Copyright © 2018 Ruff Writing, LLC., All rights reserved
RUFF WRITING
LIKE IT RUFF MAGAZINE
Text
Intro Mbibe Book of the Month Inspire Someone... The S Files Chat With a Progressive Hip Hop Artist This is Called the Show Music Monthly Spark-ski & Dutchess Flag of Convenience
INTRO When I first had the idea of creating Like It Ruff, I wanted to showcase interviews of various individuals from music artists to actors to comedians to motivational speakers. I set out to make contact with these people and create a relationship before asking for the interview. Turns out, there are some pretty cool industry folk out there. All the way down to the publicists. I have so many interviews lined up, I had to create more sections of the magazine. When I first started writing, I was an emcee. I wrote rhymes and performed rap. Then, I ventured into stand up comedy. I wanted to continue entertaining people, but I grew out of the rap artist scene. I tried my hand at making folks laugh. Turns out, I'm pretty good at it. But, I still wanted to write. And not just jokes. I wanted to write, articles, stories about people, places and things. I found The Good Men Project. I started writing articles about once or twice a month. I graduated to writing as a weekly columnist. I perfected my craft and owe much of my success to what I learned while writing for GMP. I started my own freelance writing company which quickly grew into this magazine, Like It Ruff. And I decided to start each issue with drink reviews, 'M-Bibe' and then an interview, followed by the book of the month. Bless you with a latest concert review, and some exclusive pictures. Then, play a little game of the 'Dozens'. Well, not really the Dozens. Just a little jokey joke section. Then I thought, nobody tells me about any real places that I visit. Let me start by reviewing some of these regular spots for us regular folks. Ain't no reason to be reading about a place you are not going to. 'Been Around the World' is dedicated to the traveler who goes to places like the DC Harbor, the National Museum of African American History. Nothing extra. Lots of local spots. Average hopping, on an average person salary. Highlighting my three favorite things. Music, Writing, and Traveling. This is what Ruff Likes. Hence, Like It Ruff. send submissions to ruffwriting@comcast.net Please, read and enjoy. And more importantly, share!
My favorite non-commercial Belgian beer is from the brewery Ommegang. I like a lot of different beers from this brewery, but my all time favorite is Three Philosophers. Ommegang is a brewery based out of Cooperstown, New York. "Three Philosophers is a unique blend of a Belgian-style dark ale and Liefmans Kriek, an authentic cherry ale from Belgium. Cherry chestnut in color, it's opaque but not cloudy with full carbonation topped by a smooth, tan head. Flavors and aromas of roasted malt, molasses and brown sugar, dark fruits, brandied raisins and chocolate, Three Philosophers has notable sweetness with low hop bitterness. The mid-palate shows a soft malt center which gives way to a dry, warm, wine-like finish." www.beeradvocate.com The complexity of this beer make it a good candidate for aging gracefully, as spicy sherry and port notes should intensify. If I were to give an actual rating to this beer, it would be... look: 4 smell: 4.25 taste: 4.5 feel: 4.25 overall: 4.25
verb im·bibe\im-ˈbīb\ Belgian Beer I started enjoying Belgian beer back in Boston, Massachusetts, years ago. I am a beer advocate. Literally. Shout out to Beer Advocate and the Alstrom brothers. They first introduced me to finer beers and the art of the brewski. I mean. I got my start with Beer Advocate back in the late nineties, early 2000's. I started volunteering at the annual beer festivals when I was living in Boston. At first, I just wanted to be around lots of beer. But, all that exposure to so much good beer only did one thing for me. It intensified my interest and curiosity to craft beer. You see. Craft beer was the focal point of the beer festivals the Alstrom brothers put on. I learned about craft beers. IPAs. Belgian beers. Different ales. Even hybrid brews. My favorite was the Belgian styles. I enjoyed a bit of all types. But, my love was for the Belgian brews. I poured samples for attendees of the festival who were fellow beer advocates and the simply interested.
By Saliek Ruffin
Jacqueline Rainey
THE MONTH
Author of 'Dirty Blue'
BOO K OF
I met this author online one day. Totally random act of a meeting. She was on Twitter looking for new music. And I was on Twitter promoting myself as a writer. But you know me. Can't let an opportunity of having my music heard, pass me by. So what, I haven't made any new music in almost ten years. My old music is still new music if you haven't heard it. I sent my music to @blueharmonie and realized we were from the same city in Boston. What a coincidence. What are the odds? Running into someone online who genuinely shares the same interests as you. Ruff likes that! And because Like It Ruff magazine is all about highlighting my three favorite things. Music, writing, and traveling. Let's take a trip and learn about an author, from the Bean, who loves music, too.
