I live just outside of Chicago and am one of Common's biggest, however white, fans. That being said I have to ask about the new cover. Is hip-hop the "water" spewing from the "colored only" fountain, of which us whites should not drink? Or is it a simple reminder of how things used to be. What year is that picture from? The 50s or 60s? What year is it now? Okay, just checking. I have no problem with the pro-blackness Common has displayed in his lyrics in the past and have come to expect it in the future. I shouldn't, and don't see any fault in that. However, I draw the line when I see/hear anti-white propaganda. How or why would any hip-hop artist want to insult the demographic which keeps them in bizness anyway? That of course being young white males. I love people and I love Common, and I wonder if my $13 would be better spent elsewhere come March 28th. Common comes across as a religious and intelligent man and I would like to think he doesn't hate an entire race because of the past or because a small percentage of them might hate him for the wrong reasons. I've seen him in concert 3 times(once with The Roots) and he's talked about how it's good that hip-hop can bring so many different people together peacfully. Is that just BS or what? I hope I'm wrong about the cover and Mr. Lynn has another meaning behind the use of that picture. Also, is No I.D. producing any of the tracks on the new one? I sure hope so! Besides isn't Jay Dee partially responsible for the mostly bland music on ATCQ's last 2 LPs? Bottom line, one has to wonder if Common really did lose his sense?...<BR>People, please reply. Maybe even Mr. Lynn himself could drop me an encouraging note. Thank you.

shall you criticize the roots for the covers of TFA which were all old photographs?<P>colored only <P>white only<P>same water<P>like water<P>different fountains<P>chocolate and vanilla<BR>black and white<P>like water, for chocolate.<P>--me--<P>"is that your final answer?" -- regis philbin<P><a href="http://bsuvc.bsu.edu/~wejohnson" target="_blank">http://bsuvc.bsu.edu/~wejohnson<;/a>/<BR><a href="http://www.thejawn.com" target="_blank">http://www.thejawn.com<;/a>

--me--
www.djbrainchild.com
www.gordongartrellradio.com
www.twitter.com/djbrainchild

Couldn't have put it better Mr. Brain...if you actually boycot a masterpiece like this is gonna be, I really pity you jimbo...because you're going to be missing something great over taking a cover incorrectly...that's great...that actually is one of the best ad campaigns I've seen in a while...besides backstreet boys Millenium comercials (joke)...Seeing that cover only makes me want that CD even more...66 days (yeah, i got a countdown going)...luckily I got D to hold me over these next 2 months...straight brilliance on this one Com...peace<P><BR>"Webster's don't know jack" me<BR>"CARROTS" me<BR>"The system is screwed" me

that's a really interesting thought, and i don't think the reaction you got is really fair. i mean, its possible that common could mean this, but still, like they said, it would be silly to boycott a sure-fire classic. and anyways, i'm sure you're practically one of like 8 people who thought about the title that much, so if you don't say anything, maybe no one will realze the little diss and then it would be pointless. and that's if it IS a subtle diss in the 1st place.

as i is who is who i is in my position and history with the group, i've tried to refrain from becoming involved with some of the more petty spats that occur in the posts... bu i done bout had enough... kick me off of okayplayer remove all my photos from my section... i'll burn all ten years of negatives, remove my photos from every single album and single ever, shave my dreads and change my name just so i can say this to you jimbo-<P>you are a fucking idiot...<P>i feel much better... post away in anger with your juvenile asinine self... please... your absolute lack of integrity, common sense, and ability to recognise the taste of your own goddamn foot in your mouth has finally realeased any restraints that have been put on my mouth and mind since 1980 (your birth year?) when ronald reagen was elected and white people regained the right to decide when where and what black people can do with their minds bodies and souls...<P>please understand that because you are so interested in the ives of young black men and by extension black people you can suddenly dictate how we feel, what we remember and how we interpret it in our current lives...<P>i personally exorcise you... <P>i hope you and every other person who agrees with you boycotts the album... and if you do buy it may some raiders of the lost ark type shit burn a massive C in the palm of your hand...<P>respectfully yours,<P>a black man who was not put here for your viewing/listening pleasure...<P>Mpozi Mshale Tolbert

and um, jimbo,in case you missed where hip hop started, it was in the urban ghettos of NY, the main supprot for hip hop since it's inception has been and always will be, the black/hispanic youth, and although the "white" kids it has attracted has brought it commercial fame, it does not, nor will it ever need your demographic to survive, as long as there is a story to tell hip hop will survive, as long as black youth know our history in this country, it will survive, as long as "white" people feel everything should be tailored to thier taste and liking hip hop, and more importantly BLACK music (yeah i said it so what!), will survive as a slap in the face to that idea, just look at your music history and you will find evidence of that, so jimbo as it has been stated before, if you feel so inclined, go ahead and keep you 14$ in your pocket the day CS drops, your copy will hopefully be picked up by some mislead bling blinging black youth looking for something to buy, but know that you'll be missing one of the rap classics for tjhe coming millenium of hip hop, peace and repsect.<P>RIP Alexus (aka erin)<P>member of SPAS, soon to be Vp, lol<P>The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard.<P>"the force of evil plans to make you its possession, and it will, if you let it, destroy everybody, we all must take precautionary measures if love and peace you treasure then you'll hear me when i say... oh that love's in need of love today, don't delay, send yours in right away..." -stevland morris bka stevie wonder<P>"Rest in peace, move in passion." -Khalil Gibran<P>APPLY LIBERALLY!!!!! <img src="http://www.okayplayer.com/dcforum/Images/happy.gif"><P><BR>

I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all other gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours. - Stephen Henry Roberts

Abstinence Makes the Church Grow Fondlers

READ THE SIGNATURE Y'ALL!!!!!!!!<P>"Only when lions have historians will hunters cease to he heroes." - African Proverb

***
"I think Brett Favre basically is a selfish guy, Brett Favre goes out there with his gray hair, his Wranglers and gets up when he gets hit. I understand why people like that. But there's another side. He's a selfish guy." - Teddy Atlas

i understand you may have gotten sick of all the race accusations on the boards, and i have too, they're boring, but still, taking it all out on that guy was a little harsh. you could at least just tell him why you disagree rather than cursing at him.

Youre a fucking idiot. with that said, ill step aside and let everyone else degrade, humiliate and embarass you.

exactly which part of the fifth's statement was idiotic. last i checked, hip hop started in the urban jungles of the east coast, and last i checked, a huge % of suburban white kids were tryin to be down. this isn't to say that all white people who listen to hip hop are just trying to be down, it's merely a reality check to you that in no way would hip hop die without the support it receives from white youth. hip hop was here before you, and will live long after white youth decides it's not cool anymore. as far as you saving your measly $14...keep it. if it's that serious, i'll buy 2. just know that you,being the hip hop lover that you are, will be sleeping on quite possibly the best, most anticipated album of the new year. you'll regret it. <P>peace<P>"nothin ya'll spittin'is interesting, you're not Black Thought or the next best thing"<P>"hip hop is a way of life, it's a mindstate, a spirit, a force that is brought about even if you don't rhyme"<BR>-Busta Rhymes<BR>

-----------------------------
"Since it is art that translates civilization from one generation to the next, "art" is a quality-of-life need that cannot be disputed."

the first post by brainchild was mad on point so i’m just going to correct a glaring oversight that Jimbo and many amerikans make every day. you said -<P>“Common comes across as a religious and intelligent man and I would like to think he doesn't hate an entire race because of the past or because a small percentage of them might hate him for the wrong reasons.”<P>first of all how do you get hate out of the album cover & 2nd just because you claim you aren’t racist don’t speak falsely for your whole race & say that only a small % of whites hate us. if there wasn’t so much underlying hate directed at black folks everyday brothas like Comm wouldn’t have the frustration that causes statements like “don’t watch the bulls no more, they got too many white boys.” that lyric isn’t racism, it’s a MANIFESTATION OF BLACK FRUSTRATION. a lot of white racists just don’t know that they’re racists.<P>Common is an artist, one of the most brilliant that we have in the polluted world of hip hop. artists are about expression. instead of getting mad at album covers & album titles (which may not even have the meaning you assumed) you should get mad at the nation that gave birth to our frustration. <P>for real. i’m sick of white folk crying about “reverse discrimination”. that whole idea is bullshit. as a whole the harm inflicted on whites by blacks is a tiny fraction of the harm inflicted on us. you ever wonder why a brotha calling a white person honky has almost no real effect, while a white person calling a brotha nigger will 9 times out of 10 lead to violence. its because we have been used and abused in a way that white people will never know!!! white amerika has taught us first hand the TRUE meaning of racism! so puulllease don’t tell me that you’re so “dissapointed” in common. i have no beef with white folks being down with the culture, but you’ve made it clear that there are some aspects of BLACK culture y’all can’t understand. if you really don’t cop what could be the hottest album since God knowz when then you’re playing yourself. anywayz i didn’t even mean to go on this long. this was supposed to be a quick post. i can’t wait til the album drops and the label better not push the date back!!<P>peace<BR>incog poetic<P>“i express like an interstate”<BR>Common (sense dammit!!)

