James Brown - Sunny

I would like to share this with the folks. This is a small piece of James Brown live in Paris-1971. The original song "Sunny" (by Bobby Hebb) is a classic in its own right. But, I have to say that Mr. Brown adds his funk to this song and totally takes it to another level. This is a great example of the pre-hip-hop remix. Long before Puffy and T. Pain or R. Kelly there was James Brown.

A Good Day to be Black & Sexy...

Written and Directed by Dennis Dortch. This movie take a realistic look at black love and sexuality and realtionships. I am glad to see this type of film and wish there would be more films like this one. It's a shame that this movie was not shown on a national scale, but I was able to catch it at film festival here in NYC earlier this week. What impressed me about this film is that I have been in or have close friends that have been in the situations in this film. So for me I got it and loved it. Click the link and join the mailing list. If this film come to your town, be sure to take a few friends with you and spread the word to this film can be shown in more venues.

This Nigga Never Learns....

So...Your boy O.J. has finally got what he asked for. They gave dude 15yrs with no opportunity for parole for five years. I'm gonna bet he does the full 15yrs.

My questions is if you already for off for a DOUBLE MURDER why in the fuck would you do any more crime? I mean really? I wouldn't even want to get a parking ticket. I'd leave the country and never come back. I guess some dudes never learn.

Bougie...

Just in case you forgot...

Just in case you forgot who I am and what is really going on right now. I'm posting this friendly reminder to all my friends and especially for the fans. I do this for the fans, they need me and I love me and I love them back.

Ok, you may now talk amongst yourselves.

The Bougie One.

It's complicated...

Apparently "It's complicated" has become such a popular saying in recent days. I've heard that phrase alot the past week and noticed how inadquate that phrase is as when used to answer or respond a question.

"It's complicated" is small, simple phrase but it's probably the strongest thing I can say to describe my life right now. Like its so hard to explain that so someone without giving too much information yet satisfying their understanding of what you actually wished you could say. All the while expressing your sincere desire to give more of yourself but secretly masking the fact that you have not built the trust in them you need to give away that part of yourself again.

"It's complicated." What I found interesting this week is that "It's complicated" is not a good enough excuse any more. As I prepare to move to DC I start to wonder what I will say to my son when he questions, "why he only sees daddy sometimes now?" I wonder will "It's complicated" be a good enough answer for him? (I doubt it.) I wonder how I will find the nerve to respond "It's complicated." When the real asnwer is "Mommy and Daddy still love you and your sister very much. But, we didn't do what we needed to do to love each other. Instead we just did what was easy to do." (That's the real answer but in reality what ever answer I give to him will not be good enough to make up for the times I haven't been there becuase "It's complicated" got in the way.)

I wonder how many times I'm going to let "It's complicated" get in the way of what I know I should be doing, yet never seem to actually try to do until my back is against the wall. I really wonder. If I don't make the right moves and quit fuckin' around, "It's complicated" is going to get me killed.

Real talk.

That Bougie One.

Poor Poor Negros: A comment on ghetto-ism

So I wasn't going to write this particular blog-post, but I have to kill an hour of time at work until I start my next project. So if this sounds like I'm ranting or pissed off at ghetto-ass-shit then assume that is what I'm doing.

The setup:
So I'm at my favorite wine bar last week in Harlem enjoying my time as I usually do there, when an old friend (or should I say "Bar-friend") walks in and sits down with his crew of folks. After a few minutes I walk over and give the brotha some dap and sit down and chit-chat with him for a while.

The Let down:
So we chit-chat for a few and catch up on the summer happenings. We talk about the fun and not so fun times blah blah blah. So then the brotha pulls me aside and says:

Brotha at the Wine Bar: Dude, you know that Mintons has closed down right?

The Bougie Negro: Man, you gotta be lying It's historic. That's like a Harlem Landmark.

Brotha at the Wine Bar: No dude, I'm not joking. What happen is they lost their liquor license.

The Bougie Negro: Wait, how does BAR lose it's LIQUOR LICENSE? So what is it now just a big room that has landmark status on the national registry of land marks?

Brotha at the Wine Bar: Yeah. Basically.

The Bougie Negro: Dude, we spent at least 2 to 3 nights a week in there chilling with the jazz folks. Their only responsibility at BAR is the maintain a LIQUOR LICENSE. The reason the call it a BAR is because of the LIQUOR.

