This Seems Like a Set-Up: Hilary Clinton 2016

Photo Credit: memegenerator.com

If you’re a Black person in America, you pretty much know what a set-up feels, looks, and tastes like. We’ve been being set-up for quite some time, so it’s easy for us to recognize. Game recognize game. With, that being said, this whole lead up to Election 2016, seems like a complete set-up for American constituents to vote for Hilary Rodham Clinton.

Photo Credit: http://graphics.latimes.com/2016-whos-running-for-president/

Here are all the ingredients for a perfect Presidential set-up:

Step 1- Get the most ridiculous candidates you can find to run against the most qualified person in the bunch

Photo Credit: www.mtv.com

Step 2- Make a pompous, arrogant, racist, jerk the front runner in the opposing party

Step-3- That pompous, arrogant, racist, jerk happens to be a Billionaire named Donald Trump

Photo credit: Reuters/Dominick Reuter http://www.businessinsider.com/nbc-donald-trump-2015-6

Step 4- The person running against you in the same party happens to be a pro-Black, pro-Human, anti-Establishment, Martin Luther King, Jr. marchin, for-the-People white male from Vermont

Step 5- Get an interview on the most popular radio show in the country (The Breakfast Club) and claim that you carry hot sauce in yo bag, and therefore you have swag

Step 6- Lie every chance you get, based on whatever crowd you’re in front of at the time of said lie

Step 7- Get Endorsed by current standing President of the United States of America

 

Best POTUS Ever!
Photo Credit: http://www.forbes.com/profile/barack-obama/

Hilary has been in the politics game for a long ass time. She has been plotting to be President since she was the First Lady of this great nation. It’s pretty safe to say, that she was probably getting her Presidential on back then, and Bill was a mere figurehead.  Although, I am a young tenderoni, I have been in the world long enough to be affected by Ronald Reagan’s Reaganomics, which screwed Black people, George H.W. Bush and his shenanigans, which screwed Black people, Our homeboy Bill Clinton, who implemented prison reform, which in turn really screwed Black people who didn’t even commit violent crimes. So, if your Mom’s favorite cousin Tyrone, or your Uncle LeRoy is still in the Pen doing a 30 year bid, for carrying a gram of weed or crack, be sure to thank your favorite saxophone playing, not-inhaling the weed ass President William Bill Clinton. Which leads us to George W. Bush, who screwed everybody and ruined lives for a span of 8 years; his bullshit didn’t discriminate, however, in keeping up with American tradition, Black people were affected the most. And last, but certainly not least we were redeemed by the coolest President ever: Barack Hussain Obama, who actually made sure ALL THE PEOPLE were good. Now, I’m not saying Hilary will be a bad President, I’m just sayin’ the shit was set in motion a long time for her to be President and this whole song and dance they’re doing to make it seem like it wasn’t is an insult to my intelligence and yours. I know a set-up when I see it! 

CO-PARENTING 101: Babymamas & Babydaddies

Co-Parenting 101

My son’s father and I recently celebrated our son’s Kindergarten graduation, and I’m sure we’ll have many more milestones to celebrate as time goes on. He and I are no longer together, but we make it a priority to co-parent. We're basically in this thang for life, or at least until one of us dies. Co-Parenting is essential to raising successful kids that won’t end up seeking psychological counseling because their parents couldn’t get their shit together for the sake of the child.

Me and my Son's Father aka my Babydaddy

Backstory:

Let’s be clear, I didn’t set out to be a “babymama”. It was wasn’t my dream as a little girl, to grow-up and be a statistic. I had dreams of the white picket fence, two-story home, and perfect career, while my husband and I raised beautiful black babies. I thought me and my husband would act like Martin & Gina, but raise our kids like Carl & Harriet, and on the weekends act bougie like Uncle Phil & Dark-skin Aunt Viv, and stay on the come-up like George & Weezy. But hey, in the famous words of Forrest Gump: “Shit happens!” My story didn’t quite turn out like that. Instead, I fell in love with the boy next door or the boy from the hood, depending on how you look at it. We literally stayed four houses away from one another and we were into one another like Alicia Keys’ Teenage Love Affair. Just like a childhood lullaby, first came love, then came baby, and then came Tynee` with the baby carriage. I’m a 1000% sure my story isn’t unique, but it’s my story nonetheless.