RW: HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN WRITING? I was eleven years old and I was crushing hard on this freckle faced skateboard riding boy in my neighborhood. All I wanted to do was kiss him, but he had no interest in me and it broke my heart so that day I wrote my first poem, a love poem and have been writing every since. RW: Where do you get your ideas? BH: A lot of my books are basically about me it’s kind of like I’m writing my Autobiography and spreading it out through multiple books. I think that part of my writing journey has finally run its course and it served its purpose, it was very therapeutic. RW: I read that you said ‘you’ve been writing poetry since eleven years old’ and ‘to suddenly have this outlet of creativity just disappear was devastating’. Care to elaborate? BH: It’s no secret that I’ve had a very rough past and there are things that we go through in this world that can incapacitate us not only physically, but mentally and spiritually and I was suffering on all three of those levels. But like I said “we go through” I went through what I consider to be hell and made it to the other side and now here I am. That was a devastating part of my journey because music and writing poetry were what were giving me a reason to keep fighting, to hang in there. When my ability to write stopped I could feel this void on the inside, I didn’t feel whole. When that stronghold was broken I wasn’t just writing poetry I began writing amazing stories. RW: WHO ARE YOUR INFLUENCES? BH: I’m influenced by my past. It is important that I remain uniquely me as a writer. I have read comments where other writers say that their goal is to try to write like other writers, famous writers. What a f*cking joke, why are you trying so hard to be someone else! RW: What qualities do other writers have that you admire? BH: Not a damn thing, LOL! Believe me a lot of my so-called Fellow Authors on Twitter know exactly how I feel. RW: How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? BH: I have two books that I’m working on releasing this year “Strange Fruit Odd Tales” and “Black Roses Purple Haze Poetry.” I also have two new book ideas that I have written outlines for, one is titled “Games People Play” and the other one is “Zip Codes.” I’m hoping to finish the screenplays for “Lie to Me” “30 The Dragonfly Catcher” which is a book I published a couple of years ago and the screenplay for “Dirty Blue” so as a new Indie author I feel that I AM one to watch. What does literary success look like to you? There is no getting around the money factor, but because you sell a lot of books it doesn’t mean that you are respected as a writer, it could just mean that a lot of people bought your book. I want people to recognize that I am a good writer and a creative story teller. I equate recognition to success. What did you edit out of ‘Dirty Blue’? One scene comes to mind, it’s in the original screenplay, but not in the book: TRICK TRACY Looks at Moses and starts laughing like a lunatic You’re a weak ass man, look at you! It was him Blue, he’s the shooter. Punk ass! MOSES Waves his hand like he’s shooing Tracy away I don’t know what that bitch is talkin about she’s crazy! He Lights the crack pipe take a big hit starts rocking again TRICK TRACY Bangs her feet on the floor like she’s having a tantrum He’s a liar, you’re a motherfucking liar! You had the gun and Kid Black was the driver! MOSES Shut up Tracy, shut your trick ass up! Throws his crack pipe at her DIRTY BLUE Looks over at Moses You shut up, why are you talking? Since you want to talk so much let’s talk about my brother the one you shot and killed! TRICK TRACY Still laughing like a lunatic DIRTY BLUE Leans in close to Trick Tracy’s face and presses Daisy to her forehead in between her eyes I should just blow your mother fucking head off right now! Get out bitch! I keep telling people on Twitter that I’m a real writer and I can write my ass off! LOL! I admit that I did hold back a little bit with Dirty Blue the book, but I left an opening for a sequel, not saying that there will be a sequel, but just in case. What is your writer’s kryptonite? My writer’s kryptonite is bad mf energy! I do not surround myself with or be in the company of those whose energy is not right. Just because someone is smiling all up in your face it does not mean that their energy is on point. Finally, with social media being so essential to today’s individual. Where can YOU be reached? What’s your social media connection? Twitter is my go to social media hangout I can be found @blueharmonie always talking sh*t about something and everything LOL! I have fun on twitter. I’m also on Instagram and Facebook, but Facebook is so dry, damn it’s dry over there! I also have an author website BlueHarmonie.com. I like the instant response I get from being on twitter, that instant gratification, LOL!ing. Namaste my name is Jacqueline Rainey and I am The Indie Author to Watch In 2018! Where does the name Blue Harmonie come from? I’m laughing so hard right now! True story and I will try to keep it short. The name Blue Harmonie was conceived out of deception and heart break. I got my heart broken by a Nigerian Scammer more than a few years ago who was pretending to be another man when I was on the eHarmony