Derrion Albert, When Will It Stop

"Are we gonna live together?" (c) Senior Love Daddy

I just watched a video that made me sick to my stomach. I've often professed my love for all things Chicago but this my friends is one thing I can't condone AT ALL. There is no excuse. Such senseless violence being perpetrated by our young people. It makes me sad and angry. What's not so funny is I remember driving along an avenue similar to the scene of the crime. That fateful day there was another fight going on among some teenagers. The look of it was way more tame than what you will see when you watch the video (if you can).

I think of the culture of violence encouraged by our neighborhoods and by our country on a larger scale. This particular incident was a byproduct of the gang culture which has been present in Chicago since before I was born. Derrion Albert was reportedly NOT a gang member. He was actually an honor student in the wrong place at the wrong time trying to do the right thing. There has to be community outrage regarding this incident. A 16 year old is beaten to death by a mad group of his own peers. There is no outside force to blame here. There no need for blame, but there is a need for action.

Lets not wait until Derrion become James from the second floor in your building. I think this is a case of teenagers who have clearly insulated themselves in their own little world where this behavior is ok. Build a relationship with the young people on your block. It may save a life.

"Together are we gonna live?" (c) Senior Love Daddy

Dropbox comes to the iPhone

Looking at one of my favorite blogs Lifehacker I ran across this great piece of news. One of my favorite software items is now available for the iPhone/iTouch as an app. The software is called Dropbox. I'm sure a few of you have heard me talking about this program for a minute now. My good friend K Dub put me up on it a little over a month ago. I've been all about it ever since and even hooked it up on my mother's computer.

You see Dropbox works just like any other folder on your PC or Mac. The trick is this folder (or set of folders) starts out with a free 2 Gigs of space and has the same content no matter where you are. So say you set up Dropbox on your home computer, and also set it up on your work computer. You just did 80% of a project and would like to finish it at home, however it's too big to email. Place this file on Dropbox. When you get home you open up Dropbox and you are looking at the same folder from your job containing your project. Say goodbye to flash drives my friends.

You can also log on from any computer with internet access by logging into the Dropbox website and reach your folder that way without installing anything. And now that good folks at Dropbox have created an app to keep the good times rolling. I'm downloading this bad boy tonight. P.S. Just so you know, I installed Dropbox on my mother's PC so that when she needs new music for the iPod I bought her, I can just place it on my shared folder in Dropbox (which I gave her access to) and she can just pull it down. Cuts down on my traveling during the week.
Get Drop Box

Your Welcome
(Oh and hit me up dashaun@mothergreen.com for a referal so I can get my Dropbox size up. That's right with every person you get to sign up you get more free space)

Old School Mondays

This installment of Old School Monday's has a bit of New York titled songs. I figured since Jay-Z's Empire State song is getting so much love why not show just a few videos that help show the long list of NY anthems. Unfortunately there are some many other songs that don't have videos for them.

Old Blues Eyes himself


Kool G Rap, i mean what more needs to be said


Rakim just knew how to take your mind on a journey
through the NYC Streets


This video captured such a great feel for NYC. I mean
just the thought of riding around the deuce (Times Square)
at night with all the lights made it unreal.


When this song dropped on the soundtrack to
the movie Juice it was still a classic.
Major Tri-State appeal!!


Although this isn't a New York song I still decided
to add it just to introduce the song to follow.


Yeppers, This was all during the "East vs West" beef
but it was still a banger. So many NYC Pride songs
were dropped around this time. We've come a long
way people.

Tardy for the Party

I might be old fashioned when it comes to driving and not feeling the need to rely on modern technology to help me navigate through the streets of NY but I learned a lesson this day. I set out for a painting excursion to meet up with Sye, Keo and Fargo. I had a couple of ideas I wanted to execute but some how took a left turn and ended up in Cheboygan, Albuquerque (as Keo would put it). I don't think I've ever been this frustrated with driving. Needless to say by the time I showed up I felt like heads were almost done with their pieces and I had to play catch up. On top of that I wanted to add some characters but of course due to timing I wasn't able to.

