Beastly Tony Johnson

Tony Johnson

“Hulk” was his name coming up. He was an All-American wrestler and running back. Benching 535 in college, Tony Johnson has gone from a dominator on the field and on the mat to a knockout fighter soon to hit the top in his new sport.

He thought of going to the NFL; they were knocking at his door too. But, Johnson found himself having to handle family matters and passed on the invite. Now, the 290 pound strong arm is going into the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), easily handling opponents and tempting challengers to meet him toe to toe.

Nottheads caught up with Johnson as he was preparing for his next bout. The temperature was above 100 degrees in the gym as he sparred with fellow fighters and focused solely on the win. He put his hype song on repeat (Lil Wayne’s “I’m Me”) and smashed on the pads like he was trying to release some built up tension that was brewing in his psyche.

“It’s like a chess game. It’s all strategy,” he says as he steps away from his passion to holla at us.

“I’ve been doing this for about a year and a half now, so it comes easy to me; especially being a wrestler.”

Read More:  Tha Beast – Tony Johnson – Hulk

NottHeads

No Cape – ENott scores

My Hero

I had come to witness My Hero in battle at his last game on a familiar field. There he stood tall, dark, handsome and confident; ready for battle. The sun dipped below the horizon, stadium lights were hot, flags and lines in place; both teams exhibited preparation rituals in anticipation of the battle to come.

The opening whistle blew; you knew something was going to happen, just not when. The visiting team stormed out, assaulting the defense to score two early goals. With a look of determination My Hero stood, not that easily would he go in defeat, not today! The interaction intensified; the teams became chippy and coarse as My Hero’s team attempted to mount an offensive. The anticipation was growing; momentum was changing as My Hero began to assert his presence.

The ball was passed into the goal box through the opponents. This may be the moment, the crowd sat tall on the edges of their seats. My Hero knocked down the ball with his right foot, made a quick pivot with opponents draped on his hip. Foot on ball, a streak of light darted to the back of the net. Goal, goal, goal! The crowd thundered to echo the lightening of the ball strike, ovation. My Hero raised his hands in approval of his accomplishment, reversed direction to be greeted by approving teammates. The visitors lessen to a size that was less opposing; there was hope that My Hero had enough thunder to make this competition interesting.

As he jogged back to the center line, I got a glance and a smile. He knew that it was he I had come to see and he was glad that I had witnessed. From that moment until the end of the game My Hero was targeted; every opportunity to chip, trip, push and/or rub, they took it; they knew that victory could only be attained if they could contain the efforts of My Hero.

As the buzz in the crowd began to subside, the late crowd arrives. As they shuffled to get to their seats they asked, what did we miss? The answer, the MOMENT! Memorable moments have been missed or lessened, because it’s just not important enough. Not this moment, missed, I have it permanently etched then laser imprinted in the memory banks; I witnessed. Others may have missed it, but the moment was neither diminished nor his ability lessened; it was captured in words, pictures; confirmation of the years these movements were practiced, rehearsed, anticipated, culminated and evident.

The event was the 2/10/2009 game in the Florida High School State Soccer Championship Tournament – Regional Finals. Florida High (FSUS) was opposed by Pensacola Catholic High at Florida High in Tallahassee, Florida. Final Score: Florida High – 1; Pensacola Catholic – 5. This was the last game played by Senior – Eric Nottage.

My Hero lives in me. I plan many more front row seats for the Moments to come.

Why Barack Will Win

He is a Black man. And all black people should vote for him. Even if he does turn out to be a bad president, we will have broken a barrier. Have a kick in the door mentality during this up coming election. What have we not lived through? As Blacks, this will be our victory regardless.

I wonder if people are looking to Hilary Clinton as a political leader, savior, or a woman. I wonder the same for Obama. Are they seeing that he is Black first, male, or a political leader? I believe Hilary would be a great president. Without having to reference numbers and articles, I can say that the Bill Clinton years were some the best financially and economically for Blacks and Americans as a whole, adding this is strictly perception. I would almost assume that Hilary Clinton would exceed her husband in providing that same American image.

With Obama, it is clear that he still has a lot of proving to do on the political front. With only a few years in politics, and almost 4 in Washington, he will have to develop an image for himself first (which he is currently doing very well), then get approval from the American people, the world, and eventually the Universe if you believe. The eye on America is a disapproving one at the least, and to turn that around would take superb diplomacy. I believe in Barack. That he will be creative in changing the course of the nation. I believe he will withdraw troops from Iraq; what he does after that is an important question. One that will not be answered in this article.

However, regardless of Obama’s background, the fact that he is a Black male is enough for me to place my hopes for this next election in his confidence. For me and my peers, this will be a stepping stone for us to leap from. I have tried to look at this from a political spectrum, considering the future of our nation and its’ residences. I have also come to the conclusion that our country is in dire need of strong and methodical leadership. No matter the outcome of this next presidential election, the nation will be defined and the world changed upon inauguration. If a woman becomes president. I’ll leave it at that, though I know it would be a great thing for our nation. If a Black man becomes president, the true motives of the White Americans who have held power for so long will be revealed. If a Republican becomes president, people will realized the true procedures of politics and no one will trust the government again. When the losers are announced, voters will see were other Americans stand.

