Where in the world...

Yeah at long last, South Beach has been unleashed. As you know that S. Beach is one of my favorite spots. We went down there over Memorial Day, which is a great time for hip hop lovers to see thousands of people flocking to the area to experience the ambiance of the South's version of the city that never sleeps. It was an A-list crowd of musicians and athletes, great weather, and fun people. Check us out in a new slideshow of uneditted pics from Miami:

South Beach...unlocked

The Dynasty

Here is the part of the story. Changed you're mind, read the entire story.


When one label, company, or team rules over all the others we call it a dynasty. Well then what better way to describe the behemoth known as Microsoft. As a full disclaimer, I guess I should mention that I owe shares of Microsoft Corp. My interest in this tech giant began when they finally realized that holding over billions of dollars in cash was not in the best interest of their shareholders. At the time, the market was a little dicey and quality companies were hard to come by and Microsoft was just sitting on mounds of cash. Then they decided to flip the script. They offered a special $3 a share dividend for each share of stocked owned. And the nice thing about the stock market is they even tell you when the last date is that you can get into a stock to get a piece of the dividend. And to put this offer into perspective, most companies and even Microsoft’s normal dividend after their special offering is usually cents to the share (Microsoft is around .08c a share). And after doing a little research today they still have way more money that they know what to do with. Microsoft has increased at its fastest pace for the last three quarters and to keep the dough from piling up too high they are going to continue to take measure to give their shareholders a good return on their investment. Check out this recent article:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/240395_msftdividend13.html?source=rss

Now for even better news…the sleeping giant is moving. Many have argued that Microsoft is so large now and their technologies are so widely used they have little reason to innovate. However, in the great capitalist country called America there is no such thing as a day off.
In 2006, Microsoft plans to shake things up again with the launch of a brand new version of its operating system and it’s Windows Office platform. The operating system as most of you may know as Longhorn is now being called “Vista”. And the unveiling of the new Windows Office Suite will be called Windows Office 12. In an even shorter timeframe, Microsoft should see a bump in activity from the late 2005 release of its XBOX 360. A buzz on the streets has been created about the next generation console that will hit the streets being the unveiling of Sony’s Playstation 3 (slated to be sold in spring of ’06).

My recommendation is buy and hold Microsoft for the long haul. In this industry, cash is kind and they have plenty of it. If you’re looking for a little help on when to buy the company with the ticker MSFT. I would buy on any pullback in the stock, the high 25s and low 26 dollar range are adequate.
Ball ‘Til You Fall Rule #1: Show Me the Money…Companies that pay and increase their dividends over time are great investments and provide a steady stream of portfolio income.

Disclosure: I own shares in Microsoft Corp.

Are Diamonds Forever...

I give props to Kanye for introducing the masses to the casualties of what’s going on in Africa, especially Sierra Leone. After a great song like this one I really wonder if everyone got the right message from it or did they just take a piece of it. It touches the subject of conflict or “blood” diamonds. Sierra Leone is obviously a subject close to my heart because that is where my family is from. In my opinion, most individuals think as long as they verify that their diamond pieces have no “conflict” or no one died from them then everything is all good. Unfortunately because diamonds are forever and people across the world will pay serious dough for these items, no one touches on the even bigger problem of the companies and countries that continue to try to corner the natural resources of Africa…a country very rich in natural resources. What should be addressed is how do we get these African countries to not be manipulated by these foreign countries, who cause “conflict” by manipulating the people and the government into getting them diamonds at any cost. Which in turn causes the different groups within these tiny countries to continue to fight each other over power to be able to sit down at the table at the end of the day with these foreign countries and companies and negotiate how to make a quick buck by selling away our valuable natural resources at any cost…including human lives. Kayne did touch on the fact that many people have lost limbs, lives, and families members due to the many civil wars over power in these small countries. My question is when will we demand a fair and equitable process to take place when dealing with natural resources like diamonds. We often have taken great measures with the sweatshops around the world, why not the manipulative forces behind the diamond game.