Keo working on his piece

Sye Working on his

Fargo getting busy
Had to focus and put time in
Keo close to finishing
Finished product Stab (Fargo), Black (Sye), Plague (Keo), A-Game (Vins)

When I was kicking it with Keo he let me see the Part TDS book that came out. When it comes to Part there aren't that many dudes that have been so consistent and burning on top of it for so many years. If you don't know get a coppy of the book and you can get a small peak into his career. I also recently just got a copy of Deal CIA's book called Graffiti New York which I came out in. It was the Super Mario Bros (aka Super Fame City Bros) that Sye and I did. It's part of the Crews section and a small highlight on FC.

inside spread

Brown Rice

I just want to to give praises to Oxini & Serena Paulino for bringing a beautiful new member to the MG Family. World say hello to Nyelia Grace Paulino. My wife, Jessie and I stopped by to check up on them and see the baby. She is so beautiful and was able to sleep even during our conversation with O. We all know how loud we can be at times. He already has her set up for Sunday Football in her white, black and green uniform to support the Jets. Well here's O falling right into place as a father and being so calm. He looks so at peace!!! All praises due my brother!!

Drake - Forever (feat. Kanye W. Lil Wayne, Eminem)

You be the judge.

Forced Vaccinations in Massachussets?

I ran across this video on the web and thought I would share it with you all. The bottom line is don't take your liberties for granted. There are folks out there who are looking to undermine your freedom at every turn. Keep up with laws being passed in your territory and find out what you can do to enact change when necessary.

DJ I Truth - Word To The Motha Vol.1

Allow me to introduce yall to my brother DJ ITruth. He's been DJing for quite some time and has a vast knowledge of all different types of music from Hip Hop to Salsa to House. On our Word To Ya Motha series of mixes you will hear all of ITruth's different musical influences. He can currently be seen at a hot party in NYC between rocking the turntables and killing the dance floor. ITruth used to be a dancer for Brand Nubian in the SOS crew (SOS are ya wit me?).

So I say to you all, enjoy and leave a comment with what you think of the mix.


Word To The Motha Vol. 1

Hands Off My Brooklyn Neighborhoods!

Recently I was in the market for a new apartment in Brooklyn. I'm finally taking the big step out of East New York (where the manic depressive psycho murderers stalk). As I looked through the different craigslist postings and real estate websites I got very upset.

First of all lets get something straight, I've been living in Brooklyn all 30 years of my life. I've spent time in Flatbush, Crown Heights, Bed Stuy, you name it I've walked there. These real estate maps are trying to tell me that Flatbush doesn't start until after Church Ave. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Also the area known as Lefferts Gardens is within Flatbush just for your information. Flatbush starts at Empire Blvd. Prospect Heights while it's a neighborhood now was only a high school when I grew up. There was no such neighborhood to my knowledge. Clinton Hill...only within Clinton and Washington on THAT HILL going between Fulton and about Myrtle. Now I got people telling me that Franklin and Dekalb is Clinton Hill, WRONG it's Bed Stuy.

I know there are still some Brooklynites out there who know the deal. Don't let these outsiders come and tell you what your neighborhood is. Reclaim the streets and buy property. Lets dictate how we live and who we live with. If you don't yours could be the next Williamsburg (unless you're into that sort of thing *smh*).

Remember When Gov. Patterson Was Liked? Me Either

Ok well that's not entirely true. When he took office initially I was hype. Here we have a blind Blackman living uptown in Harlem taking over the highest office in the state. You gotta love that right? ...Right? Well then the coke thing came out and I thought cool he's clearing his table to do the work. Then the relationship scandal dropped and I thought ok but now get to work. Then there was the... well you get the point. A LOT of time has passed now and I'm still waiting for him to get to work.

Apparently I'm not the only one as word has come down from President Obama's administration that the Gov. should not look to run in the next NY election. His poll numbers are in the dumps and have been for quite some time. The Governor in his steady pattern is still looking to run despite word from Capital Hill. *smh*

I had some high hopes for Mr. Patterson. He still lives in Harlem and is running the state. Maybe before he leaves office he can make sure the drummers in the Mt. Morris Park don't get edged out by the "new Harlemites". At least he pardoned Slick Rick.

Well here's further discussion of the tension between The Gov. and The Pres.

