AN CONVERSATION WITH SOUL SINGER NOEL GOURDIN

While I was interviewing Soul singer/songwriter Noel Gourdin, this past winter, it felt as though we were cool brothers having a conversation, and it was his cool, spiritual, down to earth personality, that's making him one of the industries hottest singers to hit the scene along with his talented vocals and pen game. The Massacheuttes born singer has gained a following with her two releases, including "Fresh The Definition" which earned him a well-deserved Urban Music award, and is still doing well since it's release last year. I had the honor of speaking with Gourdin via telephone shortly before he boarding a plane to visit family about his career, seeking another deal, lack of support Soul Music is receiving, and his plans to be true to himself. DA-PROFESSOR: Thanks for the opportunity. How have 2012 been going for you? NOEL: It's been going great. Just to be alive first and foremost. To be able to spend the holidays with my family is a tremendous blessing. Looking forward to newer and bigger things. Already started writing for the next project. My deal with my label is up the middle of the month, so we're out there entertaining new deals. DA-PROFESSOR: How did you become involved in singing? NOEL: At a young age, no one could keep me from my pops. No one could keep me from hanging with my pops, so whenever he was in the house, I was in his right pocket. So whenever he would get in the car, he was playing that old soul music, in which is the best music because of the authenticity you feel and hear with the voice and instruments. So pure. Marvin Gaye. Otis Redding. Al Green. Jerry Butler. All the great soul groups that came from that time. The Temptations. The Chi-Lites. Blue Magic. Real groups from that nature. Just that music that gave me that feeling when I was young, and I knew when it was my time, I wanted to make music on my own. I wanted people to feel the way that I felt. DA-PROFESSOR: Which singers inspired you? NOEL: I have to say Sam Cooke. Marvin Gaye. Otis Redding. I have to say from my own era, Prince. They can make all types of music, and have that authentic feel to it. It's not like they're stepping out their box. That's what I admire about those artists. DA-PROFESSOR: I noticed that your music has a Southern vibe. What inspired you to do that? NOEL: Well that's just me. I was born in Boston, but my family's from Mississippi, so I spend a lot of time down there myself. My family (and) my cousins. It's in me When ever I went down south, I would love to sit on the porch and listen to stories to the way things were back in the day from the old folks. The difference between growing up in the south as opposed to being in the north. I've always had that southern thing. DA-PROFESSOR: You're current CD "Fresh The Definition" is great. What prompted you to title the CD that name? NOEL: Well that was my latest CD. My latest album was Fresh The Definition. My first album with Sony was "After My Time." After I did "After My Time" with Sony, it was a little bit of a struggle to get the album to come out and represent the music I wanted to be released. The music I wanted to be represented that the people wanted. Moving out of that we parted ways because of differences. I slipped into a deep depression for a little bit, and that was about 6 months. I wasn't in touch with my family, and if anybody that knows me Ra Shawn, is that my family is # 1 to me. I fell out of touch with God. Wasn't going to church, and praying like I usually was, but an intervention with my family changed. 'Get off your booty.' 'Start making music again.' My brother sat me in front of the computer and showed me the views my videos got. That's when I started writing, looking for deals, and I had it in my head that I wanted to be called fresh. Cause fresh is almost a throwback word, but it's coming back around. I looked at the definition, and I wanted to get out this funk I'm in and I felt jubilated as an artist and a man coming out of darkness. I was in the studio with Courtney Harrell, who sings on "Save Our Love" and written on the album said why don't you call the album 'Fresh The Definition. It just stuck. DA-PROFESSOR: I was gonna ask you about Courtney. You sound wonderful together. Do you plan on doing any more recordings together? NOEL: Absolutely. She's on the low right now writing for other artists. I just got in touch with her on twitter the other day and told her it's about that time we start working on the next album. She said she's so looking forward to it. We have great chemistry in the studio. We actually recorded that at the same time. Like old school. It comes out real authentic and that throw back feel. That Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell vibe. DA-PROFESSOR: Another favorite song I like is "In Love". I love how the sound has the clock sound and the lyrics about grits and eggs. What was the inspiration for that song? NOEL: The record right there I did that with Alvin