My Michael Jackson Tribute: A Thank You To The Guest of WHWDRadio

June 26th, 2009 | By Sonnie Johnson

I woke up this morning, hoping it was all a bad dream. I was scared to turn on the news because I didn’t want to see a tribute that reminded me, Michael Jackson is dead at he age of 50. Damn!

First, send a prayer out to Michael Jackson’s family, friends, and fans. Now, for my personal tribute.

My favorite Michael Jackson song is, “Man in the Mirror”. “If you want to make the world a better place, take a lookat yourself and make that change.”

Don’t get me wrong, I know all the moves to “Thriller”, I remember singing “Bad” on a record player, “Billie Jean” got me in trouble with my mother, and “Smooth Criminal” was my ‘ish’, but Man in the Mirror has been the one song that always stuck with me. When I was doing stuff I had no business, when I was struggling with my illness, and when I eventually decided it was time to make my voice heard, Michael Jackson was never that far away.

Michael Jackson was a true inspiration, no matter the controversy that surrounded him. He made the world sing together, smile together, and hope together and all he asked in return, that we look in the Mirror and realize we all have the power to make change. In tribute to Michael Jackson, I would like to thank the people that have helped me realize this about myself. We never know how long we are going to be here, so always show appreciation for the people that influence and inspire.

Hip Hop Republicans– Finding a place of acceptance is a difficult task for some, for me especially. I refuse change the way I write or speak, I don’t sugar coat or look for political correctness, basically I don’t fit the mold of the average “Republican”. Yet, they promote both my blog and my radio show. They offer me assistance, advice, and inspiration, with no censorship or maybe you should try it this way. They step back, let me make my mistakes, and support me regardless. That’s the side of the Republican Party we need to share with the rest of the country. Thank You Hip Hop Republican.

Lenny McAllister– I am an official “Lenny should run for office” stalker. I could list his accomplishments but I’d be here all day. To me, he has become a sounding board, a voice of reason, and a “I’ve been where you’re at” perspective. He is always willing to share inspirational words and has exceptional point of views on a varitey of different subjects. Thank You Lenny, for listening on the days I don’t know which way is up.

Nadra Enzi A.K.A. Capt. Black– Have you ever met a man that made you want to become a Super Hero? If not, then you need to meet Nadra. While urban communities focus on what the government is not doing, Nadra focuses on how the urban community is failing itself. With the invent of “Al Thugga”, the name given to the street thugs that run American inner cities, he is shining a light on the destructive forces we give sanctuary. Thank you Nadra, for believing we have the right to walk the streets in our own neighborhoods with out feeling afraid.

Rev. Isaac Hayes– Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Every once in while, you get a reality check on this statement. Rev. Hayes was my reality check. Check out the musician, DWELLA, and see if you can make the connection. Seriously, check it out. Thank you Rev. Hayes, for giving me confidence that God uses all instruments to send down his word.

Dr. Timothy Johnson– Usually, when people get into positions of power, they forget about the little people. The new VP of the NCGOP, definetly has a lot on his plate. Yet, he took the time to conversate with me on conservative principles and sharpen my ability to fight against Liberal propaganda. But the most inspiring thing about Dr. Johnson, his ability to forgive, both himself and others. No man is without sin but it takes a real man to step up, admit thier faults, ask God for forgiveness, and leave it with the Lord. Thank you Dr. Johnson, for showing me making up for mistakes of the past is one thing, basing your life around them is another.

Andrew Simon– My competitor, LOL. Andrew visited the show this week and indulged me in a little talk about Hip Hop. We took the easy way out because we have some major disagreements about Health care. Regardless, I had an empty slot on my show and he volunteered to step in. Thank you Andrew, for giving me conversations to look forward too.

To all listeners, callers, and critics, I say thank you. Just showing up to hear my annoying voice is enough for me. You are all appreciated.

In looking at my true reflection in the Mirror, there is one more person I have to thank.