dating website. I was sad, I was blue and I was on eHarmony, Blue Harmonie. I never sent his ass any money, but I was heart broken when I discovered that everything about the person I had been communicating with daily for weeks was not even him. I wish I knew who he was so I can thank that mf and let him know that the name Blue Harmonie has its own hashtag on Twitter and has been a reoccurring trending hashtag since October 2016! LMAO! #TheLandOfBlueHarmonie HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN WRITING? I was eleven years old and I was crushing hard on this freckle faced skateboard riding boy in my neighborhood. All I wanted to do was kiss him, but he had no interest in me and it broke my heart so that day I wrote my first poem, a love poem and have been writing every since. Where do you get your ideas? A lot of my books are basically about me it’s kind of like I’m writing my Autobiography and spreading it out through multiple books. I think that part of my writing journey has finally run its course and it served its purpose, it was very therapeutic. I read that you said ‘you’ve been writing poetry since eleven years old’ and ‘to suddenly have this outlet of creativity just disappear was devastating’. Care to elaborate? It’s no secret that I’ve had a very rough past and there are things that we go through in this world that can incapacitate us not only physically, but mentally and spiritually and I was suffering on all three of those levels. But like I said “we go through” I went through what I consider to be hell and made it to the other side and now here I am. That was a devastating part of my journey because music and writing poetry were what were giving me a reason to keep fighting, to hang in there. When my ability to write stopped I could feel this void on the inside, I didn’t feel whole. When that stronghold was broken I wasn’t just writing poetry I began writing amazing stories. WHO ARE YOUR INFLUENCES? I’m influenced by my past. It is important that I remain uniquely me as a writer. I have read comments where other writers say that their goal is to try to write like other writers, famous writers. What a f*cking joke, why are you trying so hard to be someone else! What qualities do other writers have that you admire? Not a damn thing, LOL! Believe me a lot of my so-called Fellow Authors on Twitter know exactly how I feel. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? I have two books that I’m working on releasing this year “Strange Fruit Odd Tales” and “Black Roses Purple Haze Poetry.” I also have two new book ideas that I have written outlines for, one is titled “Games People Play” and the other one is “Zip Codes.” I’m hoping to finish the screenplays for “Lie to Me” “30 The Dragonfly Catcher” which is a book I published a couple of years ago and the screenplay for “Dirty Blue” so as a new Indie author I feel that I AM one to watch. What does literary success look like to you? There is no getting around the money factor, but because you sell a lot of books it doesn’t mean that you are respected as a writer, it could just mean that a lot of people bought your book. I want people to recognize that I am a good writer and a creative story teller. I equate recognition to success. What did you edit out of ‘Dirty Blue’? One scene comes to mind, it’s in the original screenplay, but not in the book: TRICK TRACY Looks at Moses and starts laughing like a lunatic You’re a weak ass man, look at you! It was him Blue, he’s the shooter. Punk ass! MOSES Waves his hand like he’s shooing Tracy away I don’t know what that bitch is talkin about she’s crazy! He Lights the crack pipe take a big hit starts rocking again TRICK TRACY Bangs her feet on the floor like she’s having a tantrum He’s a liar, you’re a motherfucking liar! You had the gun and Kid Black was the driver! MOSES Shut up Tracy, shut your trick ass up! Throws his crack pipe at her DIRTY BLUE Looks over at Moses You shut up, why are you talking? Since you want to talk so much let’s talk about my brother the one you shot and killed! TRICK TRACY Still laughing like a lunatic DIRTY BLUE Leans in close to Trick Tracy’s face and presses Daisy to her forehead in between her eyes I should just blow your mother fucking head off right now! Get out bitch! I keep telling people on Twitter that I’m a real writer and I can write my ass off! LOL! I admit that I did hold back a little bit with Dirty Blue the book, but I left an opening for a sequel, not saying that there will be a sequel, but just in case. What is your writer’s kryptonite? My writer’s kryptonite is bad mf energy! I do not surround myself with or be in the company of those whose energy is not right. Just because someone is smiling all up in your face it does not mean that their energy is on point. Finally, with social media being so essential to today’s individual. Where can YOU be reached? What’s your social media connection? Twitter is my go to social media hangout I can be found @blueharmonie always talking sh*t about something and everything LOL! I have fun on twitter. I’m also on Instagram and Facebook, but Facebook is so dry, damn it’s dry over there! I also have an author website BlueHarmonie.com. I like the instant response I get from being on twitter, that instant gratification, LOL!