Garrett from Birmingham. Mr. Alvin Cornbread Garrett is a songwriter and producer/ He brought it to the studio and was playing a record that he did with a female. Not exactly the same record with the same lyrics but the same music. I said i don't wanna be disrespectful, but we have to do something with this and the lyrics you wrote for her. We changed up the lyrics of course and the music is the same, bit it was something there Ra Shawn, when the music kicked up, it made me smile. It almost that chitling circuit soul feel on it. It's actually one of my favorite songs on the record. DA-PROFESSOR: Another song I like is "Not Around" which you co-wrote. What was the inspiration for that song? NOEL: Well the track was done by The Heavyweights. That was produced by Reo. I wrote that with Cornbread from Birmingham, Alabama. The feel of the record is such a real throw back reel. That's what I was trying to accomplish with this album. The throwback feel is still being relevant this time. It's about appreciating what you have when she's around. Just that feeling of desperation and that's the reason it got responded to well on the radio. It's not given the light of day like alot of music is today and I think it should, but it's a testament that people want to hear something different. DA-PROFESSOR: The lead single "Beautiful" which talked about how guys are calling women degrading and street names. When the single dropped, did you get any flack from the males about showing women in a positive light? NOEL: Well I mean I did. It's really wasn't thinking about things like that. It was really to see how music is today and how music is in the spotlight and on the radio. There's so much music out there that is condescending to woman; calling women out their names like you said Ra Shawn and it's so degrading. Ryan Toby which is a genius songwriter and former of City High and an actor as well. I thought it was time to give back that old-fashion respect to our women across the board; that's what the record was about, and to see it on top of the Billboard charts is like I said about "Not Around" people wanna see something different. Try to hustle to that classic music and the concepts. I feel like it was a great choice on our part to put that out as the lead single. DA-PROFESSOR: My all time favorite song of yours is "Summertime" which is on your first album. What was your reaction when you first heard the track? NOEL: It was such an organic record. It was so sexy (and) so sultry, and that's what I'm all about. I'm all about taking pride on making music, always trying to resemble love because there is so much violence and things of that nature. I think what's what we can stand; a little bit more of love. And it wasn't a lot to it. I remember recording that in Miami; it was incredible to be out in Miami for the first time in my life, and then getting into the studio to record a record like that. The whole label was going crazy over it. It was really good and I'll never forget that moment when we recorded it. DA-PROFESSOR: Noel, You brought up a good point about the music industry and how singers who are talented, but because they're not disrespecting women and using auto-tunes aren't getting the push or promotions unless it's (done) overseas. How does that make you feel as an artist who wants to make music that makes people feel good? NOEL: It's disheartening Ra Shawn. It seems like when you get to the point of making music that's respectful and you can listen to it from your 2-year old on to your 92-year old grandmother and great-grandmother and pappy. And you have all this music out there that's disrespectful, It's (almost) seems like you have to be dabbling into some bad things; drugs, or breaking up happy homes, infidelity or this or that to be in the limelight. It's sad. It's disheartening as an artist. I have a clean record. I've never been arrested. I've never done drugs. It's crazy that people will consider that non-interesting. It is the way it is. I will continue to make good music. Music that will be respectful. That will have great concepts and just respectful because I respect this music, and I have so much integrity. whatever I get in this life and the joy I get from making music and seeing people lip-synch while I'm onstage it's so much greater than money. I'm making the music that God blessed me to make. It's disheartening and they say Ra Shawn, things get worse before they get better, so let's just hope that in 2012 the music industry will get better. DA-PROFESSOR: I feel you. You had also performed at Stevie Wonder's benefit concert. What was that like performing with him? NOEL: Man I gotta tell you, it was incredible. First of all, performing for his radio station earlier. In the years, he had come out to check me out. He invited me over to his table with his wife, and getting a chance to meet him and him saying that he respects my music and the way it's written and the arrangements and Ra Shawn I gotta tell you I nearly fainted. I was