Specta– My confidence giver, my idea accelerator, and my first inspiration to do more than just blog. Things happen for a reason and your arrival in my life, truly played it’s part. Thank You for continuing to support me, even froma distance.

If you’re wondering how all this ties into the Death of an Icon, remember, Michael Jackson inspired people. He inspired me and I appreciate his inspiration. And though he knew we loved his music, dance, and creativity, I wonder if he knew how much we appreciated the lessons learned from that music, dance, and creativity. Last night, my daughter watched “Thriller” for the first time. As I watched her imitate the same moves I once spent hours perfecting, it hit me, if we don’t share the lessons of those that inspire us, there will always remain only one reflection in the Mirror. Michael Jackson deserves more.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson, The King of Pop

June 25th, 2009 | By Sonnie Johnson

Maybe when this sinks in, I’ll have something to say. Maybe when I can say it out loud, I’ll believe it’s true. Until then, this is how I will remember Michael Jackson…….

Iranian Protest: The True Success of Iraq

June 24th, 2009 | By Sonnie Johnson

Times are hard in Detroit. With the restructuring, lay-offs, and over all economic turmoil, employment opportunities are far and few between. Not just for the industry workers, also the professionals that provide services to those workers. Doctor’s, laywer’s and insurance adjusters, amongst others, all suffer when one industry fails. The state and local governments suffer loss revenue due to loss wage, social programs lose funding due to budget cuts, but more importantly, the state loses knowledgeable and skilled workers and professionals. Those with valuable skills will seek employment in another town or another state.

Take that philosophy global. Iraq and Iran are neighbors. They have shared peaceful times and times of war. Iran remembers a time when they could look down upon the people of Iraq. Though neither could claim complete freedom, Iranians chose their government. Saddam Hussein ruled Iraq with an iron fist.

With the assistance of hundreds of thousands of brave AMERICANS, the picture of these two countries has changed dramatically. Now, every Iraqi is free to vote or run for office, without closed door approval or fear of death. Iraqi women can vote, hold office, become a doctor, teacher, or any other occupation that will provide non suicidal dreams for her children. Iraqi sports teams can back the candidates of their choosing without losing the right to represent their country.

And Iranians are taking notice. If you think they can twitter and facebook with guns in their faces and not be abreast of the current conditions in Iraq, you are truly underestimating the savvy of the Iranian people. I believe, they truly believe, America is responsible for a lot of the problems in the Middle East. I also believe they understand and yearn for freedom, that brings true cultural diversity, exchange of ideas, and potential for economic growth. They don’t want to choose total westernization but they do want to feel like their government is paying attention to their wants and needs.

So, if they can’t get that freedom and chance for a brighter future from their government, they will seek it elsewhere. Giving respect to the Iranian peoples’ pride of country, they won’t move willingly. It will be a necessity. As economic numbers and advancement improve in Iraq, I wouldn’t be surprised if there is an influx of Iranians into the country. Not to become citizens but to get a real sense of what it’s like to be able to assemble peacefully and not have bullets flying towards you.

This is a double edged sword to the people of the Middle East. They are beginning to see a Muslim framed democracy take hold and they see an opportunity to follow suit. They also see the price of Democracy and Freedom. They know the number of American lives, Iraqi lives, and now Iranian lives that continue to add up in the cost of liberty.

No dictator or group of dictators (the Sheiks and Ayatollahs) will ever give up power willingly. In my opinion, this is why Obama won’t come out stronger against the Iranian government. This administration is all smoke and mirrors. When President Obama says, “He doesn’t want to meddle”, I think he’s praying this thing goes away quickly and quietly. Twitter explodes and now he is faced with a dilema. How can you condemn the concentration of power and inclusiveness in Iran, at the same time the American government is concentrating power and authority.

This is not a human rights problem. This is a “people who stand for liberty and justice, in remembrance to all those who died for those principles” problem. This is not an American fight. This is a ” worldwide recognition of an individuals right to fight” fight. This is not an Iranian issue. This is a “reason to get Acorn active and in the street” issue.

