OUT 36

Wassup people! This is Ma'at here again and I must say IT'S HAAAAAARD OUT HERE FOR A PIMP! (I know you all are probably tired of hearing that right about now but hey I had to jump on the bandwagon. LOL) Well another week has come and gone and I am ready to give y'all what's been going on with me since the last time weve cyberchatted. Well before I get into anything, I must tell you all about my trip to Chi-town a couple of weeks ago.


I went to Chi-town Feb 27 to check out the Red Carpet opening of the loclaly filmed flick, "Pieces of a Dream" (I gave y'all the scoop on the flick in last week's blog). I decided that day to go which was on a Monday and just took my Kia Spectra onto Interstate 55 going North and do it. So as I was driving, I had the radio on to the chocolate stations 95.5 for the Tom Joyner show, 100.3 The Beat for the Dee lee Morning Show, 104. 1 for the Hot Morning Show with Craig Blac and 104.9 for the Breakfast Crew with Tony Scott and also 107.7 for the MJ Morning Show. They were all talking about an array of things. Tavis Smiley was on the Craig Blac show and was in town to promote his new book, "The Covenant" , Dee lee Show was having its St. Louis Idol contest going on and to give a shot out to a young girl named Princess who lead a protest at her school regarding Black History Month and so forth. Then, I called a few folks including Jewelanda Hodges who wanted to go to the festivities but her gig held her up. Before you know it, I was in Springfield. I tell ya it's nothin but cornfields and dirt while traveling to Chi-town going I-55. If I had gotten a flat, I would have been SOL for real. The biggest part was keeping my stomach from being hungry. I had my usual snacks like popcorn and potato chips, but at 10 in the morning, I wanted the usual continental breakfast.

So during the 260 or so miles heading to Chi-town and when the radio stations started to change, I started going through my CD archives and putting in CDs in the Cd player. On my playlist was Prince's' double Cd, "Emancipation," Jill Scott's "Words and Music Vol. 1," and The Very best of Nina Simone. Those Cds got me on to I-294 when I headed toward Indiana and paid a toll to cross the bridge into Chi-town. My hotel was at the ESA Midway Airport on State Road and I had a few more miles to go to get to it. One thing I do remember was going through all the radio stations and I must say, they have a better variety of stations than the STL (And all of their FM stations are in HD!) . I heard hip-hop house, salsa, Caribbean, a Spanish talking channel, you name it. One station I was vibing on was 106.3 dubbed "The Soul Cafe." They had their midday mix and they were jamming Tony Toni Tone's "Get Involved" and segued into Jill Scott's "Golden." Now you know that was too much playing.

At the same time, the chocolcate stations were pubbin that Prince was to be at the Congress to perform. Now you know I lost it. I was almsot tempted to call the stations to see if I could be that particular caller to get a ticket, but that would not have been my reason of being here and I was only going to be here for a day (so I thought). While driving up to State Rd. I saw that Chi-town has those road signs that read, "Do not Make Right Turns on Red between 7 am and 7 pm." It dawned on me that I was not in Kansas. Chi-town does not play when it comes to driving and that sign was an indication of that.

I got to Chi-town around 2ish and that gave me enough time to do the 4 S's (shower, shyt and shave, and spruce up) for the Red Carpet opening at Ice Theater on W. 87th (da hood) that was going to be at 7 p.m. I had no problem checking in (I thought they may have had a computer room but NOTTA). When I got there, April Spencer of JMPRODUCTIONS who does PR for the film called me and said that she would be at the theater around 5ish.

When I was driving there, I decided to take the scenic route instead of the highway to check out how the neighborhood and how the ethnic colors change when going from one side of Chi-town (I stayed where most of the whiet and Mexicans lived) to the other side in the hood. So, I took 79th street going west and I must say, what a difference a street makes! It went from white to brown to black in a matter of minutes! (Especially after crossing Halsted) The busy street (It reminds me of U City Loop) had cars and buses navigating to get to the street. Theres no time to wait, you gotta jet on in before you get sideswiped. It was too much playing fo real. I got there about 6:45 and saw April and showed her some love. I also saw Black Rep actress Leah Stewart who worked on the film behind the scenes (You was looking very Hollywoodish with your new hair baby girl. LOL)

Before the movie started, I had a chance to interview some of cast including Montey Jay , the director Skee Skinner (You were lookin sharp!) and one of the co-writers of the film who also starred in the film, Paul Branton. The only actors from the STL who attended were Robert Moore, Earvin Williams and Eric Johnson , who played gang members of the Stone Cold Statutes, but at least we had some actors from the STL there to represent. Surprisingly the star of the film, former B2K singer Raz B was a No SHOW. I wondered why he didnt attend this event and April knew why but couldnt divulge the info but I can just gather why either 1)He though this premiere is beneath him with him being a bigger star than the cast 2) He had something else to do or 3) He didnt have a big part in the film. It probably was all three but I'm sure the truth will come out sooner or later when the movie becomes a sleeper hit.

I followed April and Leah up to the theater and it was hundreds of people waiting to get in (It was sold out for thsi night, 293 seats). I got a seat near the front so I wouldnt miss a beat. A guy from a Chicago newspaper (his name I cant recall), but he reminded me of a skinnier version of Black rep's Ron Himes welcomed everyone and Skinner said it would be a Q and A session after the screening (You can check my review of it on last week's blog).

During the film, I heard the STL actors who was in attendance talk throughout the movie (not surprising), and when their part came in the film you would have though they won an Oscar. They clowned showing out. I cringed from their reaction. But hey I guess it would be a trip to see yourself on screen with hundreds of people seeing you on screen like that.

After the film, all the cast and crew talked and this flamboyant preacher talked who had some affiliation with Raz B who said that he should have been to the premiere of the film and was going to call him to let him know that he should attend the remaining week of the film (Hmm, that is telling already).

When the floor was open to questions, a lot of them was about how strong and honest the potrayals are of the charcters. One guy even said that he had to turn his head at some of the gritty parts and that he was ashamed that his 14 year old daughter had to hear and see some of the actions in the film. But the flam preacher pretty much summed it all up for all of us who saw the film: "It was better that your daughter saw the film in a positive atmosphere than to hear or see it out in the streets." Then the session turned into a church revival. The flam preacher (who had on a floor length mink coat baby) said that we should buy tickets for those who didnt see it on this particular night and so forth. True, but there's a time a place for anything and to "shame" people into buying tickets is not the way. After the session, I interviwed most of the major players in the cast and had a nic etalk with the director and told him that I will keep in contact with him so I can audition for hsi next project "Pill Hill."

Last Tuesday, I decided to stay another day and to see the sights of the city. I mostly drove around and met up with a friend who stayed near Lake Shore Drive and had lunch at Cholie's Pizza located at 1601 E. 53rd Street. thats one thing I know when I go to Chi-town I gotta have some of their famous pizza. Affter that, I changed clothes at the hotel and went to Ballys, the one near the theater. All I can say is OZ--and I don't mean the Wizard. It was like I was going to prison. There was concrete floors, the equipment was old and raggedy, no wet area, and most of the clientele was all thug. Well it was the hood so I shouldnt have expected anything more. It was nice though to see the kids doing their karate lessons in a room and their parents looked on. After that, I mostly chilled at my hotel, caleld a few folks in the STL to see what was happening, then chilled. I left Chi-town on that Wednesday headed back to STL.


OK, now on to the scene in the STL. Last Friday, I checked out the latest First Friday post-Club Seven that was held at Club Dreams (That is yours truly in th upper right hand corner with the shades on at the club). From my understanding, it was free until 10:30 p.m. Well, I got there like 10:20 and they still charged me 15 bones. But it was all good. It was pretty much the smae crowd, nothin really exciting. Just the basic partying, dancing and drinking. I congratulated FF co-creator Harry Michel for being a new father when his wife had a baby boy recently. In the house was Kameron Hopson, Jacob of STL Online.com (thanks for the snap of myself in the club), and The Committee's Chip Price (I didnt know you felt THAT WAy about the Outflow Mix tape. LOL).

Last Saturday, I attended a rehearsal at local actor/director Joel P.E. King's (whose pic is the top one on this blog ) apartment on Miami Street in South St. Louis. i was there to interview him about his new gospel play, "Meeting at the Elder's Circle" (which will be happening March 19 at the Jazz Loft. are $15. for more information, call (314)268-3651 or e-mail at http://us.f344.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=jpekcreations01@hotmail.com&YY=90802&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b. ) and to take some snaps for a story that will be in an upcoing issue of West End Word News (I will keep you posted when but more than likely it will hit the streets March 15). The rehearsals were in the garage of his apartment building and it was defintely a New York kind of vibe with artists doing their craft by any means necessary. The play will star some of the locals like Cody Aaron, Leah Stewart and Alicia Moseley. I saw a stage reading of the first act at COCA last fall and it is defintely a riot. It is a spoof of sorts about the church.
After that, I went to the crib, got changed up and went to the Jazz Loft to chillout for a minute. It was the usual. Nothing out of the ordinary. I ran into Bonafide Production's Michael Jackson (he was the brother who put on the Schin Kerr party at the Loft and the Vault a couple of weeks back) again and we exchanged niceties (and thats all I will say here, but it was all good. I won't hold my breathe on anything else that he promises to do though. LOL) I also ran into Edward Jones broker Roger Macon who was looking pretty tan for a black man these days. I havent been seeing him at Ballys gym for a few weeeks and he said that he was vacationing in Mexico enjoying the Tequila. LOL.


Last Sunday, I stayed in to check out the Academy Awards. It was pretty interesting this year with comedian /talk show host Jon Stewart hosting. he was pretty good and deadpan. With all the talk about if "Brokeback Mountain" was going to win Best Picture, all that was thrwon out on the red carpet when crunk hip-hop group Three-6 Mafia performed their Oscar-nominated song, "It's Hard Out Here For a Pimp" from the film, "Hustle and Flow," along with "Hustle" co-star Taraji Henson (I didnt know she could sing?). It was definitely hip hop meets West Side Story with the interpretative dancers dancers in front of the rap group (even Adolfo "Shabadoo" Quinones of "Breakin'" fame was even up there doin his best pimp dance!).