like 'wow!' This is the legendary Stevie Wonder giving me his props and I gotta tell you this is a man who got a lot of hit records that I can't even remember. It was incredible to be invited to his annual House Filled of Toys annual toy drive, which I couldn't have been happier. Seeing Michael Mc Donald, Uncle Charlie. Charlie Wilson. Faith Evans who is one of my favorites. Justin Beiber. Angela Winbush. It was incredible. I can't say with words how great it was. I'm looking forward to this new year. DA-PROFESSOR: You said you're looking for a new deal. Did you have an falling out with your label? NOEL: Naw. It's not like that. I probably shouldn't be saying this, but I think that a lot of things that should have been done as far as marketing wise. Things happen. It's all good and I feel that the music I put together should have gotten more respect then it got. I'm a little bit disappointed, but life is full of disappointments and it's all in the way you pick yourself up and start over. It's all about faith. that's what the last sermon by Pastor Ford. That's what he said. Keep the faith. DA-PROFESSOR: If you had the opportunity to work with any legendary performer, who would it be? NOEL: Wow. I have to say Marvin Cooke, and I've said that a few times (laughs). I have to put Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke together and it's because of their voices, their styles and the way they went about making music. It didn't seem like it was being forced at all. It wasn't about them making up a hot ring tone. It was just making music from their heart and soul. That music is still around today. People are going crazy of buying special editions today. When I leave the industry or can't sing, I want people to remember me by the quality that I made. DA-PROFESSOR: You included a bit of the lyrics from Marvin Gaye's classic Sexual Healing. From your perspective why is that song a classic and still relevant? NOEL: Because it wasn't dirty. It was very sexy. It was very sultry, but anybody could listen to it. Even children could listen to it That was the testament of the times the way music was made back them. Think of the title 'Sexual Healing' I don't think that you want your daughter, God daughter, niece or nephew to be sitting near the radio without you monitoring the box. It's sultry and the respect that music was made with. It's hard to explain what Soul is but the music in the past is so special and I'm (so) trying to recreate that every time I create an album. DA-PROFESSOR: How you feel you're making an impact on the music industry? NOEL: I figure I'm making an impact, first of all making music that is respectful and music with concepts. Another reason is I have a spiritual undertone. That I mind. Anything I make is not crap and is not disrespectful towards women. I try to make music that is maintaining that legacy. That was put back years and years ago. That's what I take pride in; making music for everybody all ages from 2 to 92. That's what I pride myself in and I will not jeopardized my integrity of music to make a dollar. I was raised a certain way, and there is a lot of artists who have lost themselves even in success or somebody else. It's sad to see that, but I'm gonna be myself. DA-PROFESSOR: Good point. I was coming home on the train one night and I happened to pull out your CD and these guys were like that CD is hot. NOEL: Are you serious? DA-PROFESSOR: Yes, and they had to be between 21 and 24, and they were like that CD is hot!! NOEL: You see what I'm saying? That's what I'm talking about. That's what it's about man. That's the reason why I make music that I'm making. It's so important to me. There's some people who be in the studio for a month and a half and just make an album. The length of time is not so important but I wanna make sure I got the right records to put on an album; it has to be cohesive flow to the whole album it makes sure people feel when people listen to it for the first, second and third time, so that means a lot. I appreciate you letting me know that. DA-PROFESSOR: Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years? NOEL: I love to be making records and giving back to the community because before I really got deep into this music thing, I was working in group homes, and making a difference in people's lives, so I wanna continue doing that and I've always looking to get into some acting. I believe I can do that. And writing for other artists is another passion of mine. I like to write. DA-PROFESSOR: You're from Massachusetts, the state that produced legends Donna Summer and New Edition are also from. How do you feel that you're gonna add to the legacy that Donna and New Edition left. NOEL: It was always proving something that Massachusetts has a lot of talent. It gets overshadowed by New York. New York is the mecca; you can make it big. You can make it anywhere, but there is a tremendous amount of talent in Massachusetts. Hopefully in the years to come, we can build something there.

