My Strange Addiction Pt 2: 'Orange is the New Black"

Yes, I have many addictions when it comes to the internet. 

Vine Videos, Instagram, Facebook, HBO's 'Game of Thrones and not so shockingly; Netflix's series 'Orange is the New Black'. 

Just look at the cast picture above. That's one birds nest of a crazy cast eh? These fabulous ladies are what make up the highly acclaimed cast of 'Orange is the New Black'. Take it or leave it honey. 

For those out there who have not seen or witnessed these girls behind bars; I've come to save you from any show you've been previously watching. And for that, you should thank me. 

Imagineer this. 

Middle aged, Piper Chapman (center, orange uniform) also known as "Pipes', is livin' the Vida Loca with fiance Jason Biggs when a little secret from her youth comes backs to haunt her. 

A lesbian affair with Laura Pepron (center, tattoo on arm), also known as Dona from 'The 70's Show', turns into a business arrangement: Transporting money for a drug cartel of which ends with little Piper Chapman being convicted of fifteen months in a women's prison. 

Still not interested? 

Well, all those remaining ladies standing in unison in the picture above are who welcomes Mrs. Chapman to the amazing world of Prison and they entertain you greatly in the works. Transgender inmates, killers, pregnant women, corrupt cops and more plague the show and instantly involve you in the lives of each of these women.

There are good times, bad times and mostly highly comedic times as upstate New York native Piper Chapman is in for a rude awakening. 

I give this show an epic 10/10 and inform you that I'm thoroughly entertained. 

Here's a teaser for Season 2 kicking off June 2,  for all the former addicts: 

Let your Soul Glo: So what's the fuss?

If you've ever stumbled across a television show from the 70s' or 80s' you're bound to see someone sporting a funkadelic fro'. Usually associated with Black Pride during the Civil Rights movements; the Afro has made a strong comeback in the fashion world as people of all races are letting their natural curls flourish. People are laying those harsh chemicals and heat to the waste side and letting mother nature takeover.

Yet despite the rising revolution of natural power; their's a large majority of those who feel synthetic hair, chemicals and excessive heat are a necessity for having beautiful hair while natural hair is just 'not for them'.

So what's the fuss ladies and gentleman? Why not take a trip on the Soul Train as a recap:


During my childhood, I remember my parents watching the old reruns of Soul Train with Don Cornelius and I was always in awe with the massive crowns of Afro a majority of the audience members possessed. Males, females, blacks, whites etc, all sported their curls as Funk and Soul music ripped through the airways producing a new sound as well as a fashion statement.

Heck, as a child my mother even had me sporting the do:



Then immediately I think of one of Eddie Murphy's hit movies from the 80s', 'Coming to America' and the commercial for the more tamed Afro: The Jheri Curl

Here's the classic clip from the movie:

The Jheri Curl changed the game as well as took it's toll on a variety of stars. Stars Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson and even Samuel Jackson in 'Pulp Fiction rocked the famous do.

        

Yet,  here it is 2014 and it has made a return to the scene with far more critics and a new twist. If our fellow brothers and sisters rocked their curls in the 70s'-80's, Why can't we?

After watching Chris Rock's highly controversial documentary, 'Good Hair', all the signs were there.

'Good Hair' speaks of the concept of having "Good Hair" in the African American community as well as brings views derived from slavery and racism to the for front as the reasons for mixed views on Black (natural) hair.

One idea I found most controversial was this: Black women are spending hundreds of dollars in salons for straighter hair so as to... wait for it...

Look more white.

Personally the idea appears to spawn a plethora of controversy I'd rather stray from yet keeps my mind buzzing with thought.

If your're interested, here's a link to the trailer of Chris Rock's 'Good Hair' (Also available on Netflix):


How I see it:

As a natural hair junkie myself, I've been exposed to a variety of criticism regarding my crown of glory (Afro). After many years of hassling with chemicals, synthetic hairs and misery; I decided during my late high school years to make the transition.

I received mixed reactions from all kinds of people even those within my own race.

"Nappy" was the most common word used to describe it.

People would  stare at me as if my hair was an emblem of negativity or carelessness. Yet within all that negativity there is positivity. I began research online and realized that their were women all over the world going through the same struggle as I.

As of yesterday a professor on campus approached me with a compliment regarding my hair of which resulted in a exchange of emails so as to give each other tips on methods and products.

In the grand scheme of things, Natural hair is here to stay. Though the ignorance of people are prominent, the Afro continues to serve as a solid staple. Clearly a hairstyle shouldn't hold racist origins or concepts yet it does.

As a natural hair gal myself, I've rose above that and decided: I'm gonna let my Soul Glo.

Here's my natural hair history from childhood up to the present:


 

My Strange Addiction: Vine Videos

Believe it or not during the course of my first year of college I've developed an addiction. Now when I say addiction, you're probably thinking of marijuana, alcohol or even some form of pills.

As rocker Prince would say: 

" But I'm here to tell you there's something else". 

That something else just so happens to be Vine Videos. Not all those drugs mentioned above, teehee! 