If Obama does not win the Democratic nomination, he will be recognized as one of America’s fastest growing millionaires, a political power player as a few Kennedy’s have become, and an unbeatable candidate for the 2012 and/or 2016 elections. Blacks will also recognize their strength and influence on America, and step up to change the cycle that has kept up oppressed for so long. Barack Obama will win regardless.

Fade – Soul Plantation, Colorado

NottHead thoughts:

Every person is entitled to their opinion, I am glad that Fade took the opportunity to share his thoughts through the “Writings On The Wall” blog. The African American (Black) community makes up about 15% of the US population. The Democratic Party has always presumed that in the Presidential Election, Blacks would vote in mass for their candidate. The Black 15% won’t get Barack the nomination, but it is evident from the campaign contributions, that Barack Obama’s popularity extends far beyond a single racial preference profile. The race for the White House in 2008 will be remember as earth shattering and ground breaking because in all likelihood either a Black man or a White woman will be the front runner for the office. Either situation is new in American politics. I encourage all adults of voting age to find a way to enter the dialogue. Change starts first between the ears; the 2008 Elections will bring about changes that affect the world. Revolution and Renaissance for the masses.

NottHead

Other related articles:

• What’s my name – Barack Hussein Obama
• Hillary – Best Chance for Woman President
• 50 Years of Sameness – Shame On Us (Baby Doll Test)
• Neutered by Censorship

Scooter – Dry Snitch, Ain’t that a Bi…

Scotter Libby

Dry Snitch, the urban lingo for “indirectly telling on someone” – Standing within earshot of someone, saying loudly what you want that person to overhear, and then letting that person run and spread the information.   

The Democrat party is rejoicing at the news about Scooter Libby.  No, not that he was convicted on 4 of the 5 counts, but the news that he plans to appeal.  “Has Christmas come early, did I forget about some Hallmark calendar day, is this a holiday in some other country”, the Democrats are thinking to themselves, but I feel happy!

 

Libby’s defense team had guided the courts to believe that they would prove that their client was a scapegoat for the Bush Administration, Carl Rove and faulty memory on the parts of other witnesses.  None of that was proven; neither Vice President Cheney nor Libby took the stand in his defense.  Was it that Scooter was told that he would have to take this one for the team, “you know what happens to people we don’t like…..”

The longer Libby provides the American public access to how the Bush Administration works, the more likely Hillary or Barack will be the next President.

 

Other related articles:

• Choose Your Words Carefully – Scooter
• What’s My Name – Barack Hussein Obama
• Hillary – Best Chance for Woman President

MSNBC Reported (WASHINGTON) – Vice President Dick Cheney’s former chief of staff, I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, was convicted Tuesday of lying and obstructing an investigation into the leak of a CIA operative’s identity. Libby is the highest-ranking White House official to be convicted of a felony since the Iran-Contra scandal of the mid-1980s. The conviction focused renewed attention on the Bush administration’s much-criticized handling of weapons of mass destruction intelligence in the run-up to the Iraq war. 

The verdict culminated an almost four-year investigation into how CIA operative Valerie Plame’s name was leaked to reporters in 2003. The trial revealed how top members of the Bush administration were eager to discredit Plame’s husband, former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, who accused the administration of doctoring prewar intelligence on Iraq. Libby faces up to 30 years in prison when he is sentenced June 5 but under federal sentencing guidelines is likely to be sentenced to far less. Defense attorneys immediately promised to request a new trial or appeal the conviction. 

***********

An example of how a Dry Snitch happens in the hood is expressed in these lyric by Head Arabic…

Head Arabic –
Dry Snitch

So son what’s the deal? He ain’t takin his route
He rather stay home like a bitch, and have a allaby
What his cut look like, he think he takin half
While we do all the dirt, he sit home on his ass
I got a funny feeling son, somethin just ain’t right
Kinda glad I didn’t go wit Rum and them that night
And sure enough nigga, you best to believe
Duke snitched under the hot light, like steady people
Wit a vote than a Clinton, Rum and me
Him in cell 2, and me in cell 3

[Chorus: Steele]
Now some of these niggas are bitches too
And some of these niggas look just like you
So if you ever been bit by a snake
Take a minute to think if you can truly trust the click you click wit. 

Worm In The iTune Apple

Bad idea, bad timing, what really is behind the prompting of Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs letter to the Record Industry.  In February, Steve Jobs posted an open letter to the Recording Industry against the continued used of DRM (Digital Rights Management) software for online music downloads.  What will be the ripple affect of the Jobs comments, or is this just the worm in the apple? 

