Saturday, October 31, 2009

Beanie Sigel's Ain't Your Average Cat New Diss to His Former Boss Jay Z

Now this is crazy. Beans go hard at Jay Z on this joint, but don't be quick to think that this is better than Nas' Ether. If you do, go back and listen. This is a close 2nd to the Jigga Man. I mean Nas' even said to Jigga, "Compare to Beans Your Wack". I haven't heard Jigga's response to this track yet, but he will have to come with it.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

The Top "Chops It Up" with LeRoy McCarthy, Location Mgr of the Upcoming Film Precious


One of Skelle Top’s followers was fortunate to work on the upcoming film, Precious based off of a novel PUSH written by Sapphire. I was turned on to the book PUSH by my cousin Ericka. Every time I visited her apartment in Brooklyn, she would make room for her bookshelf by suggesting I read a couple of her books. This particular day I came across an autographed copy of the red covered booked with the inscribed black lettering reading PUSH. She suggested it was an easy read, but I had better bring her book back. Needless to say, I never gave her the book back, because I came across as one of those deep brothers when my females friends saw the book on my bookshelf. One of my female friends ended up taking the book from me, but I guess that’s what I get from taking it from my cousin. Go figure.


Well my same cousin and I both attend Cheyney University with a friend of ours that worked on the film Precious starring comedian Mo’Nique in a serious role as Precious’ mother. My man LeRoy McCarthy has worked on several films and documentaries and when I told LeRoy about how I came across the book, he was willing to give Skelle Top a sit down and talk about the film Precious based off the novel PUSH by Sapphire.


ST- LeRoy thanks for giving Skelle Top a little bit of your time. Let's begin with you telling us a little about your background in film?
I started working in film as an intern on He Got Game, over the years I have done it all in film & television production, and I worked my way up to being a Location Manager. Funny thing, my first time on a movie set was as an extra for Above the Rim staring Tupac, but it wasn't until years later that I worked in film. I have written, directed, and produced short films, and a documentary.


ST-How were you able to get work with the production of the film, Precious?
I work freelance. I was called for the film by a producer who had heard of my work of locations in New York.


ST-Were you familiar with the novel PUSH prior to working on the film?
I was not familiar with the book, but my girlfriend at the time had it, I read her copy and I was floored.

ST-How was it working on the film and give us an inside to what people are calling an Oscar role for comedian Mo’Nique.
Director Lee Daniels and Producer Lisa Cortez is about their business, they set a good tone for the cast & crew. It was a great experience working on the film. You don't see what will become of your efforts while you're working day to day, but it is gratifying to have contributed in a small part to a highly regarded film project.

ST-LeRoy you are also friends with my cousin Erica who was the person who turned me on to the novel, PUSH. It was an easy read, but the subject matter was hard to swallow. It wasn’t until I started working for a social service, that I came across girls just like the character Precious. What was some of your thoughts during the making of the film and how close to home was one (or more) character(s) in the story? Tell Erica I said hello. The PUSH story is beyond my personal experiences however, I can sympathize/empathize with the struggles of life for the characters. Overall they did not allow their struggles in life to defeat them, and they kept on PUSHing.

ST-How was it working for Tyler Perry and was this film, filmed at his studios in Atlanta?
To clarify Tyler Perry & Oprah were not involved in the filming of Precious. They are Executive Producers of Precious. In other words they fell in love with the film as it moved towards completion, and assisted in bringing Precious to the next level of prominence. Precious was filmed on location in Harlem & The Bronx, New York.

ST-Tell us about some of your other projects that you worked on and some of the projects that are in your future.
I worked on films with Spike, Tyler, Denzel, DeNiro, and Beyonce’, Videos with Jay-Z, Nas, and Diddy, Photo shoots with Alicia, among other projects with talented people & skillful crews. The future looks bright, I'm not sure if all possible opportunities will develop into realities, but I never stop PUSHing.


Skelle Top wants to thank LeRoy for his time and we wish him the best in all of his future work. The film, Precious is due to come out next week. I know ST readers will support the project and The Top will give a review.

