Black Panther: Hollywood's First "Black Super Hero" Movie?
Written by Max Ataraxis
So, today, I want to talk about and really analyze why the highly anticipated movie that is next up in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is being regarded as the first black super hero movie.
First, I have to aknowledge all of the other black super heroes who were poppin, especially in the 90s. I am in no way, shape, or form discrediting the fact that black super heroes have existed before. Many are delegated to side acts to the white man ,though tbh. (War Machine and falcon in the MCU)
Before I talk about the big dog, I gotta give honorable mentions to Damon Wayan's Blank Man. Dude! BLANK MAN was the Original "KickA$$" if your familiar with that movie/comic series lol Blank Man is my movie!!
That being said, though, Blank Man wasnt based on a real comic book and was an orginial idea which is cool but doesnt fit the criteria. Also, Blank Man almost came off as a parody and not a super hero movie meant to be taken as a legit super hero movie.
Then you have Shaquile O Neal's "STEEL". That was indeed a super hero movie. That being said, ummmm....lets just say "STEEL" wasnt very memorable or good and another case of this almost seems like a parody as opposed to a legit super hero movie. I loved that movie when I was a kid though, I cant lie lol
Michael Jai White's "SPAWN" is another case of a black hero but in this case, he was more of a anti-hero rather than your traditional hero. It was more serious in tone and nature than the aforementioned, though.
Finally, Will Smith's Hancock was a black super hero but critically the movie didnt do that well and it wasnt your traditional super hero story. I personally LOVED Hancock, but I wouldnt really say it was a black super hero movie. Anybody could have played that role, regardless of race.
So now to the big dog! Wesley Snipe's "Blade" was the game changer that not only MARVEL but the super hero and comic book industry needed desperately.
The 90s were not a good time for super hero movies. The genre had found mild success with movies like the original Superman and Batman Movies prior to the 90s.....But after the bomb that was BATMAN & ROBIN hit theatres, it was NOT looking good for the genre.
Then here comes the critical and box office hit, "Blade" (1998), and things began to shift for the better. This movie was the first movie to really bring the super hero genre into being the powerhouse that it is today. Blade, followed by the first "X-Men" (2000) and "Spiderman" (2002) movies respectively.
This is what makes the fact that "Black Panther" is about to be the cultural phenomenom that it is, so ironic. Even though it is Hollywoods first Legit "Black" super hero movie, the new age comic book movie culture that it is founded in was jump started by one black lead.
So, you might be asking...Max. You just mentioned a buncha black super heroes. So how can "Black Panther" be the first black super hero movie?
Well let me break it down for you my brothas & sistas!
The biggest reason this movie will be the first "Black" super hero movie is because for the first time EVER, we have a super hero movie with a majority black cast. This is the game changer. Never has there been a super hero movie that not only has a majority black cast but is also so heavily revolved around black culture and showing black people in a postive light. The fictional african nation of Wakanda is supposed to be the most technologically advanced nation on the planet Earth. This nation holds some of the brightest and smartest people (Doctors, scientist, chemist, etc) that the earth has to offer. On top of that, Wakanda is the only nation to hold "Vibranium".This is a precious metal that is SUPER expensive and valuable. It's the unbreakable metal that makes up Captain America's shield for example and the main source of the nations wealth.
Next, it will be considered the first black supero movie because of its originality in a way that only black people can bring to the table. You can tell from just the trailers that there has NEVER been a movie like this one before. It has a specific energy, tone, coloring, cinematography, and story that is all next level.
I have high hopes for this film and I believe that The director "Ryan Coogler" is going to definitely have his third hit on his hands after the critically aclaimed pictures , "Fruitvale Station" and "CREED".
Before I end this article , I just want to also give a shout out to how amazing the Dora Milaje Look! If your not familiar, the Dora Milaje are group of all female african warriors who are trained and highly skilled for the purpose of protecting the king of Wakanda.
They LOOK AMAZING in the trailers and its so lovely to see a group of Strong Black Women being represented in a industry where they simply do not get enough credit for all that they contribute to the world.
Black women are hands down the most swagger jacked groups on the planet earth. Imma have to write a whole notha article about that! But yes, I am so happy to see my sisters shine, man. They 100 percent deserve it.
I will be at the Black Panther premier that thursday night! I cannot wait! imma be there in my dashiki and everything, on God! hahaha
Thanks for your time and hope everyone has a good day! Get ready ya'll. We gotta support this one for the culture!
- Max Ataraxis
Cardi B: More Intellectual Than Meets The Eye?
Written by Max Ataraxis
I vividly remember the first time I heard Cardi B. I was in the car with my mom and we were driving to New York this past summer for a family reunion. I had never heard of Cardi B before this moment. I think I MIGHT have been aware of her but I really dont be paying attention to all that Love & Hip Hop, Basketball wives, etc etc type reality Tv Shows.