JIGGA SUPPORTS GAY MARRIAGE WHILE HIS WIFE SAYS NOTHING

Rapper Jay-Z is really getting respect from his fans. When he was asked during an interview his views on gay-marriage, he reply was "I always thought it's something that is still holding the country back. It's no different then discriminating against Blacks. It's still discrimination." It makes feel great that an Iconic male figure in Hip-Hop is taking a stand for same sex couples to marry and talking about how it's wrong for people to discriminate just because two people of the same sex are naturally attracted to each other. Since the early 1990's many Gay clubs began to spin records by many Hip-Hop, R&B, New Jack Swing and Dance hall artists, and Jigga's music gets lots of spins that has many gays, bisexuals, lesbians and transgenders on the floor, bopping their heads and dancing with their drinks in their hands to his joints. It's also a good move due to the homophobia that's in the Hip-Hop industry with several rappers like DMX and Eminem who are known for their homophobic lyrics as well as other artists including 50 Cent who have publicly stated how they don't like gays, while others including rapper Trick Trick have publicly stated how they don't want gays buying their music. This should hopefully show the gays who to support, and while Jay-Z has spoke out against discrimination, his wife Beyonce Knowels hasn't said anything or lend any support, and I'm not surprised that the former lead singer of Destiny's Child is keeping her mouth shut on this issue like she did when many others was speaking against bullying in 2010. Beyonce was forced to embrace and respect the community. In 2003, during an interview with The Sun she was quoted saying that God says that a woman is not supposed to kiss a woman when asked about the performance where Madonna kissed Soul singer Christina Aguleria and Pop singer Britney Spears. Knowels, who married Jigga in 2008 did post a statement on her website saying that her comment was taken out of context and that she loves her gay fans. Well regardless she has many gays who worship the ground she walks on and idolize her like's she's a God, but in 2010 when many Gay teens and young adults were committing suicide, she did not offer any support from what I know to give hope and comfort while others including Janet Jackson, Lala Anthony and Ciara did PSA's to let their fans know that they don't have to end their lives due to other people's ignorance, issues and isms. If she's donates money privately to charities it's fine, but if Beyonce really and truly cares about her gay fans, then it would have been nice for her to given a statement during the gay's time of need.

SINGER'S NEW SINGLE TAKES CHEATING TO A NEW LEVEL

GEPETTO JACKSON FEATURING B HOWARD TAKE YOUR RING OFF 4.2 For the past couple of decades, many artist have recorded songs about cheating, and having affairs. From Billy Paul's "Me and Mrs. Jones, to Guy's "Piece of My Love" to Remedy's "Trippen," many listeners have gotten excited over songs about infidelitey, and Florida-based singer/songwriter/designer Gepetto Jackson's latest single "Take Your Ring Off" takes the cheating to another level. The song begins with a nice synsersized strings, keyboards and Jackson singing in a raspy, yet smooth tenor, which gives the song a romantic and sexy feel, while singer Howard B who's vocals towards the middle could have been out more adds the emotional and sexy climax with his soulful pop vocals. Jackson's rap performance is good, but the vocals at the beginning needs to be out more, but it improves towards the end, while the spoken segment compensates for the loss as the song's lyrics and catchy hook. A great song that will be a hit with folks who wanna get their groove on with a married person, and I would love to hear a female version of this song. Warning: For those who wanna creep make sure you use protection to avoid any complications.