http://www.marcuskwame.com

http://www.myspace.com/inkogmrgone

http://www.myspace.com/marcus_kwame77

“don’t watch the bulls <BR>>no more, they got too many <BR>>white boys.” that lyric isn’t racism, <BR>>it’s a MANIFESTATION OF BLACK FRUSTRATION." <BR>I have a question about this statement. Is it widely agreed upon by our okayplayer family (regarless of race)? Why is it not a racist statement, what makes it not racist? If a white person was to say that they would not watch the Bulls because most of their players are Black would that be racist or could it be a manifestation of white frustration? (the frustration coming from the fact that for the most part basketball players are predominantly black and said white person is not as good at basketball as the Black members of the Bulls) This is an honest question it is not intended to start a race war, is completely hypothetical (read- nothing to do with my personal opinion) and in no way do I agree with Jimbo. Personally i think Jimbo answered his own question and if he is the great fan of Com that he says he is he should look deeper into the lyrics and the man for the answer not to various other people who are not Common because no one can answer the question better than the man who made the statement.(I realize he did ask that maybe Common could reply, maybe we need an ask Common section like ?uest and D' have). But I m not saying Jimbo handled his post/question wrong. If anyone feels they would like to discuss this seperately from the boards feel free to email me. Thankyou for any input. Peace, Anonymous<P>

peace,<P>i had a feeling that quoting that line would probably be contreversial. i wasn’t saying its right to not watch the bulls because they have too many white boys. <BR>the main reason i wrote that post was to stress the point that i don’t understand how a lot of white people get really bent out of shape over things like the photo on the ad. i see your point about that particular lyric but i still stand behind my previous post. if a white person said the same thing about black ball players it would be VERY different. the reason being that we live in a society where the playing feild isn’t level.<BR>that was my point about why the N-word has so much more impact than a word like honkey. a lot of things impact black people a lot harder than white people, the reason being that the word nigger has a deep andd painful history while honkey & cracker were just retaliations. retaliations that have no link to any struggle that white folks had to endure. the n word on the other hand is directly linked to countless acts of brutalization throughout this country’s history. <BR>sure there are white folk that have it bad & are struggling but as a whole black people are struggling FAR WORSE & we have been intentionally held down (we sure as hell didn’t introduce crack to our communities, we dont bring the guns to the hood, & it’s not our fault that inner city schools are a joke).<BR>so before i get too long winded (too late), what i’ve been trying to say is that certain things are different coming from a black mouth than a white one.<BR>& for the record i don’t think the cover was any kind of subtle attack on white people. it is a metaphor for the title. & maybe its there to remind us that even though we can drink from any fountain things havent really changed all that much.<P>Oh & jimbo, i still think you’re Buggin’.<P>1ne<BR>incog poetic<P>“my worst verse got ya LP shook, i quake earth/ like los angels from all angles, i gave birth/ to the ruckus..”<BR>-that incog guy

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I'm making a sort of a ridiculous and unintelligent addition to the conversation, but I was watching Hill Street Blues reruns last night and one of the guys said about racism something like you get into this thought process.. whites hate blacks.. blacks ban together and think all whites hate blacks.. and whites see the blacks banning together and get nervous thinking they're all out to get whites. You think about it so much and you can't stop thinking about it when all you really want to do is live your life.<P>That's about what the guy said. My point is that racism is probably never going to disappear. But the reason for that is that we all think about it too much. Even those of us that have love in our hearts for all people think about what color we are too much. If we just live our lives we'd be better. If someone around us is racist or someone treats us with a racist attitude, then release the hounds and deal with it. But I don't see how Common's album cover is in any way offensive to whites. I am white, and I was not offended. None of us should ever be offended by art unless it is made with a malicious intent to offend. That album cover is just art. Let it be.

I meant ad instead of album cover but you get my point.<P>---------------<BR>Eric Eisenberg <BR>---------------

However, I <BR>>draw the line when I see/hear <BR>>anti-white propaganda. How or why would <BR>>any hip-hop artist want to insult <BR>>the demographic which keeps them in <BR>>bizness anyway? That of course being <BR>>young white males. <P>oooooooh ok? so whites only keep hiphop artists in bizness? hmm, last i checked, i could have sworn seeing blacks, asians, and hispanics buying hiphop albums...<P><BR>I love people <BR>>and I love Common, and I <BR>>wonder if my $13 would be <BR>>better spent elsewhere come March 28th. <P>do what u feel, but if u want to sleep on a much anticipated album from a wonderful mc, go ahead.<P><BR>whoah jimbo, i think u got some stuff seriously twisted! i know im lookin forward to commons album!! and im asian!!!<P><P><BR>"HI, im the HERB of the year!..."-b.t.<P>"lamus maximus!!!"-me<P>"now why can't i get a jawn like that?"-Apostle (speaking of dwine's experience)<P>"ill email ya"-will.i.am<P>

<BR> Some here do understand your point, Jimbo.<BR>Don't take the album cover so personally. It is not aimed at you or your peeps. It is only a visual for one of Common's many metaphors. Be careful what you say here. It looks like you've upset quite a few peeps. I forgive you for the "we buy your cd's" comment. Make sure you do<BR>your homework first. From what I have heard, more black females were spotted purchasing the album than any other demographic.

I would appreciate it if in your rush to find some middle ground upon which we can all peacefuly coexist, you would not attribute unconfirmed emotional states to those refuting an utterly refutable comment. I was neither angered or upset by Jimbo's comments. Without attempting to define others opinions, i say again-<P>Jimbo, you are a fucking idiot...<P>there, calm as the day i was born.<P>I offer no alternative interpretations of the album cover. I don't need to. My arguement has nothing to do with how good or bad the album is or isn't. I am strictly addressing the innate sense of self- rightous racial superiority evident in Jimbo's post. It is an attitude prevalent in the society in which Common and I were born, in which our fathers were born and in which our children will be born. <P>I would like for someone to find fault in my statements. Without resorting to some "One Day We'll be Together" type speech. I do not beleive in any form of equal co-existance in which the formerly "superior" party is free to cover their ears and scream " DA LA DA DA DA I'M NOT LISTENING!!!!!" when the music stops and the actual dialouge begins. I understand as i said before that the true state of race relations for the post MTV generation (post reagen/bush for some cats) can be a bit of a shock. But please, save yourselves the agony of feeling alienated when you show up unprepared. Talk to your parents.<P>and again people, this is a solvable problem only if you realise that you invited yourselves to the party.<P>Mpozi<P>

Like I said!<P>READ THE SIGNATURE!!!!!!!!<P>"Only when lions have historians will hunters cease to he heroes." - African Proverb

***
"I think Brett Favre basically is a selfish guy, Brett Favre goes out there with his gray hair, his Wranglers and gets up when he gets hit. I understand why people like that. But there's another side. He's a selfish guy." - Teddy Atlas

<BR> Mpozi,<BR> Please keep in mind that some people are not as conscious as you. It is obvious that you are a thinking man. Keep in mind that jimbo has just as much of a right to speak openly as anyone else here does. A man ought use his tongue to convert thoughts to verbals. I am not playing middle ground as you say. I knew that jimbo would get lambasted for his comments and thought I could offer him a few suggestions. I guess the human in me took over.<BR> I will say that his comments were a bit vain and that is to be expected from a young man. When you feel strongly about something, do you not express it? Did not Common express himself by the cover of the album? The Most has given to us freely this need for expression. We need brothers like yourself to aid in teaching others the importance of self expression. In doing so, you may just earn the right to rebuke another man for his off-the-wall comments.<P>"Deal with the faults of others as gently as your own." -chinese proverb<P>

