Culture Shock Viewing Mixer 12-29-09

Aight! This is the final webcast of 09. We are gonna end the year off with a blast as we release our newest webisode featuring Ruben Studdard, Joe Torry, Candi, Jaafar, and much more. So if you find yourself in the Montgomery area, check us out at The Board Room! BTW, check out some footage from our last viewing brought to you by Eddie Spangler of Great News Montgomery.

Karate Kid

I know you 80s babies gotta go see this! THROWBACK!

Tanks Doctors Visit

Had to big up my baby for not crying at the doctors office! Way to go Tank.

Skinny Jeans: Trend or Trash?

Chillin at the Holiday Party last night the subject of skinney jeans came up. This is a subject that seems to be very borderline when it comes to males and sexuality. Some think that men who participate in the low waist and skinney jeans trends. Some think that they are manly enough to pull it off. What do you think. Trend or Trash?

Fantasy Football

The football season is winding down and I must say that this year has been an intriguing one to say the least. The addition of fantasy Football has truly enhanced my football experience. If you have not tried it I would suggest you start, because that is the future of being a sports fanatic. And that's REAL! Our Internet Reign CONTINUES!

Jamie Foxx and Guicci Mane: Speak French

I can't say that I like this song but it seems like a pretty good idea!

Believe

I had the opportunity to be the guest columnist for this weeks Weekend Pass. I thought that the column would make a great blog. Be sure to check out The Weekend Pass for everything social in Montgomery!

Believe!

Humans are blessed with the intangible ability to believe. To believe is to accept something as truth. Something that does not exist is a reality in the heart and mind of one who believes. As kids we grow up believing in Santa Claus, The Boogie Man, Super heroes and so much more. The very thought of our beliefs being true kept us aspiring so that we could fully indulge or become what we believed in.
As we get older, we begin to lose our ability to believe, and begin to accept what people call reality. If we are all honest, Christmas was much better when we believed in Santa Claus. Playing sports was much more fun when we believed that we could be the next Michael Jordan, or Jerry Rice. But somewhere in life, some stop believing and began accepting “reality.” They relinquished their dreams and start to reach only for what they can see. They find a job that sustains a lifestyle, and become comfortable in living in “reality”, only to soon grow bored and soon dislike their job. This discomfort comes from natures desire to believe. The drive and push for something more.
As humans, we must hold on to our ability to believe. The purpose of our being is to believe. Our spirituality is based on belief. Every person should have one thing within their heart that they believe in. Something that is not yet seen, but your belief is going to make it reality. If you achieve your goal, begin searching for the next belief. Believing keeps us striving, growing, learning and achieving. What do you believe in? What are you doing to achieve it?
Terrence Baldwin, Culture Shock
Real People, Doing Real Things

Montgomery Spotlight Magazine Release!

Shout out to our cousins over at Montgomery Spotlight Magazine. Their newest release came out on yesterday with Sheree Whitfield from Atlanta Housewives as the cover feature. You can also see a new hot fashion spread, new tips for the 2009 tax season, and What Women Want from Montgomery Most Phenomenal Women. Check it out!

Dynamic Tax Solutions

Hello our Montgomery family. You know that we always point out Real People, Doing Real Things. With that said, Minna Carter and the staff at Dynamic Tax Solutions is your place for this coming tax season. Dynamic Tax Solutions is so unique because 5% of their proceeds from each tax return, will be donated to a Montgomery Public School of YOUR choice. Here is an opportunity for us the support local business and give back to the community. Please support Dynamic Tax Solutions.

Robin Thicke (Sex Therapy)

It is challenging for artist to create music that sparks the same feelings that fans felt at first listen. One reason is because artist evolve. Secondly, is because its kind of hard to surprise people twice. Once we like you, we pretty much know what you have to offer. All you can do as an artist is maintain what we know about you. Very few artist challenge their fans and change their sound drastically.

This explanation is how I feel about Sex Therapy by Robin Thicke. It has a very classy, musical, distinguished soul to it. So does the other three. If you are a fan I would suggest you go get it. If you are expecting to be surprised, wait for the next one. Overall it's pretty cool tho! Expect to hear features from, Jay-Z, Estelle,Jazmine Sullivan,Game,and more. Grade B

How Can Facebook Affect Your Love Life?

Are you constantly on Facebook? Is your significant other on Facebook? Many times the social networking phenomenon causes insecurities amongst lovers, because of the all day access to people, old flings, and new flings. It's like being in the club all day. I know that not everyone is tempted the engage in extra curricular activities but there is room for doubt for your lover.

The question is what steps can be made to make our ;lovers feel secure in our social networking journey.

1. Your time on Facebook should not be in "The Closet." That simply means you should check it in the presence of your mate. Maybe even share some interesting moments that you encounter. Your openness about your activity gives your partner the opportunity to feel apart of your cyber experience. Welcome him or her to sit with you while you surf.