Thanks for listening and here is a summary of the Kanye West "Late Registration" album that I feel is fairly accurate after listening to it over and over (courtesy of Amazon reviewer, Constant):

Kayne West returns with his second solo album "Late Registration" (2005). To say Kayne West has made an impact on the music and entertainment world is an understatement, simply read the latest copy of Time magazine and you will see what I mean. Kayne West's production skills are definitely on point as beats throughout this album are excellent. The albums single's "Gold Digger" feat. Jamie Foxx and "Diamonds From Sierra Leone" are both distinct tracks, I prefer the latter. My favorite collaboration on this album is the first track "Heard Em Say", Kayne West and Maroon 5's Adam Levine team up for a memorable cut. Some production help comes from Just Blaze who sampled Curtis Mayfield "Move On Up" for "Touch The Sky" an uplifting track, which has West and Lupe Fiasco shining. The next couple of tracks are good, though in all honesty I find myself listening to the beats/samples more the lyrics. The Hank Crawford sample used on "Drive Slow" reminds me of the one used on a track off 2Pac's All Eyes on Me. Kayne West helped Game out on "Dreams" so it makes sense that he return the favor on "Crack Music". Brandy laces "Bring Me Down" with some smooth vocals, while Kayne West talks about the haters. The remix of "Diamonds From Sierra Leone" feat. Jay-Z follows. Hov's former rival Nas drops in and provides some substance on "We Major". Kayne West praises and shows his love for his mom on the dedication "Hey Mama". Consquence and Cam'Ron hook up with Kayne for "Gone" another standout, which samples Otis Redding's "It's To Late". Production wise this album is impressive, West samples and innovates well. Lyrically I find Kayne West to be hit or miss, shining on some tracks while barely leaving an impression on others. That said he remains the same rapper, and I respect him for not trying to take on another persona as some do. I recommend picking up "Late Registration" its an album that vibes well, one which fans of many different musical genres will enjoy. he finally did.

I do disagree with the review slightly...my favorite collaboration is Gone with Cam'ron and Consequences.

Here is the ranking of tracks of this album:
1. Diamonds are from Sierra Leone including the (Remix) - Kanye's flow is finally on point and Jay Z rips the remix
2. Gold Digger - nuff said, he's educating folks, club jam, and females are out there telling on themselves...thanks Kanye
3. Crack Music - Hard beat, and he keeps it real about the hiphop game and the influence on America
4. Gone - features Cam'ron, a really nice infectious sample
5. Touch The Sky
Hey Mama - There is a tie b/c both of the are happy and uplifting tracks

Heard Em Say is just okay, but with Adam Levine he should get mad MTV airplay

Coming Soon...

Be on the lookout for my:
- Where are they now Post...for you favorite artist that left us in the cold
- A review of 2 video games that give you Poker/Gaming experience
- The inagural edition of mOprah - yep you got it right, the male version of the defender of men across the globe

Headphones is on fire...

Yeah the headphones, earplugs, and speakers are jamming with plenty of Summer Jams. Here is my current top five playlist in a few different genres and specialty categories. Please sound off about current songs that you are listening to that should be on my playlist. I have been creating personal mixtapes for a long time so you won't get one past me and I usually keep my ears to the streets for the latest tracks.

Check out my TOP 5 for these crazy categories:

Top 5 Club/Radio/iPod Jams (if you haven't heard these you might be called "oldschool" Tracks:
5. "Loose Control" - Missy Elliot
4. "Badd" - Ying Yang Twinz ft. Mike Jones
3. "Outta Control" (Remix) - 50 cent ft Mobb Deep
2. "Play" - David Banner
1. "GoldDigger" - Kanye West

Top 5 Energizer... Pop Artists that are hitting the charts with multiple hits or just songs "that keep going and going".
5. "Hollaback Girl"/"Cool" - Gwen Stefani
4. "Pon de Replay" - Rihanna
3. "Don't Lie", "Don't Phunk with My Heart", "My Humps" - The Black Eyed Peas
2. "Let Me Hold You"/"Like You" - Bow Wow
1. "We Belong Together"/"Shake It Off" - Mariah Carey

Top Song that keeps the "Ladies" Wishing it were true:
1. Don't Cha - The Pussycat Dolls ft. Busta Rhymes

Top Song that keeps the "Fellas" Wishing it were true:
1. Cater 2 U - Destiny's Child

Heatseekers...Songs Ready to Break out:
"Soul Survivors" - Young Jeezy
"Stay Fly" - 36 Mafia
"Girl Tonite" - Twista ft. Trey Songz
"Unbreakable" - Alicia Keyes
"Dear Summer" - Jay Z (on the Memphis Bleek 534 album)
"Presidential" - Youngbloodz
"Can't Satisfy Her" I Wayne
"I Think They Like Me" Remix - Dem Franchise Boyz
"Put You in The Game" - The Game