What was the First Album or Sing that You Bought?

Hey Everyone,

Over the weekend and I was doing some winter cleaning ( Yes, I am trying to be ahead of the game!)and I came across the first record I ever bought. It was "Square Biz" by Teena Marie. I remember I was spending the summer at my Aunt and Uncle's house in Maryland and my cousin Robert would blast his this in his room and in his Trans Am every day. I got hooked on it. As soon as I came back up to NYC I went to the record store and got it.


So, what was the first song or album that you bought?...Harlmite would like to know.

Harlemite Clip of the Day 11/20/2008

It's great to see how hard work pays off. Murs has been on the scene for a minute and is getting get some shine that is beyond the "underground" scene. Keep up the good work.

Murs-Can It Be

Old School Wednesdays 11/19/2008

Another Wesdnesday is here party people. I pulled out a couple sleepers this week so I hope you enjoy them. If you are like me I add these songs to my IPod every well. Let's get right into it!



Kurious-I'm Kurious


Black Moon-I Got Cha Open



Mike and the Mechanics-All I Need is a Miracle


Genesis Invisible Touch


Journey-Separate Ways


Lionel Richie-Say You Say Me


Lost Boyz-Renee


Have a great day!

Harlemite Clip of the Day 11/19/2008

I think that Ja Rule and Ashanti was a good combo. On solo efforts they were cool, but when they collaborated they had a good dynamic.


Ja Rule and Ashanti-Always on Time

Harlemite Clip of the Day-11/18/2008

Biggie Smalls-Juicy

Harlemite Clip of the Day 11/17/2008

George Clinton-Atomic Dog


Chubb Rock-Just the Two of Us


Happy Founders Day to the Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
Long live the Ques!

Harlemite Sunday Night Love Flight 11/16/2008

Shai-Comforter

Gladiator Sundays-Great Football Hits

It's Sunday so there is no better day then to show this montage.
There are some crushing hits in the video. The last hit in this clip I remember watching live on television years ago. It was extremely grueling to watch.

Enjoy the rest of your day!

Harlemite Clip of the Day-11/16/2008

Jim Jones-We Fly High

Harlem stand up!

Harlemite Clip of the Day-11/14/2008

The Roots-Clones

This is my favorite Roots song of all time!

Follow The Yellow Brick Road of Success-Amanda Amann

Today, I am introducing a new segment to my blog called "Follow the Yellow Brick Road of Success". I will be basically doing interviews with people that are under the radar and about to make a big impact in their profession.

This wonderful lady is an expert with cars. She's co-hosted ESPN 2's “Stylefest” and “NHRA Explode Sport Compact Racing Series”. She also hosted "Automotive Rhythms" on BETJ. She has been featured in Ebony and King magazine.

Ladies and Gents I introduce to you Amanda Amann.


Harlemite: Hey How are you? How’s life in the City of Angels treating you?

Amanda Amann: I'm well thanks for asking. Los Angeles is cool. I've been fortunate enough to learn an immense amount in front of an behind the camera. I'm an east coast girl at heart so I miss the energy and authenticity.


Harlemite: How’d did you get into cars? And how did the TV opportunities come about?

Amanda Amann: Well, it all started at the Bowie Race Track... a horse race track. My father used to take me and I enjoyed the speed....which then led to my love for speed in vehicles...hence the term "horse power'...haaa. My father loves German imports as do I. I remember when he brought his first Jag home, it was like he brought home an enormous Barbie house!

Harlemite: In being in such a male driven industry and being a woman and person of color, have there been any extreme shortcomings that you had to deal with and overcome to get to the place that you are at now?


Amanda Amann: No, I am a strong believer in creating your own context. Of course, there were obstacles; however it's only a shortcoming if you allow it to be. From working on the speedway to shooting in a studio , men love to probe and inquire to figure out...'well what does she really know?' I take it as a compliment.


Harlemite: Do you have to deal with chauvenistic men that are jealous of you because you know more about cars than them?

Amanada Amann: Absolutely! I find it humorous. Men really enjoy trying to argue or debate with me in reference to cars. Half the time, I just say 'oh...hmmm okay." It's like whatever. 'Surprisingly, there are a fair amount of men, who really know nothing about cars, even the ones they drive!


Harlemite:What is the fastest speed that you have ever driven?

Amanda Amann: Believe it or not; I haven't driven that fast. It was 120. Ask me after I visit the autobahn. (Laughs)


Harlemite:What are some of your favorite cars that you have driven?