Present Day:

Now, although it began all romantical and shit, just like the seasons, things change. So let’s fast forward to today. Having a child takes hard work, patience and dedication from all parties involved. I don’t like the terms babymama and babydaddy, although I use those terms jokingly, I think it reduces both the man and woman. There is power in parenting and there is joy in co-parenting. Reassuring your child that he or she was conceived in love is the first step in being successful co-parents. So if you and your ex are looking to become better parents although, you two didn’t work out, here are 5 tips to being successful Co-Parents:

Now this is just outright petty.com!

      Leave Petty at the Door

Although being petty is super fun and your child’s other parent makes you want to throw hands and catch a case on the regular: Don’t be petty! Petty creates a hostile environment. Talking slick and always seeking to be “Right” isn’t always in the best interest of the child. Keep Petty Pendergrass at bay, even when you feel him creeping up out your soul. Think about, what it is you’re really trying to convey and be clear on it.

Photo Credit: http://www.dudebeadad.com/2015/07/communicate.html

Communicate

Words are important. How you say those words are even more important. Always be willing to discuss things. Try to be slow to offense, but always be ready for reconciliation. This doesn’t make you weak. Communicate the good and bad that is happening with your child. Don’t play the blame game. For example, if your child is having a rough time in school, don’t try and belittle the other parent and point fingers. Although, the child may be acting out due to something either parent has or has not done, try and come together and think of solutions to fix what is wrong. Have a sit down or Skype session with the child and both parents and listen to what the child might be feeling. Do not include people that did not help create this child in the mix.

Blended Family

 Boyfriends and Girlfriends

Which leads me to my next point. No shade to the new girlfriend or boyfriend in ya’ll life, but they need to stay in their lane. Babymammas and Babydaddies everywhere, please talk to your significant others individually and collectively with your respective exes, so that the air is clear and everyone can be on one accord. I know sometimes this is hard. Trust me! I’ve come a mighty loooooooonnnnnngggggg way. I mean, I have done my share of crazy and I have used every cuss word I know, but if the new chick or new dude has your child’s best interest at heart, don’t trip. However, communication, once again is essential. The parents in this scenario can’t be on some bullshit. The parents need to create a good environment so that the new chick and new dude, don’t think it’s some funny shit going on between the parentals ya dig!

            Laugh

Man, take time to laugh. Remember that once upon a time you and the other parent had a relationship or some type of rapport with one another. The child you both created is 50% of each of you. Take time to share funny stories that the child did while they were in your care. This makes room for a healthy dialogue and it shows the child that you two aren’t always at odds.

 PRAY

Maybe this should have been number one, but there is power in prayer. It’s not always shits and giggles when it comes to me and my son’s father. He does in fact get on my everlasting nerve. However, after the arguments, yelling, or disagreements, I take it to the Lord in prayer. Pray over your child. Pray for your ex. If one parent doesn’t have a job, and isn’t contributing, pray that they get gainful employment. If one parent doesn’t have a relationship with the child, pray that God changes their heart. In all things, good, bad, or indifferent PRAY and watch God change things.  

The ONLY LEMONADE WE ACKNOWLEDGE IS GUCCI!

Photo Credit: Instagram 

Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty Gucci free at last! Ya’ll can throw away ya’ll Hashtag

#FreeGucciMane shirts and re-up on some Hashtag #GuccIsFree Tees! Side Note: Can the same people that got Gucci out represent Bobby Shmurda?

Buy Shirt: http://nahright.com/2009/02/02/pics-free-gucci-mane-tee/

Let’s be clear I’m not a bandwagon Gucci fan, neither am I a die-hard Gucci fan, but I do loves me some Gucci Mane and the endless Trap music he has blessed us with. Everybody knows I luh (LOVE) God and Trap music. That’s law and that’s fact! 