Old School Mondays- FIASCO Edition

Normally, we use Old School Monday's as a chance to celebrate musicians from decades gone by. I however am not so normal and today I'm giving props a to brother who will be a part of this post 10 years from now anyway, Lupe Fiasco. Been a fan of this dude for a lil minute. Dashaun, thank you for "Food & Liquor". Over this past weekend Lupe put down a most incredible performance on Govenor's Island. He didn't perform "Hurt Me Soul" :( but he did do Streets On Fire, Dumb It Down and threw on a few Justice beats to rock over. Good money in my book. If for some reason you've have not heard of this dude or taken the time to listen to any of his albums or mixtapes, I've included a few short selections from a man who actually has something to say about the state of the world today. Without further ado, Lupe.

Pencils a Blazing

This weekend I got to hook up with Bluster and Gemma at Dr. Sketchy's. I told them about it recently and they were all excited to go. I showed up a bit late (oh yes the MTA is the BESTEST!!!!....ah no). I really think the MTA takes a break on the weekends just like we all try to but they suceed at it. So anyways, like I said I got there a bit late but it was good non the less and to see how much they enjoyed it made me even happier. I would never want to refer my team to something that I would not enjoy myself. So here are some pics from the event. and I suggest if you have time to go for an event do so. Also here's the link for Dr. Sketchy's. Check out their blog and I've included a introduction video from their site.

The Hyena happy to see I was puntcual

Sorry for the blur but the site will show you much better pics from that event. It ain't easy to draw, sketch, drink beer and talk simultaneously...well actually it is but I need an excuse for a crappy pic.

Bluster's sketch

Gemma's sketch

My Sketch

This was also another sketch prior to all three. This is of the girl in the luchadores mask. When I showed up it was during their "half time" show. It can vary from musical acts to burlesque. The one on the left did a burlesque dance with these feathers like in the 1920's. Really dope!! The one in the ponytails was juggling flaming rods and for her finale put the rod in her mouth to put it out...uhmmm yeah quite the show!!
Bluster aka The Hyena with 2 of the 3 ladies.
This is just a pic of the railing they have for the stairs.

The Sciene of Numbers

I just recently saw 9 the animated movie. I loved it. Anything dealing with numbers always draws my attention. The science behind the mathematics has become our universal language. The simplicity of mathematics from 1 to 9 plus 0 (guess what the 0 was in the movie?) is always refreshing. Christian and I went to go see it. He's 10 years old and enjoyed it just as much as I did. Each character aside from having a number for a name to represent itself also had shown certain qualities for that "number". For the MG team I know this will be one to collect on DVD for future viewings. Here are some screen grabs from the preview. I'm just saying, "the spark of life alone got me.

A great idea to give the scientist a facebook account.

also to have it being followed on Twitter as well.

The Robert Glasper (Trio / Experiment)

The first time I heard of Robert Glasper (and the Trio for that matter) was over a year ago. I was invited by a friend to see them in concert in Madison Sq. Park, downtown Manhattan. Watching Mr. Glasper alongside Chris "Daddy" Dave on drums and Vincente Archer on bass I was stuck. Here is a young man on Blue Note records representing a new generation of fresh Jazz. Each member is incredibly talented.

I just listened to the new Robert Glasper album "Double Booked" and it's sick. On the album he moves from his Trio work to his second group the Robert Glasper Experiment. The change is apparent and seamless. Here's a video of the trio getting busy.

We got coupons...meet me around the corner.

So yes we have the online store up and we have more than a few creative pieces up there for sale. I know you've been eyeing more than one piece but can't bring yourself to spend on both items. Well now you can. We have a 15% off coupon that will allow you to make that purchase with a clear conscious. Just go to the item of your liking and before checkout input this code: 13G081113
Also you might want to make note that we have some of our older T's marked down in price. Now is the time people, get fresh.

So make your purchase, make your statement and make it MotherGreen.

Congrats to Our Origins Contest Winners

The questions were sent, the anticipation built and answers received. When the dust settled we had two bonafied winners to our MG Origins Contest. Lets have an e-round of applause for Lorraine and Armando. Both Cali natives (West West Yall) got all of the answers correct to our 1st round of questions. They will receive some MG apparel along with a few promotional treats and a book that will make sure you no long hear that awful phrase "not with those shoes on" anymore.

So to the winners Armando and Lorraine we salute you.