This was a first for a rap group to perform before the ultra-conservative (aka white) audience. But things went even more into overload when Queen Latifah (who was looking quite stunning in her Oscar dress) announced Three-6 Mafia as the winner of Original Song. My mouth went ajar. I was like, "No fuccin way!" They are winning an Oscar! (A coupel of years back Eminem won an Oscar in the same category for his song, "Lose Yourself" from the "8 Mile" but he was a no show which didnt have as much sudden impact). They thanked everyone from Jesus, to their choreographer, to actor George Clooney who they say,"was real cool when they met him." It was bananas (A pic of them is on my blog above) . It was definitely a historical moment for hip-hop.

And all of the backlash that "Hustle" star Terrence Howard (who didnt win Best Actor in the role--not surprising) got for not rapping with the group on stage was not necessary. He said that he didnt want to upstage the group and have their moment to shine. Critics were saying that the real reason was he didnt wantto be affiliated with the gangster imagery of the song or movie (And probably because of the negative press that director John Singleton got for allegedley not paying his actors properly). But whatever the reason, "Hustle and Flow' was acknowledged and that cant be taken away.

The other notweworthy moment was when the South African film, "Tsotsi " won for Best Foreign Film and its director Gavin Hood acknowdleged the young South African girl and boy who were in the film and made the camera man cut to them. That was a great moment indeed. A questionable moment came when "March of the Penguins" won for Best Documentary and when its director and producers were on stage (with Penguin puppets on their hands--classic--), the camera cut to actor Morgan Freeman, who did the U.S. Voice over narration in the film, on stage and he didnt know whether to walk to the podium with the winners or stay. It was a very uncomfortable moment indeed. He probably wanted to run up there and say, "Wait, you forgot about me. I'm Morgan Freeman."

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TIDBITZ. Tyler Perry's Madea's Family Reunion was the No. 1 film again for the second week in a row at the Box Office raking in another 12 million, totalling about 42 million altogether and it only took 10 million to make. You knwo what that means--Madea lunch boxes...........................

Anyone been checking out the new BET J Channel on Direct TV? It comes on Channel 330 and it is like an adult version of BET (Its also like TV-One). All the programming is mostly geared toward 35 ers and up with jazz shows, Video Soul flashbacks, a talk show called "My Two Cents". And their tag phrase is "Cool Like Dat." Well, they still gotta keep it hip-hop, you know..............

*SOPOG Productions will present "Note to self…I'm giving it up", at 5p.m., Saturday, March 25, at the Portfolio Gallery, 3514 Delmar. The event will have songs written and produced by G. Felice McClendon performed by Kimberly McCain, Kidada Miller, Denise Thimes, Deanah McClendon, Taria Harris, Erika Johnson, Tony Ford (WHO??????? LOL), Geneva Smith and Melody Graves from Daughters of Zion. Special appearances by Gregg Haynes and the Happy Guitar and St. Louis' own Praiz. The event will be hosted by Selena J of MAJIC 104.9 radio show "Soulternative." Reserved tickets are $10 (Admission includes a complimentary CD and hors d'oeuvres) and will be available at the door..........................................................................

I heard that local poet FoFeet opened up for Will Downing at his Feb. 14 show at the Pageant and threw down. She emailed me recently and said that she also travelled recently to the Dominican Repuplic and performed for the Max Media Group from Virginia Beach Va. You go sister. You may be small in stature but BIG in talent and breaks...................................................................

I ran into two up and coming stars at Ballys in Clayton last week local singer Joseph George and Post's Tavia Evans. George told me he was recently on Oprah Winfrey's show serenading her and hoping to be on there again pretty soon. Evans told me that she is planning on getting married June 11. Congrats to both of you two....................................................................................

Speaking of stars and Ballys, rapper Chingy is hitting the gym hard again this past week. He was up in there trying to lift with his enterouge. One night he was on the celly with someone and was fussin at them. I dont know what was going on, but it was quite a sight to see. Maybe it had to do with the final touches for his private birthday party that was held Thursday at the Pepper Lounge. Who knows................................................................................................................................


I hear there's a hot new website radio station for the neo soul heads out there. My Hipster Mag girlfriend Tiffani Blackmore hipped me to it. It is honeysoul.com. Check it out!..............................................................................

What was up with the SIU-Carbondale cheerleader Kristi Yamaoka who lost her balance during a routine last Sunday and fell about 15 feet onto her head at the Missouri Valley Conference atteh Savvis Center ? Homegirl is LUCK-EE. What got her national attention was that she kept on doing her cheerleading routine while they carried her on a stretcher. From her hall she got a chipped neck vertebra, concussion and a bruised lung. As a result, she was on the "Today Show" Thursday getting interviwed by Katie Couric as her cheerleading squad and coach were interviewed via satellite from SIU-Carbondale. I wonder if she's ready to ride those rides at Disney World and say cheese for the Wheaties Box cause you know that's coming up (and they still player hating Olympic speed skater Shani Davis).....................................................................

Former St. Louisan Keith Underwood hit me up on my celly and said that he attended Queen Latifah's pre-Oscar bash last Saturday dubbed "Vibe Hollywood" at the new L.A. restuarant Republic (You can check out the pics at wireimage.com). He said most of the Black A-Listers were up in the cut like Tyson Beckford, Lynn Whitfield, Rakim, Victoria Rowell, Chris Rock and Jamie Foxx. And he was saying that dee-jays D-Nice (remember him from "My Name is D Nice") and Spinderella were trying to get the party hyped but D-Nice told the crowd that they were getting too bougie and need to get the party started, even if they had to take off some clothes. Whoa! I hear that the press was not allowed inside. Hmm, I can just imagine what else went down, okay?

Local comedian G Thang did a guest spot on the FX TV Show 'the Shield" this week. He played a guy getting questioned at the police precinct. Oh and he didnt have to steal any lines for this role. LOL........................................................

I peeped out a cool Cd from a local jazz artist . Brian Owens' "B Natural"Produced by Owens (who is from Belleville, Ill. by the way), the eight song Cd is very lax and laid back (He kind of reminds you of Kem a bit). He has some standards ("Motherless Child") and some originals. He is definitely a crooner. Music on the Cd was provide dby his fellow band members from teh group Common wealth (Adaron Jackson on keys, Miles Vandiver on skins, Zeb Briskovich on upright, Jason Swagler on sax, Shaun Robinson on the axe and Anthony Wiggins on trumpet). It is a definite must have for your "grown and sexy" collection. For more info about the CD, contact Renee Thomas Woods at 314-830-3277.....................

Do you know that rapper MC Hammer has a blog? Yes he does. He sometimes blogs via his trusty T-Mobile Sidekick about his travels and such. It is
mchammer.blogspot.com and yes, you can touch this. (I know that was corny but I couldnt resist.)......................................................................

It seems like St. Louis Rams wide receiver Isaac Bruce could be the next casualty in the Rams camp. He is now a free agent after the team released him following failed contract negotiations.The team cut their longest-tenured player Sunday night after talks broke down on a restructured deal. But they remained hopeful Monday of getting an agreement that would bring Bruce back for a 13th season.The 33-year-old Bruce had a salary cap figure of $10 million for next season. He had been due to receive a $1.5 million roster bonus Monday, the first day of the free agency period, as part of an $8.1 million salary.That was the final year of a seven-year, $42 million contract he signed in 2000. Man, I'd say just sail on off and do like Jerry Rice did and reinvent yourself and put on some dance shoes..............................................................................



Well, that will be it for me. If you have anything fo rme to pub for scribe on, give me holla at maatspear@yahoo.com!

OUT 35

Wassup Wassup Wassup cyberpeople! It's Ma'at here again. And I have some things to tell you all of what have been going down since the last time I cyberposted to you all. Well, ain't nothing to it, but to do it.

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to check out the flick, Pieces of a Dream, the Alton Ill. filmed Hollywood budgeted movie that had its Red Carpet premiere this week at the Ice Theatres: Chatham 14 in Chi-Town (on w. 87th street in the hood.) And the good thing about the event was that it was showing at a black-owned theater. It was nice and was not raggedy or run-down. It was a top notch place. I was impressed. I'm not going to front. You know how we are sometime when we have our own(WE TEAR IT UP like scratch paper) . But anyway, STL needs to take heed on this (Roberts Brothers--hint-hint.). We need a black-owned theater in the STL. I know a few years ago, Magic Johnson was trying to get a chain of his theaters here but word on the street was a few STL politicians told Johnson that it wouldnt work here in the STL. Now that's what I heard. And if it is true. Shame on those who said that it would not work. But let me get off my "soapfesto" and get back on track. Before I get to my trip to Chi-Town for the flick, let's go back a few days on where I travelled in the STL....

Last Thursday, I attended a private Red Carpet party for former Loyola/Indiana Pacers b-ball star Schin Kerr (seen on the upper right hand corner of my blog). The party was thrown by local promotions organization, Bonafide Productions and it was to celebrate the success of his being in the hit film, Glory Road (he played the role of David Lattin in the flick). The event was held at the Jazz Loft on Loive and it was supposed to kick off at 8p.m. and close at 1:30 am (they have a 1:30 kerfew) , dressy affair and 20 bones to get in. Well, I wanted to call up one of my debonair buddies, hollabackboi because he likes to go to functions like this and dress to impress (not to mention show off his white Hummer truck I call the'Bus" LOL). anyway, I got there about 8:30 and it was barely any people in there (or a red carpet)! I checked my invitation flier to see if I had the right day and yes it was the right day.