WHITNEY HOUSTON: WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE NIPPY

MO' MONEY MO' PROBLEMS MAKES RACIAL PROFILING MO' EASIER

Yesterday former talk-show host Geraldo Rivera gave an interview and said that Trayvon Martin wasn't wearing a hoodie, he wouldn't have gotten shot and killed. When I heard him make that ignorant statement, I became pissed and angry. Just because Trayvon was wearing a hoodie did't mean he was a thug or a gang member and just because he was wearing a hoodie, didn't give Zimmerman the right to take his life. There are many criminal who sport urban gear, but there are many people who like to sport urban gear, but they don't rob, kill, rape or do drugs. In fact there are many Blacks and Latinos who have been harassed by cops, and they were wearing suits, which makes Rivera's statement totally bias and ignorant when in reality, many Blacks and Latinos who ride in fancy cars and live in middle class neighborhoods are constantly harassed by cops who are quick to come to the conclusion that they're involved with drug trafficking or if they see Blacks and Latinos riding a fancy car in a middle class neighborhood, they automatically assume that they're there to partake in criminal activity, which is not the case. Many don't like the fact that there are Blacks and Latinos who aren't living in the projects or the ghetto, on welfare, section 8, social security and HASA, and all of those who are living and surviving on government programs are NOT lazy or addicted to drugs and alcohol either.
Blacks and Latinos have no right to be subjected to illegal searches,and it's up to the parents of rich Blacks and Latinos to school their kids on the realities of the world because many cops don't care what your address is, they're still an minority.
I have an example to prove the point of this blog. I used to enjoy watching The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and there was one episode that is one of my favorites; it was when Will and Carlton was the victims of racial profiling. Carlton and Will were car-sitting for Uncle Phil's White law partner while they were on a weekend trip. As they were driving, a police car, stopped them, Will who had knowledge of racial profiling, was trying to prepare Carlton who was wearing an Ivy-league sweater, button-up long sleeve dress shirt, khakis and penny loafers for what was going to occur, and while Will was serious, Carlton's tried to be nice to the cop despite Will's telling him what was going to occur, and though Will was right, Carlton didn't think it was serious. Especially when he told the cop that it wasn't his car. They were taken to jail and when Uncle Phil and Aunt Vivan, arrived at the police station to demand that their son and newphew be released, the cop tried to use his authority to scare them, but they got a surprise; Vivian was about to whip ass and when the cop told Phillip to calm his wife down, he stepped to the cop and told him no one talks to his wife that way!! Things got more heated when Phil's legal partner and informed the cops that the Black guys they arrested did NOT steal his car. They were watching it for him and the guys were also related to his legal partner. The cop felt stupid, but they felt more like asses when Phil confronted them.
"Was a lawyer present when you got that bogus confession from those boys? No because I'm their lawyer! Did you contact their parents? No because we're their parents! So open up that damn cell or I'll tie up you up in so much litigation that your grandchildren will need laywers!!!!"
After they were released, Carlton still didn't get the point of the situation. He kept saying that it was no big deal and that the cops were doing their job and the system works. Will did his best to tell him that it didn't matter that he was in a private school, in the glee club or living in Bel-Air, he would subjected to racism because of the color of his skin, but Carlton kept saying that the next time he hangs out he would bring a road map, and he even had the nerve to tell Will just because things like that happened from his childhood neighborhood didn't give him the right to be hostile and he would have stopped them. When Phil entered the living room, Carlton asked his father would he have stopped a group of Black guys. Phil's reply was 'I asked myself that question the first time I was stopped. Carlton still kept saying he would have stopped them.
I was so heated at his character that I wanted to go through the television screen and slap some reality into his uppity ass!!!!! He didn't get the point; he was a victim of racism and he didn't care that he was falsely arrested and spent most of his day in jail. He should have been thankful that Will was there, because if wasn't, things could have gotten ugly. He could have gotten attacked physically, and taken advantage of in so many ways. Carlton didn't think about that! Had I wrote that episode, I would have Phil and Vivian call Hillary, Ashley and Jeffrey for an family meeting to discuss what happened to Will and Carlton, and to let them know that things like that can happen, and I would have did a future episode with Carlton getting a real dose of reality and to come out of his Ball of Confusion.
That episode also was a great way to let rich Blacks and Latinos know that they're not immune to racism; many rich Blacks and Latinos, who become successful seems to forget that racism doesn't exist and that living in fancy neighborhood shields them from it while many Blacks and Latinos who grew up with silver spoons in their mouths tend to think that they're it doesn't concern them because of their money, fancy cars and their ability to speak proper grammar. Please!!! They are still Black and Latino and they need to face the fact that they could be targets as well as the Blacks and Latinos who live in the ghetto attending public school and working at clothing stores.
The point of this blog is to let Blacks and Latinos know that no matter where you live and no matter how you dress, they need to be have knowledge of life and that they could be targets and yes they shouldn't be judge by how they dress, but it does happen and not because of the clothes. It's the color of their skin.

SONGS INSPIRED FOR THIS BLOG

WHAT'S GOING ON
BY MARVIN GAYE
WRITTEN BY MARVIN GAYE, RENALDO OBIE BENSON AND AL CLEAVAND
PRODUCED BY MARVIN GAYE

SYSTEM
BY LABELLE
WRITTEN BY NONA HENDRYX, PATTI LABELLE AND SARA DASH
PRODUCED BY LENNY KRAVITZ

CAN YOU FEEL IT
BY THE JACKSONS
WRITTEN BY MICHAEL AND JACKIE JACKSON
PRODUCED BY THE JACKSONS

MESSAGE FROM A BLACK MAN
BY THE TEMPTATIONS
WRITTEN BY NORMAN WHITFIELD AND BARRETT STRONG
PRODUCED BY NORMAN WHITFIELD

BALL OF CONFUSION (THAT'S THE WORLD IS TODAY)
PERFORMED BY THE TEMPTATIONS
WRITTEN BY NORMAN WHITFIELD AND BARRETT STRONG
PRODUCED BY NORMAN WHITFIELD

