Sunday, July 16, 2006

Can ya' dig?

So...

If you've been watching the so called, "Lost Episodes" of Dave Chappelle, you might be having that same response on recent Sunday nights. There must be a reason Dave felt that these were not supposed to make the cut. Granted there are insights and some poignant sketches, don't we at times feel a track by Tupac, Biggie or Luther wasn't supposed to drop? Like if it's not being personally introduced by that person it's not the real product? Just because someone is gone doesn't mean it deserves to be circulated for the consumption of the public.

Sometimes we don't know when to say when and in this case we've gotten a little too drunk on our laughter and good times. The pressures to keep capital flowing, to provide those same impressions to advertisers who ponied up the funds when they were looking at Nielsen ratings is tough. Some how I don't think it's as tough as having to watch editing room floor clippings.

No matter what, those first two seasons are classics in comedy history; watching Comedy Central Execs handle the situation has been a classic too. Unfortunately we've been denied the privilege of seeing a sketch on that one.

*Applause*
Give it up for India.Arie, #1 Album in the country. Check that joint out if you've been sleeping...not her first project, but she keeps improving each and every time. Good to see more conscious artists getting their just due and accolades. Just a couple a years ago, the King website being hacked might have gotten more press than Ms. Arie, hopefully we continue to support our beautiful and talented people.

This years BET Award's garnered he historic honor of being the largest cable telecast ever viewed by Black households, I mean they even got me to tune in for the second viewing after word of mouth pulled me in. While I have not agreed with a great deal with the programming and genderfication of our Black women in recent years, I must say the balance of old and new, grace with innovation was a pleasant mirror of the African-American contributions in entertainment.

My dream is that the channel continues in ascension into unparalleled dominance, I believe it can happen. One recent step in that direction was the unfortunate death of the late night classic, "Uncut". If we can replace that with some dynamic news programming, we might have a hit.

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Smile ;)

It was reported this week Vibe Magazine (www.vibe.com) was sold to Keith Glen Media, the company behind Black Book. Vibe burst onto the Hip-hop and fashion seen in the early 90's is a literary icon for many of Urban professionals under 35. The media jacket features the news stand publication, a website and launched a weekly television program on cable networks. Len Burnett, vice president and group publishe will remain at his current position.

Vibe will now most likely look to transition to centralize itself within other media avenues as advertising dollars have begun
to shift in recent years. As young, urbanites look to grow in their personal and professional lives, look to Vibe to be on the
cutting edge for ways to remain relevant and grow its brand.

In other business, House of Blues will be acquired by Live Nation, which is owned by Clear Channel (suprise, suprise).
This move is great for Clear Channel, who for the past three years has seen some of its attendance slip sharply and
recieve negative press and criticism from concert goers over the companies efforts to monopolize the radio and concert industry.
House of Blues has been struggling after it botched IPO proceedings and had rejected an offer from Live last year, however, unable to dig out of the hole, a deal has been reached.

The Dominican Republic, though I've never been, I have heard tales of it's beauty, grace and charm. So no doubt it's on my top 10 list of places to visit before I'm done living. Apparently, Rush Limbaugh had just crossed the DR off his list last month
when he was detained for having a bottle of Viagra not perscribed in his name. Limbaugh would reach a deal with the prosecutor after his psychiatrist admitted to having his name on the bottle to conceal Limbaugh's identity. Limbaugh having previously admitted his addiction to pain killers, apparently needed to blow off steam and something else down there in the DR. As I said, top 10 spot.

You have to wonder if those hot concerts that HOB has come to be known by will continue, or will Live Nation look to flip it like a cheap piece of property and start the production of cookie cutter promotions it has been accused of in the past. Either way, results will be key or Clear Channel will not hesitate to re-organize Live Nation and HOB.

Ben Wallace handled his business Tuesday and committed to the Chicago Bulls in principle, though he's not allowed to sign a contract until July 12. The Fro'd one who became a fan favorite during the Detroit Pistons run and epitomized the blue-collar work ethic of the fans will now bring his game and phatter pockets to the windy city.

The Bulls offered Big Ben nearly $12 Million more and got there man; I have to wonder what Joe Dumars knows that John Paxson doesn't, I guess we'll see this season and the next three. Meanwhile, the Pistons should be looking for Darko's phone number right about now.

Make sure go pack an extra pick Ben...Chi town wind is no joke and that Fro is going to need to keep that loot warm.

Peace ya'll