So, when I called hollabackboi he asked if there were any people up in there. I told him that I was able to park on the opposite side of the street in front of the club which was an indication that there were barely any people. So when hollabackboi got there, he was coming out of his Hummer and then I saw pull up St. Louis American 's Bill Beene parks nearby and behind him were two white women with professional TV cameras and boom mikes. I was like, "Oh, they must be for the party." NOT. They were there to film the goings on at the American when I asked one of the women about their being there. So when I gave Beene some dap and hollabackboi came to my car, I told him that we need to go somewhere else until the party has more people comin. He agreed so I hopped into his Hummer and we chilled at 609 for a minute. Although it was sparse up in there, I was able to get a couple of drinks (Hurricnaes) out of it. I was hoping that stalling would help matters because I was clean as a hospital bathroom floor. I had on a grayish black suit, with purple shirt and tie to match with Kanye West styled shades. I know I was pimpin but there wa sno need to floss if no one was going to be at the set. We stayed at 609 til about 10:30 and decided to drive back to the Loft. At this time, it was people comin through. When hollabackboi valeted his bus, I mean his Hummer, we went inside. He ordered another round of drinks (I got a Ameretto Sour) and I stuck a gigantic blow pop in my mouth. We sat at a table to see who was coming through. There were some no name Rams players who were up in there dressed as though they were going to Bible study(no flash or dash in their attire). On the 1s and 2s was Loft DJ Soundz who was spinning the usual crunked out jams and Dwight Hypeman Stone (who I made feel underdressed. LOL) was on the mic getting folks hype. Kerr and his enterouge came out of a Cadillac limo and greeted the well wishers (and "hoopies"--that's hoochie mixed with groupies who dig b-ball players)) up in there.

In the house were the Post's Kevin Johnson, Christiaan Cofield, Deandre Perryman (who sang a few songs some accapello for the crowd), Tony Ford, Chantal of Inbox, St. Lunatic Kyjuan, Nikko Smith (who supposed to drop his CD pretty soon-I hear that Loft was supposed to play a song from it there, but no one heard it). I had a chance to talk with Kerr's buddy and the guy who put on the event, Michael Jackson (I know what you're thinking and I'm not eeeeeeeeven going there!) who was LIFTED from all that Moet (I'm still waiting on my limo ride. LOL).

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Last Friday, I attended the play Johnnie Taylor is Gone that was staged at the Mildred Bastian Theater at Forest Park College. Directed by local director Greg Carr, it was an OK show about the goings on at the Zodiac Lounge (a real life lounge in STL by the way). Although a little preachy in some parts, the play reminded me of an August Wilson production where you have an ensemble cast who talks about their life based around their surroundings. In Johnnie Taylor , the cast talks about what is going on in St. Louis and the issues at hand (from the infamous Highway 70 Shutdown to the troubled St. Louis Public School Board) mixed with nonsensical talk (eg. What's in Chinese food, is The Cardinals organization racist, etc.). the main story deals with a new jack, named Jiggy played by Stuart Allen, who tries to buy out the owner of the Zodiac, Strong, played by Laurence Staples. The standout actors in this production were Shawn Guy-Pitts who plays gambling hoochie Bette Black, David A.N. Jackson, who plays a semi-militant guy, and secular Bishop played by Archie Coleman. A little long for my taste (over 2 hours), but what saves the production is the main point of the jukebox that plays the actors' liives based on what is played. With a little trimming of the script and more imaginative language, Johnnie Taylor could be a St. Louis masterpiece for other playwrights to use as a mechanism for St. Louis history. If you wantto check out the play, performances are March 3-5 8pm (Sundays at 3pm) General admission $4; students/seniors $2. Free with a valid SLCC ID. Call 314-644-9386 or 644-9388 for more info.

I was also glad to see former STL actress Tann Moore and "Pieces of a Dream" actor Joel P.E. King there at the show. Moore was in town for a booksinging for her book, "The Cinderella Syndome' at Afro World (I hate I missed it.). She also told me she had a minor part in last week's "The Shield" (the episode where actress CCH Pounder's character Detective Claudette Wymms passes out and falls down the stairs due to lupus) acting with Michael Jace but was cut in the final cut. That's aiight. You will get your shot for sho'!

After the play, I was supposed to have went to Part Two of Schin Kerr's party that was to be thrown at The Vault on Delmar and the After Party at Toxic, but due to Not being on the VIP list on either (thanks MJ), I decided to check out the much-hooplaed Maxim Magazine Party that went down at Pepper Lounge. From my understanding, people who wanted to attend had to email them and the secret location was to be revealed. Well, I heard where it was going to be from my boy Carlos McClaurin who told me about the email invite (He warned me to get there early cause it was hard for him to get in the last party they had in the STL).

Well, luckilly, I got buddies like CM cause they must have lost my email in the shuffle. I got there around midnite and, like an absent minded professor, I went next door to Nectar and paid 10 bones to get in. I don't know what I was thinking (I even text my boy Kameron to tell him I was at Nectar) . I thought I could go to Pepper because I got up in Nectar. NOPE. Although it was tight as a penny in a corner, this was not where the Maxim Party. So, after circling the small club once and got to the front door 10 minutes later, I walked next door to Pepper Lounge and called up Stuart Allen who was up in there and he said that it was cool to get in. I also called my backup Carlos and he said the same thing. Well, when I got in line, they were syaing there were not letting anyone else in I've heard that one before (Of all my years as a journalist, that is just a formality to scare off those who don't know the game).

Before you know it, several people were able to get in and play nice with the big boy who was holding the list of invited guest. I passed my media pass to the guy next to the big guy to give to the big guy to see if I was on the list and the big guy said that I wasn't. OK. So, I waited a few more minutes. I called Carlos to see if he could pull some strings and he called me back said that they were ABSOLUTELY NOT LETTING ANYONE ELSE IN. Then it dawned on me, wait a second, why am I not in there. I have a legitimate reason to be up in there. I am a part of the press and I should be allowed to be up in there. Well, when I saw countless people being able to get in and were not on the list, I snapped. I got up close to the front and yelled, "Look, I am a part of the media. I am supposed to be up in there. I emailed last week to get up in this place and all I am doing is my job. Why is there a problem?" I had an audience listening then.

Well after that, the guy who was standing next to the big guy told me to wait a minute and told me I could come in if I pay 5 bones. I had no problem with that because that's what they were charging people anyway to get if they were not on the list. So I got in and the first person I saw was Kameron. He asked what happened and I gave him the skinny. He bought me a drink to cool me down (I missed the 5 free drink tickets they were giving away). I walked in the main area where the people were partying and it was like a scene out of Club 54. White. Black. Straight, and Freaky. and all in between. It was very interesting to see.All that was missing was the E (I'll get to that later).

Anyway, up in there were the previous mentioned, Tiffani Blackmore (where you drunk? I saw you lapdancing with CM. LOL), Gina Wynn, Fox 2's Rob Desir, Former Club Seven co-owner Fred Finley (Those sistahs you were with were off the chain. Especially the one who said that she looked better than any white bitch in the club!!!!) Rapper Chingy, St. Lunatic Murphy Lee, Hipster Magazine's Keenan Harris and even ran into my old SIUE buddy Darnell Singleton (he was the guy who produced the local film, "Super Brothas" in the late 1990s) who was hired by Maxim to take video camera shots of the crowd up in there (I dont know where it aired, but you probably saw me up in there wuith my shades on).

Overall, the party was cool. Nothing fancy. I thought they were going to have a food spread, dancing girls in cages, but then again, but notta. All I saw interesting were two black guys dancing with white girls then one of the guys grabbed the other guy's bald head and palmed it like a b-ball while they were dancing with the white girls. (Hmmm, I don't get that one) Another was when Chingy and one of his buddies were in the men's restroom as Chingy made a private phone call on his cell phone (couldnt he have text messaged them?). The other was this white guy who asked me if I had some E on me and if so, he would buy it from me. I wanted to say to him, "Do I look like drug dealer?" But I just smiled and shook it off. I stayed til 3 in the morn and was out.

Last Saturday, Kameron and I checked out The Loft and the NFL Party that was happening at Club Dreams. It was a packed little area near Olive and Washington where these clubs were (Not to mention the Welcome Back party thrown by Chingy for 104.1.'s Craig Blac at Dante's-formerly Club Seven). Loft was cool. Nothing spectacular. It was packed as usual. Oh wait a minute. Something did happen. A sista fell out up in there from too much drink. That was not cute.

After midnite, we rolled through Club Dreams who was hosting an NFL party for some NO NAMES. It was 25 bones to get up in there. I tried calling co-owner Maurice G but I couldnt get through. I wasnt trying to pay 25 bones to get up in there and I didn't (If I told you how I got in I would have to kill you.) Thrown by Cream of the Crop Productions, the party was packed from downstairs to upstairs. On the 1s and 2s was DJ Stan the MAn.

The first person I recognized up in there was 104.1's Staci Static. I asked her if she remembered me and she said she didnt. I re-remembered for her and she remebered. But after that, it was all people, people ,people. It had to have been close to 1,000 peeps up in therr. And at 25 bones a pop plus drinks. Club Dreams was smiling on each end of the rainbow. We managed to go upstairs and watch the party people from downstairs.

Then, Kameron wanted to try and go to the lower part of the club to get into VIP. As we walked down the stairs and waddled through the crowd, I ran into Jamie Price of Outflow Records and told him that I spotlighted his mix tape on my blog a couple of weeks ago. He showed me love and I proceeded on to the VIP area. When we got near there, it was this ghetto sista who said, "Do y'all have any wristbands?" She raised up my sleeve and saw there was none and said, "Sorry you can't come in, thank you." I was not surpised of her reaction cause I was ready for it. I was not feeling VIP cause there were no VIPs really down there. So, it was all good. Close to 2ish, I saw Maurice at the bar wiping off some glasees and gave him some dap and I was out.

Last Sunday, I checked out last weekend's No. 1 flick, Tyler Perry's "Madea's family Reunion." at the St. Clair 10 Cinema on my side of the water in Fairview Heights, Ill. I knew Sunday afternoon was the time to go cause around that time errbody had seen the flick either at the movies or bootleg. And I must say, I was plesantly entertained by the second film installment of Perry's stageplay-cum-film franchise (I didnt care too much for Diary of a Mad Woman" film or stageplay). And even more impressed that Perry directed this (his first time doing such) But this one was more enetrtaining and more well thought out characters.