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, wrote an open letter to the music industry right after the Grammy’s asking for open DMR (Digital Management Rights), the software in iTunes and on iPods that limits your ability to transfer music between devices.  iTune accounts for 80% of all online music sales. Jobs’ proposal requested Music label companies to let users download tracks without digital rights management (DRM) antipiracy protection.  Jobs criticized the labels — Warner, EMI, Sony and Universal — for demanding DRM on music sold online at the same time that they sell billions of CDs containing unprotected tracks. if the music companies are selling over 90% of their music DRM-free, what benefits do they get from selling the remaining small percentage of their music encumbered with a DRM system. Warner Music CEO Edgar Bronfman rejected Steve Jobs’ suggestion earlier this week that the major music label companies should abandon digital tunes copy protection.

Reasons for Jobs comments:

1. No DRM means no lawsuits
2. If DRM remains Apple owns the standard
3. Apple’s critical mass makes the anti-DRM argument low risk
4. The music industry is ready to go without DRM
5. The Record Industry is already formatting and distributing music in mp3 formats
6. The Record Industry is trying to do an end run around and out of the iTunes formatted contracts and Apple wants to make sure they are at the table as not to loose Internet download market supremacy

 Is it a matter of the Record Industry can’t keep up with the changing pace of technology?  In the early days of FM radio, the Record Industry complained about music being copied to reel-to-reel tape, people still bought albums.  With the advent of the cassette and 8 track recorders, the Record Industry complained and even got Congress to place a special tax on blank tapes, people still bought albums, and sales volumes hit new highs.  The same things happened with CDs’, DVDs’ and mp3 recorders, the Record Industry complained piracy and copyright infringement, special taxes were applied to blank recording media, but people still bought albums, and sales volumes hit new highs. Lessons Learned:

• The more people listen to music, the more music will be purchased
• Individuals will take advantage of technology to have their favorite music readily available, accessible and portable
• DMR may be the worm in the iTune – Apple, but Steve Jobs is preparing for the next harvest

NottHead

http://www.nottheads.com

The Sale of Crack Music Has Been Temporarily Canceled

The sale of “crack music” as Kayne would put it, has been temporarily postponed, but not canceled. The sale of mixtapes which use to be an underground thing, hit the clubs, then the flea markets, then the streets; has allowed DJs’ to become popular off of someone else’s creative property without having to pay taxes or royalties. This is the wake up call; wake up, crack music sells, but the BOSS MAN wants his cut. The Hook-Up for DJs’ and artists, an underground market for the streets, the mixtape format feeds a need for both the artist and the streets. Well the record business is hitting back.

The recent crack down on the mixtape market culminated with the arrest of DJ Drama and DJ Don Cannon in Atlanta on Racketeering charges. It was the Record Industry Association of America that initiated the raid with the assistance of the Feds. What’s going on in the Hip Hop industry? DJ Drama has a close association with TI, Lil Wayne and other heavy hitters, was about to release a new album. Is this just a publicity stunt or is there some deeper meaning to this entire fuss? On the real tip, what is really at play is that the record industry has realized that a tremendous amount of money is being transacted via the mixtape format and they want a cut! The artists that are from the streets got their first buzz in the industry through distributing music on the mixtape format. Those are not people screaming about the mixtape business. You are more likely to hear a Hip Hop artist complain about illegal downloads more so than a mixtape being sold. Most of the known and trying to be known artists all are familiar with the mixtape market and use it. If there is a demand for music, a market will be created, that’s the way it works with any product. So this arrest of a high profile individual will not stop the sale of mixtapes, it will just help to mutate the business to some other means of distribution. The DJ Drama arrest is just to put everybody else on notice. Once you get hooked on crack, there is no substitute; mixtapes available on the QT! What do you think??

Other Article Relating to Hip Hop:

• Record Label Deal – Are You Ready
• Freestyle Battle – Young Greedy vs Frost
• Hip Hop Economics – You Buyin

• Music Marketing

• Hood Rat Radio

• D2Nott – What I See

The New York Times – reported the following:

The police, working with the Recording Industry Association of America, raided his office, at 147 Walker Street in Atlanta. The association makes no distinction between counterfeit CDs and unlicensed compilations like those that DJ Drama is known for. So the police confiscated 81,000 discs, four vehicles, recording gear, and “other assets that are proceeds of a pattern of illegal activity,” said Chief Jeffrey C. Baker, from the Morrow, Ga., police department, which participated in the raid DJ Drama (whose real name is Tyree Simmons) and Mr. Cannon were each charged with a felony violation of Georgia’s Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization law (known as RICO) and held on $100,000 bond. …As mixtapes have grown more popular, they have also grown easier to purchase, despite that official-sounding declaration — “For Promotional Use Only” — printed on every one. Sites like mixunit.com specialize in selling them, and big record shops and online stores have followed suit. As of yesterday DJ Drama was sitting in jail, but dozens of his unlicensed compilations were still available at the iTunes shop. …It also seems clear that mixtapes can actually bolster an artist’s sales. The most recent Lil Wayne solo album, “Tha Carter II” (Cash Money/Universal), sold more than a million copies, though none of its singles climbed any higher than No. 32 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. That’s an impressive feat, and it’s hard to imagine how he would have done it without help from a friendly pirate.

NottHeads