Gucci Mane is like everybody’s favorite hood cousin, that happens to be the coolest cousin, but also happens to be yo hustling/trappin’ cousin that you love so much. You know the cousin that always brings both dark and light liquor, plus some herbal medicinals. He’s basically your cousin that’s always “lookin out” in Hood Terms. He’s the cousin that Grandma stays pleadin’ the blood of Jesus over. The cousin that she puts blessing oil on, unbeknownst to him. It is because of her prayers that he got prison time instead of being six feet under. Due to her diligent prayers, he is now currently free. Shout out to Grandma!

Gucci Mane has had several run-ins with the law. He has been in custody since 2013. He was scheduled to be released on September 20, 2016 (my babydaddy birthday), but the Lord saw fit that our Trap Homie/favorite cousin be released on May, 26, 2016, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. All strippers can REJOICE! I’m sure Gucci has a straight out of prison Trap Anthem on deck we can all twerk to. In case you didn’t know Gucci has been droppin’ mixtapes from prison the whole time. Which brings me to my next point. Is Gucci working with Luscious and Cookie Lyon? Inquiring minds want to know!

Photo Credit: www.freesouljah.com 

Welcome Home Gucci Mane! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6Q4s_ZdvAQ 

Matters of the Heart: HEART CHECK!

Photo Credit: http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2011/02/18/10-tips-to-mend-a-broken-heart/

The death certificate read as follows: Arteriosclerosis Cardiovascular Disease. In Laymen’s terms: Heart Disease, some would say she passed of cardiovascular arrest (Heart Attack), but in essence you can say my Mother potentially died of a broken heart. Broken promises. Broken spirit. Broken mind. Broken heart.

The HEART, the fist shaped vessel that is the most essential and vital organ to life. The Heart, the organ that so many people covet, both figuratively and literally. To have "heart" or to have a "heart" is characteristically golden. One of the most needed organs requested is the heart. Hell, David Rockerfeller’s ass has gotten six or seven heart transplants, and word on the street is, he’s even killed others in the pursuit of a heart. Now ain’t that some shit? 

Photo Credit: http://www.veteranstoday.com/2016/04/16/vladimir-putin-implicitly-attacks-the-neoconservative-mafia-and-the-neo-liberal-ideology/

The irony get me every time. Yet, we give people heart disease and heart attacks daily with our words, and our actions. Matters of the heart are so crucial. All people really want and need is love. We all want someone to care for our hearts. The Heart, so strong, yet fragile it must be handled with care. 

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, take a moment today and do a heart check and check on someone. Their entire mental state can take a complete turn because someone took the time to see about their heart condition. 

Pretending doesn't make it go away: MENTAL ILLNESS

“Pretending it doesn’t exist won’t make it go away.”

-Tynee` Sims

I was good at pretending it wasn't there...I guess it would be easier to tell people my mom was diagnosed with cancer, or suffered from congestive heart failure. People can understand cancer. Both cancer and heart disease are damn near celebrated with the many campaigns, fund raising walks and clothing paraphernalia to don.  But I never like to disclose the fact that my mother had been diagnosed as the following: schizophrenic, manic depressive, bi-polar and mentally ill to name a few. But in reality, my mother actually suffered with DEPRESSION.  Maybe in a few years the powers that be will come up with even more labels to make people like my mom feel isolated from society. Fingers crossed!

My beautiful Mother Beverly
She didn't allow Mental Illness to Stop her Shine!

But, really I never knew what to say to people when my mom had an “episode”. Episode is another term we used to describe what my mother was experiencing when she was in a manic-depressive state. I never wanted to share with the world that my Momma was experiencing a psychotic break and her mind decided to drift off and take an extended vacation at an all-expense paid state funded, bottom of the line treatment facility, better known as a psych ward of a hospital. I rarely ever shared anything concerning my Mother’s mental illness, not even my own feelings. I used to just be like, “she’s sick” or “say a prayer for my Momma.” In all honesty I think I was embarrassed to discuss my mother’s condition. Somehow I felt like I would get judged for an illness that medication could not fix. An uncontrollable illness that I do not suffer from, but often makes me become sorely afraid that someday I may be diagnosed with. According to Mental Health America, Most families are not prepared to cope with learning their loved one has a mental illness. It can be physically and emotionally trying, and can make us feel vulnerable to the opinions and judgments of others.