Those of you who are familiar with Perry's film you all know the plot (for in-depth plotline go to imdb.com), but the film was mixute of many flicks like "What;s Love Got to Do with it," "Soul Food," "Beloved," and all of the wedding flicks from the new millennium. But what helps this film are its stars. Blair Underwood, Lynn Whitfield, Lisa Arrindell (who was exceptional in this), Boris Kodjoe (who was surprisingly good in this), Maya Angelou, Jenifer Lewis (who played a hilarious wedding planner) and Cicley Tyson who brought it home with her teachings of family in the family reuniion ssene when all of the family gather around at an old slave house. The wedding scene with Arrindell and Kodjoe's characters was unbelievable! It was breathtaking (Human beings hung on the ceilings playing black angels were off the chain!) and quite touching. Unfortunatly, the wasted actor in this film was Henry Simmons who was just there in the film and didnt have a significnat meaning in the film (akin to his bit role in "Are We There Yet?") beside being eye candy.

To be honest, Tyler Perry's Madea character would not have been missed if it was not even used (Perry played more of the Uncle Joe character than Madea interestingly enough). True, MAdea is what puts peopel in the seats (in his stageplays as well), along with her crazy antics on life (the school bus fight with the studnet is a film classic moment ), but it gets a little disjointed when the scenes are cut to Madea and makes you relaize that the film came from his stageplay. But with 30 million dollars made last weekend on this flick (and his second No. 1 film), Perry can do no wrong.

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On Monday I went to Chicago to check out 'Pieces of a Dream", the Alton-shot film that was directed by Alton, Ill, native Skee Skinner (I have some pics above that were from the REd Carpet premoire.(ON LEFT is a pic of my holding the Pieces of a Dream flier inside the Ice Theater: Chatham 14; NEXT to that pic is a snap of Indianapolis native Monty Jey who plays the role of Coop in the film and STL's April Spencer from JMPRODUCTIONS and BELOW is a pic of a Q&A discussion where director Skee Skinner, who is holding the mic, is talking about the film as cast and crew look on). April also hipped to the early box office sales last weekend and she said that it outsold Madea's Family Reunion for last Monday's show which was sold out (over 300 seats). She also told me that well known Chicago Sun Times critic Roger Ebert saw the film this past Tuesday. Here is what she sent me via email by ways of Chicago as of today, Thursday, March 2.

"Just wanted to let you know that the guy (Roger Ebert) saw the movie and talked about it on WGN Radio this morning. And he said that he reviewed indy movie Pieces Of A Dream and it's a must see movie... And also to let you know that Skee (Skinner) got the print out of all the movies that were playing there and Pieces Of A Dream has been #1 all 3 days. We have them all. And the owners of the place (Chatham 14) said that they have never seen anything like this. With an indy movie coming in and out selling studio movies. "

I had a feeling that this film was going to turn out in big numbers. There was a reason why I had to go and check out this film.

For those who are now curious about this film (you can check out the trailer at www.ONE-WAYPRODUCTIONS.com), here is my review of it:

Pieces of a Dream tells the story about four people: a troubled priest, a child abuse victim, a reclusive painter and a vulnerable street-ready teen and how their lives are interwined with temptations of the world. Directed by Alton-born Skee Skinner, and starring former B2K singer Raz B, Pieces of Dream, told in linear and cyclical fashion and threaded vignettes (ala Quentin Tarantino), Pieces of a Dream is an in-your-face drama that is half-horror, half-drama and half-religiocentric.

What stands out in this film is its refreshing way of telling a story. With its coined tagline, "Does Sin Have Weight," the film, through pinpoint editing and close-up camera angles, wraps you into each main character's dilemma. There are, surprisngly, many standout performances from its mainly Chicago and St. Louis cast (Ras B, the only national star in this film, is just OK in this film). Three in particular are Montey Jay who plays gang leader Coop (who is excitingly scary in this film, a definite award winning performance), Harold Dennis who plays Shepherd Flockings, the priest with a forbidden secret, Paul Branton who plays Paul Thibodeux (another award winning performance) and Joel King as Black Jesus Davis (his final scene when he is tortured until his ultimate demise is downright moving).

However, the actresses in the film are somewhat one-dimensional (with the exception of Ngina James who is refreshing as, Glo, the abuse victim-cum-young mother to Black Jesus), and they are mostly used as plot devices or as boy toys. My other problem with Pieces was that Dennis' character's background was not explored like the other main characters' were. It would have given the character a more sympathetic tone rather than an all-out blame fest for his sinful action.

Nevertheless, Pieces is a definite must-see for those who are hungry for more than 'Madea'/urban/hood characterizations in black film. It's a bit much to swallow as far as its gritty realism, but when the film hits your city, rush to see this! If I had to rate this film from 1 to 10 (I being the worst and 10 being excellent) I would give it an 8.

-30-

I will have an indepth tale of my trip to Chi-town next week.

TIDBITZ. What was up with this conference that was held last week at the Ist Evangelical Free Church to rid people of their homosexuality and to embrace heterosexuality? I hear over 1700 flocked to this. My question is were these people homosexual who attneded to get "cured" or was it "cured" people damning homosexuals to Hell? My thing is this, regardless if you are hetero/homosexual, people got to pay their bills and survive in this life. Cause I know for sure, if bills ain't paid, you already feel like you're in Hell. Okay?... Local radio caller The Great Kabudah (I hope I'm spellong his name right) died last week. It was so weird to hearthat because he was always a character on the radio and always spun his own tales of life and ending with a funny one-liner, then saying, "the Great Kabudah has spoken." I think he was in his late 70s when he died. He will be greatly missed....My condolences to Black Rep Founder Ron Himes who lost his mother who was ill...Former STL model and now book publsihing owner Cedirc Mixon will be publishing a new book out on his Kobalt books line for Burton Barr Jr called "The Hoodlum Preacher", an autobiography about his provocative life. For more info go to www.kobaltbooks.com ...Did anyone check out Tavis Smiley (who I hear got C_SPAN running wild during his conferenc eon Black America in H-town last weekend with Farrakhan and Harry Belafonte letting it all hang out on black and white folks) who was in the STL this past Monday at Waldenbooks in the Galleria and Kennerly Temple to sign his new book, "Covenenant" (his tour bgena here by the way). I hear he gave away over 100 books to the first 100 or so who showed up at the church. That was a godo incentive for those to get the book and to get some converted saints. LOL...Big ups to the students at John Waters High School who stood up for their rights and protested after their Black History Month program was changed to Diversity History Month at the last minute and most of the black students in the program were taken out to add more "diverse" students. The principal must have heard actor Morgan Freeman's inane comments earlier this year saying that we shouldn't have Black History Month anymore....OH, AND RENEE THOMAS WOODS, I HAVENT FORGOTTEN YOUR ARTIST BRIAN OWENS. I WILL GET TO HIM SOON.

Well that be all for me right now. If there is anything that you want me to rep or step on my blog, hit me up on my email at maatspear@yahoo.com.

OUT 34

Hello again cyberfans. This is yours truly, Ma'at, who is at it again trying to give you the skinny on the last seven days. Well, technically six, because as of this writing, I am posting this a day early because I nee dto prepare for a few events, One being the Schin Kerr party at the Loft and going to Chi-town this weekend to check out the locally-filmed movie, "Piecces of a Dream" at the Ice Theatres: Chatham 14 in West Chi-Town. Okay I gonna be like the Black Eyed Peas and get it started!

First off, I want to talk about how crazy the weather has been here in ST. Louis. Talk about fairweather! We got spoiled with all the 60 plus degrees until last weekend when the temp dropped from 60ish to 30ish and in between was a host of hailstorms (it blew past Belleville) and a tornado sighting in Madison County. Well, like I always say, it doesn't suppose dto be near spring weather in February and we definitely paid for it when Friday and Saturday came around and the temp was a low as the limbo. Single digit-snot nose, Chicago kind of weather. But did it stop me and others going out and socializing? Not one bit!

Let me first say, nice reporting from model Christiaan Cofield (did I spell it right this time? LOL). who attended one of comedienne Sommore's shows at teh Funny Bone in Fairview Heights. As promised here is very concise report of what went down:

"Sommore was really funny. She talked mainly about the relationship between men and women, then she went on to compare the differences between us. Lots of sexual connotations of course. Over all it was a entertaining show! The show started at about 10:15pm and went until midnight. The diva Millicent Jackson was there looking like America's Next Top Model...........SHE WAS HOOOOOOT. Turnin heads and stuff.......

Okay, I know what you're saying. What specifically Sommore talk about? Well, I was expeciting a lil' more, too, but what can I tell ya............................................

MOVIN' ON.....

Last Friday, Jewelanda Hodges and I attended one of the performances of Tyler Perry's "Madea Goes to Jail" that was playing Feb. 14-19 at the Fox Theatre. We were determine dto get there on time, because one of the infamous signature refrains in Perry's plays is when he breaks out of character, breaks the "fourth wall" rule in theater and call out people who come late to his plays (and he did so the night I went as well). And when it happens, it is like the Fourth of July of all the fireworks in laughter. Here is my review of the play:

MADEA COMMITS BUST-OUT LAUGHTER WITH 'JAIL' AT THE FOX

Every time I check out one of Tyler Perry's urban plays, I pretty much know what to expect: high falutin' urban sitcomery and the adlibbed jabs that Perry does as the wise-cracking, no-nonsense, sacrilegious middle aged women, Madea (aka Mabel Simmons). Thsi is what has made him a multi-million dollar man since the early part of the 00's and what makes people come in drives to check out his plays. This go-round was no excpetion as Perry's latest installment of the Madea series, "Madea Goes to Jail" hit the Fox Theatre, Feb. 14-19.

Like all of his plays, most of the storyline is your typical "my-man/my-woman done me wrong/change my life with a new attiude and relationship" plotline with some gospel-tinged vocals from the actors. The only difference in 'Jail' was what Madea was going to spew out in regards to funny-one-liners and soem mother wit, breaking out of the "fourth wall" and attack anyone that is needed of an insult or "signifying."