TRAYVON MARTIN-A YOUNG LIFE THAT DIDN'T NEED TO BE TAKEN

Yesterday evening I, along with many concerned and outraged citizens had attended a rally at Union Square for Tayvon Martin, A Black teenager from Florida who was shot and killed in a gated community by George Zimmerman, a member of the neighborhood watch, who thought that the academically and athletic gifted teenager was either high or drunk, when in reality he wasn't. In fact Martin wasn't into any type of negative activity at all; he was on his way from the store and running to avoid being drenched by the rain as well as running to get away from Zimmerman, who despite being told to stay in his vehicle by 911 and the police, decided to take matters into his own hand, and the end result was the death of the teen, who's life was taken, while this bastard got the opportunity to return to his home without being questioned or investigated, while the cops ran a criminal check on Trayvon, the life that was taken?!
Many are sad, angry and pissed at what happened to Trayvon, calling it racial profiling and injustice. "If Trayvon would have killed Zimmeman, he would have been arrested" one guy said at the protest.
"Yet he was the one who was killed and they do a criminal check on him?"
This case is really getting people to talk; there have been countless young Blacks and Latinos who have been gunned down by police who mistake them for drug dealers, thugs and rapists. Especially those who sport street gear (baggy jeans, hooded sweat shirts-hoodies for short, timberland boots and sneakers), but just because a person wears chooses to wear this attire doesn't mean their criminals, but most trigger-happy police, who feel like they have power with their badge and guns, tend to look, assume, charge and shoot before doing a proper investigation, but the fucked up part is tht Zimmerman was NOT a cop!! He was the head of the neighborhood watch in the complex where Trayvon was visiting his father and step-mother, and in addition to not being a cop, he also has a police record for resisting arrest in 2005, which leaves many to wonder why did he have a gun in the first place?
This sick act began when Trayvon had gone to the store to purchase some snacks for his brother, and during his journey to and from the store, he was on his cell phone speaking to his girlfriend, who could be a key witness in this case if the state comes to their fucking senses and make an arrest. As Trayvon was making his way back home, George Zimmerman, a resident of Latino-White heritage was sitting in his car patroling the area where he was residing at, and saw Trayvon walking through the neighborhood, and because he was rocking a hoodie, and in his twisted view, felt that Trayvon was either high, drunk, both and looking for trouble, so Zimmerman called 911 to report a suspicious person in his neighborhood, and while he was on the phone talking to the dispatcher, he began to follow Trayvon telling the dispatcher that things need to be change and even having the audacity to call him a fucking coon. When asked if he was following the teen, Zimmerman told the dispacther yes, and was told to NOT to follow him and to stay in the car and wait until the cops arrive. Did Zimmerman follow orders? No. He decided to take matters into his own hands by following him, which rightfully so cause Trayvon to become fearful for his life. Especially since he didn't know what the driver was up to. Zimmerman got out of his car, and confronted him and an fight esculated with Trayvon being shot and killed, with Zimmerman claiming he shot in self-defense. With the cops seeing that Zimmerman with grass and water on the back of his shirt and a bloody nose decided to allow him to return to his home while Trayvon was searched from drugs, alcohol and weapons and they found nothing of the sort. All he had on him was a can of Arizona Iced Tea and a pack of Skittles!! News of his death has many people devestaed including his parents, family members and friends who wants justice, which they so rightfully deserve. Especially since he was NOT the instigator and I agree. There had to be a reason for Zimmerman to get knocked flat on his ass; Trayvon was on the phone speaking to his girlfriend, and he told her that he was being followed and he ran for safety, and Zimmerman most likely harrassed him verbally and physically, which resutled in him defending himself against Zimmerman, who pulled out his gun and shot him. Especially with the moron weighing close to 300 pounds, while Trayvon was weighing close to 170 pounds. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Zimmerman's ass should have been arrested for his actions not giving a free pass while Trayvon's parents has to make plans to bury their son!! What also has me upset is how some people who are close to Zimmerman are saying that he's a good person and doesn't have a racist bone in his family, while his family is saying that he's part Hispanic and there are several Blacks in their family. Well if that's the case, then why did he identity as a White man on the police report and why did he refer to Trayvon and other Blacks as fucking coons while speaking to the dispacther? Why did he target Trayvon and why the hell didn't he stay his ass in the car? Those close to him are saying that he was in right due to Florida's Stand Your Ground Law which allows residents to carry pistols and use them if they're feeling threatnend. That would have applied Trayvon tried to break into his vechile which DID NOT happen!! Zimmerman was the one who DID NOT follow 911 instructions to sit his ass in the car and wait for backup!!! Something that journalist Larry Elder (a brother who has issues with being Black) had to be told while he was being interviewed. Now I bet that he and those close to Zimmerman are feeling stupid now that the law officals are saying that that law does NOT apply to Zimmerman due to him not following insturctions and taking matters into his own hands.
This isn't going to bring Trayvon Martin back, but I hope that the family gets the justice that they rightfully so deserve, because no parent shouldn't have to bury their child. Trayvon's family is gonna have a long healing process, but knowing that they have the support of his friends, and supporters from all around the world, should help the healing process become easier.