>I live just outside of Chicago and <BR>>am one of Common's biggest, however <BR>>white, fans. <P>It's interesting how repelent Com is to white people when he just speaks the truth. Don't you think. I mean for every one white fan like yourself there are 10 who says he's racist and everything else.<P><BR>>cover. Is hip-hop the "water" spewing <BR>>from the "colored only" fountain, of <BR>>which us whites should not drink? <BR>>Or is it a simple reminder <BR>>of how things used to be. <BR>>What year is that picture from? <BR>>The 50s or 60s? What year <BR>>is it now? Okay, just checking. <P>I didn't get that metaphore at all until another white person pointed it out on this board. It might be possible that that is exactly what he meant but it seems interesting that white people are just searchin' and reachin' for things to take offense at. Maybe he didn't mean that the music is for blacks only he meant that only we could truly understand the message in his words. That seems more likely cuz like you said, why alienate your key demographic? By the way in the last line of that are you suggesting that we "get over it?" I hope not. <P>>I have no problem with the <BR>>pro-blackness Common has displayed in his <BR>>lyrics in the past and have <BR>>come to expect it in the <BR>>future. <P>Thankee sa' for ya approval sa'<P><BR>> However, I draw the line when I see/hear <BR>>anti-white propaganda. <P>It's a TRUE photo chronicaling a REAL place in the not so distant past so my question to you is a documentary style photo of a system that your folks set up propaganda? ... Maybe you should look that word up.<P>>Common comes across as a religious <BR>>and intelligent man and I would <BR>>like to think he doesn't hate <BR>>an entire race because of the <BR>>past or because a small percentage <BR>>of them might hate him for <BR>>the wrong reasons. <P>HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAH...<BR>Oh, you were serious. A SMALL percentage? The PAST? Let's ask the guy who's internal organs were damaged when the cops held him down and performed grotesque sexual acts on him in their precinct bathroom with a plunger. Lets ask the family of the brother, The New Black Panther Pary minister of Information who was got shot to death by police for brandishing an African walking stick last week. It's open season on us and cops (white and black) know that they can get away with shooting us to death on a regular. We seem to have replaced target practice and your bitchin' over a photograph?! A true photograph... of your folks... and their system. Very... fitting.<P>and he's talked about <BR>>how it's good that hip-hop can <BR>>bring so many different people together <BR>>peacfully. Is that just BS or <BR>>what? I hope I'm wrong about <P>I hope that you understand that bringing folks together does not mean suppressing the oppression that one deals with daily. These words were not meant to be harsh instead really think about why you might be offended. Take the time to meditate on that. If you are sincere in your desire to understand. The real answers will come to you. <P>"I am a cypher wrapped in an enigma, dripping with special sauce."<P>"I got so many lawyers waiting on line to see me you'd think I had tobacco leaking out of my breast implant."<P><P><BR>

I must admit that i feel like i owe you and okayplayer an apology of sorts. i love this site as much as i hate circular conversations. i don't know how old you are, but hopefuly your young enough to learn something from this experience. oppression leaves deeper scars than the children of the oppressors, their children, or their childrens children could comprehend. if you chose to live your life on the fringes of african culture, just as i am forced to exist on the fringes of european culture, please have the common decency to understand when you don't understand. when i walk into a mosque, i remove my shoes, when i walk into a millitary facility (in the course of a photo assignment or whatever) i remove my hat, dig? when i hear a sexual assault victim decrying men, i don't nickle and dime her on specifics. no one is questioning the legitimacy of your feelings, perception is to many people reality, so please if you read these posts think for a moment before responding. it can only make this place and the whole vibe in general better... <P>read dutchmen (especially the final monolouge) by amiri baraka, native son, and black boy... learn about us so you don't make this mistake again... and don't...<P>PoZi (;=

Thank u. that’s exactly what i was saying.<P>peace<BR>incog poetic

http://www.marcuskwame.com

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<BR>I must say that unlike you I live in the city of chicago and it's very much a segregated and racist city. Rather it be the 50's, 60's or 2000 there is still mad hatred, social inequalities and injustice for my people and for other people of color. My experience as a black woman is different from yours but are similar to Common's so I can relate to where he is coming from. Regardless of his intellect or how famous he becomes in your people eyes Common is keeping it real and speaking on issues or situations that are relevant to him. Rather you can relate or not is not a reason to past judgement on him. <P>I'm sorry that you think since hiphop has become big with white kids or other cultures that it would die if it doesn't appeal to you because you are it's biggest supporters. But the truth is that we started this shit and we gone finish it. It's cool that other people are feeling it and are trying to bring more to the table but this is our baby. You don't nurture and take care of a child and then give it up for adoption. Also you can't come in and try to kidnap our baby that shit is illegal. <P>I really don't care if you people think we are wrong for believing this. but I'm so tired of white people in particular trying to steal whatever the black man does and call it their own. Before you know it the history books will be changed and Afrikkaa Bambata will be replaced by some white guy who was known to have started hiphop... man get over it. So while you are chillin gon the outskirts of chicago ( that makes me mad don't claim my city you don't pay taxes there!), don't buy it I'm sure he won't go hungry if you don't. Just to make sure I'll make sure to buy 2 copies!!<P>kec<P>"You should be complimented that I chose to smack your ass over these other girls in the club!" Some lame ass dude from Alabama<BR> <BR>"What the fuck is a kec?" some dude<P>"kec man I was just saying..." a few lame ass okplayers <img src="http://www.okayplayer.com/dcforum/Images/happy.gif"><P>" kec = female you bastard!!! Don't get it twisted" kec <img src="http://www.okayplayer.com/dcforum/Images/wink.gif"><P>" Friendship is built on trust not time, so it doesn't matter how long you have known someone physically." <BR> Talib Kweli of BlackStar

http://illkec.wordpress.com/

firstly, i think that responding to jimbo's comments with such hostility does little to inform, educate or enlighten someone who needs a little tutoring. the kid is simply saying he feels alienated by some of common's material (whether or not his analysis of common's cover art is wrong or not). i think that all of us would say that common has never been one to bite his tongue in a dialogue on race relations. and without speaking his mind, common would be doing both himself and his listeners a disservice. that doesn't mean that i always agree with him, but i don't always agree with anybody.<P>one observation that i have to make is that i think white kids who have been listening to hiphop for a long time are much more comfortable with their role than are newjacks. you can't even compare anything that common has ever said to the venom spewed on "horny little devil", "cave bitch" or "you and your heroes". if you don't know the songs i'm talking about, you might be one of the cats who hear "coffee shop chicks and white guys" and go nuts. relax. cats must be so self conscious that they think any reference to "white people" is personally directed towards them. relax.<P>by the same token, a few black people need to realize that some things that artists say are indeed offensive. common's somg off the "white boys" soundtrack was ignorant and completely out of character (common talking about "passing gats"). just because a white person is questioning a black artist doesn't mean that the white person is completely unjustified in his complaint. stupidity is stupidy, no matter what color mouth utters it.<P>take emotion out of racial debates and be purely objective. people of any color arguing on a foundation of emotional outrage always end up sounding like idiots.<P><P>"A&R's had me feeling like Moss in the draft" -- Jay-Z

And here we have it unnecessary okay race war part 71.<P>"Intellectual property I got the title and the deed, I pay rent with the tears and sweat and what I bleed"- Talib Kweli<P>"You got hamburger beef I'll french fry ya cause drag done ate your food"- Drag-On

I said to myself that I needed to start a thread about disguised "racial" slurs after this MCA person called me "emotional". I tell ya what, experience racism . . I mean REALLY experience someone fucking with ya because of what race or color ya are . . . A graduate classroom setting of soon-to-be empathic clinical psychologists who don't feel "safe" because of how you speak freely about the evil that whites do . . . or how about going out with a white guy in high school and his mother calls your coach to talk you out of being with him, because it ain't right . . . I could talk about the girl scout experience but we;d be here all night. The point is, it doesn't feel good, in fact I can think of an emotion . . . sad. And when I have no power to defend myself , I become angry and express that emotion. It goes hand and hand with racism, sweety. <BR>It's wonderful to wish to forget or sweep the evil that's been done underneath the carpet . . . but honey, institutionalized racism has taken it's course. It's not going any where. We're still experiencing things every day. And the words we use to front off our own racism. . ."emotional", "reverse racism", any one have other fake racist words that they some times come in contact with?<BR>OH YEAH!!! How many white folks ride the nuts of Bob Marley???? And he's STRAIGHT UP talking about not digging white folks. "I shot the Sheriff" being a prime example. Oh my, what we must do to make the oppressor feel comfortable. I mean if we can walk around all day surrounded by white folks, and you get uncomfortable on this itty bitty site in the world . . . think of how we must feel everyday. <BR>Don't let your priveledge get teh best of you.<BR>Smooches<BR>Tiny