The song that was playing was "Bodak Yellow" and My mom immediately went "yo, WHO IS THIS?!?!" and I was like man I don't know but this is flames!
And I did recognize she had the flow from Kodak Black's "No Flockin".
So, I Immediately looked up the lyrics in google and I found her. I was like man I don't know this chick, but shes DOPE!
I had NO IDEA that "Bodak Yellow" was going to be as big a record as it was.
Fast forward to 2018 and she has 5 songs on the billboard charts, Including her song with hispanic artist Ozuna. She is hands down the most successful newcomer to the game. And with all this new found fame and clout, of course, comes the haters.
I always make references to me being a rapper myself, But, I do this as a means to showcase that I do have experience with this. I studied the craft and have been doing it since I was 18 years old (Im 25 now). So, that being said, dude CARDI B CAN RAP. I listened to her "Gangsta Bitch Volume 1 & 2". Though there are a lot of "Fluff" songs, the songs that stand out, STAND OUT. And I think shes a much better rapper now, too. Everyone normally gets better with time. I have a lot of faith in her Debut Major Studio Album.
So this being said, People only hear what they want to hear and digest her from a surface level kind of mentality. Im going to use Wiz Khalifa as a good reference point.
On the surface Wiz Khalifa just seems like a basic stoner rapper who doesnt really talk about nothing of substance.
Thats not the case though. If you thourougly listen to Wiz Khalifa's music, on top of turning up and weed, etc, you'll hear amazing flow and wordplay coupled with themes of working hard, staying focused, being postive, grinding towards your dreams, brotherhood, and more. Wiz Khalifa is way more intelligent than people give him credit for.
"See You Again" was a SMASH record and he didnt mention weed not once.
So now, back to Cardi. A lot of people, especially woman, Ive noticed judge Cardi. They call her a thot and says she just makes music for Ho's etc.....I just be over here like bruh , yall gotta stop hating! lol
Just like Wiz, I noticed that Cardi has a unique distinct flow coupled with exceptional wordplay, vocabulary, and themes of working hard, staying focused, flexin on the people who doubted her, and being a strong woman.
Lines like the ones below prove to me that SHE IS NOT BASIC. Seriously, how can you hate on someone just talking about working hard and proving people wrong who doubt her? You should be inspired.
"Promise You I didnt luck up, was grinding all night, didnt sleep till the sun up"
"Look at me, Look at me, They didnt like me before, now they booking me". THATS A DOPE LINE!
She is an inspiration to all girls out there. SHE IS WHAT TRUE FEMINISM IS ABOUT. Being strong minded and not giving a fuck about what a Man or anyone has to say about how she lives her life.
The other day i was talking with one of my lady friends, and she was talking shit about cardi being on the song with Bruno Mars. She was like "IDK, i mean it just dont sound right. Like it wasnt bad. It sounded good but it dont sound like nothing she should be doing"
so I proceeded to ask why? and she responds, "IDK, I mean she a thot. She should just make thot music. Its too soon for her to be doing different stuff".
so then I was all like, dude SHES A RAPPER. 1) Why put her in a box like that? and 2) If she dont branch out and start doing different shit now, then why later? why wait?
If shes capable, then she should make any kind of music she wants, long as its good.
and thats what Ive noticed is that all of the people hating on her, are only listening with what I like to call "The Hater's Ear". They just dont like who she is from the jump, so no matter what she does, their gonna view it with their "Hater's ear" lol
Another one of Cardi's lines is
" Some people think I'm just a dumb bitch/ But if that was true I prolly wouldn't have shit"
This line is nothing but facts!
I swear Cardi is way more intelligent than people give her credit for. This was all speculation to me too,but I watched a couple of her DJ VLAD interviews and thats when I was convinced. Her personality is genuine and sincere and she is that goofy ratchet girl from the Bronx. Thats Who she is.
That being said though, shes also highly woke and intelligent. Thats what I learned in that interview.
and trust me, I feel like Im one of the kings of being a street nigga with intellect lol
Thats exactly what cardi B is. A Street Bitch with Intellect.
She still shining though, so regardless of all the haters, I think Cardi is going to be A OK.
Im really looking forward to her Debut Album. I hope she doesnt make me eat my words lol
Im praying for her constantly. I really do like Cardi B and I want to see her Win!
Thanks for your time as always !
Peave, love, and Light to you all :)
-Max Ataraxis
Lil Uzi Vert VS Trippie Redd : Who's the more skilled Emcee?