For those out there with no earthy idea what a 'Vine' is; sit back and enjoy my miniature tour of the next big thing since YouTube. 

Owned by Twitter, Vine is a video sharing application where users are able to share six second clips of which plays in a continuous loop.  Users  have the option to follow their favorite Viners as well as "revine" videos they see fit for sharing with friends. For the newbie's out there it may appear quite puzzling that someone could sit for hours and watch nothing but six-second clips but it's not the time; it's the crafty things people can do in just six seconds.

Striving musicians, cute pets, sports highlights, dancing babies and even comedic teenagers plague the application daily with new 'Vines' for holidays, special events or mainly just for the hell of it. The popular app as proved to be an efficient way to get your talents out to the world... or your an embarrassing moment. 

As an avid or should I say "addicted" user of the app, I've decided to share my top five favorite Viners and one of their funniest vines (my favorite vine): 

1. Jerry Purpdrank 

Don't let the name distract you. Behind that strange stage name is an incredibly hilarious kiddo with skit style comedic talent to have you laughing for ages. 

Followers: 3.6 Million 

2. Curtis Lepore

Not only is this guy hilarious with his Vines impersonating girls but he is not bad to look at... Besides his charming good looks he has a side-kick canine companion named Buster Beans. Even the pup has his own Vine channel.

Followers: 4.2 Million







3. DeStorm Power

Though he may be a little older than some of the top Viners, DeStorm has killed the game with his hilarious Vines along with his son who also has a channel under the name "tayvionpower". Oh and did I mention he is a rapper?

Followers: 2.6 Million






4. Eric Dunn

Also another good looking Viner, Dunn is the average college kid with alot of time on his hands. But he choose his time alot wiser with hilarious vines that make him famous... Lucky.

Followers: 2.5 Million 






5. Simone Shepard 

She is known for doing perfect impersonations of Beyonce and bringing a more spicy outlook on life. Spicy meaning "Ratchet". I still got mad love for her though!

Followers: 2.5 Million 

Have you got the Cyrus?- How Miley Cyrus has Infected All

 Let's face it people; pop star Miley Cyrus has shocked us all in her incredible transformation from Disney Channel sweetheart to twerk master in a matter of a few years. The once country-breed pop star ditched those cow girl boots for some 6 inch stilettos and a cat-themed leotard...

Yet I strangely cannot escape the 'Cyrus'.

As an avid consumer of the social media app 'Instagram'; I admit to being one of the stars 10.3 million followers. A quick stalker search through Miley's Instagram already get's you trippin' as you see an array of pictures ranging from selfies during live performances in a Hot Dog suit and her signature tongue-out pose.

Yet the question still remains: Why is the world obsessed with her?

To create the Power Puff Girls it required; Sugar, Spice and everything nice.

After keeping a watchful eye on the stars crazy escapades this past year, I think I discovered a living example of the reaction of the addition of "Chemical X":


1. The Shocking Transformation

We all remember 'Hannah Montana" and the stigma of conservative wardrobes to accompany her pop-country origins. Presently, it appears the Cyrus has dropped those brown locks for a more edgy look similar to Billy Idol in the 80s'. In amazement, the worlds jaw dropped as Cyrus shed her childhood past and replaced it with raw sexuality.

 I greatly recall flipping through the tabloids and taking a second glance at the girl. One question ran through my mind: What happened to her?

And as her peculiar fashion trends continue, I say: Age 

Regardless of critics, the transformation from country gal to sex icon has got our attention and hasn't lost it since. Winning. 

2. The Twerking 

Rather we wanted to or not, We all witnessed this ^ little ray of sunshine on our TV sets during the 2013 VMA's. I recall this scene vividly as I walked into the lobby of my dormitory and saw everyone looking up at the television in utter shock. Miley had more than her paws on R&B singer, Robin Thicke that night. 

The Twerk master herself said:

 "I can't sing, I can't act, I'm dumb, I'm a hillbilly, but I can twerk, so whatever!" 

Cyrus has brought the dance move to the for front as she continues to shake her rump in all her music videos, concerts and probably in her bathroom mirror. Practice makes perfect, right?

3. The "I-Dont-Give-A-Whaa" Attitude

Now matter what the haters say, Miley Cyrus is "gonna do her thang". That fierce attitude of liberation has given Miley a new perspective of herself and guess what? Were' all here to see it. Rather through outrageous fashion statements, explicit song lyrics or lighting up a doobie on stage; Miley has no care in the world. 

In the end the critics can gawk and complain of her evolving from a child star to a sex mogul but that won't stop the Cyrus. Ladies and gentleman, the girl has found some solace. She's a grown woman with a career and bank account to prove it. Let's just let her do her thing. 

Grab popcorn though, the show just started! 

MasterMind: Rick Ross's Masterpiece

 We all know that Rick Ross is ‘The Boss’ of the Hip-Hop/Rap game, and if you disagree I guarantee he will find you… and will prove himself through massive chains studded in diamonds, a signature ‘Boss’ beard followed by those dark tinted aviators.