2. A picture of your mate on your profile never hurts. It shows that you are not ashamed of your commitment and that you are not on the market. And while you're at it go ahead and change your relationship status to accurately state your position. Don't be slick JACK!

3. As addicted as you are to Facebook, set aside times to where you do not communicate at all on Facebook. No matter what text updates hit your phone. Show your mate that your time with them is more valuable than that time you spend on Facebook.

Follow these steps and you are on your way to a relationship stress free cyber experience. Be Out!

Media on Tiger

The media is one of the most complicated yet influential avenues that we the people feed on. They control the ability to stir the emotions of the people. They feed us sadness, anger, happiness, which in all keeps us the viewers coming back for more.

But there are times when the media exploit there abilities to the detriment of those they helped build. Celebrities are put under a huge microscope in an attempt to dehumanize these superstars. The media makes big to do's about things that we as fans do everyday.

The truth of the matter is that Tiger Woods, Chris Brown, Brittany Spears, are Real People, and they do Real Things just like me and you. If anything, adversity and temptation approaches them at a stronger and faster pace than the ordinary human being.

Tiger Woods is being unfairly criticized by people for something that is done everyday. We did not grow to love Tiger because of his commitment to his family. We enjoyed his genius like approach to the game of golf. But as we see the 24 hour invasion of his life he is wrongfully portrayed as an immortal that has committed an unheard of crime that is suppose to change everyone opinion of him. It is almost more beneficial for celebrities not to let the public define who and what you are. Never let them place you on a pedestal because it only leads to a media led decline.
Be Out!

Just a Few Cats Reunion Concert feat. Ruben Studdard

Get ready to experience the magic that jump started a revolution for the music scene in the South. One of Birmingham's most esteemed groups will be reuniting with 2003 American Idol for the annual concert that celebrates their musical accomplishments. Each year this event grows, and is not slated to do otherwise as The Cats break in the newest special event facility Old Car Heaven. Get your tickets at www.oldcarheaven.com

Poetically Correct

Looking for a mid week groove, come kick it at Servers in Montgomery and jam with Shanessa Sweeney, and some of the South's hottest poets for what will be labelled Poetically Correct. This is not your ordinary open mic so be out!

Take a look @ Sweeney as she rocks CS Unplugged!

Championship Weekend @ MLounge

It's The SWAC Weekend, and although ASU isn't playing, it should still be a momentous occasion. Tonight The MLounge and Seagrams Gin brings to the Magic City, from The Housewives of Atlanta and Grammy award winning songwriter Kandi. She is gonna be in the place, so don't be Tardy for the Party. Yung Vocalz and Precision Grooves will be providing the entertainment so you know that the party will be on Fiyah!




And on Saturday, the weekend continues with soul artist Calvin Richardson and Birmingham crooner Jaafar. This promises to be an evening of style, fun, and some good ole fashion SANGIN! Join us all weekend on the red carpet at The MLounge.

Album Review: Timbaland's Shock Value

Just as I was about to pop in dat 50 Cent in the player, I saw that Timbaland released Shock Value II. So I said, what the hell, let’s see what ole Tim is talkin bout. I have witness Timbalands style evolve quite a few times. This is why I like him. He doesn’t allow his listeners to get too comfortable with any particular sound or style. But I feel that he has found a pop style that is allowing him to crossover. And we all know that better checks come with crossing over.
While I enjoyed Shock Value II, it feels like the sequel to Shock Value I, and that ain’t necessarily a bad thing. I would recommend you give it a listen. The album features Lady GaGa, Drake, Keri Hilson, Estelle, and more.

Album Review: Snoop Dogg Malice n Wonderland

I’m not sure how many of you are still Snoop Dogg fans, but the Boss Dog is still on fire. His new release Malice n Wonderland was released on yesterday, and since I’m still not ready to listen to 50 Cent, I bumped Snoop. He has official cleansed himself of the West Coast gangsta rep, and allowed society to accept him as an artist and family man. Don’t get it messed up, he hasn’t turned into Will Smith and Get Jiggy, but he speaks about his newly found love for his wife. He no longer pimpin hoes! The Dream also played a big role in this compilation. This guy is on the rise. I give this album 7 G’s up! (That’s pretty good if you didn’t know) Check out my favorite track featuring Jazmine Sullivan, Different Languages.

Album Review: R. Kelly's Untitled

I know that many people get offended when you speak negatively about R. Kelly. BUT, his previous 2 albums were kinda nonexistent. There was cool music, but it felt like vintage R. Kelly. I enjoyed his song writing, but his music was not evolving to my ears.
Untitled is his newest release and I was reluctant to listen to it, but because I’m not ready to listen to 50 Cent, I went ahead and gave it a listen. It makes me proud to say that now I feel that he is evolving as an artist. His music is fresher, and it is allowing him to shine more as a writer. Also, I think it is in order to tip hats to new writer/producer The Dream. Dreams’ music has always resembled the mind of Kels, but it is even more obvious in this work. My favs are Be My # 2, Pregnant, Elsewhere, and Like I Do. If you don’t have Untitled you can listen here.