Mental Health America also reports that: Most people believe that mental disorders are rare and “happen to someone else." An estimated 54 million Americans suffer from some form of mental disorder in a given year. Mental illness is not always easily detected. It’s not always the person with disheveled clothes that has wandering crazy eyes, and is talking out the side of their neck. Sometimes it’s the sweet girl that constantly wears a smile, or the misunderstood kid that has been labeled as a misfit; or maybe it’s the real popular dude who’s always rocking the latest gear. Perhaps it’s the lady that lives down the street whose family no longer comes to visit. It seems as though people are more concerned with the outward appearance of others rather than be concerned with their mental state.

Since May is Mental Illness Awareness Month, let’s stop the stigma associated with mental illness. Let’s stop pretending like it’s not happening. Let’s stop being embarrassed by it. Let’s educate ourselves and love on those who suffer both silently and openly with mental illness. If you or someone you love lives with mental illness don’t be afraid to seek professional help and talk with someone.

Teyana Taylor: A tale of Love, Heartache, and the Ultimate Snapback

Teyana Taylor: A tale of Love, Heartache, and the Ultimate Snapback...

Last night Teyana Taylor was serving mad body and vocal goals out here in these Dallas streets. Ms. Teyanna gave a hell of a show at the infamous Dallas House of Blues, where she performed her entire album, entitled VII (7) Unplugged.  TT, did not come to play with the children. My little sister in my head definitely proved that she was no longer the tom-boyish young lady we were introduced to on MTV’s Sweet 16, but she is a full grown woman that has been through some thangs, i.e.: Public break-up, fake ass friends, new love, new baby and new engagement, all within a span of 3 years. She had the fellas dreaming of sleeping with and R&B chick and the ladies coveting to be as just as bad-ass and sexy as she is. 

The Show:

Teyana showed up and showed out. Her slim-thick, cute self was working that stage and was swinging that good Malaysian hair for dear life. Can we say: Inches! Baby girl’s body was bangin and so were her back-up dancers. TT’s choreography perfectly matched every song. Every song had a story behind it, and Teyana’s charismatic personality illuminated the entire venue as she connected with the audience as if we were her homies from around the way.  The tailor made costuming fit Ms. Taylor like a glove and she let us all know that her SNAPBACK from baby JUNIE was REAL! Teyana is definitely bringing back that good R&B music that seems to have been left in the 90s. She bringing back feel good music that made you unafraid to fall in love.

The Message:

This raw unapologetic album was the soundtrack to my love life for nearly a year. It made me laugh, cry, ponder, and it also healed me. It made me believe in love again. VII resonated so deeply with me because every girl can relate to her heart being on life support because of a nigga that could give two flying fucks about her feelings. But it also gives hope that you, yes girl, you! You are more than enough. The lyrics to Sorry say: I’m sorry you didn’t make me happy and I’m sorry you never learned how, I’m sorry it had to be this way, but my heart is so good now.” Teyana let us know, that we can have our power back and it’s not our fought that the relationship didn’t work; that nigga just never learned how to love you. In the middle of the show, Teyana had a very intimate moment with the crowd, and it seemed as though lil sis was speaking directly to me when she stated: “Don’t become the person that hurt you.” The beauty in the simplicity of her words, was like a sweet symphony to my ears, because often times we as women forget this gem of advice and become lost in our hurt and in turn become the predator that hurt us. However, true love, real love, you know the love that's tailor made for you, can and will heal all past wounds and then you too can put one in the air for love.

P.S. Teyanna is my new sister cause I told her Daddy she’s my little sister and I’m his new daughter. 

IG: @boemoney_ 

Mayday, Mayday,Mayday: 3 Things that have peeps on the brink of a Mental Breakdown!