Brothat at the Wine Bar: I know man. Ain't that some shit?

The Bougie Negro: That some ghetto shit to be honest with you. I mean don't they have lawyers who do this as their full time job? Ain't that what your attorney is for?

So that was the main part of the conversation, well that's the part that pissed me off. I'm tired of some half-ass-ghetto-shit all the time. This is one of the true remaining Jazz spots in Harlem that actually has REAL JAZZ. Not that watered down smooth jazz that is easy to listen to by people who don't know Jazz. They were playing some real stuff and had real people playing it. The spot is still open, but now they have a COVER CHARGE and the have an uncorking and wine glass fee if you deciced to go there and BYOB.

If I had the cash I'd buy that place in a minute. It's a real piece of Harlem. I got the oook up about the spot from Grandma she used to go there when Harlem was ev-vouge. How much more authenctic can you get?

The Good News:
The night wasn't a total loss. I found out that SEVENTEEN-BELOW (new Club./Lounge Frederick Douglass BLVD & 116th Street) was having a soft-opening, so I snuck in there for a few minutes. It looks like its going to be a cool spot. (Think APT, Bungalo 8 & MARQUEE meets Harlem Ghetto Fabulous) I'm going to suggest you bring your BLACK-AMEX-CARD or get really friendly with the Bartenders cause they are gonna hit you in the pokect like a mutha fucka when come times to get your drink on, same as they do at the exclusive downtown spots. I did meet the owners and they both seem to be 100% focused on making the club a success. The club is definetly upscale, so you can say they thought about it before they started working on the spot. It will be two floors, and i'm told they will be getting A-list entertainers to feature on the live stage planned for the basement lounge. (They did mention ONE particular musician they have scheduled...I won't give his name, but he likes to wear purple and high heels...nuff said).

PS...I hope this lounge is a success so someone can finally put MOCA out of Business. Yeah I said it!!!

Peace

The Bougie Negro

Eight years later...You Haven't Done Nothin.

As we approach election day, I think my main-man Stevie sums up the last 8 years under George Bush Wonderfully. This is live footage from the 1975 Grammys. And a little side note for those of you who don't know your soul music, The Jackson 5 sang back up on the studio version of this joint.

Saks Fifth Avenue is on Crack

So I'm at my local neighborhood laundry waiting for the wash cycle to finish so I can place my clothes in the dry....(Yes its hard to believe but even The Bougie Negro sometimes has to do his own laundry)....but anyway. I'm flipping through stack of random magazines they put out to keep you from being bored and I notice the Saks 5th Avenue Christmas gift magazine. Now, I'm no fool. I know that Saks is a high end store and I sometimes can afford to buy socks or boxers there when the are on sale. So I'm not surprised by the outrageous prices that accompany the items in the magazine. But this year a few of the item stood out to me and caused me to wonder if these fools are really smoking crack while they put the catalog together.

Some items of special note are:
The "EGO LIFESTYLE" Brown Crocodile-embossed handcrafted leather laptop with integrated handle. Noted as featuring Piano lacquer finished interior and titanium and chrome accents throughout. Asking a small change price of only $10,900.

Now, I have worked in computers for most of my professional life and I've seen and built and fixed thousands of PC/Macs etc. And never have I see any computer worth more that like three grand. Period. All computers break. That why they make them so you can go by another when it breaks. So I'm supposed to go buy another $10K laptop when this one breaks? Or leave this over night with the tech guys at the Apple store? I think not.

There were some sensible gifts like the $795 Hugo Boss tuxedo. Which I'm sure I'd look great in at the Barack Obama Inaugural Ball. (And yes I will be at the inaugural ball in January--don't hate the playa. Hate the game.)

Or even the 18K white gold/silver look "Infinity Chain" bracelet was nice. Asking only $1150. Which is a little high, but I could see someone buying her husband or fiance this as a gift.

But I draw the line at the $800 cuff links or the $31K black titanium watch with no diamonds or nothing just a black and red watch.

We already know Cartier is on crack so I'm not even going to mention the $50K watch. Which did look good, but can't justify $50K watch in this economy. And I won't mention the $49K MontBlanc watch. Montblanc?? Don't they make pens? Who said you can make watches? I think its the crack talking to them.

And speaking of crack. Why have I literally been offered to smoke crack more than a few times at random parties I've been to? I know folks are claiming to be going retro and bringing back the '80s but seriously folks. Crack? Really? And the funny thing its not Black folks who are offering me crack. Its white folks. They must have been sleeping during the '80s.