SONGS INSPIRED FOR THIS POST

SCREAM
PERFORMED BY MICHAEL JACKSON AND JANET JACKSON
WRITTEN BY JAMES HARRIS III-TERRY LEWIS-MICHAEL JANET JACKSON
PRODUCED BY JIMMY JAM & TERRY LEWIS FOR FLYTE TYME PRODUCTIONS, MICHAEL JACKSON FOR MJJ PRODCUTIONS AND JANET JACKSON FOR BLACK DOLL PRODUCTIONS

MESSAGE FROM A BLACK MAN
PERFORMED BY THE TEMPTAIONS
WRITTEN BY NORMAN WHITFIELD AND BARRETT STRONG
PRODUCED BY NORMAN WHITFIELD

GERMAN BORN-QUEENS BRED GAY RAPPER AND ACTOR SPEAKS

Whenever people first meet rapper Lester Green, many gets the impression that he's a hardcore rapper due to his looks and attire, but he's not a hard core thug. Lester is an openly gay rapper who performs Hip-Hop music that has different genres of music including Rock and Dance that has a unique style as well as given him a large overseas following. Green, who holds a Bachelors Degree in English, has also been adding modeling and acting to his resume and has plans to put out an calendar. I spoke with him via telephone about his career.

DA-PROFESSOR: How are things going?
LESTER: Busy. Busy. Busy. Enjoying life. Enjoying the things I love to do. Acting. Performing. Auditioning. You name it.

DA-PROFESSOR: How did you get into music?
LESTER: Actually, my brother used to be a rapper years ago. And he had a group. Every night he would come home from the studio and he would play different tracks and I wasn't into Hip-Hop music. I would listen to them because my brother was making music and he was thrilled about it. I just watched from afar. Then he got locked up and it was like he passed the torch to me. While he was in jail, he would rap over the phone and mail me rhymes and it slowly transended to me being a rapper.

DA-PROFESSOR: Which rappers and musicians inspire you?
LESTER: Well, let me start with the local acts. Elijah Black. I've been listening to his music for a few months. I love his music. I love his work ethic. Who else inspries me? Tori Fixx. 50 Cent. Lil' Wayne. Emeniem. Kayne West. I love these artists cause they have their own idenity. They're not trying to be that person or this person. They make very good music.

DA-PROFESSOR: I understand that you was born in Germany. What was it like living in Germany as a child?
LESTER: Good question. I was born in Germany, but I didn't stay that long. I was there for three or four years before I knew it, we upped and moved so I don't know the language, but it's still a part of my roots. Good question.

DA-PROFESSOR: Thanks. What other places have you lived?
LESTER: I lived in Georgia. I lived in El Paso. Then we moved to New York. I haven't done much traveling and I think that as I get older, I want to see more. My partner has been everywhere from France, Italy. You name it. He used to ask me where would you like to go and I say I don't know. I haven't been anywhere. I think I need to expand and travel more. Especially if I can do that through my music. That would even better, but if I can't do it like that I'd like to see different people. Different cultures. Different languages. I really want to go the U.K. and tap into that industry.

DA-PROFESSOR: Me too.
LESTER: Yeah. They're supportive of their artists. I'm not too sure if they're gay friendly, but as far as music is concerned, they support their own. And of course there's L.A. and I went to Vegas. I want to get back there to do shows.

