Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude

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Very Smart Brothas

The Empire Season Finale Was Fuckin' Fantastic

Much like the rest of America, last night I tuned into the season finale of Empire, the show that has been kickin’ ass and takin’ names since it debuted in January. It’s so popular now that local news shows were doing stories on Empire wach parties. That really happened. My guitar gently weeps for civilized…

By

Panama Jackson

Published

March 19, 2015
Very Smart Brothas

Eight Signs You're "Just Black" Even Though You Believe You're "New Black"

New Black fever has continued to spread. It started last year with Pharrell’s interview with Oprah where he spoke of a new Blackness that doesn’t transcend race and culture as much as it attempts to make it obsolete. Since then, several celebrities — including Raven Symone, Kanye West, and (most recently) Common — have spoken about how…

By

Damon Young

Published

March 18, 2015
Very Smart Brothas

Chance The Rapper Might Be The Pettiest Dude Of All Time.

Petty dudes have been having a field day lately. First, Big Sean dropped “IDFWU”, a nod to his now defunct relationship with Glee actress Naya Rivera, which at the time felt like the apex of pettiness in song form. It was almost an excercise in abject immaturity with its repeated musings of “I don’t give…

By

Panama Jackson

Published

March 17, 2015
Very Smart Brothas

Love & Hip Hop NY Ep. 513 Recap: "M-A-N-A-I-C"

So today I’m going to try something new. Since I’m always complaining that this show is trying my spirit, I’m going to evaluate episode moments via an arbitrary points system and see if we come out positive or negative.* Yandy sits with Melatonin to justify why she brought her fiancé’s employee down to her office…

By

Shamira Ibrahim

Published

March 17, 2015
Very Smart Brothas

10 Thoughts On Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly

Like the seemingly millions of folks who were waiting to see what Kendrick would bring to the table – and he essentially brought the whole table to the table – as soon I saw that the album was available I went straight to my computer to pay for the album and to upload it on…

By

Panama Jackson

Published

March 17, 2015
Very Smart Brothas

Cheekie Does SXSW: Part 1

South By Southwest has always been on my bucket list. And since you’re never too young to start checking things off of the bucket list — and since I’m a filmmaker myself and shit — I decided to go this year. One of my friends suggested that I write about my experience and Damon one-upped…

By

Tonja Renée Stidhum

Published

March 16, 2015
Very Smart Brothas

Jon Stewart's Take on the SAE Fraternity Chant Gone Viral Is Great.

The Daily ShowGet More: Daily Show Full Episodes,The Daily Show on Facebook,Daily Show Video Archive Don’t believe me just watch.

By

Panama Jackson

Published

March 12, 2015
Very Smart Brothas

Um…Shouldn't Power Get A Royalty Check From Empire Now Too?

The “Blurred Lines” verdict likely won’t signal the end of the music industry. Although I agree that it set a bad precedent, I doubt it’s going to lead to a world where the only music not in danger of facing a copyright suit is made in the shower. But, if we are going to go there —…

By

Damon Young

Published

March 12, 2015
Very Smart Brothas

On Karrueche, Mendeecees, and Name-Shaming

In just a few more weeks, I will have two children. Some weeks back, I threw the most clear vague hint to the ether that I may have another descendent on the way, and well, it’s true. I have gone forth and multiplied..again. This time, it’s a little boy. Clap for him. Lots of fun…

By

Panama Jackson

Published

March 11, 2015
Very Smart Brothas

Has Anyone Ever Gone From Sugar To Shit Quicker Than Robin Thicke?

Almost two years ago to the day (March 26th, 2013), “Blurred Lines” — the lead single from Robin Thicke’s new album (also called Blurred Lines) — was released. To call that song ubiquitous would be an understatement. Because ubiquitous is naturally hyperbolic. But “Blurred Lines” was literally everywhere. Barbershops, bank lobbies, Bar Mitzvahs. Shit, there was a…

By

Damon Young

Published

March 11, 2015