RW: First, please tell my readers who you are. BH: Some years ago, I used to refer to myself as a Child of God! I was never a religious person, but I am a Spiritual Being. Namaste my name is Jacqueline Rainey and I am The Indie Author to Watch In 2018! RW: Indie author to watch. I like that. Jacqueline Rainey. Where does the name Blue Harmonie come from? BH: I’m laughing so hard right now! True story and I will try to keep it short. The name Blue Harmonie was conceived out of deception and heart break. I got my heart broken by a Nigerian Scammer more than a few years ago who was pretending to be another man when I was on the eHarmony dating website. I was sad, I was blue and I was on eHarmony, Blue Harmonie. I never sent his ass any money, but I was heart broken when I discovered that everything about the person I had been communicating with daily for weeks was not even him. I wish I knew who he was so I can thank that mf and let him know that the name Blue Harmonie has its own hashtag on Twitter and has been a reoccurring trending hashtag since October 2016! LMAO! #TheLandOfBlueHarmonie
RW:What did you edit out of ‘Dirty Blue’? BH: One scene comes to mind, it’s in the original screenplay, but not in the book: TRICK TRACY Looks at Moses and starts laughing like a lunatic You’re a weak ass man, look at you! It was him Blue, he’s the shooter. Punk ass! MOSES Waves his hand like he’s shooing Tracy away I don’t know what that bitch is talkin about she’s crazy! He Lights the crack pipe take a big hit starts rocking again TRICK TRACY Bangs her feet on the floor like she’s having a tantrum He’s a liar, you’re a motherfucking liar! You had the gun and Kid Black was the driver! MOSES Shut up Tracy, shut your trick ass up! Throws his crack pipe at her
DIRTY BLUE Looks over at Moses You shut up, why are you talking? Since you want to talk so much let’s talk about my brother the one you shot and killed! RW:Any last words you would like to leave the audience with? BH: I keep telling people on Twitter that I’m a real writer and I can write my ass off! LOL! I admit that I did hold back a little bit with Dirty Blue the book, but I left an opening for a sequel, not saying that there will be a sequel, but just in case. RW:Finally, with social media being so essential to today’s individual. Where can YOU be reached? What’s your social media connection? BH: Twitter is my go to social media hangout I can be found @blueharmonie always talking sh*t about something and everything LOL! I have fun on twitter. I’m also on Instagram and Facebook, but Facebook is so dry, damn it’s dry over there! I also have an author website BlueHarmonie.com. I like the instant response I get from being on twitter, that instant gratification, LOL!
RW: How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? BH: have two books that I’m working on releasing this year “Strange Fruit Odd Tales” and “Black Roses Purple Haze Poetry.” I also have two new book ideas that I have written outlines for, one is titled “Games People Play” and the other one is “Zip Codes.” I’m hoping to finish the screenplays for “Lie to Me” “30 The Dragonfly Catcher” which is a book I published a couple of years ago and the screenplay for “Dirty Blue” so as a new Indie author I feel that I AM one to watch. RW: What does literary success look like to you? BH: There is no getting around the money factor, but because you sell a lot of books it doesn’t mean that you are respected as a writer, it could just mean that a lot of people bought your book. I want people to recognize that I am a good writer and a creative story teller. I equate recognition to success..