Written by Max Ataraxis
So anyone who knows me, knows that all forms of Rock music are just as near and dear to my heart as all the forms of Hip-Hop music. I am a rapper! I take pride in being a rapper. I literally feel like I have super powers as a emcee. That being said, its the influence from rock and alternative artist that really makes me different and unique. I know rappers find inspirations from all kinds of genres, and Rock/Alternative is my antithesis to hiphop.
So all this being said, one of the things that I KNOW is going to happen when I break into the rap game is that I'm going to get compared to Lil Uzi Vert. FIRST AND FOREMOST I WANT TO SAY THIS IS NOT A DISS TO Uzi. I Fuck with Uzi heavy! I respect and do recognize him as being a pioneer for this raprock energy thats being bought into the game. So that being said, I definitely can understand why any guy or gal who comes into the rap game with rock and alternative influence is going to be compared to Uzi.
When Trippie Redd first came out earlier in 2017, a lot of people were starting to call him UZI 2.0 and he took offense to that. I understand why he took offense completely, especially me being a rapper myself. In this day of age though, when your a new artist, people need like a reference point bascially for what your sound is like until you build your brand bigger. So to be compared to Uzi is actually a compliment in my head now. Its a compliment because if Uzi is the number one person in that lane right now, than its good that, thats who Im getting compared to, is where my head is at.
Just know that I do not have any intentions to stand in his shadow and I plan on not only getting out of his shadow but being my own man. Thats where I hope Trippie Redd's head is at.
So, let me get to the point of this blog post. I AM NOT HATING ON UZI but I have to say, after deliberation, I truly think that Trippie Redd is the more skilled rapper.
Im not a hater ! I Can just read authenticity. From the time Lil Uzi Came out, I fucked with him, but his brand and image far as the rock stuff goes always seemed kinda inauthentic and gimmicky. Fashion and brandwise I can DEFINITELY see the rock influence, but when it came to the music? I just couldnt hear it. Songs like XO Tour Life definitely have the punk rock cadence and the emo energy, Ill def give him that.
But something I cant stand is when Rappers really claim the rock wave but dont put out any authentic rock music. I play guitar. I spent hours studying up on the culutre of rock music from the 50s through present day. I pay atttention to the authenticity of stuff in that realm basically and not to say that Uzi didnt do those things too. Im sure he genuinely does love Marilyn Manson and is inspired by Paramore BUT it still seemed like he was using the rock aspect as a gimmick for his brand and the influence wasnt showing in his music.
Fast foward to Trippie Redd breaking; like i said I AM NOT A HATER! Real Recognize Real. Trippie hasnt released not one rock song yet to my knowledge and he doesnt blatantly talk about him being a rock rapper or anything of that sort. BUT, I can listen to his music, I can listen to him speak in interviews, I can see his social media post, and I KNOW
I KNOW This nigga is REALLY about that rock and alternative life. Theres an authenticity to him to where me being a person who legit studied the culture, I know hes REALLY up on that rock shit, and its not gimmicky or disingenuous.It shows in his music , too.
Trippie Redd also has an amazing voice. That nigga sing better than me, I admit it! That boy can sing!!! lol He sings better than Uzi vert and comes up with better cadences in my opinion. I also beleive him to be a better song writer. I listen to a lot of Uzi songs and they be dope but Its almost like he wasnt even trying when he wrote it. He relies on his style/brand to carry himself basically. And thats totally fine, too. The most amazing part about that is that even when it seems hes not trying to write dope lyrics, he still makes hits. So hey, more power to him if he can make hits that way.
That being said though, I, as a songwriter myself, I pay attention and Trippie is amazing at fitting words into his cadences; and not just fitting words but using dope words and lines, etc, to fit into the cadence.
So in conclusion, I think there are 3 main elements to being an Emcee that will make or break you as a rapper. Your Vocal Abilities, Your Song Writing Abilities , and your Style/brand.
While Uzi has DEFINITELY built a strong brand for himself stylistically, I thnk Trippie has him beat as far as the other two elements: Vocal abilities and Song writing abilities. This is why I think Trippie Redd will be one of, if not THE best new coming rapper from his class.
Only time can tell and I'm hoping there will be plenty of room in the game for a new wave of Rap Rockers. Fuck that crab in the barrel mentality. I feel like we can make Rap Rock the new wave! Gotta do it together though.
Thanks for yalls time as always!
Peace, Love, And Light to all :)
- Max Ataraxis
Trippie Redd VS Lil Uzi Vert : Who's the more skilled Emcee?
Written by Max Ataraxis
So anyone who knows me, knows that all forms of Rock music are just as near and dear to my heart as all the forms of Hip-Hop music. I am a rapper! I take pride in being a rapper. I literally feel like I have super powers as a emcee. That being said, its the influence from rock and alternative artist that really makes me different and unique. I know rappers find inspirations from all kinds of genres, and Rock/Alternative is my antithesis to hiphop.