NO shirt Shitlock!! You obviously didn't read my reply. I just wanted to see how people really, I mean really felt. I'm not uncomfortable, and no one should ever have to cater to anyone for any reason. Oh, and your name fits you to a T.

o.k players.<BR>the phrase "like water for chocolate", is one used in a moment of frustration, that you can't take it any more, you are at your wits end, confusion totally surrounds you. That being said-I personally think it's just Common being Common...asking people (white, black, hispanic...etc) to ask themselves if they are content with the present and to reflect on the past...and ask themselves if things are truly any different...OR maybe the frustrations of the past never really get solved and that it's still a struggle in 2000! That being said-for whatever it's worth/not worth, hip-hop as an ARTFORM is to raise questions...that's the foundation of all good art...art is also a means of education...for all (white, black...etc.)...it's not all about gold, diamonds and backin' your thang up.<BR>peace.<BR>

last night I unknowingly put on a record by a Dj named Hive...and on it is a sample, that goes like this "Most of the music we make is not necessarily geared for your bumpin' enjoyment, it's designed for you to think, and for those of you who don't think too much...I thought we'd let ya know, before we drop that shit on ya." I think that basically sums up this whole situation. maybe.

As another white guy livin outside Chicago, let me give you my 2 cents. You need to start lookin deeper than surface level. You get upset at statements Common (or other rappers) make, but instead of just getting mad at what he said, try to examine why he feels that way. It is fact that there is a history in this country of racism against black people based on their skin color alone. That's history. History does not go away. Also, you have no idea what that man has been through in his lifetime. Like Mpozi said, understand that you can never really understand what it is like to be black in Amerikkka. <P>Also consider this, why get mad if his statements don't pertain to you. If some one calls me gay (no offense to homosexuals, just making a point) I'm not going to get all mad, because I know I'm not gay. If someone talks about racist white people, I don't get mad (except for that I don't like 'em neither) cuz I know I'm not racist. Like Guiness talked about songs like "Horney Lil Devil" or "Fuck You and Your Heros", personally I like those songs (wasn't feelin "Cave Bitch", just cuz the beat tho). Instead of turning away from these artists, you really should examine them closer, because basicly they are trying to tell you (and everyone) why they feel angry, why they feel frustrated and it just may help you to understand your fellow human beings a little better.<P>But maybe the type of music that expands your mind just isn't for you, and that's OK, just stick to your No Limit collection and you'll be fine.<P>There are millions of stars, but there's only one Sun.<P>J-Sun - Professional Weed Smoker<BR>T.O.P.A. Chief Kneecap Shatterer<P>"Still pull the hoes most likely to succeed. Where that ni&&a J-(Sun)? Most likely smokin weed" - Tash<P>"Individuals who are never satisfied with the static standards set by the masses. The masses have always been lethargic. They have always opposed greatness for it is beyond them to even comprehend greatness" - 3rd Bass

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"Sometimes I contemplate moving to a warmer place, then the lake and skyline give me a warm embrace" © Common

Jimbo,<P>I think part of the reason he uses that cover is to get folks to think. And quite frankly if a bunch of white kids feel uncomfortable when seeing the album cover, GREAT!!!!!!!!<P>Black folks are uncomfortable day in and day out in this society. <P>The only thing I want to point out is, why do white folks (on this board especially) get so upset when black folks want to highlight/discuss real injustices that white folks have perpetrated? <P>Black folks didn't volunteer to drink from separate fountains. That picture is an integral part of this nation's history and white folks created it. When I looked at the cover I saw it as a statement of the history of black folks in this country. We've come so far but in reality haven't gotten anywhere. But why must you look to take offense?<P>If it makes you feel uncomfortable and makes you want to reflect on race realtions today and make you REALLY think and look and see that this country is still very segregatedand the income gap is still pretty prevalent..GREAT. Cause more white folks (not just white..but affluent and middle class folks) need to look at what's really going on in this country. Just because Dow Jones and Nasdaq are setting records every week doesn't change the facts of the injustice in this country.<P>So if that cover knocks you and some of your contemporaries (again not neccessarily just whites but folks that really don't understand the struggle that continues today for folks of color) from this "We are the World" , "I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony. I wish I could buy the world a Coke" state. BEAUTIFUL!<P>Like my signature says:<P><BR>"Only when lions have historians will hunters cease to he heroes." - African Proverb

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"I think Brett Favre basically is a selfish guy, Brett Favre goes out there with his gray hair, his Wranglers and gets up when he gets hit. I understand why people like that. But there's another side. He's a selfish guy." - Teddy Atlas

Of all the negitive common posts I read on this site, this takes the cake.<P>Frist off, "Like Water for Chocolate" was the title of a foriegn film where the main charicter put so much emotion and feeling into her cooking that whoever tasted her food automatically felt the same emotion.<BR>By naming his album like water for chocolate common is saying that he hopes you feel the same emotions listening to his music that he felt while he was making it. (makes sense don't it???)<P>Second: HOW on god's green earth can a picture displaying a white and black only drinking fountains be offening to YOU?!??<BR>I'm sorry if the history of your people makes you uncomfortable but it is history, forget it and your doomed to repeat it.<P>Third: Hip-Hop does NOT need you to survive, it started without middle class suburbia and it doesn't need the approval of the almighty Jimbo to live.<P>go spend your 13 beans on Celine Dion and leave hip hop alone<BR> ***************************************<BR>Spectrum - Call me Black Lily, 'cause I'm all about the ladies<P>"Hmmm, you think that those are thoughts you are thinking??? Interesting..."-TANK<P>"if you pursue things you think about and dreams that you got… it might not come right away, but it’s gonna come if you do it."-COMMON

For putting this ish on the front page so this ignorant clown can get served.<P>Anti-white propoganda?!!!!!!!!!!<P>Do us all a favor and READ A BOOK. Learn about your people. Although you may buy the eff out of hip-hop CD's, Hip-Hop is not ALL ABOUT YOU! This is hitory we're talking about. Too many "good-intentioned" whites are content to sit back and DO NOTHING to end racism. They want to "heal" the wounds of the past through forgetting this country's history instead of dealing with it.<P>Like my man implied ealier, Common is not here for YOUR entertainment. He's sayin' something. Are you listening? <P>love and respect,<BR>El Rey<P>"I prefer to speak of the impossible, because we already know too much about what is possible" Silvio Rodriguez<P>"If our profanity offends you, look around you and see how destructively society is profaning itself. It is the rape of the land, the pollution of the environment, the betrayal and suffering of the masses by corrupt government that is the real obscenity." - MOVE statement<P>FREE MUMIA!<BR>www.mumia.org<P>FREE THE MOVE 9!<BR>

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love and respect,<BR>El Rey<P>"I prefer to speak of the impossible, because we already know too much about what is possible" Silvio Rodriguez<P>"If our profanity offends you, look around you and see how destructively society is profaning itself. It is the rape of the land, the pollution of the environment, the betrayal and suffering of the masses by corrupt government that is the real obscenity." - MOVE statement<P>FREE MUMIA!<BR>www.mumia.org<P>FREE THE MOVE 9!<BR>