You would think the former community organizer and champion for the little people would understand that. No corporate interest or ideological mandates should cause you to lower your voice. No C.E.O. or Board of Directors should make you hold your tongue. No oppressive force should hold you back from saying what needs to be said or doing what needs to be done.

These days President Obama spends more time with C.E.O.’s and Boards of Directors’ than he does with the little guy that got fired from a GM dealership. He spends more time making corporate decisions behind closed doors, than he does answering criticism from the American people. Today, he spends more time waiting for a reaction from the Iranian hierarchy than he spends championing the “community organizers” in Iran willing to die to be heard.

That’s a change I didn’t see coming. Is that why he wanted the Iraq War to fail? To see it succeed would calm the hate talk from the people at the bottom towards the United States and in effect curb our own criticism of the freedom and justice we hold in our boarders. Would the American people look at Iraqi citizens and the individual power they now hold and be jealous, just as the Iranians now are? Or was he scared that the people of the region would step up and fight for freedom, no matter the cost in blood, and he would have to lose popularity with the people on top, to support the people on bottom.

Hip Hop & The Black Republican: Getting the Society into Social Networking

June 23rd, 2009 | By Sonnie Johnson

1992, I was spending summer vacation with my cousin in the heart of Richmond, Va. Normally, I was restricted to listening to gospel music and oldies. Now I had a little freedom to sample Hip Hop. It was Mary J. Blige, Real Love. I was “Hypnotized”.

2001, I wanted to look beautiful for my birthday, so I scheduled an appointment to get my hair braided. I got up early to go to the hair shop and made my way to the African Braiding Salon. I was early, so I ventured home to pack a lunch for my hubby to go to work. I got home just in time to see the first plane hit the first Tower. Thinking it was an accident, I left to make my appointment. I made it to the shop just in time to hear about the plane crashing into the Pentagon.

Everyone in the shop joined hands and prayed. We prayed for the people on the plane, we prayed for the people in the Twin Towers, we prayed for the rescue worker and everyday hero, we prayed for every family member affected. Then, then we prayed for the terrorist and their supporters. We prayed God would soften their heart. Last, we prayed for President George Bush. We prayed that God would grant him the strength to protect this nation in the days ahead.

12 hours later, I rode home listening to Jill Scott’s, A Long Walk, trying to gather my thoughts. I always believed in God but I wasn’t at the point in my faith where I would pray for the very men that caused massive destruction to my fellow countrymen. I wasn’t at the point of political maturity where I thought George Bush was that important. All I knew was Jill Scott’s melodic voice made me………..WAKE UP!

The intent of my trip down memory lane was not to invoke memories of that day. It was to express the power of Hip Hop. Since I heard my first Hip Hop song, I’ve used the music as a coping mechanism. When I was sad, happy, lonely, amongst friends, busy, chillin, and all the gray areas in between; Hip Hop was there.

Fast Forward

Whydidyousaythatgirl.com-> The Blog WHWDRadio -> The Show WHWDRadio-> The Forum

All dedicated to my two greatest loves, Hip Hop and Future of the United States of America. And YES! I did a shameless plug of everything I got going. You know why? I believe in Capitalism, the Free Market, and an individuals’ right to choose their own destiny. If you find that thing that ignites your passion, work for it and you can get the American Dream. I plug myself every chance I get, did I mention…….

Twitter Facebook Myspace

Hip Hop combines two of my favorite political platforms, Capitalism and Free Speech. The former provides the strength and power to protect the latter. The more capital raised by the Hip Hop industry, the less politicians are willing to attack it. As artist, consumers, promoters, and fans we have given Hip Hop power in the political arena. Democrats have taken full advantage of this new source of power. Where are the Republicans?

After President Obama’s history making election, the central focus was the new technology. All the social networking sites, iphones, and laptop computers created massive grassroots efforts. How? Did the phones hit their owners upside the head and tell them to vote for Obama? Did the social networking sites deny access to those with opposing veiw points? Did the laptop computers instantly send Republican outreach to the spam box?