In 'Jail' the story dealt with a graduate student, Vanessa (played by R&B singer Cheryl "Pepsi" Riley) who does not appreciate her hard working husband, Sonny who is paying for her schooling through his job as a prison guard. Things go awry when it was discovered that Vanessa cheated on her husband with Sonny's friend and boss, Nate. And, the baby that Sonny thought was his tunred out to be not Nate's but Leo's (another prison guard at Sonnys' job), As a result, Sonny leaves Vanessa, who ended up in prsion for child neglect after one of her rendevous with Nate, and falls for his high school freind, Wanda, who is now an district attorney, who helped Madea get out of prison for not payng her gas bill at the pump.

The substory dealt with an inmate, Katie, who shared a cell with Madea, who wanted Madea to file for custody of her wild teenaged daughter, Toni, who is in the foster system.

The actors in 'Jail' were OK. No one was extra spectacular, the focus was mostly on how exaggerated they can be with their lines and physical comedy (epsically the actress who played Miss Ella, whose girth was used as a comedy device when she delivered her need-a-man lines and doing a split while visiting Madea after Madea told her to "drop it like it's hot'). The male actors in 'Jail", mainly the actors who played Sonny (the light-skinned pretty boy) and Nate (the rugged dark-skinned dreadhead), were mostly the eye candy in the play ( There first few minutes in the play, they had their shirts off exposing their well-chiseld chest and abs).

Besie an elborate two staged-set (which turned in a circle after each scene from the house to the prison) But the three things that made 'Jail' fresh and interseting were the power-voiced singing (especially the charcter Katie's last number, "Be the Best that I Can Be" after she got pout of prison and was able to take custody of her daughter. WOW--chills down your spine and teh white actor who played prison chaplain Jeremy throwing down on Maze's "Before I Let Go" ); Madea's spoofs and takes on hip-hop/pop culture (e.g. Madea saying Whitney's phrase "Hell to the Naw"; talking down about today's music including "Laffy Taffy" and "I'm in Luv with a Stripper" and comparing songs of the good ol days--even singing some of them him/herself like "Goin in Circles" and "Love Don't Love Nobody" which was something new for the MAdea character!) and of course, Madea breaking the fourth wall and talking to the audience (eg. talking about how bad the sound system was and saying jokingly that it as the white people he hired fault; telling some women in the front row to take out their gum out because they were distracting the show and had the actress who play Miss Ella to direct them to take their gum out with a piece of tissue Madea gave to Miss Ella).

It was amazing as far as how much stuff the Madea character was able to talk about (from how to detecet a woman is cheating to how to raise kids today) to the point that he went off script to "preach" to the crowd becasue he felt he/she needed to say things to someone in the crowd.

True, like most of Perrys' plays, 'Jail" is not necessarily theater, but an experience with down-home family witnessing something about themselves.

After the play, Perry, in a Jordan starter gear suit, said , "It took awhile to get to STL, but we're here...Thnak you for making "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" the No. 1 film last year...It's really hard to get a movie doen in Hollywood and make them say OK. Having all to to show up the first week meant so much to me. From the beginning , I have been changed."

He then talked about his latest film, "Madea's family reunion" (which will hit theaters this Friday), when he told people to "go during the first weekend. That's how Hollywood judge. You gotta pass the bootleg and go to the theatre."

Then he showed the crowd an extended version of the trailer (about three minutes) to Madea's Family Reunion. After the trailer was shown he talked about how Hollywood is trying to pit him and comedian Martin Lawrence after Lawerence debuted at No. 1 with his man-to-drag flick, Big Mamma's House Part 2. he said., "I called him and I congratulated him. I will not let Hollywood put us against each other. They won't get that."

After the play, I hit up the Jazz Loft on Olive to celebrate my big tax refund payoff. Man, you all just don't know to call your bank and Direct Deposit tells you so that you hit the jackpot without scratching or playing the numbers. All I can say is, it's time to chill, travel, pay bills and invest (Not all at the same time, though). I called up my boy Kameron (who had a chance to do message therapy with most of the cast from "Madea Goes to Jail" except for Tyler Perry who jetted with two bodyguards after each show in his BMW) to tell him I would be down there. I got there about 10:30 ish (He got there a twenty minutes later). I saw some people who were in some of my plays I produced in the early 2000s like Forest Park instructor Keith Batey and poet/author Lonnie Love (know you see me, you want something, LOL). I also ran into Tiffani Blackmore, my Hipster Mag gal (and bump and grind dance partner. LOL), and her pal Gina Wynn who was with her on/off man Carlos McClaurin (who is pictured above on my blog and will talk about later). Also up in therr were Christiaan, the Posts' Kevin Johnson and 104.1's Craig Blac.

On Saturday, I checked out Steel Magnolias, the play that is currently playing at the Belleville Center of Arts until March 5 (check my SCATHING review at kdhx.org).

On Sunday, I had a meeting with 104.9 personality Selena J at TGIF in Fairview Heights talking about being on her Saturday show. After two Hurricanes (drank by me). She is looking at April 2006 for my being on the show.

On Monday, I had a breakfast meeting with Swift Incentive's Brian Swift at Cummel's. True it was 9 in the AM, but I couldnt pass up free food. He's going to help make some t-shirts with my weblog site on them for more pub for this site. Good lookin out man (And you know you can put down some FOOD)!

Carlos McClaurin sent me an email to share with you all about teh snakes in the modeling industry. here is what he had to say:

" I have been inspired by actors such as Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Will Smith, Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Wesley Snipes & model Tyson Beckford. With these inspirations I started my career in the entertainment industry in 2003 at a St. Louis fashion show for an Urban Newszine. With the success of my first show I was invited to be in numerous fashion shows in the metro area. Most notably Haute Courte December of 2003, Famous Barr 7th annual Holiday Show in 2005, Grown & Sexy Fashion show sponsored by Anheuser Busch, and not to mention our own Marshall Faulk Charity event.
I was ripped off by a new management company in the St. Louis area. A gentlemen from the agency approached me to do a print add for one of the most successful magazines in the US. I was promised 80% of the fee. This was far from what I received. The fee I received was the 20% of what a print add would typically pay. Without a signed contract there was nothing I could do. This experience caused me to loose my car which in return I lost my job and with out money or a car I was homeless. I just want other models to know they need to watch out for scams outthere and get a signed contract for what they discuss.
Even though this was a negative part in my life I still keep pushing on with my passion for this industry. I am in the February issue of Ebony Magazine representing Anheuser Busch for black history month. With upcoming events such as a possible role in a feature film or a T.V. series on the W.B., Bacardi Promotion for St. Louis Mardi Gras and Muscle Mania in Miami FL this June. I try to make as many events in the area to promote my modeling and acting career. The events are also for charity which helps me give back to St. Louis for the support I am receiving.
I am no stranger to striving for success. I left my hometown for a football scholarship to University of Illinois. In my last year of college I had an offer to play for an arena football team. After much thought I decided to accept the offer and not finish my last year of college. I played for a few arena football teams such as Connecticut, Tennessee, Iowa, Florida, NY, and Kansas. With this level of success and dedication I know representing St. Louis in any facet I will be successful. I just want other models to be aware that these scam artists are out there. There are signs they can look for and if some one would like help with this please feel free to contact with questions or concerns at carlosmclaurin7@yahoo.com . Look forward to helping others reach their dream

TIDBITZ. No more Club Seven on Olive! It is now Dante's . I hear the former owner of Dante's has bought Harry Michel and Fred Finley out of Club Seven. Hmm, what's up with that? It did get at least two years out of the club life. Oh well. Local director Greg Carr will be staging the STL premiere of “JOHNNIE TAYLOR IS GONE”, The cast includes: Laurence Staples, Camille Morgan,>Saudah Johnson, Aja Moody, Paris Creighton III, Shawn>Guy-Pitts, Stuart Allen, Archie Coleman, Gwen Spicer,>and David A. N. Jackson. Performances are February 24-26 & March 3-5, 2006 8pm>(Sundays at 3pm) General admission $4;>students/seniors $2. Free with a valid SLCC ID. >314-644-9386 or 644-9388>> >>Performances held in the Mildred E. Bastian Center for>The Performing Arts 5600 Oakland Avenue...What was up with the BlackJack, Mo, family almost getting evited before moving into their dream home beacsue of an old ordinance in the city that says that her household fails to meet Black Jack's definition of a family? Or could be because the woman, Olivia Shalltrack is white and her boyfriend, Fondray Loving, is black? Hmm. This has got STL talking...Former STL actress Tann Moore will have a booksigning for her book, "The Cinderella Syndrome" at 3 p.m., Sat. Feb 25 at Afro World. Call 3314-389-5794 for more info... Despite all the criticism and all the haters, Chi-town native Shani Davis made Olympic history , becoming the first black person to win an individual gold medal in Winter Olympic history. Davis won the men's 1,000-meter speedskating race,. Davis was criticized for not competing in the team pursuit competition last week that would have given teammate Chad Hedrick a chance at five gold medals. Davis said he wanted to focus on his individual events. Hmm, I guess its fist in the air with a black glove time. Oh and whats up with Davis filing a lawsuit against the city of Chicago? Davis claimed he and some friends were stopped and searched for illegal weapons because of their skin color. These events occured about 3 years ago. Now that Davis is famous, it's all coming into focus. Hmm. I winder how his ticker tape parade will be in the Chi?...Good luck to Ingrid Owens who is ruunign for State Rep in the 74 th District. For more info on her campaign go to www.ingridowens.com. Was that sexy enough for ya, baby? LOL. Oh and before I go, did you all see the Fox File report on STL hip-hop photographer Suzi Gorman? It was off the chain almost. They got into what she does and she said that she is a drill sergeant and she has no problem speaking her mind. They had her saying, that she spoke to one female rapper (name not known) and said that she said to the rapper, "I may be a white girl, but I don't like your hairdo." Whoa1 Thats toooo much playing. The report also said that Nelly doesnt like to wear makeup or eyedrops when taking snaps with Gorman. He wants to keep it real with his stills. Suzi also says he likes IMos pizza while oing his shots. My question is how can he eat pizza with those platinum and gold grills in his mouth?

