IN STORES MAY 24TH
TRACKLISTING:

1. Selfmade – Wale, Meek Mill, Pill, Rick Ross, & Teedra Moses
2. Tupac Back – Meek Mill feat. Rick Ross
3. 600 Benz – Wale feat. Rick Ross & Jadakiss
4. Pacman – Pill feat. Rick Ross
5. By Any Means – Wale, Meek Mill, Pill, & Rick Ross
6. Fitted Cap – Wale, Meek Mill, & Rick Ross feat. J. Cole
7. Rise – Pill, Wale, & Teedra Moses feat. CyHi the Prynce & Curren$y
8. That Way – Wale feat. Jeremih & Rick Ross
9. Ima Boss – Meek Mill feat. Rick Ross
10. Don’t Let Me Go – Pill feat. Gunplay
11. Pandemonium – Meek Mill feat. Wale & Rick Ross
12. Play Your Part – Wale feat. Meek Mill & Rick Ross
13. Ridin’ On Dat Pole – Pill
14. Big Bank – Pill, Meek Mill, Torch, & Rick Ross feat. French Montana
15. Running Rebels – Wale feat. Meek Mill & Teedra Moses

The "LOVE LETTER" TOUR

To support his certified gold "Love Letter" album R Kelly is touring this summer with Keyshia Cole and Marsha Ambrosius. Check the dates near you

“Love Letter” Tour Dates

June 2 – Southaven, MS – DeSoto Civic Center
June 3 – New Orleans, LA – UNO Lakefront Arena
June 4 – Mobile, AL – Civic Center
June 5 – Houston, TX – Toyota Centre
June 10 – Oakland, CA – Coliseum
June 11 – Los Angeles, CA – Nokia Theater L.A. Live
June 16 – Chicago, IL – Allstate Arena
June 17 – St. Louis, MO – Chaifetz Arena
June 18 – Kansas City, MO – Sprint Center
June 19 – Dallas, TX – Verizon Theater
June 24 – Raleigh, NC – RBC Center
June 25 – Atlanta, GA – Philips Arena
June 26 – Birmingham, AL – BJCC
June 29 – Cleveland, OH – CSU Wolstein Center
June 30 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
July 1 – Baltimore, MD – 1st Mariner Arena
July 2 – Washington, DC – Verizon Center
July 3 – Philadelphia, PA – Mann Music Center

MY GOD

ROLE REVERSAL by Zakiya

It seems that nowadays the traditional roles between men and women have done a complete 360 degree turnaround. Since when has men become so much more sensitive than the women, and women become so less connected with their ability to nurture that. In so many instances, women have turned callous. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying this with degradation to women. Bare in mind, I am one. I’m merely noting that the society we live in has lost something; That something being sophistication of concrete relationships.

I would like to thank all the many female revolutionaries. Today’s woman has a sense of pride and independence that is fun, sexy, and free. Why shouldn’t we love our freedom, embrace our beauty, and rejoice telling the world we live in just how fierce we are? Why should we feel tied down to anything or anyone except ourselves?
Unfortunately the byproduct of this has been cynical, sensitive men. Now I’m not talking about a “crybaby,” unfortunately I’m speaking of guys that have become so out of touch with women that they don’t really know how to communicate effectively with them. There is a huge gap between men and women when it comes to voicing the needs of one another. Sex is the common ground in my most humble opinion of course.

Sex is no longer a taboo topic. Its leisure, casual, and comes with absolutely no strings attached nowadays. A woman’s decency can be taken for the exchange of mental satisfaction. What I mean by that is the majority of men no longer have to do any footwork to bed a woman. As seen on reality in so many cases, one being "Jersey Shore", one my favorites I might add (trying not to be hypocritical). Mike” The Situation” Sorrantino as well as the others, can call a woman over at anytime of the night for sex. What’s worse is she like so many other women risk their decency for the satisfying thought that She pleased him (nationally might I remind you) and hoped he’ll call her back for another “good time.” It’s crazy!!!

NEW Killer Mike feat Jeezy

TIPS FOR LIVING:

METRONY, yes that Metro NY; the free paper distributed every morning by the train station. If thus far you have been avoiding it, let me give you reason to indulge. Metro can be very helpful in a variety of ways especially in Quality of Life areas.
Want some tips on how to make the most out of a job fair, check this out:


http://www.metro.us/newyork/life/article/831918--making-the-most-of-a-career-fair

WARNING: EDUCATED BLACK WOMAN

Women & Wordplay


"I am the Baddest Bitch." Females between the ages of four to eighty- four can be heard boasting this in every neighborhood, in every city, in every state. This phenomenon has spread like poison ivy and appears just as crude. Thanks to artists like; Lil' Kim, Trina and Nicki Minaj this statement has become even more glorified. We are in an era where women are not only happy but willing and competing to be the top female dog. In 1993, one could hear Queen Latifah's UNITY lyrics blasting from cars, houses and any nearby speaker. The first verse started "Instinct leads me to another flow/ Everytime I hear a brother call a girl a bitch or a ho/ Trying to make a sister feel low/ You know all of that gots to go..." Based on Latifah's lyrics, to call one a Bitch, why those were fighting words. To be called a Bitch was a slap in the face. Most importantly, to call one a Bitch would get you a slap in the face. What a difference a decade makes fore, those days seem to be over.

Throughout history, women have always fought for their right to be treated equally to men. Until 1920, with the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, women could not vote in the United States of America! Black women suffrage activists such as; Ella Baker, Septima Clark, Rosa Parks,Fannie Lou Hamer and countless others have paved the way for the modern day woman. Women no longer have jobs and play roles that are strictly related to domesticated duties. Women are getting higher educations, fighting for countries, and managing Fortune 500 companies. To be Black and a woman has always been a challenging role in the United States. It is a constant battle to prove that you can get the job done just as right if not better than your male counterpart.

Similar to the way Blacks use the word "Nigger", women now embrace the term "Bitch" as a term of empowerment, endearment and authority.Many women have taken the term and used a positive spin on it. They feel proud to be called a bitch because that means they are being aggressive and getting the job done. This may be a direct correlation to why Black Women are often referenced as angry. This may also have to do with the exploitation of black women and the disrespect and disregard with the black woman's body.


Another serious consequence, is young girls can be heard referring to themselves as a Bitch and claiming it like a badge of honor. Do we want our daughters and nieces to feel equal to a female dog? Do we want them to believe that to be a Bitch is a great thing? Do we want to project this image on the leaders of tomorrow? Words and verbage are extremely powerful. The way one views the world, more importantly oneself, determines how the world and society will respond to them.

We should be enlightening these beautiful queens. Informing them that they have control of their thoughts and thier actions. They should know that it is not what they are called but what they respond to. They should know their history and know who they really are. It is the responsiblity of each individual to teach others not just by words but by actions. Black women come from a lineage of queens, mathematicians and scientists. It is by choice not chance that determines one's destiny. Instead of boasting about being a female dog women should glorify exactly what they are beautiful strong women.

How profound, poetic and powerful if instead of claiming to be the "Baddest Bitch" Women chanted "We birthed men. We birthed leaders. We birthed a nation. We are not Bitches, we are Strong Black Women."


Regards,
Shari B