NO! It wasn’t the hardware, the software, or phantoms whisping through. It was the people on the outgoing end of the tweets, myspace bulletins, and facebook posts. Ludacris, Common, Jay-Z, Puffy, and the list goes on and on and on. Obama wasn’t afraid to be photographed with the artist, even though they cussed, wrote lyrics involving gun violence, or showed misogynistic tendencies. He knew no one follows Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, or Rahm Emanual on twitter. The core Hip Hop base are the people that can sell out packed arenas and go platinum in a day.

Ironically, these are the same people who show the rest of us that Capitalism works. Each taking one step, then another, unwilling to stop, uninhibited by haters or road blocks, and unafraid to risk everything betting of themselves. Each a true and shining example of the American Dream, no matter what you think about the art form that got them to that status.

Imagine this. You gather the aforementioned stars like Obama gathered the execs at Chrysler. You inform them, the rappers on myspace aren’t making the same amount of money as they are, so they need to sign every thing over so it can be redistributed. Could you picture Puffy video blogging about that conversation under a sheet with a flashlight, like he mocked Sarah Palin? Or do you think he would have his legal department trying to figure out a way to stop the government or get his money some where it can’t be touched.

Or try this one. The state in forms Jay-Z, New York no longer allows any weapons in the home or on your person. It doesn’t matter you were never convicted of a felony. It doesn’t matter your weapon is registered and you have a license to carry. It doesn’t matter that you are a Billioniaire, with a face every body knows, and a bullseye on your back, your bodyguards aren’t even allowed to bare arms. How long do you think Jay would remain a New York Resident? Everyone wants to blame the government for T.I.’s conviction, not realizing Democrats push for the laws that make it difficult or impossible for reformed felons to protect themselves and their families.

But we never have these conversations with the movers and shakers in the Hip Hop community. They present themselves, back a candidate, and never have to answer a policy question and those of us who don’t pay attention, assume they know what they are talking about. As their popularity grows, so do the numbers of youth in the Democratic Party.

And how do we combat this? Conquer the hardware? Throw bugs in the software? Or truly become inclusive and let the Hip Hop Community into the Republican Party. This doesn’t mean just the generation who grew up in Hip Hop and graduated to something more. This also includes the generation that grew up in Hip Hip, graduated to something more, and decided to take Hip Hop with them. The Hip Hop fans that can look past graphic language to see true lyrical talent. The encouraged entrepreneur who listened to Fifty’s, “If I can’t do it, homey it can’t be done” right before he closed a multi-million dollar deal. The conservative sister that finds laughter and ridicule when she stands and says, “Better recognize a real woman”.

These are the people who don’t listen to Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, Bill O’Reily, or any other conservative host. I know this because I don’t listen to any of the shows. I agree with most policy positions but they don’t capture and hold my attention. I don’t do Elvis and country music comparisons and I don’t appreciate Hip Hop only gaining notoriety when something goes wrong.

As a proud black Republican that carries Hip Hop like my weapon of choice, where do I fit in? If I want to play Hip Hop music on my radio show, do I have to buy the clean version from Wal-mart? Which would go against every principle of free speech and censorship I have? Or do I participate in the Capitalistic system I praise so much?

Believe me, this is not something I just came up with. Since the beginning to WHWDRadio, I’ve made every attempt to reach out to politicians and artist alike. While the politicians have been wonderful and gracious with their time, once I tell an artist my political affiliation, the interview never happens. I inform them that the segment will have nothing to do with politics, just music and they still refuse. Yet, they continue to send their new material and ask my opinion. The true entrepreneurs who look at any audience as a chance to get a couple fans question if they have to change their lyrics to accommodate my audience.

Is my audience really that different than any other audience willing to listen to a fellow Americans perspective of life? If it is, then the Republican Party has no chance to win the minority vote. They are willing to listen, if we are willing to respect the power they hold. This means excepting their form of expression and means of communication. Social Networking means nothing if you can’t reach the people in the society.