Well that will do it for me, if you have anything for me to place on my blog, feel free to contact me maatspear@yahoo.com!

out 33

Hello one and all again. This is Ma'at who is working overtime in cyberspace to give you all what has been going on with me since the last time you all eyed me on my website. Again I would like to thank everybody for checking out my blog giving me pointers including paragraph identation (LOL). As they say in the world of art, this is a work in progress and I am definitely taking to consideration of your feedback. Third time must be the charm because 100.3 The Beat's The Freeman Bosley Junior Show and its cohorts--Bosley, Pat Washington, Nicci Roach and Darion Phelps--keep giving me props on their Sunday morning show last Sunday. I am totally greatful to you all for pumping me up like you do. Thanks again and I am looking forward to actually being on the show for a possible guest spot (and my schedule is open. LOL). All right, let's get down to the beeswax...

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to check out local painter Cbabi Bayoc's new art showing called "Family Portrait" that is now being featured at Powell Gallery that is located at 3514 Delmar (www.portfolio-stl.com). But before I got there, let me tell my show drama. OK. My business partner, Jewelanda Hodges(who just got a grant to do a documentary for KDHX-TV--You go girl!) and I trekked over to the gallery and we wer walking toward it. All of a sudden, I felt the bottom of my black boot felt loose. My first thought was, Oh-oh. Ive had my big sole combat boot fixed about a year ago for the sole coming off. Well, I wish the shoe fixer was there when I was about to walk to the gallery. Next thing you know, the sole of my show just came off on the sidewalk, just two minutes away from getting to the gallery (I'm just glad it didnt happen inside the gallery)!!

Well, with anybody, a sense of troubledness came over me and I was like, "Man, do I have an extra pair of shoes in the car?" NOPE. Jewlanda tried to hold in her laughter, but she couldnt control herself. So, what I did was pick up my sole, told a few walkersby by that yes, I dont have a sole on my boot, and proceeded toward the gallery. Jewelanda told me to find somewhere to hid the sole so I can retrieve it when we leave the gallery, Well, good thing there was a hideout place which was right behind the Portfolio Gallery sign. I was too outdone, but I was liek, well, I just keep on walking and act like nothing happened. true, I felt like Quasi-Moto walking up in there, but I think I played it off to the point where nobody noticed becasue it was very packed up in therr with many of Bayoc's fans.

When Jewelanda and I got up in there, Bayoc was about to address the crowd about his paintings that were hung (He had his newborn strapped on his back--awwwww) Some of the usual VIPs were up in therr like ST. Louis American's Bill Beene, The Post's Kevin Johnson, local actress Fannie Lebby, attorney Cheryl D.S. Walker (It was soooooo good to see you !), Flo Valley Professor Laurencin Dunbar (My you are taaaaallllll), writer Byron Lee (thankx for the parapraph tip) , Allyson Price (you are lookin mighty happy these days) , Monica Tyson, and the FBJS's Nicci Roach (I'm waiting to to be on your TV show. LOL), to name a few. Portfolio curator Robert Powell into'd C'Babi (who has slimmed and buffed and cut off his dreads since the last time I saw him) and he thanked everyoen for coming. he said that he was painting even before the event. This brother is so underrrated and so modest. He was painted and sold paintings for the Roots, Erykah Badu (who I hear used to be an item when Badu was a student at Grambling State) and the one and only Prince. He even got a bit emotional when talking about his themed work, "Family Portrait" which deals with black family love. Afterward, I jibbed him and asked him if he remembered me. And he said yes, "the guy who writes." Then, I checked out the art work (one of his works that was not featured in the show is "Daddy's Love" which is posted on my blog). he has a jazzy, caricaturish flavor to his work. It kind of remind me of paintings that were featured on the show "Good Times": earthy, street with class. His works valued in proice from $85 bones all the way up to 2,500. If you want to check out his paintings, they will be hanging all this month and next month. After it was over, I ran into flymusic's Annie Burks who was carrying her few month old daughter Eden. She always gives me love telling folks about my writing, whoever is in her area of speak and I want to thank her for keeping me hyped.

Last Saturday afternoon, I checked out the local DVD, "Crunk"at the Tivoli Theater in the University Loop. It is a 60 minute "quasi-documentary" about the hottest new dance craze that's been been popping in the STL. It featured many local crunk "tween" dancers (including Little G, as in Ginuwine) and featured over 20 or so youngsters doing serious battling or "crumping" with each other. It was screened and produced by local music mover and shaker Sonny Metcalfe of Black Independent Film And Music (When you get the chance, check out the webcast on Uncle Rudy's Show(That's Nelly's daddy) at stlblackout.com) It was also hyped to see most of the audience were the dancers and their families and their cheering at the screen when they saw themselves (They will be doing a sequel of sorts with smaller kids called "Littel Feet" in the near future). Local talent scout Nate Jackson emceed the screening(I didnt know you had an office all up in Club Formula????) . They filmed most of the scenes at Club Dreams, and it really chronicles this new style of dancing which involves pop-locking, nino-poppin, some fast jitterbug leg work and full of attitude. Afterward, I went to an afterparty they had for the cast at Cicero's down the street from the Tivoli and it was cool. They served up some pizza and wings and I conversed with Jewelanda, April from JMPRODUCTIONS (who is PRing "Pieces of a Dream") and Marvin, who is a bouncer, at Formula, skater boi, and was an extra in the upcoming flick, "Pieces of a Dream," (that will be premiering in Chi-Town at the Ice Theatre Feb 27-Mar 2).

TIDBITZ. I checked out the Kimora Lee Simmons (who is pictured on my blog) interview done by KMOV's Donna Savarese (that she filmed in NYC during Fashion week earlier this month) that was on KMOV-Channel 4 Last Thursday and it was not what all the hype was. It was supposed to be about the controversy dealing with her "divaness" in the fashion industry being one of the top fashion deisgners in the country. What we got was a five minute or so fluff piece about her background growing up biracial -Asian and black(she grew up in Florissant and went to Lutheran North) with retro pics of her growing up, how she got into the modleing biz (House Chanel discovered her at age 13 anbd sent her overaseas), how she met her husband former CEO of Def Jam and Phat Farm Russell Simmons (at NYC Fashion Week in 1999) , and her selling her multi-million fashion line conglomerate Baby Phat for 140 million. Other than that, it wasn't really too telling. When Savrese asked Simmons--who is 30 years old-- about her being spoiled and she said that she wasnt and that she worked hard to get to where she is and said that she termed the phrase "hip-hop couture", oh, and they said that her "The Viewesque" talk showLIfe and Style on the Oh Network was cancelled, also pubbed her new fashion book on empowerment , "Fabulosity." I kind of figured the piece wouldn't be as juicy as once pumped to be. But I got to give Kimora her props. She is an STL native and she is definitely a fashionista pioneer. I have nothing bad to say about her, I just wished the piece was more E-True Hollywood Story than a commerical... ........Hip-hop is mourning the loss of hip-hop producer Jay Dee aka J Dilla who died last week at age 32 from the immune disease lupus. The musician – real name James Yancey – worked with many artists including De La Soul and The Roots. He was recently described by Rolling Stone as "a top-ranked architect of soulful hip-hop," while The Neptunes' Pharrell Williams named him his favorite producer. J Dilla was a member of rap trio Slum Village and released solo album Donuts just last week. Parts of it were recorded when he was in the hospital. He had also worked with names such as Common, The Pharcyde, D'Angelo, Erykah Badu and A Tribe Called Quest....Local socialite Jamie Spencer will be trekking to Chi-Town, on Feb 27 to audition as a background singer for newly Grammy winning artist John Legend . Good luck to ya!... Is it me or should Fox 2 Elliot Davis' "You Paid For It" segments should be expanded to 30 minutes, and and he should have his own show? What's going on with that? As of this writing, I would have seen the feature segment that Fox 2 will have on on local hip-hop photographer Suzi Gorman (who's motto on her biz shoots all of the hip-hop artist here in the Lou. Now Fox 2 has a bumper to get people watching about her shooting Nelly and the St. Lunatics and the thing that Nelly refused for her to shoot with him. OK. I'm sure it's not what we think. But I will be tuning in to see. Comedienne Sommore was in town this week performing at the Funny Bone in Fairveiw Heights, Ill. (Comic View's SheryL Underwood was up in therr a few weeks back), local model and actor Christiaan Coffield went and will hopefully give me a report on her show. ..Local attorney and Club Formula co-manager Kwame Thompson has a blogsite . It is legalrebellion.blogspot.com. I checked it out and it's quite a read. He talks on everyday subjects and politics from a black P.O.V. (I'm glad to be your inspiration KT. LOL)

MA'ATIDBITZ .I will be meeting with Majic 104.9 personlaity Selena J this Sunday to talk about appeearing on her upcomng Saturday evening radio show, "Soul ternatives" ...I don't know if I told you all, but I was a movie extra in the upcoming film, "Steel City." (You can check out more of this flick on imdb.com--the film's movie poster is posted on my blog on the right hand side) ) It was filmed in Alton, Ill. (a few weks after "Pieces of a Dream" wrapped ) December of 2004 and I was in the courtroom scene with actor John Heard. The film has been shown at the Sundance Film Festival last month in Utah and the director, Brian Jun., is Webster University grad hails from Alton. The film, which was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, is a story about a dysfunctional family in Illinois who holds it together when their father goes to prison. I can't wait to see the film when it is distributed nationwide. I will keep you posted!

OK. Well, that will be wrap. If there's anything you want me to pub or hype, give me an email at maatspear@yahoo.com.!

OUT 32

Hola cyberlovers! This is Ma'at trying to give it to ya one more time. This has been a very impacted week full of stuff happening in the Lou and beyond so I want to go ahead and get into it.