Tiger Woods SNL Skit!

For those of you who are late seeing this, here ya go. BTW, it's funny!

McNabb and Vick (A Big Deal)

The Resurrection of Michael Vick has been a slow and depressing experience. But on yesterday, a bit of truth and reality was shined on the Michael Vick debacle. It was a chance for people to see how much support that Vick has from the general public. The media only accentuates the odds. On yesterday, Vicks return to the ATL was the opportunity to play under the spotlight of truth. And as a result he shined.

Finally, I want to give double kudos to Donavan McNabb. The amount of selflessness that he has shown throughout this process is nothing short of impeccable. The willingness to minimize his role for the sake of another should be recognized and celebrated. I wish nothing but the best for both of these men in the future! For they truley are Real people Doing real things.

The Gig is Up

Is it a surprise that the highest unemployed ethnicity is black people. Sometimes its hard to tell because majority of my friends have jobs, and the very people you think are unemployed have jobs. However, this article documents that it is indeed a fact. We need jobs not policiess, with all due respect.
Read more here

Album Review: Wale (Attention Deficit)

This weekend I had 3 albums on the agenda to check out. R. Kelly, 50 Cent, and the odd ball out Wale. Not in any hurry to hear any, I started with Wale, the guy I knew nothing about. Attention Deficit was a very colorful and refreshing musical expression. Wale seems to have no chains binding him to a particular sound or message. I would recommend any fan of hip hop to give this guy a listen. Wale features with artist such as Guicci Mane, Jazmine Sullivan, Chrisette Michelle, Pharrell, Bun B, Lady Gaga and a few more. Give it a listen here.

Out With Trappin In With App'in

There is a new type of hustle that is penetrating this digital world. With the huge growth of app based phones, creates the opportunity for everyday Joe Blows to hit a lick. I personally have two app based products, and I have encountered apps that turns my phone to a flash light all the way to being a calorie counter. They really bring truth to the slogan, "There is an App For Anything." Read up, and do some research. Maybe you can create the worlds next big app. Read more here.

What the Hell Wrong With This Katt?!

Just when you think Katt Williams has dropped his newly found fame to its lowest, he continues to show just how much lower he can go. Today Katt Williams was arrested for being affiliated with a gang of people causing a violent disturbance and eventually pulled out a shotgun. I'm starting to think that he seriously needs help or these acts are publicity stunts. Either way, this Kat is running out of lives. Click here to read the story.

Culture Shock Radio is Coming Back with Avengence!

Culture Shock Radio is coming back and it will be better than ever. more music, more conversation, more programming etc. in the meanwhile check out this talk with Kenyetta Sway Smiley.

Men Who Love Mary

I am an avid fan of Bamalovesoul.com, and DJ Rahdu added a link to a Tribute album to Mary J. Blige called Men Who Love Mary. This is a remake of her first hit album My Life. It features tributes from the likes of Eric Roberson, Jesse Boykins III, Nino Moschella, Bradd Marquis, TL Cross, Darien, D Maurice. so if you're in the mood for something familiar, yet different download the entire album here.

Drake the Great

I am not a hater, but up and coming artist Drake is recieving a ride in the fast lane by chauffeur. This guy is recieving accolades that far exceeds his accomplishments. Let the jitterbug release his first album before we crown him. He's gonna need far more than a great mixtape to fill the shoes that the game has awaiting him. Last nite the 23 year old, unknowingly was nominated for 2 Grammys. Thats right 2! Best Rap Solo Performance, and Best Rap Song. I truley hope his album represents cause if not.....

Jay-hova vs. Jehovah

Alright, alright! I have been waiting for two years for Jay to address allegations of him being a devil worshipper. I must admit, he has had some questionable lines but recently he addressed the issue and he had this to say about these allegations. Hope it satisfies uncomforted fans.
Jay: “He should be arrested, seriously. My position is not unlike anyone else who ascends to the top of their field. That comes with the game. But that’s crazy. That might be the craziest one I’ve had.”

When pressed further, Jay admitted that he did not attend church but he did have a personal connection to God.

Jay: “Nah, I’m more spiritual than [having] organized religion. I have a personal relationship with God. …I believe in karma, I believe in cause and effect…but religion, I have my opinions about religion."

Pleasure P (The P is for Pervert)

Damn Pleasure P! Just when it looked like you had Beyonce’d Pretty Ricky, BAM! According to sources it is being said that freshman solo artist Pleasure P is facing child molestation charges. I am a firm believer in fans separating personal opinions of artist from the quality of the music, but damn P. I’m looking forward to seeing how his career survives this debacle. Click here to read more from NecoleBitchie.com