Amanda Amann: Ahhh my loves; let see there's the Maserati Gran Turismo, Aston Martin DBS, Bentley GT Coupe, and the classic everyday luxury 745i BMW.


Harlemite:What car would best describe you and why?

Amanda Amann:My beloved Maserati Gran Turismo, because it's sensual and demands attention when she drives down the street. She's versatile; you can drive her in automatic or paddle shift manually for a more sporty drive. Her lines are sleek while simultaneously moving in a voluptuous manner. She hugs the road at every speedy corner. She's a dynamic threat being so elegant on the exterior but even more exquisite on the inside with a V8 and she is divine... The car might be a better date than me! LOL


Harlemite:What are three tips you would give to someone learning to drive stick shift?

Amanda Amann:Number one, find someone who truly loves you to teach you. Patience is strongly advised. Number two, feel and learn the clutch. And number three, ALWAYS push the clutch all the way down.


Harlemite:You teach dance to children in downtown LA. Tell me a little bit about that.

Amanda Amann:I started the Amann Dance Program (ADP) in late November 2007. I offer Ballet and Jazz classes to at risk inner city youths. It’s absolutely one of the best things I’ve ever done in life. Ballet and Jazz are great disciplines. My objective isn’t to make all my kids professional dancers but to make them artistically diverse through music and dance. I want them to have an outlet outside of their current environment.


Harlemite:So have you ever been on a date and had a debate on who’s driving?

Amanda Amann: Absolutely not! I always drive, usually separately. There’s a lot of weirdos out there. Lol. I don’t date that much anyways. I’m a bit of a book worm. I find myself writing a mental grocery list when I go out on dates, so I drive that way I can leave early if need be.


Harlemite:What some of your favorite sites that you like to browse?

Amanda Amann: Huffington Post, CNN, several random style pages, and Auto Blog.


Harlemite: What’s in you IPOD? What music do you like to drive to?

Amanda Amann: Wow that’s a long list. Rolling Stones, Stan Getz, Ella Fitzerald, Josephine Baker, Nat King Cole, Ottis Redding, The Doors, Prince, Fleetwood Mac, Jay Z, Pac, Guru, MIA, Madonna, Mad Soca, Calypso, Byron Lee, Gregory Isaacs, Vivaldi, Chopin, Mies, Coltrane, Aretha, City of Refuge Choir, Jamie Cullum…there’s a wide variety.I usually listen to Classical music in the morning, or some old school Gospel tunes. During the day, it’s Jazz. At night, Madonna’s Hard Candy, MIA, or Roots.


Harlemite: Any new projects that you have on the horizon? What do you see yourself in 5 years?

Amanda Amann: Currently, I’m thinking about working abroad in Europe. I’m looking over a few scripts. Also, I’m developing a few program series. In five years, I’ll be over my boyfriend…the Gran Turismo and looking at the Ferrari F430. I plan on expanding my dance program to other major cities and opening The Amann Arts Center.


Harlemite: Sounds great! Good luck with everything! Thanks for you time. Talk to you soon.

Motown Philly Back Again-An Illadelph Dedication

Last weekend the The New York Giants played the Philadelphia Eagles in football, resulting in Giants victory.. Even before the Giants won, I was receiving a lot of hostility from the Philly fans. Occasionally, I have conversations with some sports fans and ask them which city do you feel has the worst fans? It always comes down to New York, Philly and Boston. Somehow New York gets eliminated and it's either Boston or Philly.

I used to think that Bostonians were the worst fans but due to the recent success of the Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots, I feel they have simmered down a notch or two.

The Philadelphia Phillies just won the World Series in Baseball and the Philadephia Soul won the championship in Arena Football. I thought that may calm they them down but it hasn't. I guess they still feel incomplete.

Maybe if the Flyers, 76ers or Eagles bring a championship home if that will help.

Fun Fact: Did you know that in the old Eagles Stadium, (Veteran's Stadium) and I think the new one, Lincoln Financial Field, they have a holding cells and and working judge during the games. Keep in mind most courts in the United States are closed on Sundays.

Today, I decided to dedicate this post to the wonderful city of Philadelphia.
This was inspired by Maliek Ball and Brooke Dean.

History:

Quotes from Ben Franklin


Music:

Boys II Men-Motown Philly



Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince-Girls In the World Are Nothing but Trouble



Patti Labelle-On My Own


Movies:

Rocky


State Property


Sports:

Philly Phanatic


Allen Iverson


And finally, they Philly Faithfuls!


Sorry, no cheesesteaks in this post! :)

Harlemite Clip of the Day 11/13/2008

Freeway-What We Do

Shout out to all of Philly folks.