Last Friday, I checked out the much hyped, sold-out Melba Moore one woman play, "Sweet Songs of the Soul." A gospel influenced stageplay that she has been producing herself since the mid 1990s.It was taged at the Terry M. Fischer Theatre at St. Louis Community College at Flo Valley. The event was free and I pestered Professor Laurencin Dunbar (who is an associate professor of Physics and Honors Program coordinator at Flo Valley) via telephone, who hosted and took care of the grunt work to get her to the STL (that is a pic of her on my blog on stage) . I really enjoyed this two-hour production. I knew that Ms. Moore was a dynamic talent (she sings, acts and is a business woman), but I didnt relaize how much of a supertalent she really is. Told through storytelling and song, Moore took her audience on a journey of her life first as a product of illegitimacy, living with her grandmother, and her dreams of singing just like her mother who was a famous jazz singer (Bonnie Davis). She also talked about hoew neighbors used to take care of her and her grandmother when her grandmother had a stroke and couldnt talk (her stories about the big and bossy Mamma Lu, were hillarious!) Then, she told the story of how she got to New York and got a degree in music and on Broadway in such musicals as "Hair" (she was the first African American sista to replace a white actress--then unknown Diane Keaton-- in the 1969 production ) and her breakthrough role as Luttibelle in the 1970 hit, "Purlie" , which garnered her many theatre awards including the Tony Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical. Then, she talke dabout her tumultouous relationship with handsome actor, Clifton Davis. They were live-in-lovers making it on Broadway (he was in the Tony nominated" Verona") and had a short-lived variety show on CBS called, "The Melba Moore-Clifton Davis Show."(1972) . She quipped on their relationship," It was a lot of sex, a lot of drugs and a lot of parties." It got to the point where she had an abortion of their unborn child becasue of Davis' plea for her to continue her career. She then talked about her health scare when she was diagnosed with appendicitis caused by an infected IUD she had fitted as a form of birth control. It took her nearly a year after her diagnosis to recover, but to much to her loss, Davis had moved out and she was nearly forgotten in the entertainment industry. But the play took on another light in the second act when she talked about how she met her husband Charles Higgins and how they developed one of the most successful African American music production companies, Hush Productions. Sitting mostly on a stool and talking to the audience, Moore spoke candidly of how after 15 years of marriage how Higgins forged a divorce without her knowing it, causing a legal battle which caused her to lose her credibility (he spreaded viscous rumors to her friends that she was a lesbian and a crack addict) her luxurious home in NYC, her production comapny rights, their daughter resuting in her having to go on welfare and her now infamous media blitz to the entertainment talk shows in 1992 to tell about her misery. Well, with most womanesque stories such as this, it comes with a I-can-do-without-a-man-ending. Yes, she maintained and got back on her feet (most recently she was in the film, "Fighting Temptaions") and she ha sa story to tell and she survived. It was definitely a testimony that everyone, regradless of race or gender, can get a little morsel of what life can do to you and what you can do to pull through. On a sidenote, many of the songs taht were featured in her play were also worth mentioning. She chronicled her career through her early beginning thinking what her mother may have sounded like or places she may have sang singing such sings as Duke Ellington's "It Dont Mean a Thing," and Ella Fitzgerald's scatting jam, "Airmail Special." The highlights were when she sang songs from "Hair" ("Easy to be Hard") with high afro and all, and the song., "I Got Love" that was specially written for her in the play, "Purlie," wearing a black Pippi Longstocking braids wig, and when she asked the audience to sing the chorus to her sole No. 1 R&B hit, "Falling," whre she held the last note to that song till eternity. The opening act was the Flo Valley Gospel Chrous under the direction of Al Anderson (who used to teach gospel choir at SIU-Edwardsville when I was a student there).Afterward, Moore, signed autographs to her fans. One of which was Terry Freeman, who is a professor up at Flo Valley. He had an album jacket of Melba Moore's 1982 album, "The other Side of the Rainbow" (which was her lead off sing in her play BTW) and said earlier that back in his day, "he only would buy album if it had at least four cuts on it.' I heard that. Well, I didnt get a chance to speak to the music diva because I was ready to get my party on at teh Jazz Loft and 1st Friday at Club Seven. Oh, before I go any further, I must say that I had to take out my cornrows for this nite cause my sister was supposed to hook me up with my rows, but she couldnt do it cause she had "man problems", so I had to take them down and sport a Jimi- Hendryx style retro Afro. Well, you know me, I have to do what I have to (I got many compliments on it, so I wasnt complaning). I also had on some blue jeans that had paintings of clouds on them (You had to see them), with a long-sleeve white long john short , with a brown, bluish vest. I was retro all the way.

Okay, so I checked out the Jazz Loft and Club Seven that was putting on 1st Fridays this month. Both clubs are on Olive in Midtown St. Louis and are in cohoots regarding getting the clientele theses days. Seven has been the pioneer of sorts for upscale party events. Now with the Jazz Loft popping up, a few months in the game and they are giving Club Seven some serious comp. I think everybody had the same plan to go to Jazz Loft first, then Club Seven. I got to the Jazz Loft about 10:30 in the P.M and it was a nice and modest crowd. It wasnt as packed as the last few Fridays have been (people probably was preparing to go to 1st Friday ), but all, in all , it was a nice teaser for the clubgoers. Up in there were local singer Tina Pate (hint-hint. LOL), former Flipside Newzine editor Carlos Turner, St. Louis American's Bill Beene (Nice comeback from your combing my hair comment, huh. LOL) and Inkosi's Kevin Bryant (Yes, I know I was sharp. LOL). Around 12 ish, I got a call from my boy Kameron who was up in Seven asking where I was. I told him I was still at the Loft and that I was coming through probably in an hour so I could get in free. NOT (I'll explain in a few). Also in the Loft was Fox 2 sports' Rob Desir, who said that he checks out my blog and told me to keep it up and that he was going to post. Much love, man (Still waiting on your post. LOL). The music up in there was your typical crunk music (from D4L to the Franchise Boyz), then DJ Soundz got into some hip-hop house when he started playing the Fantasy Slide. You should have seen the scene when the brothers who were getting their dance on with the sistas flew to get off the dance floor. Suddenly, nothin but sistas ran to the dancefloor to do the accompanying slide with the song. It was a sight to see. Big ups to Soundz for trying to change it up. After that it was about 1:15 and I walked to Seven. I sa wthat it wanst a line and I figured that errbody who was going up in Seven were already up in there and that it was free to get in. Well, when I opened the door, one of the security guys said for me to come on in. I thought it was home after that. No. He then said, "step up to the window." Shyt, I said to myself. So, I said to the light skinned sista who was at the register and asked, "How much?" She said, "20." "20!" I exclaimed. There wa sno way I was paying that much just to party for about an hour. I then aksed if Harry (Michel) there. And she said that he was around somewhere. So, I walked back outside and called Kam and put on his voice mail,"There ain't no way I'm going to pay 20 dollars to get in and it's just an hour or so left to get in." Well, in my line of biz, there's always a way out of noway. Let me out it this way, if I told you how I got in free, I would have to kill you. LOL. (Let just say that it is good to know where to go to get some progress without trying.) So, I got up in there and it was PACKED like Amistad packed up in there. It made no sense how many people were packed on both the Art Bar and Club Seven side. I was able to walk from the Art bar to Seven, to the VIP area and saw Kameron walking down the steps of VIP. I was motioning for him to go back up in there cause I was going up in there. And there I stayed for about a half-an-hour. I saw a few people I knew up in there including local actor Paris Crayton (I saw you at the Mr. and Mrs. Contest. LOL). Afterward, we walked to the Art Bar saide and stayed near the DJ-booth area and just looked at the people. Nothing else, but look at them. Then, it dawned on me that everytiem I go to 1st Friday, thats all I do, look at people, talk, maybe dance and drink. Nothing else. I remember when FF used to drop a lil comedy every now and then for the patrons (last time I remember STL's Lavelle Crawford performed last year). But I guess Seven club owners Harry and Fred Finley think that as long as people willing to pay 20 dollars to get in a club, then pay for drinks, there's no need to give the clientele anything else. I'm not mad at them for it at all. It;s just interesting to me how STL partiers will do just to say they were there.

On Saturday, I got my hair braided!!! and I checked out Hipster Magazine's , Feb. issue Release party at 609. This was the first time I would go to 609 on Saturday. the other time swere on Thursdays with DJ Nappy Needles spinning (this 'Black night" at 609 LOL). Anyway, I got the email from Keenan Harris, who is the EIC at Hipster, a week back so I knew this had to be the place to be. And it was. I got there about 11 ish and it was a whole different vibe when I got up in there First off, it was free to get in (a plus),they had free Pearl Vodka samples (another plus), they had copies of their latest issue of Hipster(another plus--go to www.hipstermag.com to get more info about this tight mag ) and to top it off, the music was eccletic hip-hop at its best. Every Saturday, I hear my boy DJ Enoch spins the urban grooves on the 1s and 2s while poet David A.N. Jackson hits the congas, African style. Well, they definitely didnt disappoint. In the house were NBA's Jahadi White, Carlos Turner, Kameron Hopson, Rachel, Brandon, Robert Kirk, STL model Jamelle, Stlouis online.com's Jacob (let's hook up with the blogs, man), Brian Swift, Keith Harris, Christiaan Coffield (I saw you all hugged up on that sisats while I was leaving out. LOL), the Post's Kevin Johnson (Told ya R. Kellys concert was going to sell out in days. LOL)