It's Mental Health Awareness Month and here are 3 things going on right now that have people on the brink of a mental breakdown:

1.    Trump as the Republican Nominee

People are literally are on the edge of a mental breakdown because this man could possibly become the leader of the Free World. At first it seemed like some sick joke when he announced his run for Presidency, but then he never got off stage and his set lasted longer than the intended 20 minutes. God help us!

2.    Beyonce’ is Black

White people have been calling their primary care physicians since Superbowl Sunday for Prozac, Xanax and for psychiatric referrals ever since Beyonce’ told Black girls to get in Formation. Two months later, Queen Bey drops Lemonade which solidified her Blackness. People really got into a frenzy. It’s like they walked into the Matrix or Twilight Zone and everything they thought they knew really wasn’t as it seemed. These people are definitely on the brink! Little did they know Bey, been rockin her baby hair with ProStyle gel. 

Photo Credit: http://www.instyle.com/celebrity/transformations/beyonces-changing-looks

3.    The Running Man Challenge

If you grew up in the 80s and 90s you know what the “running man” is and what it’s supposed to look like. Fast forward to 2016 and these darn 90s and 21^st century babies have destroyed a classic dance move and created some goofy looking trend, set to Ghosttown DJ’s “My Boo”. The “running man” will definitely make you bust a sweat, not have you looking at the camera with some dumb expression and awkward foot movement. People over 30 are literally losing their shit every time they see this foolery come across their TL’s. Somebody please contact MC Hammer STAT!

Photo Credit: http://www.essence.com/2010/02/02/throwback-the-running-man

Let me hold a 'Tub" Real Quick!

I can't wait for the glorious day when I'm able to ask my fellow man, "Aye, let me hold a Tub real quick!" Oh, what a glorious day it will be.....

Florida Evans never thought we’d see Good Times, but boy are times a changin’. A woman will be on the $20 bill, a Black woman to be exact! The mother of all Black women. The first Black woman in America to wish a ni**a would. The first Black woman in in the United States of America, bold enough to shoot anybody that posed a threat to or jeopardized her freedom, including another Black person. The first black woman in American written history to get us, us free like Simke’!

The ultimate Black woman: Miss Harriet Tubman. Miss Tubman changed many lives, including mine, and any person reading this blog. Her courage, resilience, and strength carried an entire race of people on her back all the way to freedomland. Harriet shows us she was free in her mind, long before she was free in the physical sense, and that mindset helped her to set the captives free and become our modern day Moses.

Harriet is a game changer and has been changing the game since the 1800’s, and beginning in the year 2020, she will forever change the game yet again as the first woman to grace American currency. I'm pretty sure when O.G. young Harriet was running barefoot through the woods and swamps, it never crossed her mind that she'd be the face of new money. Money wasn't the motive in this case, but freedom definitely was. If ya’ll thought Black History Month (BHM) 2016 was lit, just wait til BHM 2020 when we’re making it reign supreme with Tubman bills on deck!!! Aaaaayyyyeee!!!! 

NOAH FROM THE "UNDERGROUND" CAN GET IT!

Aldis Hodge aka Noah
That's Bae!
(Photo Credit: Ursula Givens via Instagram)

When I first laid eyes on Aldis Hodges’ onscreen character Noah on the hit television show, Underground, I knew after the first episode I would run barefoot on hot coals with this dude. I never in my life want to be a slave. I repeat NEVER! But Noah, got me wanting to turn back the hands of time and run to freedom, if I can do it alongside him.

Photo Credit: http://dudespaper.com/the-power-of-realistic-thinking.html/

Initially, I was apprehensive about watching Underground because I was like here we go with another “slave narrative” yet again. But I was captivated by the imagery, the music, the intense scenes and most importantly the storyline. Nothing about slavery was beautiful, at least for Black people it wasn’t. But when you see “Stine” well put together with her nice house dress and perfectly pulled back hair, you can’t help but notice what a looker she is and how relentless she is in protecting her offspring. When you see the love between Noah and Rosalee, played by Mrs. Jurnee Smollett-Bell, you can’t help, but hope for a love so strong and passionate. 