Old School Wednesdays 11/12/2008

Another week...Bringing you back with the oldie but goodies. Pull out your suede Pumas and go get a Mellow Yellow to drink. Here comes the heat! Due to the feedback that I have received from you guys (Thanks!) and my passion for this, I started a new blog called 80's Addict www.eightiesaddict.blogspot.com . Please check it out when you get a moment. Alright here comes the heat!

BDP-The Bridge Is Over



Frank Stallone-Far From Over



Pointer Sisters-He's so Shy



Christopher Cross-Ride Like the Wind



Go West-King of Wishful Thinking


Aerosmith-Love in the Elevator


Duran Duran-Wild Boys


Have a good one!

Harlemite Clip of Day 11/11/2008

I was never a huge fan of DMX when he was in the prime of his career.As I listen to some of his songs now I do appreciate a bit more. I never could get through listening to a whole album straight through. This song I always liked song.

DMX-What You Want

Sisqo was in his prime as well!

Harlemite Clip of the Day 11/10/2008

Nelly-Flap Your Wings

Shouts out Renee, Ty, and Brooke, and all theEagles fans out there.

Harlemite Sunday Night Love Flight

Atlantic Starr-Secret Lovers

Harlemite Clip of the Day

Any Given Sunday-Steamin' Willie Beamen

Harlemite Clip of the Day 11/8/2008

M.I.A.-Paper Planes

Shout out to Cheryl Ernest Crisp

Make Sure You Can Back Up What You Bet On...

This is a funny video. Even though it was done for the hype of the game, it is still igood. Denver Nuggets star, Carmello Anthony made a bet with his boy that whomever lost in a game of NBA live; would have to cut their hair off. If you have been follwing the NBA season so far, you know who lost.

Too bad this was not Ben Wallace and Drew Gooden making a bet. lol

Harlemite Clip of the Day 11/7/2008

Scarface-High Powered

This is one of the realest hip hop artists out. He is a good dude as well.
Support his upcoming album.

Harlemite Clip of the Day 11/6/2008

Michael Jackson-Man in the Mirror

Time for change.

All of us must start somewhere. Start now.

Old School Wednesdays 11/5/2008

Party People...Enjoy today's videos! I am speechless. They speak for themselves!


Eric B.and Rakim- Eric B. for President


Journey-Don't Stop Believing


We are the World



George Michael-Faith




Queen-We are the Champions


Lionel Richie-Dancing on the Ceiling



Van Halen-Dreams

Harlemite Clip of the Day 11/5/2008

A great moment in time!




Yes we can! Now it is time for us all to get active and make a change in our society. It is not just one person that is going to do it.

Don't Let Your Friend Lose the Election

Here is a funny video to send to your friends today on Election Day




Harlemite shouts out Wil Mathis.
Now go out and vote everyone!

Harlemite Clip of the Day 11/4/2008

Sam Cooke-Change Gonna Come

Today is a big day!

Harlemite Clip of the Day 11/3/2009

Capone N Noreaga-T.O.N.Y

This video is gangsta!

The Real Interview

Happy Monday to you all.

Many of you that have been following my blog have seen clips from the video blog called "The Real". Eric and Jeff Rosenthal are the founders of this dynamic blog. Today, I am posting an interview that I did with them.

But first here is their latest sketch


Now here's the interview That I did with Eric Rosenthal.


Harlemite: how are you doing?

Eric: Hey Harlemite, no complaints really. I fulfilled my civic duty and served two days of jury duty. And by served, I mean: sat in a waiting room with one hundred other people in complete silence for hours on end, willing the clock hands to move faster and hoping that my name would not be called. I alternated between reading, listening to my iPod and trying not to fall asleep, because if I did that, the terrorists win. So yeah, I wasn't called, and now I don't have anything at all to complain about for six years.

Harlemite: You guys have a site called ItsTheReal.com Please explain to the masses what this about?

Eric: Two Caucasian brothers from the suburbs love Hip Hop and comedy and move into an apartment together. Hilarity ensues. And each week we vote someone off the island. It's must-see TV... on the internet.

Harlemite: What inspired you to do these sketches?

Harlemite: We're trying to bring fun back to Hip Hop. This is a musical genre that takes itself way too seriously way too often, and we felt that we could use our talents to voice our opinions.

Harlemite: How is working together and also being brothers? Do you guys fight at all?