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really

<BR>>I live just outside of Chicago and <BR>>am one of Common's biggest, however <BR>>white, fans. That being said I <BR>>have to ask about the new <BR>>cover. Is hip-hop the "water" spewing <BR>>from the "colored only" fountain, of <BR>>which us whites should not drink? <P>Thing spewing is GARBAGE on this post<P>>Or is it a simple reminder <BR>>of how things used to be. <BR>>What year is that picture from? <BR>>The 50s or 60s? What year <BR>>is it now? Okay, just checking. <BR>>I have no problem with the <BR>>pro-blackness Common has displayed in his <BR>>lyrics in the past and have <BR>>come to expect it in the <BR>>future. I shouldn't, and don't see <BR>>any fault in that. However, I <BR>>draw the line when I see/hear <BR>>anti-white propaganda. How or why would <BR>>any hip-hop artist want to insult <BR>>the demographic which keeps them in <BR>>bizness anyway? That of course being <BR>>young white males. <P>Just to clarify the only people you keep in this business are DMX and Jigga. While some white peeps will buy Common, 90% of white males wont, under any circumstances. And you say it yourself... Why would he want to insult ANY WIDE GROUP OF PEOPLE? He doesnt. So take your fuckin supersensitive ass and go rent Roots, or Mississipi Burning, The Long Walk Home, Four Little Girls, or Mi Familia, and see at least superficially, what its like to be OPPRESSED and INSULTED as a group.<P>I love people <BR>>and I love Common, and I <BR>>wonder if my $13 would be <BR>>better spent elsewhere come March 28th. <BR>>Common comes across as a religious <BR>>and intelligent man and I would <BR>>like to think he doesn't hate <BR>>an entire race because of the <BR>>past or because a small percentage <BR>>of them might hate him for <BR>>the wrong reasons. I've seen <BR>>him in concert 3 times(once with <BR>>The Roots) and he's talked about <BR>>how it's good that hip-hop can <BR>>bring so many different people together <BR>>peacfully. Is that just BS or <BR>>what? I hope I'm wrong about <BR>>the cover and Mr. Lynn has <BR>>another meaning behind the use of <BR>>that picture. Also, is No I.D. <BR>>producing any of the tracks on <BR>>the new one? I sure hope <BR>>so! Besides isn't Jay Dee partially <BR>>responsible for the mostly bland music <BR>>on ATCQ's last 2 LPs? <P>LoL.. dont even get me started here.<BR>Bottom <BR>>line, one has to wonder if <BR>>Common really did lose his sense?... <BR>>People, please reply. Maybe even Mr. <BR>>Lynn himself could drop me an <BR>>encouraging note. Thank you. <P><BR>I fuckin hate.... HATE when people put shit on here to goad a response from an artist. ("??? for Common...." "Please please Mr. Lynn drop me a line?") CALLATE LA BOCA!!!!!! Carajo.....<P><BR>oneLOVE.<P>OkayBoricua known as... Mil<P><BR>"I effin LOVE this song!"-Nikki (Asialove)<BR>"I give a fuck about who’s suckin’ the president’s dick / I wanna know why my people form habits they can’t kick..."-Xzibit<BR>"Sorry, Deion, but Im gonna have to see some ID."-Mos Def<BR>"oh well. i'm still funky. bust that."-qoolquest <BR>"Youre pretty confident... For a million dollars.... Is that your final answer?"-Regis Philbin

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speak the wrong words man & u will get touched.
http://tinysong.com/ldpJ

i would like to apologize to any of my fam if they have already stated a few of these points. but, i want you to know that i skimmed your stuff. i make it a point to reiterate my point for skimmers, but i must get this out of me, and then get back to work... so here i go.<BR>- - - - - - - - -<BR>i shouldn't dignify this with a response due to the fact that this is way to easy, and tearing you the well deserved butthole has already been done by people who have showed you their reaction to your words...but i would like to interject my venom too, just because i'm still reaching to become the uber hak that i am.<P><BR>>I live just outside of Chicago and am one of Common's biggest, however white, fans. <BR>i live inside of philly and i appreciate the music he makes, i don't want to call myself a fan, i have issues with that word, but if common is on a track, i listen, and i enjoy the product that he offers. btw - i am a 23 y/old black male.<P>i understand that you were trying to establish some sense of credibility. but let me explain. you have none in this issue. you're points are no more important than mine and it would have been better to just start your arguement and get to the point. (yeah, i know, i need to take my own advice, but i am a trained verbal circumlocutor)<P><BR>>That being said I have to ask about the new cover. <BR>is it actually a cover or is it promo material? i'm not sure that it was ever called a cover. remember, we are dealing with an industry, i'm sure that common could have approved this photo, but i'm not sure if he did. it's just promo, if it get's people talking, then damnit, it's done it's job. if it get's people thinking, maybe common did his job.<P>>Is hip-hop the "water" spewing <BR>>from the "colored only" fountain, of <BR>>which us whites should not drink? <BR>i can't answer this question. but i tell you this, there is no water coming out of that fountain. none at all. you need to really talk to some people because there is no, i repeat no water in that photo.<P>>Or is it a simple reminder <BR>>of how things used to be. <BR>>What year is that picture from? <BR>yesterday while walking my darker skinned yet frail frame through affluent chestnut hill, i received many "nervous smiles" (i'll talk more about nervous smiles in an upcoming post) from the people who were around. i had on my timbs, and am abercrombie & fitch jacket. they weren't sure if they should look at me or not, but judging by the contrast of the jeans & boots, versus my lfo-compliant overpriced not bangin in the hood jacket. they thought i may have been down for their cause. it resulted in a nervous smile...<P>i say that all to say, "i don't need no fuckin promo cover to "remind" me of the way things _A_R_E_<P>>The 50s or 60s? What year <BR>>is it now? Okay, just checking. <BR>is this a joke? is it a poor attempt to gain support? i'm not sure about this peice of text, it seems out of place & futile. it should be culled from the strong. ((the weak must be culled))<P>>I have no problem with the <BR>>pro-blackness Common has displayed in his <BR>>lyrics in the past and have <BR>>come to expect it in the <BR>>future. <BR>good 4 you, would you like a cookie? this still doesn't validate your message. i'd like you to know something. the fact that you try so hard to prove that you are down is an indicator to your pathology, which i will discuss more in this current lecture...<P>>I shouldn't, and don't see <BR>>any fault in that. However, I <BR>>draw the line when I see/hear <BR>>anti-white propaganda. <BR>ah, yes. the crux of your argument, and as i see it, the point where you show your incredible insecurity and give guise to your glaring pathology. much like sole sung to el-p, this block of text should be read as "i wanna be down." but those are two white rappers, obviously not the flavor of ice cream that you are currently jocking, so i will put it in some black terms so that you can appreciate it... remember the scene in "menace to society" when our young pre-love jones larenz tate was sitting behind a desk, and a lovingly dark skinned detective played by Bill Duke uttered this infamous line.<P>"you know you done fucked up right?"<P>your blaring insecurity of non-acceptance is incredible. i'm sure it started when as a small child you were left alone to cry and never received the proper ball rubbing from your mother. this small problem compounded when you were chosen last for little league and soccer and the cute girls with blonde hair didn't give you any valentines. i'm sure you probably had a pretty good outside jumper and a couple of black kids decided to let you run point & you started to identify with their struggle. maybe they could understand all the pain & hardship you had endured. you heard common, he was saying the shit you wanted to say, & he was from right over there in Chicago, where your black friends lived right? and now you see that he has rejected you. buying his singles and shopping in thrift stores so that your wardrobe would be as fresh as his hasn't lead you into the promised land. just maybe he and you could stand on the same commonground. maybe you thought the two of you had more in common. maybe, just maybe if you posted he would commune with you.<P>BANH (like on the old family feud) wrong answer. dude, you are sick and need help. much like the other pathological inbreds that roam these boards, i offer you a hug. i accept you and your faults, i understand it's not your fault.<P>>How or why would <BR>>any hip-hop artist want to insult <BR>>the demographic which keeps them in <BR>>bizness anyway? <BR>suck his dick. i would tell you to suck mine, but i really understand that you want a peice of common's Peter Wheatstraw...<P>>That of course being <BR>>young white males. <BR>BANH - wrong answer again. young white males, or rather the idiotic young white males that you represent, will flip flop for any flavor of the month. just like most of the masses. take that bobby brown button off your jacket. change your naughty by nature sheets, and polka dots are no longer in style either. you suck up my fuckin culture and have the nerve to try to flip flop when your realize that not all chocolate is sweet.<P>>I love people <BR>>and I love Common, <BR>i don't love people or common. i'm just stating this as a fact. some of y'all motherfuckers is stupid as shit. common is a great guy i guess. but i don't know him because i heard a couple of his songs or visited his website. common should give me a phone call. if you can ask him to post. i can ask for a phone call. if common does that shit, or at least lets me work on his website, than i can say that i love common. your starting to sound like "the president of his fan club, tryin' to kill (him)."<P>>and I <BR>>wonder if my $13 would be <BR>>better spent elsewhere come March 28th. <BR>possibly, you could buy a fuckin' clue. & i'm not talking about that game that your aforementioned non-supportive parents never played with you.<P><BR>>Common comes across as a religious <BR>>and intelligent man <BR>two things you have not proven in your post, Jimbo.<P>>and I would <BR>>like to think he doesn't hate <BR>>an entire race because of the <BR>>past or because a small percentage <BR>>of them might hate him for <BR>>the wrong reasons. <BR>dickhead. ((this is giving props to my girl TANK - in a post, she responded by only saying the word dickhead. it was poignant and spoke volumes. she is an aryan to jock if you need some role models within your race))<P>>I've seen <BR>>him in concert 3 times(once with <BR>>The Roots) <BR>big fuckin' woop. this does not validate shit. i understand that you are a consumer, but i'm going to read into common's mind too - he makes music for him. & that is why the shit is so good. he views it as a positive force for self, and other identify with it. it (his music) is great because he isn't selfish, but at the same time realizing that he is for self, and that self is part of a greater connected whole. <P>>and he's talked about <BR>>how it's good that hip-hop can <BR>>bring so many different people together <BR>>peacfully. Is that just BS or <BR>>what? <BR>see, your still searching for acceptance. your pathology is blairing trough your insecurities. i offered you a hug, but you need more. your one of those touchy drunks that feels up all the thick sisters at the bar don't you? oh shit, you can't be of drinking age, where do you go to offer your water for chocolate?<P>>I hope I'm wrong about <BR>>the cover and Mr. Lynn has <BR>>another meaning behind the use of <BR>>that picture. <BR>i'm asking anybody who knows the answer to this question, again, i may have skimmed, but is it the cover or not?<P>>Also, is No I.D. <BR>>producing any of the tracks on <BR>>the new one? I sure hope <BR>>so! Besides isn't Jay Dee partially <BR>>responsible for the mostly bland music <BR>>on ATCQ's last 2 LPs? <BR>shut the fuck up, rather, breathe & stop<P>>Bottom <BR>>line, one has to wonder if <BR>>Common really did lose his sense?... <BR>>People, please reply. Maybe even Mr. <BR>>Lynn himself could drop me an <BR>>encouraging note. Thank you. <P>btw - you offered me bullshit water and i just gave you chocolate. & that is it. it is an opportunity to let your mind be free of the crap you think you are thinking and begin to critically think. it (the phrase "like water for chocolate) is an amazing analogy, an amazing film, and a concept that i love. i'm amazed that no one has mentioned this before. i'm amazed that your ignorance has had me typing for twenty minutes, and i won't be amazed if you don't get it. i have doubts about you that i won't put out there, but i will say this. you need a fuckin' hug.<BR>_______________________________________<BR>"...this should be compared to other great tomes like the Final Fantasy Series; Classic Rakim and Dwayne Johnson catch-phrases..." an honest review of <a href="http://h8r.com" target="_blank">http://h8r.com<;/a>