Anyway yall I'm gonna end this post and hope that all yall get out and vote. Cause another 4yrs of BitchAssNess I don't think I could stand.

Peace.

The Bougie Negro.

It's the return of the....

Ok. So I'm back. The summer was extremely exciting in more ways than a few. This year is almost over and we have plenty worry about and also plenty to be thankful for. But we also still have plenty of time to party. And boy oh boy oh boy have I been partying. I'm going to be posting some new info on what been happening and what I've been doing. I'll also be posting what is coming up before years end. Oh yeah and you must stay tuned to my continuing quest to find the perfect Mojito. I have found a few strong contenders, but Calle Ocho is still on top of the list with their Sparkling Mojito.

Also, I met a lot of new artists this summer that I will be spotlighting in the weeks to come so stay tuned for that.

Peace.

The Bougie Negro.

Pulp Fiction in Typography

Happy Monday. I love this!

There's A Market For Niggas

It was one of those days for me today, but I'm gonna stay focused.

I just realized I don't have a suit...

So I have a board interview for a co-op that I plan to rent in Harlem. And although it seems rather formal for a Harlem rental I just realized that I don't have a suit. I think I just lost some cool points by not having one. What if I have to interview? Or go to an important meeting. Thing have become so casual now days. I think it would be good to go back to the more dressy days of my youth.... Stay tuned...

The Bougie Negro.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Barack Obama's Speech on Father's Day

I was going to post a music video about Barack Obama that seems to be spreading like wild fire, but I think this is speech is more important than a music video. I think it’s cool that a lot of the Hollywood elites are starting to back B. Obama, but since Father’s day just passed I feel this is more appropriate that a music video.

After you watch the speech and you still want to see the music video here is the link.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ghSJsEVf0pU

Teddy Pendergrass--Only You (Live in 1979)

This is grown folk music. If you don't understand what's going on here, then you need to step off and check yourself.

--The Bougie Negro

Secret Crush...

I have a secret crush on the girls from American Apparel.
That's all I wanted to say.

Step Up Your Pants Game...

For the guy that wants to stand out but not make a scene you may want to try a few pairs of pants from BONOBOS.COM. BONOBOS does not have a phyiscal store, but they have a robust return ploicy if you happend to mis-measure when you send in your measurements. Summer is here and it will be hard to stand out if you continue to shop at the same ole place that every other guy is shopping. With pant styles named ORANGE CRUSH, BROTHERS GRIM, TURQS or PINK PANTHERS, i'd say they are worth a shot. Prices range from about $110 for the summer styles to $300+ for wool cashmere winter selctions.

...oh i'm not really familiar with The Roots...

This is from another blog I have, but I want you all to see the type of people I have been meeting lately. This is 100% true nothing has been embellished...

So i went to opening night of the National Black Fine Art Show last night and had a great time. talked to a few gallery owners, met some folks, even saw a few friends i hadn't seen in a while. then as the show was coming to a close i meet this cute black chic. we chat a while. nothing major just regular 'who are you, and what do you do' kinda talk.

the night is young, and i'm not really ready to go home yet, so i ask her to join me for a drink at this bar across the street from the art show.

long story short...we chat..have a drink and decide to share a cab home (she lives in harlem too)

anyway...here is part of our conversation.


ME: blah blah blah...what music do you listen to?

black chic i just met: Oh, i have a wide array of music that i like. i like all kinds of music. i listen to everything. I really like The Eagles.

ME: yeah thats cool. me too. i can listen to just about anything. however, i'm not a fan ot top 40 radio.

black chic i just met: yeah, i agree, the radio is boring, nothing is really creative. i'm mostly an ipod type chic

ME: thats cool, i can dig it...by the way, The Roots are doing two shows at the Apollo next week...you trying to roll with me?

black chic i just met: oh i'm not really familir with The Roots.

ME: you do realize that this is the last time I'll probably ever speak to you.

High End Vintage...

I know alot of people cringe and the thought of second hand shopping. They think you have to be poor or destitute to enter a second hand store, but I beg to differ. NYC has alot of "HIGH END RESALE" stores (actually second hand stores, but they are so high end that they have made up a new name for it) Some stores only take-in designe name brands like Gucci, Versace, Christian Dior, etc. There is a short article in NY TIMES today that list for shops around the country that cater to the high-end-resale crowd.