Eric: We've been brothers for 24 years now, so we've gotten the hang of it. It's pretty routine, really. The Real isn't the traditional "working" situation... It's like an extension of the videos we made as kids: we'll produce what makes us laugh. Fart jokes, which coincidentally, regularly launches us into fisticuffs.

Harlemite: Do you find it difficult to come up with ideas every week for a sketch?

Eric: Well, it's not always easy. And the self-imposed deadline that we've set for ourselves, producing new material for a Monday morning premiere, certainly makes it more difficult. Sometimes, like when Jay-Z recorded lyrics referencing Jews in his song "Roc Boys," it's obvious as to what topic to touch on. Other weeks, it can be deadly quiet in the rap world, and Sunday rolls around. But we get the job done.

Harlemite: What is the process of you getting extras for the skits?

Harlemite: We accept cash, checks, money orders and credit cards. Actually, we usually write the parts with specific people in mind, and people are excited to be involved... until we tell them the appearance fee.

Harlemite: How long does it normally take you to film one?

Eric: That really depends on the length of the script, the availability of the those participating in the video, and our schedules outside The Real. We spent 14 hours straight in front of a computer to make If It Was All So Bey-Z. We worked for two weeks on Fall Out Day. But if all the pieces fall into place, sometimes we can finish a video in 8 hours or so.

Harlemite: My favorite sketch that you guys did is Deconstructing Jay-Z; Losing My Religion. Do you guys have any favorite one(s) that you have done?

Eric: Honestly, I like just about all of them. There's a great level of satisfaction watching the videos catch on, on people's websites each week, and then seeing what people have to say about them. I don't sleep very well Sunday nights, cause I'm always excited about debuting the new video the next morning.

Harlemite: Have you had any horror stories in putting a video together?

Eric: Ha! Well, kind of... Jeff and I went to a party at a friend's place on the Lower East Side, and while waiting for a train, we ended up in conversation with this very-clingy, very-chatty girl from Taiwan, who asked what we did for a living. After explaining that we make weekly online videos, she countered, "Wait. Do you make horrible films?" We were kind of stumped. After realizing, though, what she meant, I said, "Some people do think we make horrible films, but no, we don't do horror films, no."

Harlemite: What music do you guys like to listen to?

Eric: I listen to a range of things, with my favorite artists being Ben Folds and Kanye West, but my selection is not as eclectic as Jeff's.

Harlemite: What was the first record that you ever bought?

Eric: I think it might have been one of Pearl Jam's early albums. When I was 13 though, as a birthday present, my grandparents got me a stereo and a cd... of Rod Stewart's greatest hits. Well intentioned, but they missed the mark.

Harlemite: What TV shows do you like ?

Eric: Mad Man, The Office, 30 Rock, 60 Minutes, Countdown with Keith Olbermann. Those are the ones I watch with regularity.

Harlemite: What are your favorite movies?

Eric: I have a bunch, but my all-time favorites are: All The President's Men and The Big Lebowski.

Harlemite: Are there any Blogs or Vlogs that you like/follow?

Eric: Of course. Nah Right is far and away the best Hip Hop blog there is, and eskay's support in posting our videos each week has been huge for us. As for vlogs, I like what Jay Smooth does, but since we're up for Vlog of the Year over at the Online Hip Hop Awards, we don't like anyone! Vote for ItsTheReal.com! You can vote once every day!

Harlemite: Have you spoke to any of the artists that you did a clip on after it had been posted and received their feed back on the sketch?

Eric: Unsolicited feedback from an artist? The only one who responded to their being the subject was DJ Drama, who really liked the video letter we did to him, in our quest to host a Gangsta Grillz mixtape.

Harlemite: If you guys were not doing this, what would you be doing?

Eric: If we weren't doing this interview? Hmmm... eating breakfast maybe.

Harlemite: Are there any particular celebrities that you would like to work with?

Eric: Yup.

Harlemite: What do you think about the state of hip-hop right now?

Eric: I think it's like Major League Baseball. People say that because it expanded so quickly, the quality got diluted. That may be, but I still love the game, I still root for my team (even if they don't get into the playoffs... stupid Mets) and sometimes you're pleasantly surprised when the underdog makes things really exciting. And like baseball, popular styles and methods get copied cause everyone wants to win, but not everyone does. There's a cyclical nature to the business, and I think Hip Hop's on an upswing at the moment. All in all, the best product wins in the end.

Harlemite: Who are your top 5 rappers of all time?

Eric: Yung Berg, his peoples, his weed carrier, his brother and his manager.

Harlemite: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Eric: Hopefully happy with my career, family and friends, striving to accomplish more of my dreams.