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http://at.yamomzcrib.com </3 http://yourmomisclubbin.com </3 http://hoesinthesameclothes.tumblr.com

>shopping in thrift stores <BR>>so that your wardrobe would be <BR>>as fresh ...<P>that shit is mad funny.<P>anyway, has any mentioned that the "cover" art is extremely clever? cause i thought that illustrating the title "water for chocolate" with a photo of a water fountain for black people bordered on being ingenious. good work by whoever did the art direction.<P><P>"A&R's had me feeling like Moss in the draft" -- Jay-Z

My husband previously touched on some very serious points, I as his better half will finish where he, ahem, left off.<P>Plantation mentality= keep the darkies in line, if they get out of hand whip em. If they try to run away, cut their foot off. If they run away and you catch em, hang em high. That'll learn them!!!<P>>I live just outside of Chicago and <BR>>am one of Common's biggest, however <BR>>white, fans. That being said I <BR>>have to ask about the new <BR>>cover. Is hip-hop the "water" spewing <BR>>from the "colored only" fountain, of <BR>>which us whites should not drink? <BR>>Or is it a simple reminder <BR>>of how things used to be. <P>Used to be? Ain't shit changed. <P>>What year is that picture from? <BR>>The 50s or 60s? What year <BR>>is it now? Okay, just checking. <P>My mom and dad grew up in South Carolina in the 30's, 40's, 50's & 60's, not a day goes by am I not reminded of the racism, that they had to suffer through. Hey not only did they have to drink out of separate fountains, but they couldn't shop at stores, go to schools or even look at white people for that matter. Not to mention that they HAD to pick cotton & tobacco growing up! So if I have to be reminded, Mr. I am a white guy however, you will be reminded. Whether through Common, Public Enemy, Gil Scott Heron, Al Sharpton, Oprah Winfrey, Black Hollywood, BET, Roots, Black History Class, Outkast, etc., you're gonna hear it.<BR> <BR>>I have no problem with the <BR>>pro-blackness Common has displayed in his <BR>>lyrics in the past and have <BR>>come to expect it in the <BR>>future. I shouldn't, and don't see <BR>>any fault in that. However, I <BR>>draw the line when I see/hear <BR>>anti-white propaganda. <P>You draw the line? Well, Mr. Clinton, you'd better make it a little bit bigger so all us down here can see how big your line is. Imagine how big my line is. I bet my line for tolerance is alot bigger than yours.<P> How or why would <BR>>any hip-hop artist want to insult <BR>>the demographic which keeps them in <BR>>bizness anyway? <P>Because usually insults are the only way for someone insensitive to take notice.<P>That of course being <BR>>young white males. I love people <BR>>and I love Common, and I <BR>>wonder if my $13 would be <BR>>better spent elsewhere come March 28th. <BR>>Common comes across as a religious <BR>>and intelligent man and I would <BR>>like to think he doesn't hate <BR>>an entire race because of the <BR>>past or because a small percentage <BR>>of them might hate him for <BR>>the wrong reasons. <P>Hate and recognition of hate are two totally different things. Hate is the separate fountains. Recognition of hate is not forgetting that that's the way it was. (And still is)<P>I've seen <BR>>him in concert 3 times(once with <BR>>The Roots) and he's talked about <BR>>how it's good that hip-hop can <BR>>bring so many different people together <BR>>peacfully. Is that just BS or <BR>>what? <P>Newsflash! Alot of artists that you support BS you in different ways. I don't think Common needs to hoodwink you into coming to his concerts. <P>I hope I'm wrong about <BR>>the cover and Mr. Lynn has <BR>>another meaning behind the use of <BR>>that picture. <P>If you aren't wrong, then what?<P>Also, is No I.D. <BR>>producing any of the tracks on <BR>>the new one? I sure hope <BR>>so! Besides isn't Jay Dee partially <BR>>responsible for the mostly bland music <BR>>on ATCQ's last 2 LPs? Bottom <BR>>line, one has to wonder if <BR>>Common really did lose his sense?... <P>Uh, lose his sense? You're the one spending YOUR time wondering what HE is doing. He's still gonna make music. You're still gonna wonder what he's doing. Who's the loser?<P>>People, please reply. Maybe even Mr. <BR>>Lynn himself could drop me an <BR>>encouraging note. Thank you. <P>Would big old you then purchase little bitty Common's album then?<P>I AM BLACK MUSIC<P>"I'm not only the Unclefucker President, I'm also a client" - #1 Unclefucker<P>"Mommy, can I have a new life, please?"<P>"I am not a criminal" - Richard Nixon<P>" I did not kill Tupac, I don't know who did" - Suge Knight<P>"I did not have sexual relations with that woman" - Bill Clinton<P>"I do not own, nor did I possess a gun that night" - Puff Mommy<P>"I am not a racist" - John Rocker<P>"I love black people" - Jesse Helms<P><P>

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who gonna check me boo?!

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Right on Mpozi and Nesta!<P>first of all, common has said it himself that he doesn't hate anyone. <P>2ndly why are you reading so much into the "promo" for the album? who says showing that image is "anti white" propaganda? what? you don't want to be reminded of the days of the good ol'boys? <P>you said, "Is hip-hop the "water" spewing from the "colored only" fountain, of which us whites should not drink? Or is it a simple reminder of how things used to be."<P>do you feel like you shouldn't "drink" from the fountain of hip hop. if you feel the man is so against you, then why do you like him. that's like a jew supporting hitler. doesn't make much sense does it?<P>"The 50s or 60s? What year is it now? Okay, just checking."<P>i don't know how you even have the audacity to sit your ass there and type this. how can you negate the pass like that? how can you blow this off like it was some trivial piece of information? you may not recognize this as a part of your present or past, but you need to wake up and realize that it is. WHETHER YOU WANT IT TO BE OR NOT!! We as a Black people can not forget what has happened to us and neither can you. As long as ppl like common and other individuals are alive and kicking, myself included, I will not allow it to be forgotten. I'll die speaking these same words before i let someone like you try and strip parts of our culture away. You may only see it as an offensive promo but it runs much deeper than that. Much deeper. Maybe you need to take some time to understand why we are expressing these thoughts to you in such a manner. Maybe it's because you need to wake up. <P>what you need to realize is that this is a one take on blackness and if his words or actions offend you, they don't buy it. i feel like i'm talking to chaz all over again. I don't fucking understand how you expect a person to cater to you in your lily white world of white skin privilege. See you said you live OUTSIDE of chicago. Try living IN THE CITY. 2 different worlds. If you survive the life as a black man in K-Town or the wild wilds then you would understand some of what he says. Dang I forgot, you're from OUTSIDE the city so you wouldn't know where these places are. <P>You say you're a fan of his music, but you can't separate his life from his love. Plain and simple, the truth hurts and the light from it can blind you. I think you need to remove your shades.<P><BR>skidmarks. they're not just for underwear anymore. - crash bandicoot<P>'i feel you like, tomaz zamot ya know' - donwill<P>yardicus: hey don't laugh! I can rock the hell out a miniskirt and some "hooker heels..."<P>yardicus: Not to mention, my superb flynes when rocking a string of pearls...<P>just think/just think/ what if you could just/just blink your tag - Black Thought HOB 99<P>bAttlin me is like some KEDS tryna mess wit NEW BALANCES.. -Sporatic<P>dick hed mcs, wit dem flacid, phalic soundin subjects- one of those jail urine roach xylophone nukkas (jurx-donwill)