So all this being said, one of the things that I KNOW is going to happen when I break into the rap game is that I'm going to get compared to Lil Uze Vert. FIRST AND FOREMOST I WANT TO SAY THIS IS NOT A DISS TO Uzi. I Fuck with Uzi heavy! I respect and do recognize him as being a pioneer for this raprock energy thats being bought into the game. So that being said, I definitely can understand why any guy or gal who comes into the rap game with rock and alternative influence is going to be compared to Uzi.
When Trippie Redd first came out earlier in 2017, a lot of people were starting to call him UZI 2.0 and he took offense to that. I understand why he took offense completely, especially me being a rapper myself. In this day of age though, when your a new artist, people need like a reference point bascially for what your sound is like until you build your brand bigger. So to be compared to Uzi is actually a compliment in my head now. Its a compliment because if Uzi is the number one person in that lane right now, than its good that, thats who Im getting compared to, is where my head is at.
Just know that I do not have any intentions to stand in his shadow and I plan on not only getting out of his shadow but being my own man. Thats where I hope Trippie Redd's head is at.
So, let me get to the point of this blog post. I AM NOT HATING ON UZI but I have to say, after deliberation, I truly think that Trippie Redd is the more skilled rapper.
Im not a hater ! i Can just read authenticity. From the time Lil Uzi Came out, I fucked with him, but his brand and image far as the rock stuff goes always seemed kinda inauthentic and gimmicky. Fashion and brandwise I can DEFINITELY see the rock influence, but when it came to the music? I just couldnt hear it. Songs like XO Tour Life definitely have the punk rock cadence and the emo energy, Ill def give him that.
But something I cant stand is when Rappers really claim the rock wave but dont put out any authentic rock music. I play guitar. I spent hours studying up on the culutre of rock music from the 50s through present day. I pay atttention to the authenticity of stuff in that realm basically and not to say that Uzi didnt do those things too. Im sure he genuinely does love Marilyn Manson and is inspired by Paramore BUT it still seemed like he was using the rock aspect as a gimmick for his brand.
Fast foward to Trippie Redd breaking; like i said I AM NOT A HATER! Real Recognize Real. Trippie hasnt released not one rock song and he doesnt blatantly talk about him being a rock rapper or anyhting of that sort. BUT, I can listen to his music, I can listen to him speak in interviews, I can see his social media post, and I KNOW
This nigga is REALLY about that rock and alternative life. Theres an authenticity to him to where me being a person who legit studied the culture, I know hes REALLY up on that rock shit, and its not gimmicky or disingenuous.
Trippie Redd also has an amazing voice. That nigga sing better than me, I admit it! That boy can sing!!! lol He sings better than Uzi vert and comes up with better cadences in my opinion. I also beleive him to be a better song writer. I listen to a lot of Uzi songs and they be dope but Its almost like he wasnt even trying when he wrote. The most amazing part about that is that even when it seems hes not trying to write dope lyrics, he still makes hits. So her more power to him if he can make hits that way.
That being said though, I, as a songwriter myself, I pay attention and Trippie is amazing at fitting words into his cadences.
So in conclusion, I think there are 3 main elements to being an Emcee that will make or break you as a rapper. Your Vocal Abilities, Your Song Writing Abilities , and your brand.
While Uzi has DEFINITELZY built a strong brand for himself, I thnk Trippie has him beat as far as the other two elements. This is why I think Trippie Redd will be one of if not the best new coming rapper from his class.
John Streetz Rendition of Purple Haze by Jimmy Hendrix
Written by Staff Writer
You may have seen him on Showtime at the Apollo, or somewhere in NYC performing to some music's hits and classics. Regardless where, John Streetz adds his fusion of blues, rock with a motown spin. You can hear the soul so well in his voice.
Catch him perform again at the Showtime at the Apoll - March 8th, 2018.
SINGER/SONGWRITER...shows and booking information contact streetz on facebook @John streetz
Call -(267) 229-4140
Media
Aaliyah from Aaliyah & Christina Working Those Vocal Chords
Written by Marc Kefonn
Aaliyah, one of the sisters from Aaliyah & Christina, a duo who are also one of the 1st place Appollo Winners working that voice in Union Station, NYC. Definitely some power in there.
Bio: "We are native New Yorkers, but our family originates from Trinidad & Tobago. We are two sisters who love singing, acting, dancing, and performing. We both enjoy singing and dancing to upbeat pop songs and Christian worship music. We love comedy and making jokes, writing songs, and traveling. In our free time we love playing our guitar and piano. We are very passionate about our music and when we perform we hope to inspire others; especially disadvantaged children." (Source: Site)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.