HER: Part II

This piece I started a while ago, but wasn't able to find the right color or think of the right name for the piece, so it's been a while. I think I'm on the right track now and hopefully this will be done before too long.

And yes this piece is about someone that I know.

MUSIC BY: Dead Prez, "Mind Sex"

EXHALE:PART I

I started this piece a few days ago, but I wasn't happy with what I had so far. If you look close you can see 2 or 3 other sketches under the top sketch. This is slightly a new directions for me (more detailed) so we will see what the final out come will be. For the record, I was going to make this a happier piece than is it turning out to be. Sometimes you have to do what the canvas is telling you to do instead of what you are planning to do.

Harlem Vintage Adds Nectar Wine Bar

Someone has finally granted my wish! And they did a great job to boot. The lovely folks over at Harlem Vintage have turned-it-up-a-notch and have added NECTAR.

NECTAR, a wine bar, is a their latest venture. I have been there twice and both times I was completely impressed with their choice and knowledge of wine.

Beth, the head wine stewart is amazing and very knowledgable. Ask her any question about wine and she will know the answer.

I am so glad to see that someone finally got it right. I am looking forward to many interesting evenings with friends as we sit back, relax and enjoy Harlem's Newest Wine Bar. (Actually the ONLY wine bar in Harlem)

Congrats & Good Job! Harlem Vintage.

You're Looking At The Man

My cousin sent me this video today. Brings back so many memories. When we were growing up NWA wrestling was hot, far better than the wrestling on TV today. Rick Flair was one of the greats, like Hulk Hogan, Macho Man etc. This is classic.

So No More Ceviche?

Crave is closed?

I just heard from a GOOD friend of mine that the Ceviche Restaurant Crave is closed due to the "falling-crane-accident" that happend a few months back. I'm not sure if I'm going to take Crave off of my list of places I love. It was actually a good restaurant. And I had a great time eating there. Small intimate place, but great service and

It sucks...but I'm glad that I was able to eat there before the restaurant was hit by the crane.

So...peace out to Crave!!!
You guys did a great job.

Can You Say $5 Mojitos & Free Tapas

Yes my friends I kid you not. There is a place, in this beautiful city that we call home, that has the audacity to feature FIVE DOLLAR MOJITOS & FREE TAPAS every Monday night until closing. And on top of that they have the nerve to have some of the sexiest mamacitas you will ever see on the Upper West Side.

Yes my friends it is true. Come to Calle Ocho any Monday night and you will see yours truly knee deep in my favorite libation, The Sparkling Mojito. Now you might say, "Bougie Negro, What is a Sparking Mojito?" Well, I'm glad you asked. A Sparkling Mojito is a regular mojito that is topped off with a healthy touch of Vueve Clicquot champagne. The mixture may seem too much for the novice Mojito drinker, but I promise you my friends once you had the Sparkling Mojito you will never be the same again.

So next time you are looking for something to do on a Monday evening, feel free to join me and the sexy mamacitas of the UWS for a few Sparkling Mojitos and the tasty tapas at Calle Ocho.

TIM the bartender is the awesomest dude on earth.

CRAVE: Ceviche Bar

Global interprestaions of a traditionally Latin American cuisine come to life at Crave Cerviche Bar. Executive Chef Todd Mitgang and business partners, Brian Owens and Dino Andreakos, intoruce a vibrant playful menu based entirelt on ceviche to Manhattans's dining scene. Inspired by the exploratory and itimate ambiance of sashimi tapas and noodle bars, Crave promises diners a novel introduction to ceviche.

Crave's approachable wine list encompasses a 45 bottle selection that focuses on classic Spanish wines but gives guests the freedom to choose between everything from friendly Chardonnays to esoteric Hondarribi Zuris. Cerveza style beer offerings include Pacifico, Sol and Dos Equis Lager; when served Mordida style (with lime juice, salt and Tabasasco) they become the ultimate spicy companion to ceviche.

Deluxe

If you’re in the mood for a friendly neighborhood restaurant that draws a great crowd, check out Deluxe restaurant. Located in Morningside Heights, just steps from Columbia University, Deluxe features a diverse menu of hearty American fare. From delectable pastas to seasonally caught fish to innovative takes on traditional entrees, Deluxe offers cuisine to suit every taste.