P.S. Be on the lookout for other opportunities to get some MG material. If you are not on our email list contact us @ admin@mothergreen.com.

Liquid Swords

I came across this site the other day perhaps by chance. Regardless it just happened to reinforce my love for typography. I always like to encourage other artists to take time to create their own type for any projects they might be working on. The outcome of doing so will end up giving your work a distinct feeling and always adds to the aesthetic. It is time consuming at times depending on the look you're going for but well worth it. Even if you are pressed for time I suggest working on what ever typeface you might be using so that doctoring it will also give it its own identity. Make some time and go check this man's site out. Sebastian Lester has done some really amazing pieces of work. For more click here.

President Jimmy Carter Telling It Like It Is

One thing that has come out of the South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst towards Pres. Obama is that some people are really looking that the political atmosphere right now. There is a lot of anger in the air. There are full on marches invoking the name Hitler on the mall while in the chambers elected officials are yelling at the President as if he's their bus boy. If this was some cat on the street I could understand his lack of civility, however this is an elected official yelling at the man holding the highest office of the land. Where is the respect?

Lets see what President Jimmy Carter has to say on this issue.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Song of the day: Monsters of Folk - Dear God

I heard this song on KCRW the other night and had to download it ASAP. The band Monsters of Folk are a super group of sorts with members from My Morning Jacket, Conor and Bright Eyes together. Their debut album comes out Sept. 22nd after the group being together for 5 years officially. I'm looking forward to it off the strength of this jam.

Who needs Libraries? Clearly Not Philly.

At least not free libraries because the state legislature has decided the money isn't available to operate Philadelphia's free libraries. I went to Philly for the first time last year and remember seeing a "free" library thinking..."is there any other kind?" Well the answer to that is a moot point now being that even those free libraries will be gone by Oct. 2nd if the legislature has it's way.

The Library is not just a hub for the latest Zane novel or a location to look up old Washington Post articles. It is often the location for community board meetings, G.E.D classes and after school programs. I myself was a latch key kid growing up in Brooklyn, and found many afternoons spent in my local Public library until it was time for my mother to arrive home. I read many books and took care of my homework in silence (while sending love letters to the college aged librarian, I was 12).

If you live in Philly I implore you to seek out information on this matter and take to action. If you do not live in Philly I implore you to find out where your community board meetings are being held so you can at least be up to date with what's going on behind the scenes on your block.
For more information on the closing libraries go here.

Kanye Goes Wild But He's No Ol Dirty

Let me start out by saying I don't watch cable much. I haven't seen MTV in almost a year if not more. However I couldn't get away from the VMAs last night on twitter. And when Kanye West got up on stage and made himself look even less classier than normal (as if possible) my stomach sank a little bit. I just couldn't believe he took it upon himself to completely ruin that young lady's moment. But then why is that, it isn't like this is the first time he's done this. He's a complainer and has been from the moment he got a mic in his hand. Kanye's whole shtick is "look at me! look at me!" which is what an entertainer is supposed to do however he does it with no holds barred. Kanye doesn't care if blood is left on the dance floor as long as he has his moment.

While on Twitter I saw someone mention Kanye set black people back 40 years. I also saw someone mention how this action was a negative reflection on black entertainers. What the hell are these people talking about? Kanye is a jerk because Kanye is a jerk. There are plenty of jerks in the world of all colors (not as many on Kanye's level but you get my point). What he did had nothing to do with him being black. It had everything to do (IMO) with him thinking the world owes him something. But who are we kidding, this will all blow over and his next album will drop and yall will all go and buy it (I haven't copped since Late Registration).

My final point is this wasn't even the greatest grandstanding moment at an awards show. That #1 spot my friends goes to the late great Ol Dirty Bastard. Dirty dissed Puff at his height after B.I.G died two awards or so after Wu Tang lost. This was AT THE GRAMMYS! Chew on that one.

Old School Mondays

In case you didn't know Shallah Raekwon aka Raekwon The Chef dropped a new album last week titled Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2. Now Rae dropped two albums since the first Cuban Linx record and they were forgettable at best. However this one is supposed to be a banger and is the substitute record to cop in light of Jay-Z's latest misstep of an album.