On Sunday, there were many plaes around town to watch Superbowl 40(Some folks I knew were in Detroit for the Superbowl and I hate you. LOL) . I decided to check out Hipster Magazine's and Club Dreams' parties at Pepper Lounge and the other club;s namesake respectively. I got there about 5 p.m., so I can get a seat and watch some of the Pre-Game show with Stevie Wonder, Joss Stone, John Legend and India.Arie--and that's all I did was watch cause it was hard to hear Stone, Legend and Arie. Wonder was sounding good, though (The Aretha Franklin and Aaron Neville duet of "The National Anthem" was Ok. You could barely hear Neville and the Rolling Stones during Half Time show, well I think Delores Shante in PArtyline pretty much took care of that beef for all of us. LOL). It wasnt hardly anyone up in theer when I got there, but I just thought that I was just too early. I gave dap to Kennan and Keith Harris who put on this watch party and got a table in the corner to wait on Kam. In this case, Kam, and unexpected guests Jamie Spencer and his cousin Treanna(I didn't hardly recognize you with the Erykah Badu-1999-gelee on). Both of them had me in stitches clowining and talking about people (Jamie you should be co-hosting a gossip show with Wendy Williams for real). Before they came, I chatted with model Jamelle who was on her cell phone calling around Club PLush and Club Dreams to find out where the food was happening (Chips were all was was going on at the time at Pepper Lounge). She was ready to call up Imo's to order some wings at Imo's around the cause she was hungry. So when Kameron came through as well as the unexpected guests (Jamie called me via celly to ask if Pepper and Dreams were free to get in), she asked if anyone wanted to order something from Imo's. Kam ordered some wings as well and jamie and Treanna ordered a pizza. I was chill cause I ate a lil bit of mamma's cooking before I jetted and I was sipping on a Corona at the time as well. meanwhile, we were checking out the game and the commericals (My fave was the prehistoric Fed Ex commerical) and the folks who came up in there (I sa wyou Brian Swift up in theer for a minute). It wasnt a huge crowd, but it was about 20 or so who chilled out. Spencer bought us drinks (be careful with that eye, dude) and Jamelle told us that we were going to be treated with free Big MAcs and Apple Pies from Mcdonald's who help to sponsor the free event. My only thing was , "WHERE WAS THE FRIES!!!" You cant have Macs without fries. That's like Peanut butter without Jelly, or Ashford without Simpson! But it was all good though. I called comedian Maurice G who co-owns Club Dreams to tell him I wa son my way down therr in a few, but a few turned into the fourth quarter of the Seattle-Pittsburgh game. I was too busy jaw-jabbing with Spencer and Treanna that they were heading to comedian Darrius Bradford's comedy jam at the Improv. While I got my burger (I mean cheese burger) and apple pie, said my goodbyes to Keenan and Keith that was my cue to jet as well. So, I met Kameron up at Dreams and when I saw Maurice, I asked him, where there anymore food left and he was like, ah naw, dude, it;s all gone. I missed a sumptuous catered and FREE BBQ dinner with side orders spaghetti, potato salad and people were getting seconds becasue it was so damn good. My jaw could have dropped to the floor when I heard that. But, I didnt trip. I was a trooper and enjoyed the end of the game. In teh house were Mo Witherspoon (thanks for the info on the Eye Candy of the Month event you have at Formula), Chocolate Tai, Staci Static (who was emceeing at the DJ booth), and Bill Beene (who was having an interesting and sobering conversation with a sista up in therr about men cheating on women when I got therr). After the game, 100.3theBeat's DJ Cuddy set up and people were getting their After-party on.

GRAMMY FORECAST. Well, I sat up with my rabbit's foot in my hand Wednesday in hopes that all of my predictions of who were going to win at the 48th Annual Grammies (For my Grammy predictions background, check out my Blog-31) were going to happen . Well, like every year, I was about 60 percent right. I predicted who would win Record of the Year (Green Day), Pop Female Vocal (Kelly Clarkston), best New Artist (John Legend), Pop Vocal Group (Maroon 5), Pop Vocal Album ("Breakway" Kelly Clarkston), R&B Female Vocal (Mariah Carey), R&B group Performance (Stevie Wonder and Beyonce), Traditional R&B Performance (Aretha Franklin), Contemporary R&B Album (Mariah Carey), Rap Solo (Kanye West), Rap Duo or Group (Black Eyed Peas), rap Song (Diamonds' Kanye West),, rap Album (LAte Registration-Kanye), Reggae Album (Damion Marley) and Short Form Video (Lose Control--Missy Elloit, Ciara and Fat MAn Scoop). As fas as the ones I didnt get right were Song of the Year ("Sometimes" U2--who was the shockingly the big winner with Five and is pictured on my blog above during their Grammy sweep), Pop Vocal Male (Stevie Wonder), R&B Male Vocal (John Legend), Urban Alternative (Damion Marley), R&B Song (We Belong Together-Mariah Carey); R&B Album (Get Lifted-Joh nLegend), Rap/Sung Collabo (Jay z and Linkin Park); Producer (Steve Lillywhite) and Longform Video ( Bob Dylan, Matin Scorcesse) Well, so much for predicting the Grammies 100 percent. But for someone who's been watching the Grammies since 1982, I think I do pretty damn good!

TIDBITZ. When you get a chance, peep out STL's very own Committee members Chip and Jamie Price's Outflow Records Sample CD Vol,. 1 (www.outflowproductions.com). It has 19 killer tracks from some of todays hottest STL artists inclduing Joe College, J-Biggs, Toyy, Jia Davis ., Klassic and many more (My fave is Klassic's "Your Loss" -a sure fire radio hit for sure)...Communique PR's Renee Thomas Woods hip me to a book signing coming up this month with Belleville native and ex-FBI agent Cary Thornton, who just released a book, "Oath of Office" about his experiences growing up black in St. Louis and his experiences with the FBI. He will have two booksignings going on in the Lou. The first will take place at the Vaughn Cultural Center on Friday, Feb. 24 from 6-8pm and the other is at KNowing Books and Cafe on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 1-3pm. For more info on the booksignings, hit up Renee at or www.cqpublicrelations.com... Big ups to 87-year-old East St. Louis native Jacksie Mae King for protecting herself against attempted burglar Larry Tillman who tried to break in her home early Tuesday of this week on Gaty Ave in the Boogie. She shot him outside her door with one shot, killing him dead. Now teh beef now is thateh gun may not have been regsitered, but as of Thursday, investigators said that they have every reason to believe that King, was justified in firing a shot....More congrats to Pittsburgh Steeler Running back (and former St. Louis Ramser) Jerome "The Bus" Bettis (pictured on the left hand side of my blog) who retired on top this week after winning the MVP award and beating Seattle 21-10 at this year's Superbowl. He has played the game of NFL ball for 14 years(Now he can spend even more time on yachts. LOL) . What makes it even more sweet, he is originally from Detroit (I see that former Rams Coach Mike Martz is also heading to Detroit to work with teh Detroit Lions as well). Bettis, who will be turning 34, was a first round draft pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 1993. He finishes his career with 13,662 rushing yards and 91 touchdowns on 3,479 attempts and added 200 pass receptions for 1,449 yards and three scores...Also kudos to St. Louis model Carmen Currie (who is pictured on the right side of my blog). She has been chosen as a model for the Ebony Fashion Fair Tour (you can check her bio on jetmag.com) and I hear that she is doing her thing acorss the country. I sa wher in a fashion show with Vyaa at the W Hotel last fall and nwo she doing it up big time. Move over Kimora Lee Simmons, you got another St. Louis sista who's now getting ready to make a name for themselves as well (Oh, and speaking of Kimora, as of this writing, I would have seen the Channel 4 interview that would have aired Thursday night during the 10 PM news on Kimora an dher life as a diva model. I will talk more about the interview next week...Oh, and Khalill Van Zandt who was the photograoher with Rolling Out here in St. Louis for a few years I hear has now moved UPSOUTH to bigger money with Rolling Out in Chi-town....What's' up with my boy 100.3 The Beat's Hypeman Dwight Stone who I heard last Friday broadcasting live at the Spot all raunchy? I thought he stopped doing that scene a couple of years ago cause of his new found faith in the G.O.D. when I interviewed him for Flipside? Hmmmm. We needs to talk, brotha...Much love to my tax man Josh Beeks for hooking up my big fat tax return. LOL... I will be going to teh Ice Theatre later on this month in Chi-Town to check out the Alton-shot film, "Pieces of A Dream" , directed by Alton native Skee Skinner. It stars former B2K singer Raz-B and many STL actors like Joel King, Trevon Griffith and Dennis Lebby to name a few. For more info on this flick, go to imdb.com and type in Pieces of a Dream.

GRAMMY TIDBITZ....What was up with the uncomfortable I-can-see-you banter that Alicia Keys and Stevie Wonder tried to do before presneting an award?...What was going on with that mess of a Sly Stone tribute with all types of singers singing snippets of his songs and then the man himself trying to a Prince 1984 American Music Awards move coming in at the last minute of the tribute and walked off stage before the tribute was over? And what wassup with him looking down at the time with that PLATINUM MOHAWK? I'm all about expression, but that was a bit much...Was it me or did Kanye West seem a bit uncomfortable kissing with his new model girlfriend when he won for Rap Solo performance (Oh and I was not feeling his black gloves, either)? But he mad eit up for that hellafied performance of "Goldigger" with Jamie Foxx with the whole Battle of the Bands theme (Broke Phi Broke is still resonating with genius) ! Jay Z was representing big time, got an award and had Linkin Park to speak, adn he was sharp in his money exec suit on...Did Destiny's Child look too skinny to you (Even Beyonce)? How come Dave Chapelle (who was looking dapper in his brown suit)didnt do a tribute to Richard Pryor as opposed to the Queen Latifah shout out that was off a bit? Were you feeling Bruce Springsteen's acoustic performanc eof "Devisl and Dust?" I was. Were you pulling for Mariah Carey, not just for winning awards but for trying to sing the notes that looked hard for her to sing? Was the Madonna opener with Gorillaz and DeLa Soul hot to death or what (And she still looks good for almost pushing 50)? Did Bono of U2 look stoned when he was up there saying his thank you speeches (especially during Album of the Year when he said thet Paul McCartney created the country? Even Paul looked confused at Bono's' comment as well when the camera shot to him).

Well that will be it. If anything that I may have missed or you woul dliek to see me put on here, holla back at maatspear@yahoo.com!