Panama Jackson

7/19/21

Welcome to The Black Mainstream

A week of Black celebration dedicated to parts of our culture that are for us, by us and about us. In essence,…

7/7/21

I'm Happy That Nikole Hannah-Jones and Ta-Nehisi Coates Are Going to Howard. Now, Howard Folks Get to Be <i>More</i> Insufferable. Yay

I'm Happy That Nikole Hannah-Jones and Ta-Nehisi Coates Are Going to Howard. Now, Howard Folks Get to Be More Insufferable. Yay

From one 'elite' HBCU graduate to a legion of others up in Washington, DC...congratulations.

7/2/21

11 Thoughts, Prayers and Concerns About the Verzuz 'Battle' Between OG Bobby Brown and OG Keith Sweat

The two R&B legends went head-to-head and it was as entertaining as expected, often in unexpected ways.

6/28/21

'Wanna Battle You'll Be Baffled at the Stuff Stated': In Tribute to Gift of Gab, One of My Favorite Hip-Hop Lyricists Ever

Gift of Gab, the rapping half of West Coast hip-hop group Blackalicious, died on June 18 at the age of 50.

6/25/21

'I'm Still Spending Money from '88': 9 Thoughts About Jay-Z's <i>Reasonable Doubt</i>, One of the Best Albums of All Time on Its 25th Birthday

'I'm Still Spending Money from '88': 9 Thoughts About Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt, One of the Best Albums of All Time on Its 25th Birthday

On June 25, 1996, Jay-Z released his debut album Reasonable Doubt and launched a legendary hip-hop career.

6/18/21

Did You Realize That You Were a Champion In Our Eyes?

For the 'A Song For My Father' Father's Day Series, Panama shares about learning more of his father and his father's…

6/18/21

Watch: This Father's Day, Very Smart Brothas Is Giving Some Flowers to a Few of Our Favorite Unsung TV Dads!

Uncle Phil gets all of the flowers when it comes to favorite Black TV Dads, but this year we're going to share the…

6/11/21

Beyoncé's Internet Made Me Listen to Destiny's Child's 'Cater 2 U' for the First Time in Like 15 Years. I Have Thoughts

A song from 2004's 'Destiny Fulfilled' album has made a resurgence, and wow, is it worth talking about in 2021.

6/9/21

It's Feeling Like a Cool Dad Kind of Father's Day This Year: Very Smart Brothas Has You Covered With Gift Ideas

The days of monochromatic socks are over. If there must be socks, they will be fly!

6/8/21

A Cicada Got Into My House and Tried to Eat My Family

A cicada homie from the Brood X set invaded my home.

6/4/21

I'm Here for 'The Bando,' a Trap-Experience Restaurant in Atlanta Where You Can Get 'Crack Wings' (Along With Various Other Food Items, of Course)

This is not going to go the direction you think it might. I just want that to be clear upfront. If you’re looking…

5/28/21

Does Common Have the GOAT Hip-Hop <i>Career? </i>Making the Case

Does Common Have the GOAT Hip-Hop Career? Making the Case

A few months ago, I was a guest on a podcast that I really enjoy called the 80z Babies Podcast. The show—hosted by…

5/27/21

My Washer Broke and I've Had to Outsource My Favorite Chore—Washing Clothes. I've Learned a Few Things

Washing clothes is my favorite chore. I don’t know exactly when this started, but since I was younger, I’ve always…

5/27/21

Bad Poetry, Blogs, Open Mics and Nightclubs: A Story About My Writing Journey on <i>Pass The Peas</i> With Panama Jackson

Bad Poetry, Blogs, Open Mics and Nightclubs: A Story About My Writing Journey on Pass The Peas With Panama Jackson

You know, I think I’ve told the story of how Very Smart Brothas came to be a million times at this point. In fact,…

5/21/21

Dear Parents Who Struggle To Find Music to Listen to With Your Little Kids In The Car...Desmond Dennis <i>GOT</i> You

Dear Parents Who Struggle To Find Music to Listen to With Your Little Kids In The Car...Desmond Dennis GOT You

Aside from trying to raise good, respectful humans and ensuring that they don’t off themselves in one of a bazillion…

5/20/21

An Inter-Generational Convo about Hip-Hop and JCole on <i>Pass The Peas with Panama Jackson</i>

An Inter-Generational Convo about Hip-Hop and JCole on Pass The Peas with Panama Jackson

When J. Cole released his latest musical offering, The Off-Season, on May 14, 2021, I knew I wasn’t going to love…

5/19/21

Apparently Tobe Nwigwe's 'TRY JESUS' Also Doubles as <i>The Autobiography of Kwame Brown </i>(as Told to Tobe Nwigwe)

Apparently Tobe Nwigwe's 'TRY JESUS' Also Doubles as The Autobiography of Kwame Brown (as Told to Tobe Nwigwe)

When this week started, I didn’t expect for Kwame Brown to basically become my favorite person ever—a 7-foot…

5/13/21

An Ode to Vinia Mojica Because Today Is a Good Day for Flowers

You cannot be a fan of 90s era hip hop, especially of the Native Tongues variety without being familiar with the…

5/10/21

De La Soul's Classic Album <i>De La Soul Is Dead</i> Is Turning 30. It Was The First Album I Fell In Love With

De La Soul's Classic Album De La Soul Is Dead Is Turning 30. It Was The First Album I Fell In Love With

You never forget your first love.

5/5/21

9 Predictions and General Thoughts About J. Cole's Newly Announced Album, <i>The Off-Season</i>

9 Predictions and General Thoughts About J. Cole's Newly Announced Album, The Off-Season

On May 4, Jermaine Cole, aka Light-Skinned Jermaine and famously known as J. Cole, announced the May 14 release of…

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