...she had a body like a cello with legs
i mean the ass was absurd
long neck
smooth skin
pretty face
cookie nipples
eyes wide as her hips
full lips between dimples

There is no issue here. Nobody (at least not me, and not Jimbo) has heard the album yet, and it's the music that counts, not the cover. A photograph is like a fact; it can be stated in different ways, in different contexts, by different people, and totally new meanings and interpretations can be wrung out of it. What matters is what Comm says on his new album; only once we've heard that will we know (or at least have a better idea of) how he's justifying his cover choice. In my opinion, this whole topic is pretty empty until Mar 28 rolls around. I for one can't wait.

I could respond to you in the manner that Hakim suggested, i.e.<P>DICKHEADDICKHEADDICKHEADDICKHEADDICKHEADDICKHEAD.<P>However, I do have a couple of other things that I would like to say to you...<P>Is hip-hop the "water" spewing <BR>>from the "colored only" fountain, of <BR>>which us whites should not drink? <P>You are delirious boy, there is no water flowing out of either. And anyway, doesn't hip-hop flow from Black culture anyway??? Correct me if I am wrong, but at this juncture I think not.<P>>Or is it a simple reminder <BR>>of how things used to be. <P>How a reminder pertaining to that portion of our history could possibly be 'simple' is beyond me. I'm sorry, but when I think about the massive fuck up that is our history as aryans, I have way to many emotions to ever call the thought simple.<P>>What year is that picture from? <BR>>The 50s or 60s? What year <BR>>is it now? Okay, just checking. <P>Dickwad. Sorry, but I had to go there. Being white I can only disect this from my limited viewpoint, but so far as I can see, this picture is still very much our world. They are just more covert with their apparteid now.<P>>I have no problem with the <BR>>pro-blackness Common has displayed in his <BR>>lyrics in the past and have <BR>>come to expect it in the <BR>>future. I shouldn't, and don't see <BR>>any fault in that.<P>Ohhhh, how gracious of you.<P> However, I <BR>>draw the line when I see/hear <BR>>anti-white propaganda.<P>How that PHOTOGRAPH, i.e. an accurate record of how things are/were, constitutes as propaganda is again above my fragile mind. Secondly, how the hell is it anti-white? If you think about the period in which it was taken, it is actually an anti-Black reference. Be ashamed of what our ancestors did, be very ashamed, feel guilt, feel sorrow, feel pain, but do not flip the script and pretend like it was all so long ago and that it holds no bearing to you or now. I think you are living in denial sonny Jimbo and this state of being has lead you to spew forth falacies that stink like horse shit.<P> How or why would <BR>>any hip-hop artist want to insult <BR>>the demographic which keeps them in <BR>>bizness anyway? That of course being <BR>>young white males. <P>Ummm, yeah, ok....<P>I love people <BR>>and I love Common, and I <BR>>wonder if my $13 would be <BR>>better spent elsewhere come March 28th.<P>No, I think you probably need to really LISTEN to what artists such as Common have to say. That is listen and digest, not simply hear.<P>>Common comes across as a religious <BR>>and intelligent man and I would <BR>>like to think he doesn't hate <BR>>an entire race because of the <BR>>past or because a small percentage <BR>>of them might hate him for <BR>>the wrong reasons. <P>OH MY GOD! I cannot believe you think that. Ok firstly, how can you disregard slavery so easily??? It is so much more than 'the past'. Urrrgghhhhhhhhhh. I don't think I am necesarily the best person to speak on this, after all I am aryan, but I will tell you this, the severity of this part of our history affects us today. It is not the past. More to say, but I am so incensed I will start babbling... <BR>Secondly, a small percent? Get over it honey. You are a part of that percent, and I bet that somewhere within me there is some fucked up mentality that constitutes as racism. That percent is way, way, way BIGGER than you think. It is schools, education, healthcare etc etc etc... It is ingrained in westure culture and minds. Try to use that piece of fluff between your ears in future.<P> I've seen <BR>>him in concert 3 times(once with <BR>>The Roots) and he's talked about <BR>>how it's good that hip-hop can <BR>>bring so many different people together <BR>>peacfully. Is that just BS or <BR>>what? <P>The only 'BS' I can see around here is yours.<P>I hope I'm wrong about <BR>>the cover and Mr. Lynn has <BR>>another meaning behind the use of <BR>>that picture. <P>You know what? Perhaps it is an anti-white reference, if so, get the FUCK over it. Nothing could compare to the CENTURIES of anti-Black sentiment that our genes hold.<P>Also, is No I.D. <BR>>producing any of the tracks on <BR>>the new one? I sure hope <BR>>so! Besides isn't Jay Dee partially <BR>>responsible for the mostly bland music <BR>>on ATCQ's last 2 LPs? <P>Asinine eejit. How you can place those words within a post like that is again, sadly beyond me...<P>Bottom <BR>>line, one has to wonder if <BR>>Common really did lose his sense?... <P>Bottom line, one has to wonder if you ever had any sense?...<P>>People, please reply. <P>Dickhead. How was that for you?<P>Maybe even Mr. <BR>>Lynn himself could drop me an <BR>>encouraging note. Thank you. <P>Well, stranger things have happened, like a dumb ass aryan boy acting like racial prejudice is a thing of the past. Oh wait, my bad, that's not strange at all...<P>Peace,<P>Tank<P>"The revolution has tit's!" Nou-Ra<P>"Tank, please don't set fire to my room, I'm only now just becoming a homemaker. Look I even have flowers in my kitchen..." Nou-Ra, The supposed Rocker.<P>"As do many strong people, she found herself a victim of the tyranny of the weak." Tom Robbins, Even Cowgirls Get The Blues.

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"It's easy to blur the truth with a simple linguistic trick: start your story from "Secondly."" -- Mourid Barghouti

When I made my first reply I didn't consider some of that. But yes, we as whites should be .very. thankful for what black culture has given us to enjoy in the form of hip hop. Saying that hip hop depends on our money is bullshit. Hip hop, like any other form of music, is an artform. It would thrive with or without your dollar or mine. These artists do what they do for art's sake alone. That's why I said in my post that the ad is simply an artistic expression!<P>And yes, it stands for what our culture did and still does to the black culture. We're all guilty as whites in some form. I'm not racist in any way, but I know there is more I could do in my community for understanding. Don't think 40 years in the past is enough to place racism and segregation, let alone slavery (wage slavery or servitude), out of our consciences.<P>I hope that made sense.