Follow Me To Heaven: AJ Uncut

June 20th, 2009 | By Sonnie Johnson

Follow Me To Heaven

Check out Interview with AJ Uncut

Congrats L.A. Lakers: Got Pepto For Kobe Haters

June 15th, 2009 | By Sonnie Johnson

Everybody hates Kobe Bryant. Usually, I would be in this group. Since Kobe is a star, I would usually bet against him. What would’ve been the use?

Kobe Bryant is the best in the game and his fourth ring, first without Shaq, proves it. Congratulations Kobe. For all the haters, I hope you got your pepto last night. The Kobe Nausea has caused the stores shelves to run dry.

Hip Hop’s Rebirth, Nothing To Fear

June 15th, 2009 | By Sonnie Johnson

In the 70’s, a new form of music took over New York City. Young men and women needed a new sound and the creative forces of their generation gave it to them. Sugar Hill Gang, Kurtis Blow, and a host of “DJ’s” carried the sound from hoods, to street corners, to clubs, and now it’s all over the world. What started as RAP, turned into the Multi-Billion dollar Hip Hop Industry.

Few Examples, Have More?

The 80’s showed the adolescence of Hip Hop. It resembled the first day of kindergarten. Everything was fresh and new and you were super excited to see what the next day held. Run DMC mixing rap with Rock n Roll, LL Cool J driving the ladies crazy, and Will Smith showing kids how to cope with everyday life.

Few examples, Have More?

The 90’s changed the game. When you started middle school, you knew the rules. Yet, you did everything to see how far you could push it. So came the birth of Gangsta Rap. The cool kids, the West Coast, basically ran the industry. Snoop’s Gin and Juice, Dre’s Let me ride, Ice Cube’s No Vaseline, and every Tupac song.

You learn a lot about yourself in middle school, just as we learned a lot about ourselves during our Gangsta Rap period. We learned the fragility of life by losing two of our biggest stars, R.I.P. Tupac and Biggie. We learned the money making ability of Hip Hop. Most importantly, we learned the power Hip Hop held over the masses.

Few Examples, Have More?

The new century brought about the bling. In high school, you did everything to fit in, that’s the Hip Hop Industry of the last 10 years. If you say you got this, I’ll say I got that. If your necklace has 50 diamonds, I’ll get 61. You think your girl is bad, I got 5 girls. A truly artificial and commercial approach to life and music.

But, as every cycle eventually does, the money bragging and one upmanship of the last decade is coming to an end. It’s replacement is not fully known yet, but we are definitely experiencing the change in the music.

The question: Will we continue the cycle and have “College Hip Hop” as the next step or will the music mirror the statistics and produce “High School Drop Out Hip Hop”?

Complicated question. I vehemently dislike the dance crazes of today. Every time I hear or see Soulja Boy, I imagine crushing his vocal box. Yet the conservative in me, the free market lover in me, can’t help but appreciate his abilities.

To take a song from the Internet, to the mainstream, and build a name and niche for yourself is worthy of praise. Whether I, as one singe person, like or dislike the finished product, I like the lesson. Before Soulja Boy was an artist, he was an entrepreneur. Before he became one of my least favorite artists, he was a young black man navigating the bumps and bruises of decision making. Before he ruined radio for me, he picked a destination and reached it.

Now, he’s worth more than a lot of artists who “sold a bunch of records and still owe dough.” Jay-Z, Imaginary Player. He is a true product of the American Dream. How can I hate on that?

Plus, how can I look past the clues to the next generation of Hip Hop. Rap started with entrepreneurs. Hip Hop started with entrepreneurs wanting to make money off the Rappers. Then the created industry took over. Rappers were no longer in control of the music they made and the music became more about the money than the art form.

With the invent of social networking, the pattern is starting to reverse itself. An artist can make the kind of music he/she wants with no outside influence. All they need is a hot beat, lyrics, and an ability to promote themselves.

I HATE to admit Soulja Boy is the spark and catalyst to this movement. Those of us who lived through the first decades of Hip Hop find this impossible to believe. We speak of Beastie Boys, Too Short, and Slick Rick and find it heartbreaking to add Soulja Boy.