"I'll give you cash ... for sex." What the HE77 is wrong with these guys, rolling down their window telling a frail little woman they'll give her cash - in exchange for sex. It's bad enough to hear the typical shouts of "Get a job!" and "Stop mooching!" Demanding a woman in need provide sex for cash, these guys are the worst of society. They make me sick. When I saw a very small frail looking lady standing on a corner holding a sign, asking for help, I asked her if she wanted to go to McDonalds for lunch. She looked at me suspiciously and said no, thank you. It was clear she didn't trust me and once I learned what she has experienced standing on a street corner, she has every right to be wary of others, particularly men. I offered to bring lunch to her and she asked for a Big Mac, fries and coke. When I returned with the food I explained to her that I write to share the stories of the homeless, hoping to help others understand the struggles of people living on the streets. Dianne appreciated this effort and sat down in the shade to tell me her story. Dianne has been homeless for about six months. Like so many others I talk with, it makes Dianne sick to her stomach with shame and embarrassment to be holding a sign on a corner, asking for help. This is not the life she dreamed of as a child. She does receive a disability income, however, it is no where close to enough to pay for rent, utilities, and groceries. Dianne explained to me that she has Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). There are no visible signs of this painful health challenge. There are no braces and no wheel chair, therefore, people look at her and assume she's physically able to work, just lazy, choosing not to get a job. They have no idea how excruciating the pain is that she lives with. "Imagine being doused in gasoline and then lit on fire. Then imagine having a person fiercely rubbing sandpaper on the wound, and using razor blades to stab and slash at the skin. That's what it's like for me, twenty four hours a day, every day of my life. This disease is brutal. Skin sensitivity. It causes your organs to fail, it effects the brain, the memory. Hearing loss. Vision loss. I've developed epilepsy. It's brutal. This disease is so painful it has a very high suicide rate. Doctors started me on narcotics and they turned me into an addict. But I have that under control now. I don't do anything illegal. I don't use drugs. What I have on that sign, it's legit. I'm not a liar, I'm not a thief. I am disabled." Dianne started to cry when she talked about how people look at her as if she's some kind of disease, as if it was her choice to be where she is today. Tears streamed down her face as she said she hasn't cried in months, but nobody ever asks her how she arrived where she is today and it made her very emotional. She told me about the police harassing her and I thought about the contrast to speaking with Randy earlier today, telling me about how helpful the police have been with him. I suspect the difference is, with an electric wheel chair they can clearly see that Randy is handicap. With Dianne you wouldn't know her struggles, ... unless you ask. Much like with others I talk with, I wish I could do so much more. I am so ashamed of humanity when I hear stories like this, where the most ignorant of society say, "Sure, I'll give you cash, for sex." Will we ever learn to have compassion for people who struggle and suffer? Will we ever pause long enough to consider the idea that the person on the corner asking for help, truly deserves help? What's it going to take to end this way of thinking where a man thinks it's ok to demand sex in exchange for cash? Compassion needs to be taught at home, and in school. All I ask is that people stop assuming a homeless person is just lazy, not willing to work. Brian Crandall. You are welcome to share this story if you wish. Note: If a homeless person's story inspires me to write, I ask their permission to include a photo to put a face to the story. Dianne said yes, but she could not stop crying to take a photo with a smile.
INSPIRE SOMEONE WITH SOMETHING
By Brian Crandall
stories of inspiration
This is not to say that I don’t think for myself. Its just that a lot of the thoughts that I used to have and take for granted, I just don’t have the mind power for, anymore. So, when I say ‘No. I don’t feel like it.’ Or ‘No, I can’t make it.’ Or even if I agree to be there and at the very last minute, I change my mind because I don’t feel as good anymore. Know and understand, it’s not me being shady. If you know me like that. You should know me like that. A chronic illness like mine is here forever. Bad days come and go at any given time of the year. No regard for holidays. No days off. And it’s not just me. I don’t expect any special treatment. Just a bit of understanding. A chronic illness like mine is here forever. Bad days come and go at any given time of the year. No regard for holidays. No days off. If my illness feels like acting out in the middle of the day, for no apparent reason at all. I have no control over that. Not just my body gets aggravated. My mind, too. Talk about down and out. I’m down in the dumps everyday of my life. I just mask it very well. Never let them see you sweat was not just Putin’s credo. I’ve learned to apply this to every aspect of my life. I’m doing bad right now, as I write. But the world will never know. ‘Any display of weakness is a fatal flaw.’ So, I’m not being shady when I cancel plans at the last minute. Or maybe I don’t even cancel.More important things on my mind. Like overcoming the current hurdle. Feeling better so I can rejuvenate myself. I can’t help you. I need to help myself right now. I have a hard enough time getting out of the bed. Daily. Only reason I get out of bed is because I have a job. Only reason I have a job is because I have responsibilities. HE77 yeah, I wouldn’t mind staying at home, enjoying some free time and recuperating. But, as a man. I cannot sit back and do nothing. I have to contribute. To my family. To myself. To society. In that order.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the term mental illness? Crazy, delusional, sick in the head, maybe? How about emotional disorder? Depressed or distressed? Ever thought to equate it with the words chronic illness? A chronic illness can be the cause of mental instability. A chronic illness can be a mental illness in disguise. Take MS for instance. MS is multiple sclerosis and effects the central nervous system in numerous ways. It can be physical, it can be mental. It can be emotional. The list goes on and on and on and on. And these effects MS has on a person can cause that person to seem unreliable or indecisive. Once you’ve made up your mind, there’s no turning back. Well, in normal cases… But, MS has it’s way of changing my mind, at a moment’s notice. Then, I get accused of being shady. I always make up my mind to do something. I try not to turn back.But, MS has it’s way of changing my mind, at a moment’s notice. Then, I get accused of being shady. I change my mind and I get charged with being a shady dude. Some people ARE shady and can be found in some of the most sunny and beautifulest places. Just not here. As a matter of fact. Not anywhere, I’m at. Trust that. You won’t find any shade under any of my trees. But, for some reason. People who should know me well, misinterpret some of my actions with being shady. Let me put it to you like this. I have a chronic illness that makes it difficult for me to achieve a lot of the things I used to. Like going out. Walking places. Even something so simple as thinking straight.