DA-PROFESSOR: You're a openly Gay Rapper. What made you pursue an career as an openly gay rapper?
LESTER: I figure there weren't too many people out there doing it so I could do it, do it better than them or be competitive with those artists, I would possibly get the recognition, and I of course know nothing comes easily; you have to work to have work at it. You have to put in the leg work.

DA-PROFESSSOR: You're a sexy Black Gay man with a sexy physique. Do you have issues with females being shocked learning and knowing that you're gay?
LESTER: That's a good question. I co come across strong and sexual, but believe it or not, women were never interested in me. I find that hard to believe. ususally women fall for the good looking guy. I consider myself a good looking guy. The women never liked me in that way. They always come to me like brother-sister type thing. They came to me for advice or to listen tto. It was never sexual and it used to bother me because I wanted them to like me that way even though I wasn't straight. But I wanted to have their attention. It never happened and I think that's another reason why I came out and be who I am.

DA-PROFESSOR: What are the pros and cons of being a gay rapper?
LESTER: I don't know. I really don't like the tern 'gay rapper' because I don't see myself as just that. I'm trying to build a brand. Of course I do music and I'm a rapper, but I don't wanna be known as a gay rapper because I'm doing commercials, televisions and movies so I don't wanna be pigeonholded and boxed in. But if I had to do answer that question, pros and cons, I think with everything there's pros and cons. Lot of people tend to think he's a gay rapper, he's kinda deal with those unusal things. It's the same across the board. As an artist, especially if you're trying to be an independent artists, there are ups and downs. Regardeless if you're gay or straight.

DA-PROFESSOR: Lester, you brought up an interesting point. There are many people who still think that gays are supposed to be flamboyant, hairstylists, make up artists, and fashion designers, yet they don't wanna accept the fact that there are many gay males who are masculine, into Hip-Hop, athletics, and who can rock fitted caps, baggy jeans, timberlands, nikeys and adidas. Tell me from your prespective why is that?
LESTER: That's a great question. I don't wanna say television has a great influence of what people see, but it does have an influence. Me personally, I just wanna be different. I'm not trying to deny my sexuality by wearing do-rags, boots, and fitted caps. I think people are into me because I'm true to who I am.

DA-PROFESSOR: You're also pursuing an acting career. What prompted you to pursue acting as well as rapping?
LESTER: Well I don't know for sure, but for some reason, people say music and television go hand in hand. You see artists like 50 Cent make that transition from music to television. Like I said before, it's about branding yourself. Why limit yourself to one genre or one specific thing. Why not do all?

DA-PROESSOR: Who are some of your favorite actors?
LESTER: I like Denzil Washington. I like what he represents. Professionalism. He respects his craft and I respect people like that. Antoine Fishcher. Derek Luke. I usually don't watch alot of movies, but as an actor, you really need to learn your craft and know your craft. Who else do I like? Queen Latifah. I like Whoppi Goldberg. I like what these people represent. I like Vivica A Fox. I met her at the LGBT Center. She's real down to earth. I like people who are exceptioal. I don't like people who act like they're bigger than who they are.

DA-PROFESSOR: What do you like about Queen Latifah?
LESTER: I'm still amazed. She's constantly reinventing herself. She's so real. People connect with real people. It's just the vibe she gives off. There's nothing fake about her. People like Ellen Degeneris because they're great people and to top it off, they're really talented.

DA-PROFESSOR: A few years ago, you was in a Gay Hip-Hop documentary. How did you becomwe involved in that project?
LESTER: It featured other acts such as Bry'nt and Shorty Roc, and that came about through Carmello, the president of outhiphop.com. I really enjoyed the documentary because it gave people a better idea of what it's like to be a gay rapper.

DA-PROFESSOR: You also took part in performing at the memorial for the late Joseph Jefferson, who shockingly and sadly took his own life. What was it like performing for the late activist/party promoter?
LESTER: It was a great opportunity. I wanna thank James Saunders and Lawerence Pickney for that opportunity. I really wanna do more of that work where I'm supporting the movement and doing charitable things. It was a great opportunity. He was very young and I didn't realize it was that prevelant.

DA-PROFESSOR: Who would you like to do a movie with?
LESTER: I don't know if I wanna do a movie with this person. I think his name is Jesse. He does alot of videos for alot of rappers.

DA-PROFESSOR: I think his name is Jesse Terreo.
LESTER: I love his music videos. As far as filmmakers, I like to work wiwth anybody who's willing to give me a shot.