Lets go through some old Wu-Tang videos to see what made the Gods so special to begin with.

Live performance of one of my favorite Wu joints. Peep the lyrics about AIDS.


This is my favorite song from the Enter the Wu Tang album.

Seeing this video let me know I was copping OB4CL the first day. Peep the Helly Hansons!

And just so you know the brothers haven't lost it here a new joint from the OB4CL2.

Organized Konfusion Performing Live! 9/25

And I won't be in town to see it. I am a pretty big Organized Konfusion fan. However I've never seen these guys live. Not together anyway. I've met both members Prince Po and Pharoahe on seperate occasions and I've seen Pharoahe perform. There second album Stress: The Extinction Agenda is one of my favorites from the 90s.

While on twitter yesterday I asked Pharoahe if he would ever perform the song Thirteen (possibly my favorite song from the album) again. He replied that he would at B.B. Kings in NYC on Sept. 25th. I got very hyped and then very sad. You see I'll be traveling to San Fransisco on the 24th and thus will miss this historic performance. If you are in town however I recommend seeing this show. If you are unfamiliar check the videos below for some education.

Sasabune and the problem it creates.

A little over a year ago I took a trip to Hawaii with my friend Lorraine. While in the beautiful city of Honolulu I stumbled across a top tier sushi restaurant named Sasabune. This place provided the best sushi experience I'd ever had. The set up is omakase style which means there is no menu. The Sushi masters layout a piece by piece spread for you until you are floating on cloud 9.

When I was in Hawaii the tuna (which I rarely to almost never eat) was great and the eel was sublime. It was damn near orgasmic. As the servers arrived with each new selection they would let you know what kind of fish you were about to enjoy and whether soy sauce was allowed or not for said piece. Fond memories for the kid.

Fast forward to Sept. 2009 and I'm seated in the Sasabune location in the Upper East Side of NYC with Shino. It felt like we had been transported to Japan for two hours. The staff was very friendly and accomodating. The sushi was fresh and delicious. As each piece arrived our smiles only got bigger. Sasabune has spoiled me for any of the NYC sushi restaurants of a different name. It's a whole other level of taste when dealing with this establishment. It's now hard for me to run out and get a lil sushi for lunch knowing that it's almost a joke.

I highly recommend this place. It's definitely on the pricey side so I would only go for a special occasion (unless your rolling like Scrooge McDuck). Until the next time, I'm haunted by the realization that it will probably be another 6 months before I dine on such a delightful piece of sushi.
*Oh and it's even better than the sushi I had in Japan.*

New Ryan Leslie - You're Not My Girl

My boy Ryan Leslie is back with a new jam. I really like the melody of this record. I tell you this kid has a way with melody. I was just playing his album yesterday and I guess it's that time again. His new album "Transition" will be out in October. Check out his new video You're Not My GIrl.

MG & HKM New Season

Since the conception of MG & HKM it has been a tough name for people to understand. I remember when I first came up with the name, one of the first people I told was my brother Alyasha. He told me straight up "keep that for yourself, don't be stupid and give it away". As time passed, getting the Mothergreen idea across has been the challenge.

Full Metal Jacket Vietnam Surfin Bird Scene - The funniest videos are a click away

Whether you just got let go from a job or supporting a family on top of trying to maintain your lifestyle you are what MG is all about. MG salutes those who are in the struggle and carry with them the memories of yesterday that help make the difference in life today. This is dedicated to all my people in the struggle. © Notorious B.I.G.

Here is how some of the ideas behind the new graphics for MG & HKM were developed.

The Big W (win) was inspired from the HBO documentary Breaking the Huddle. Aside from that we have been toying around with the term Refuse to Lose for some time. When I saw this one night it all became clear. Bigger than just a term these words describe a true champion.


Disposable Heroes, now this idea was born being frustrated with all the crap that is out there. Standards have been lowered and it's okay now to whine, dumb down your work and whore yourself out for the next dollar. However one man's trash is another man's treasure.

Animal Mother is just that, full volume, live and direct. Inspired by the character from the movie who was cold and way over the top but was there to hold you down.

Kill' Em All lets you know what the full name for this brand is. This is about where you're from and who you rep with.

The Performance Shell, This piece is there for the stealth moves of the strong and helps protects against the elements.