Ruff Writing Chats With Progressive Hip Hop artist, Hyp No
RW: First. Please, tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. HYP: My older brother Tranque started my first little rhyme for me in 1984 and I finished it off.....mad corny. I was 8 then. Do the math. My semi-official Hip-Hop persona kind of jumped off in 1990 though. I was a 15 year old shorty trying to impress this sista on the school bus, with my music. Her description of my voice as “hypnotic” is how the name Hypno came to be, later abbreviated to Hyp. RW: That's pretty impressive. So, how did you get your start in music? HYP: Music was in my blood as both of my parents were singers. My momz told me she was in the studio recording vocals when I was still in the womb. Music was imprinted on my Soul, as is my old 'hood in Boston-Roxbury. My two older brothers and homeboy from around the way....Humboldt Ave to be specific.....went by the name Exile Society and did our whole underground Hip-Hop shit in Boston. YOU was out there with us back then! In 1996 we moved to Oakland California and formed the collective: Subterraneanz and in 2003 I went on to do music with my manz from St. Louis and my sistren from the Bay Area (both members of the Subterraneanz) under the name Triple Ave. I still put joints out from time to time...... RW: Sounds like you have some really deep roots in this music thing. What got you into Black Activism, if I may call it that? HYP: After about 17 years strong, I felt like it was time to actually put some of those socio-political, progressive lyrics and ideas into action. I went back to school and received a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. Another passion was rising up to help those trying to get their lives back on track. My current “day job” is working as an intensive re- entry case manager and restorative justice practitioner. Here I work with people, particularly parents in custody, returning to the community from prisons throughout Northern California. .
RW: Tell me. What's this Restorative Justice all about? I read about it on Wikipedia. It defines restorative justice as an approach to justice that personalizes the crime by having the victims and the offenders mediate a restitution agreement to the satisfaction of each “as well as involving the community. HYP: Right. AND....I think Restorative Justice is about the interconnectivity of us all. If you ain't right, I ain't right. It's about restoring relationships, accountability and healing. Restorative justice gets into your Soul and it becomes a way of life. RW: Okay. That's dope. Finally, with social media being so essential to today’s individual. Where can YOU be reached? What’s your social media connection? HYP: People can just hit up "Hyp No" on Facebook.
It is possible, although highly unlikely, that you or a family member may someday receive a suspicious parcel or letter. Keep safe by following the procedures listed below. Following the procedures below will help keep you and your family members educated and safe, while minimizing the disruption associated with these incidents.
What you know about Go Go? Better yet. What you know about the Faycez? Truth be told. I didn't know anything about the Faycez, before February 16, 2018. I get an invite from my homey for a birthday party. Turns out, the party is for him! On February 16, 2018 I had the pleasure of hearing the most awesomest eight piece band, Faycez U Know, for the first time ever, live at the Babylon Futbol Cafe in Falls Church, Virginia. I first knew this group was the truth when I heard them performing a cover of one of my favorite Jodeci songs, 'Come And Talk To Me'. They proceeded to do some Go Go songs that I was unfamiliar with, but still appreciative of. It was like The Junk Yard Band went back in time and did a show with young Aretha Franklin. Her name is Halima Peru. She played the part of the young Aretha Franklin. At times she was Patti Labelle, Nina Simone or even Lauryn Hill.
THIS IS CALLED THE SHOW
Photo credit: Faycez U Know Facebook
photo credit: Saliek Ruffin
Faycez U Know Music Group
photo credit:Tony Roberts Facebook
Photo credit: Saliek Ruffin
Photo credit:www.hypebeast.com
Underground Waves
I used to think Hip Hop was dead. I could never find any good Hip Hop today. Until, I went back to the essence and looked underground. Back to the streets for a real experience for you to relate to. Now, I know you know that old school Hip Hop is good Hip Hop that paved the way for today's Hip Hop. But, did you know about Hip Hop by Famous Dex and his album 'Dex meets Dexter?' One of new school Hip Hop's emerging rappers on the scene today. Taking the underground by storm with tracks like "Pick It Up"and "In Da Bank". He's definitely a new rapper who has earned his spot on the Billboard Top 100. I think he's somewhere around 63. Now that's dope. For a new rapper.