This is not addressed to Jimbo.<P>This is addressed to everyone who even thinks I am Jimbo: STOP FUCKIN' PLAYING. I haven't had time to make posts I want to make (happy birthday, Ahmir), much less make fake posts as a "Jimbo". <P>Oh yeah, I made a post to Freestyle yesterday, saying "sorry that the board was down for 8 hours, I didn't know cause I haven't had time to be on the boards" <P>So, kill that "it must be one of the staff" shit. <BR>I hate it when okayartists only respond to negative posts, so I'm damn sure not going to start one and yell "common please answer".<P>My word is bond on that. <P>Oh, btw, we know the boards are slow as eff. We're reconfiguring the server over the weekend, so they'll speed up for you. (We're doing it over the weekend in case we make a mistake...not as many visitors on the weekend.)<P>angieee ('stress) (sorry, I just hate being accused of shit I didn't do, even if it's not something very serious.)<BR>

to paraphrase ronald reagen's republican convention speech-<P>I've seen stress and she's no jimbo...<P><BR>hey anj... i think that although this started as a "negative" post, the reactions (profanity on mine and others parts included-and apologised for) have mostly been an interesting cross section of young "colored" and others folks opinions about the state of the world they live in... so maybe something good came out of something bad... i dunno... i'm in indiana...<P>PoZi (;=

WAKE THE FUCK UP<BR>That comment about the 50's and 60's is one of the most ignorant things I've ever heard. You obviously are threatened by the fact that you "can't drink from the fountain". How the hell is that cover (if that is the cover) offensive to YOU?? Can you imagine being black and being forced to drink from a separate fountain?? Nope, you can't. Should Common go out of his way to cater all his material to you so you can be comfortable with the messages? Hell no...maybe this will help you wake up, because you need to clear the crust out your eyes and see what the hell is going on in the world... I'm "white" by the way, so don't think it's just black okplayers telling you you're an idiot. <BR>--res-one--><BR>LPP for life (light pockets posse)<BR>peace, okayplayers...<P><BR>"so what? you carry hot glocks and rocks, so what? that type of rap is #1 on the charts, so what? your video is on MTV, you still ain't an emcee to me"- Krumb Snatcha<P>FREE MUMIA<BR><a href="http://www.mumia.org" target="_blank">http://www.mumia.org<;/a><BR><a href="http://www.thehungersite.com" target="_blank">http://www.thehungersite.com<;/a>

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> Is hip-hop the "water" spewing <BR>>from the "colored only" fountain, of <BR>>which us whites should not drink? <P>What makes you think that? The water coming out of both fountains is the same, but a racist institution forces people to drink it from different places based on color.<P>>Or is it a simple reminder <BR>>of how things used to be. <BR>>What year is that picture from? <BR>>The 50s or 60s? What year <BR>>is it now? Okay, just checking. <P>Keep checking, but also realize that the problems of the past are the roots of modern problems.<P>>I have no problem with the <BR>>pro-blackness Common has displayed in his <BR>>lyrics in the past and have <BR>>come to expect it in the <BR>>future. I shouldn't, and don't see <BR>>any fault in that. However, I <BR>>draw the line when I see/hear <BR>>anti-white propaganda.<P>How is the cover anti-white propaganda? It is merely an acknowledgement of America's racist past.<P>> How or why would <BR>>any hip-hop artist want to insult <BR>>the demographic which keeps them in <BR>>bizness anyway?<P>1) How are you insulted<BR>2) Do you really respect artists who cater their music to maximize sales?<P>> That of course being <BR>>young white males. I love people <BR>>and I love Common, and I <BR>>wonder if my $13 would be <BR>>better spent elsewhere come March 28th. <P>If you have such racial sensitivities that you perceive a historical display as an attack on your person, maybe you shouldn't go in museums or read history books either.<P>>Common comes across as a religious <BR>>and intelligent man and I would <BR>>like to think he doesn't hate <BR>>an entire race because of the <BR>>past or because a small percentage <BR>>of them might hate him for <BR>>the wrong reasons.<P>How do you know what percentage of white people hate black people?<P>> I've seen <BR>>him in concert 3 times(once with <BR>>The Roots) and he's talked about <BR>>how it's good that hip-hop can <BR>>bring so many different people together <BR>>peacfully. Is that just BS or <BR>>what?<P>If Common supported seperate water fountains, your argument would be sound...I see no reason why you would assume Com supports that, though...<P>> I hope I'm wrong about <BR>>the cover and Mr. Lynn has <BR>>another meaning behind the use of <BR>>that picture.<P>I don't understand the logic behind your theory.<P>> Besides isn't Jay Dee partially <BR>>responsible for the mostly bland music <BR>>on ATCQ's last 2 LPs?<P>Well, Tip and Ali are in The Ummah, too. Be fair.<P>Peace,<P>Spirit<BR><a href="http://amphibians.iuma.com" target="_blank">http://amphibians.iuma.com<;/a><BR><a href="http://infiniteloop.iuma.com" target="_blank">http://infiniteloop.iuma.com<;/a><BR>DC hip-hop is on the rise...<P>"High grade when I create beats/if I don't get signed/I'ma be the most dope bum that ever walked the streets" - <BR>Aychell (HL, of Khemystery)<P>"If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and looks like a duck, it's probably a tool of the conspiracy" - unknown

Peace,

Spirit (Alan)
http://wutangbook.com

For once i actually agree 100% with Spirit! This kid is hilarious- he calls Common out bascially calling him a racist and than wants him to respond with an "encouraging" response?! I personally have no objection with the ad, i too have thought about what he wants us to think by it, and in that respect its brilliant because it has caused this much open discussion about race and what it means to hip hop. I mean this whole argument is like saying The Roots are atheists because they had a burned down church on their cover! Its ridiculous!<BR>And "bland music"? U gotta be kidding me?! Dont make me get into this again....

I am very disappointed with the comments directed at Jimbo. First, here's some fault in you statement Mzopi.<P>>you are a fucking idiot...<P>>your absolute lack of integrity, common sense, >and ability to recognise the taste of your own >goddamn foot in your mouth has finally released >any restraints that have been put on my mouth and >mind since 1980 (your birth year?) <P>The above statement is a fallacious point of the Straw Man type. If you had any idea of how to present an argument you would know that you went about it in the wrong way. You can talk all the ish you want about the kid but nothing will get solved unless you relate your points to his question. Next he gets talked down to like a little kid because he's white<P>>and um, jimbo,in case you missed where hip hop >started, it was in the urban ghettos of NY, the >main supprot for hip hop since it's inception has >been and always will be, the black/hispanic >youth, and although the "white" kids it has >attracted has brought it commercial fame, it does >not, nor will it ever need your demographic to >survive, as long as there is a story to tell hip >hop will survive, as long as black youth know our >history in this country, it will survive, as long >as "white" people feel everything should be >tailored to thier taste and liking hip hop, and >more importantly BLACK music<P>I'm sure that he knows where hip hop started and who pioneered it. But that whole statement is ridiculous. You guys once again completely miscaterogize him as some idiot. All he did was ask something that a lot of Okayplayers probably wondered and you act like he's trying to kill hip hop because of it. And what is this ish?<P>>You're a fucking idiot. with that said, I'll step >aside and let everyone else degrade, humiliate >and embarass you. <P>Does anyone really need that? This doesn't do anything except make someone (whoever posted) look like an idiot. And these two statements by the same person completely contradict each other<P>>for real. i’m sick of white folk crying about >“reverse discrimination”. that whole idea is >bullshit<P>>what i’ve been trying to say is that certain >things are different coming from a black mouth >than a white one.<P>First he says that "reverse discrimination" is bullshit then he promotes it.<P>And maybe I'm wrong but I feel as if Hip Hop is more of an American culture than an African culture, since Hip Hop originated in America opposed to Africa. So the quote <P>>if you chose to live your life on the fringes of >African culture... please have the common decency >to understand when you don't understand.<P>Maybe he's wrong but once again he doesn't need to be addressed as a complete idiot. He has just as much of a place in hip hop as anyone else. And maybe he doesn't completely understand the music, but does he have to before he can question an ad?<BR>And what the eff is this?<P>>But the truth is that we started this shit and we >gone finish it. It's cool that other people are >feeling it and are trying to bring more to the >table but this is our baby.<P>Nobody can own an artform so leave the kid alone. Like I said before he has just as much of a place in hip hop as anyone else. Saying that black people own hip hop and because Jimbo is uncomfortable and white that he's an idiot is just as unjust as any other type of discrimination. <P>Those are just my thoughts on the post. Feel free to attack my statements but please grow up and refrain from attacking me.<BR>Peace<P>PS Personally, I think that Jaydee is a very competent producer, but No ID has produced three classic (in my eyes) albums for Com so why fix something that isn't broken? Hopefully he'll show up somewhere on the new LP.<P> <P><P><BR>

Collect all 9 at www.djlowkey.com->

MIA #1 w/Median
MIA #2 w/Tanya Morgan
The Fixtape w/Che Grand
Relief In The Making w/Median & 9th Wonder
Beat Thieves 2 w/Ilwil
Ketchup w/TiRon
Die Jerm Die w/Jermiside
De La Extras #2
The Solution Tape #1 w/U-N-I & Ro