His music included of course. Regardless of your music interests, you’re bound to bob your head to this ‘Boss-tastic’ album. The Boss delivers right in time for warm weather guaranteed to blow down the block when ‘your ceilin’s missin’.


 As a hard-core Rick Ross fan, I could not resist the urge to immediately download his new album Mastermind onto my iPhone. I mean, get real people; It’s Rick Ross!

 At first glance, I totally digged the album art (Deluxe Edition) and the multi-colored splash of paint behind the animated boss himself. After some in depth research, I discovered the panned out version of the album art of which contains Ross with a gold embellished 007 Bond like gun to his head and graffiti spurting from the wound.

                      

                 
                 


 The power of technology these days. Album cover design: now that’s BOSS!



 If the album art didn’t get you outrageously influenced, then I guarantee the raw, bass-bumpin’ beats will! (At least it did for me!)

Here’s a track-by-track breakdown of this epic gangsta fairytale from myself to you:

 1. Intro- You can’t listen to a Rick Ross record without listening to the infamous ‘Maybach Music’ intro read by Australian super model, Jesse Gomes! (Can you imagine how much bank this chic is making by saying two-words) This track captures the Boss’s success through a radio-like loop of radio hits since his debut album Port of Miami. Nice recap of the Boss at his best.


 2. Rich is Gangsta: This track immediately got my attention with the dash of old school’ instrumentation made for driving down the strip with the windows cracked and drop-top down or as rapper 2Chainz would say ‘with muh ceilin’ missin’. The beat immediately had my attention with that classic beat.


 3. Drug Dealers Dream- Though I don’t have any experience with drug dealing or dreams of that matter; this song gives you a peep at what one might aspire for. Financial stability and expensive things. Boom.


 4. Shots Fired- Not a favorite of mine but a very cliché Ross song with constant gunshot sound effects and rhymes speaking of the real struggle of being a Boss.


 5. Nobody- Rapper Diddy speaks his mind about the Rap game and the killing of legendary rapper, Notorious B.I.G, throughout this track. A very heartfelt ode’ to the struggles of being in the limelight as rapper. Evokes deep thought yet still keeps your head movin’.


 6. * The Devil is a Lie- The song speaks for itself and happens to be one of my favorite tracks on the album. The classic horns and gospel wails in the background add to the message. And I guarantee you’ll be saying “The devil is a lie but B**** I’m truth” after jammin’ this track. Legendary Ross material.


 7. * Mafia Music III- Followers of Ross know that every album contains either a Maybach Music or Mafia Music continuation from a previous album. The reggae twist to this trilogy is epic as his rhymes flow to perfection.

 8. War Ready- With an intro of a court sentencing, it appears to send the message that Ross is prepared for the Feds. Come at em bro! He’s even got gunshot effects as a warning.


 9. What A Shame- A gangsta take on rapper O.D.B’s classic ‘Shimmy Shimmy Ya’, Ross is pounding the concept of his start status in yo face! A decent beat yet another cliché Ross tune to fill in the blanks.


 10. *Supreme- A major whip turning hit with those classic horns followed by a catchy beat and R&B croans. Beautiful or should I say Boss?

 11. Blk & Wht- Apparently Ross views his success though being “black and sellin’ white”, a good laugh from that chorus but a very smooth beat follows to let you know it’s legit. True story bro.

 12. Dope B**** Skit- Wanna hear a boss a** b**** let you know what makes a Boss? Listen to this skit. Hilarious, yet a guide from a female boss’s point of view.

 13. ***In Vein- My FAVORITE song on the album as rising R&B mogul, The Weeknd slows down the gangsta with a masterpiece chorus of the luxuries acquired through the “hustle” of the rap game. Boss status all day.

 14. Santified- Another favorite of mine due to the unique gospel intro leading into a completely non-religious message through acquiring large amounts of money. Money is a blessing eh?

 15. Walkin’ on Air- Yet another filler track talking about money, girls and cars.

 16. Thug Cry- A ballad of the struggle the Boss has went through since his rise to fame. The chorus delivered by Betty Idol, gives that classic spin to Ross’s brand as well as adds catchy flair. Love it!

 17. Blessing in Disquise- What better way to announce your blessings then with Motown vocals in the background with a steady beat! Slowed down to perfection for a chill atmosphere.

 18. Paradise I got- Ross’s view of the Oceanside (Florida) and the luxurious life he lives with Civil Rights and news excerpts in the intro. Snazzy Jazz flute rips through the track as well as a classic Marvin Gaye “Inner City Blues” like beat. Boss. Just Boss.

 19. You Know I got it (Reprise)- Remember that song from Jay-Z’s last album “F***withmeyouknowIgotit”? Well this Reprise contains Ross’s portion of the hit featuring that well known line “I don’t bop, I do the money dance”.

 In a magical nutshell, Mastermind proves to be a well-crafted masterpiece for rapper Rick Ross and is guaranteed to keep your head bobbin as well as betwow an aura of pure Boss amongst your ears. On a scale of 1-10, Rick Ross’s Mastermind has thoroughly entertained me with a solid 8.