MUSIC MONTHLY
They say music calms the savage beast. Really? What if the music is being performed by a beast? Is it still calming, then? I like to sit back and relax to a good old school track every now and then. But, lately, I've been winding down to a lot of new school cuts. Kendrick Lamar does a good job at calming a nerve or two for me. Another new artist I like to relax to is Drake. But, when I want to turn it up and get lit, I throw on some Migos, A$AP Mob, even a little Kodak Black. 'I know I contradicted myself, look, I don't need that now.' ~ Jay Z The new school is just that. The new school. New artists on the new trail, blazing new paths of new music goodies. One day they'll be the oldies but goodies. Picture that with a instamatac.
A quick list of tracks that Ruff likes and you should listen out for. Old school rocks with the new school. Lil John featuring Offset & 2 Chainz get it in on Alive. Conscious rap collective with Royce Da 5'9", Black Thought & Joyner Lucas Feat. Aloe Blacc -rock it out on Wrote My Way Out. Jesse And The Wolf Feat. Juelz Santana,Ghostface Killah & Telli heating Soundcloud up with Selecta. Dave East & Tory Lanez -team up on Woke Up (with some money on their mind). A new school favorite here at Like It Ruff. A$AP Rocky with Above. 550 Feat. 21 Savage drop new jewels on you on Radar. Stay in your lane.
I Had A Dream, Hop Hop Died. How many of you remember your first introduction to Hip Hop? And when I say Hip Hop, I don't mean only rap. I'm talking Hip Hop and all its four elements. Emceeing, deejaying, breaking and graffiti. The Boom Bap era. Freestyling on the corners and dancing on cardboard boxes. Block parties assembled and constructed by your local DJ. And bombing that local subway car. Or drawing your favorite piece in the back of your English notebook. Because everybody knows you don't have to pay attention in English. 'I speak English. Duh.' How do you feel when you hear an old school Hip Hop song come on the radio? Now. How do you feel when you hear a new school rapper comes on the radio? You probably feel the same way I do. Old school makes me feel good. It takes me back to a better place and time, musically and socially. This new school of rappers. I won't even call them artists. Their music comes on and I feel sick. Really. I get nauseous and upset. I even get violent thoughts, too. One, because I hear this mess and I want to hit something. And two. Because all they talk about is nonsense and violence. Shooting and killing something. I had a dream one night. Hip Hop died. It was no more on the radio. No more videos. No one even talked about it anymore. It was like it never existed. There were statues of wack rappers with their heads shot off. All over town. Sort of like the Sphinx in Egypt. Because real Hip Hop died out and all that was left was the wack rappers so called legacies left through these statues. And all the 'old heads', the true Hip Hop fans, went around and shot the heads of the statues off. Same way they did the Sphinx noses back in the day. It wasn't like Blues or Jazz or Soul. Hip Hop was gone. Hip Hop had died. A horrible death, at that. Hip Hop started out in the 70s, an underground urban movement in the South Bronx in New York City. DJ Kool Herc pioneered the stage of Hip Hop. Then Hip Hop got a new voice. The Run DMCs and the Curtis Blows emerged. Hip Hop expressed a new struggle and a new way of life. Hip Hop's voice was changing. Hip Hop was going through puberty. And all of a sudden, this new music is like Hip Hop in its golden years going through a bad identity crisis.
Beat The Blank Do you think you know Hip Hop? Do you think you know old school Hip Hop? Fill in the blanks to complete the following old school Hip Hop song titles. The ____ Dance--Digital Underground (1990) Ice Ice ____--Vanilla Ice (1990) Mama ____ Knock You Out--LL Cool J (1991) Jump ____ --House of Pain (1992) Protect ____ Neck--Wu-Tang Clan (1992) It Was a ____ Day--Ice Cube (1993) Insane in the ____--Cypress Hill (1993) ____ Yo Self--Ice Cube ft. Das EFX (1993) ____ and Juice--Snoop Doggy Dogg (1994) Big ____--The Notorious B.I.G. (1994) 1st of tha ____--Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (1995) Mo ____ Mo Problems--The Notorious B.I.G. ft. Puff Daddy and Mase (1997) Hard ____ Life (Ghetto Anthem)--Jay-Z (1998) Ruff ____ Anthem--DMX (1998)
7. She puts you on perma-hold. 8. She doesn't text you back.
Bruh... 7 Ways to know she's not for you. And 1 just because. 1. If you ask her her favorite position and she says CEO. 2. If you ask what was her childhood dream and she says housewife. 3. You ask if she wants kids and she starts talking about her last baby daddy. 4. She talks dirty, but not to you. 5. You always have to call her, and leave a message. 6. She keeps telling you, you are perfect, for her sister.