Photo Credit: http://images.spoilertv.com/Underground/Season

The crazy part is, they haven’t even made love yet, just hard stares, excessive sweat, and panting. Yet, you can feel and see the passion burning through the screen. Pearlie Mae, before her untimely death represented a Mother’s love, but post death you realize she is better off dead considering her living conditions and how I foresee things only getting worse. There are so many colorful characters, with their own unique backstory, but Aldis’s character Noah, gets me all in my feels.  

Photo : Courtesy of WGN America

I could weave together all kinds of beautiful words to let you know how great the television show Underground is, but the bottom line is: Noah, played by Alidis Hodge, can get it! He can get it with John Legend singing in the background, while we plan our escape following the drinking gourd and North Star. He can get it in the middle of the cotton fields at high noon when the temperature is 400 degrees hot.  He can have all of me because I definitely want all of him and if I have to travel back 400 years, then so be it. But thanks to a wonderful invention known as the T.V. I don’t have to time travel; I can tune in every Wednesday on WGN at 9pm to catch my boo on the small screen escape to freedom. 

My First Wrestlemania

Wrestlemania 32: Dallas, TX AT&T Stadium

I live for new experiences and this past weekend I was able to experience the awesomeness that is 

Wrestlemania! I was blessed to attend Wrestlemania 32 in Dallas, Texas with my family and it was off the chain! The high voltage energy of 100,000 + people filled the entire AT&T Stadium on Sunday, April 3, 2016 like a jolt of lightning and history was made!

I was able to be a kid all over again and so did everyone else. I dressed up as Miss Jacqueline aka Miss Jackie, who was the first African-American woman to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame the night before. Talk about Black girl magic, this is definitely it!

Me dressed as Miss Jacqueline WWE Hall of Fame Inductee

But I wasn’t the only person dressed up; a good percentage of the attendees were reliving their childhoods and dressed as their favorite wrestlers ranging from Macho Man Randy Savage to my brother, who dressed as the Canadian Mountie. The crowd was so hype they started chanting “Black Mountie, Black Mountie!”

My brosky as The Canadian Mountie and sis as Jimmy Hart

It was incredible. People were taking on their favorite’s persona yelling out signature phrases like: “The Mountie always gets his man”, “Come see what the Rock is Cookin’”, “I’m John Cena, you can’t see me”, to the infamous “Whoooooooo!” that Rick flair made famous. I saw Dad’s with their son’s bridging the past, present, and future of wrestling fans. I saw them take in the moment in awe and sheer excitement. I saw people totally throw their inhibitions out the window all for the sake of wrestling and a good time. There was harmony and peace all in one venue and all I could think was, government should take a cue from the Vince McMahon and the WWE. 

Lastly, here are 3 things I learned from Wrestlemania 32:

Feast you eyes on Roman Reigns
Photo Credit: Instagram @unstableheel

1. MEN- Men from every walk of life attend Wrestlemania. Men of every hue, race, and creed. Good looking, well-endowed men attend Wrestlemania. Rich men, poor men, men with great senses of humor, short men, tall men, and rowdy men all attend Wrestlemania. Rappers and athletes attend Wrestlemania. The Rock, John Cena, and Triple H were at Wrestlemania. Enough said! For all you single gals, like myself, Wrestlemania is an oasis of men. It’s the perfect place to gaze upon the glorious species known as MEN!

Photo Credit: wwe.com
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Wrestlemania 32

2. COSTUMES- Costumes make an already spectacular event even more spectacular. You can dress as ridiculous as you want and no one judges you. In fact, the more ridiculous you are, the more people want to snap photos of you and with you.

3. DRAMA- The wrestling rivalries and drama that take place during Wrestlemania is better than any afternoon soap opera, guaranteed.

The rivalry between the Undertaker & Shane McMahon is EPIC
Photo Credit: WWE on Twitter

All, I can say is I wasn’t a huge fan of wrestling, but after attending Wrestlemania 32 I am a fan for life!!!! Money, money, money, money, money, money, money…