I’m sure 70’s babies had squabbles with 80’s. 80’s babies had squabbles with 90’s and so forth. We don’t have to like it, but we must continue to support Hip Hop. At this stage in the game, the new genre hasn’t taken hold yet.

Will it be, “College Hip Hop”? Hip hop music that is open to new ideas, formats, and experiences. The experiment is already in progress. Kanye West and Lil Wayne creating Rap N Roll, Gospel Rap reaching into churches, and Hip Hop songs and dances gracing stage plays.

Or will it be, “High School Drop Out Hip Hop”? Hip hop music that refuses to look at itself in the mirror, so it emulates others around it. “My President’s black, My Lambo’s blue”, a love song that places a name ahead of true emotion, or beef songs because I can’t get my album to sell.

The fight for the new generation of Hip Hop is underway. Either way the wind blows, looking back at the catalyst, should bring you great hope. Self made, still in high school, big dreams, passion, and most importantly success.

Enough success, that leaders in the game are calling you out. Enough success that bloggers, like myself, take time to write about you. Enough success, that laughing at the haters comes with ease. Enough success that one ridiculous song after another, gets infinite radio play. Enough success to make true lovers of Hip Hop question the direction of the music.

Do not fear Hip Hop fans. Rejoice. Hip Hop’s constant evolution and experimentation solidifies it’s longevity and importance in America’s culture. Hip Hop’s ability to set the tread in dance, clothing, and over all style proves the power of our generations’ creativity. Hip Hop’s power to create massive followings motivates this generations ability to capture a piece of the market.

Hip Hop has made a full circle. Now the money is starting to flow back into the hands of the people that actually make the music and though the industry is mad, consumers should be happy. Creativity will make it’s way back into the music.

But we have a very important role to play. We must seek out and support the artist that are moving the music forward. The young entrepreneurs that grew up in tough conditions and made it out. The young artist desperately trying to figure out who they are, through rhyme and reason. The young sister’s forcing their way towards a true level playing field in Hip Hop.

Soulja Boy may have been the catalyst, but we can help influence the finished product. Get on Myspace, Twitter, Facebook, and any other social sites and find the music, support the artist, and have your thumbprint of the next generation of Hip Hop.

Glass Houses

June 8th, 2009 | By Sonnie Johnson

They say, “He who slings mud, loses ground”

Seldom is a source found that replenishes itself

That makes up what was lost

Without extra cost or an undesired result

The mudslinger knows this well

He sees the dirt on his hands and under his nails

Dirty hands for a dirty job

A dirty job filled with dirty deeds

The mudslinger sees no problem with these

Or this, Mentality

Ground maybe lost

Dirty hands maybe the cost

But who looks at dirty hands

When someone else has a dirty face

Dirty face wins the race

To ridicule and laughter

The mudslinger would have to move faster

Than the speed of light to look past

The mud he slung at someone’s elses’ path

And we laugh

Sitting in our Glass Houses

They say, “the grass the always greener, on the other side”

Here we go again believing their lies

With scratched up knees and scraped up thighs

Why is there a fence?

Where is the gate?

If every thing is so great, why make us wait?

Maybe our shade of Green is seen

As a source of comfort

For those on the other side

Who would willing open wide

Their gate to get a glimpse inside

Our glass house

While we’re banging to find a way out

They say, “It’s better to have loved and lost

Than to have never loved at all”

Should I slip and fall

Into looking for lessons learned

With no true concern

To the eyes focusing back at me

Through invisible walls

That cause pause for every passerby

That can spot a broken heart

And when I start to cry

They pick up rocks

Just as the mudslinger knows

The weight of his deeds

And like the green grass

Hide things only yet to be seen

The interesting thing

Glass houses are portable

While ground is being lost

So is the shelter

And while dreams are being spent

Going after what could be

We are exposed to letting everyone see

Our dirty hands and our dirty deeds