Flag of convenience
I don't mean to justify the actions of a cheating man, or woman, for that matter. I only wish to draw some sort of understanding to the ‘why’. Why do people risk jeopardizing a happy home over a new home? Why do people go for the chance at a one night stand, that could ruin a relationship, when they could just stay at home where they belong? Well. If it’s convenient to shop at the store right down the street as opposed to driving 5 miles to the super market for the same items. Go down the street. That’s why most of those corner stores are called convenience stores. It's convenient to shop for the same items that are at the super market. Get what I'm saying? Of course, some people have problems like sex addiction and what not. But, for the most part. I would say, about 85% of the population, ‘step out’ out of convenience. The other 15% may be addicted, probably even bitter and burned. But whatever the reason, it’s only a small group of ‘steppers’ that do it because there is some sort of emotion attached to the situation. Less emotion and more sea motion. It ain't the size of the boat. It's the motion in the ocean. I ask you, does this sound like the kind of person you want to be or want to even be associated with? If they are heartless in their personal relationships, chances are they will one day become heartless in their platonic relationship with you. Do you want to deal with that? Just as convenient it is to be distrustful in the personal relationship, that same person can find it just as easy to betray those in their platonic life. Dogs will be dogs is not just an idiom about furry four-legged friends. This saying can very well be equated to humans. To humans with the nature of said four-legged friends. What are we really to expect from a dog? I hate when a person asks a dog owner if the dog bites? Of course he does. He got teeth, don't he? Oh. You mean, will he bite you? Only if you provoke him. Then, why is it such a surprise when a married person ‘steps out’ on their spouse? Tell you what. Five sure fire ways you can tell the person is going to cheat on you. 1) The person just can't keep a plan together. They break plans and their word like a fifty cent pair of eye glasses. 2) The person can't look you in the eye. Anyone who practices deception, will not look other people in the eyes. The eyes are the soul. 3) You have yet to meet their family or friends. They want to keep you a secret from the obvious. The main chain. 4) Things just aren’t the same with them. They never want to go to common or repeat places. They may be seen with you by someone they are keeping you a secret from. 5) They tell you. Seven out of ten cheaters will tell you they will cheat on you. Listen for the signs. ‘If I were going to do it. I'd do it like this.’ ‘If I were going to cheat, I wouldn’t do XX to get caught.’ People will show you their true colors. People will proudly wave their flag of convenience. It is up to you to recognize when this happens.
Why Do Men Trade Spouse and Family for One-Night Stands and Affairs? How many times have you thought of 'stepping out' on your partner? How many times have you actually 'stepped out'? Never mind. Don't answer that. It's none of my business. I'm not here to judge. I'm here to share something with you. We all know and understand what convenience is, right? Or do we? I have a theory on convenience and what it has to do with 'stepping out'. Men. We don't 'step out' or cheat unless it's convenient for us. A lot of guys may get mad with me for divulging such secrets. But. I'm a writer.I’m about to reveal everything. I make enemies. I live on. End of story. Any who. If the situation is not convenient for the man, it will not ever evolve to a ‘stepping out’ situation. If it’s not a convenient situation, we do not get involved with it. We don't have time to sneak around and trick and treat. Contrary to popular belief. We want the convenience of stability and security. And we can't be sure and secure with the idea of messing around with you if it’s not a stable relationship. And by stable, I mean, a relationship that is open and trustworthy. If you have a man or he has a woman, be up front about that. Lay your cards down, face up. That way, the game is played fair and square. ‘No cuddling, no French kissing. What part of the jump off are you missing?’ I wasn't always an Honest Abe. I never ‘stepped out’ on my wife, but I have been with women who were ‘stepping out’ on their man. Back in the day, when I was single. And a bit more heartless, of course. I didn't care who I was with. I didn't care who you was with. My motto was. ‘If you can't be with who you love, love who you with.’ And because I made the women really feel my motto, they were able to let go of their fears, ethics and morals. Then, the situation becomes convenient. For women, when feelings and emotions are unattached, it is easy to make bad decisions with no remorse. I.E., convenient. It is natural for a man to be without remorse. It is second nature for a man to want more than one woman at a time. We are conquerors. And it is an innate ability that we conquer things. Be those things countries, goals or women. We set out to conquer and acquire as much as we can. This is the part of the male psyche females tend to misunderstand.
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