Here is a quick look at one of LeRoy McCarthy's future projects, "Liberty, Friends, and the Pursuit of Education">>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(http://www.vimeo.com/3840264) 'yall may have to copy and paste in address bar (lol).

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Sarah Palin to Appear on Oprah Winfrey Show



Wow! This is finally going to happen and this should be a discussion to watch. I may have to TIVO this program the day it comes on. Oprah who dedicated her show to Obama the day after the election day. I remember how she opened the show with a simple, "Hello Mr. President". Oprah is not the Queen of daytime talk without reason. Oprah will give a good interview, ask her tough questions, Palin will get her book exposure, and we'll all talk, blog, and discuss the next day.


The question I want answered is, "Why didn't (Palin) serve her whole term as Governor of Alaska?"


I still laugh to myself and thank the heavens for all Americans that she was not second in command of our nation. Just typing it is a scary thought. Check out the article with the expected air date.....................

Sarah Palin to Appear on Oprah Winfrey Show

Monday, October 19, 2009

Keith Bardwell Stands by Refusal to Wed Interracial Couple

Louisiana's governor, Bobby Jindal joined the rest of the civilized folks in America in calling for the ouster of a local official who refused to marry an interracial couple, saying his actions clearly broke the law.


Keith Bardwell, a white justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish which is located in the southeastern part of Louisiana, refused to issue a marriage license earlier this month to Beth Humphrey, who is white, and Terence McKay, who is black. His refusal has prompted calls for an investigation or resignation from civil and constitutional rights groups.


Mr. Bardwell (I refuse to call him justice) explained his decision on the CBS Early Show interview. In the interview, Mr. Bardwell defends being called a racist by stating he has PILES of black friends who come over to his home and use his bathroom. Are you serious? Just because you allow a person of color to use your bathroom, doesn’t mean you are not a racist. For a person to even bring this up as a defense to being racist is asinine. Honestly using the restroom is using the restroom, but to a person who looks at the races as NOT equal, then using his restroom is a big deal.


I have a “Colored Only” sign hanging on my bathroom door in my home. When my daughter first saw the sign she asked, “Does that mean only black people can use the bathroom?” I answered her question with, “No. That’s just history and it will make any guest whether white, black, or other just think for a moment of how it use to be and how far we have come”. I remember when one of my white friends (I don’t have PILES) was over my home and asked to use the bathroom. When he read the sign he jokingly said, “Now I’m going to have to go outside a find a tree”. We laughed as he walked into the restroom, closed the door, and took care of his business. Point being, when someone has to go, they have to go. I was born in 1970, so I like many take using the restroom for granted. It’s just something your body has to do. My friend would have never paused and thought about how it use to be, because for all of his life using the restroom was just something you do without thinking about race.


Mr. Bardwell (Again, I refuse to call this man a JUSTICE of the court) also used his concern for the unborn children to defended his stance. Is the public supposed to believe he has a true concern about children that aren’t even born? He stated his concern is that they would have a hard time being accepted by both races. Are you serious? Interracial marriages didn’t become legal in the US until the 1960’s, but master was raping black women since the races were introduced in America. The result of this situation, interracial children have been in the US since slavery. Oh and if this book smart/common sense stupid man could stop for a moment and think………….Do two people really need to be married to have children? Children of unwed parents are born every day and everyday there is a mixed race of children being born.
Now if this man wants to standing firm on his decision and disgrace our lady of justice, then he should be removed from the bench immediately. He has proven he is not FAIR and BALANCED. The court doesn’t ask for your bias to wear a robe, but that the person who wears the robe be fair and balanced. A bias person is not supposed to be on the bench. This is scary to know that in this day and age, someone still sits on the bench with old time beliefs. And to think about how the right-wingers were so into proving Sotomayor wouldn’t be fair and would be bias. Click the link below to hear his defense............

Keith Bardwell Stands by Refusal to Wed Interracial Couple

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Wayna Performs Billie Holiday Tribute



If you haven't heard of Wayna, then you are missing out on one of the lovliest voices in music. Watch and hear the R&B singer/Grammy nominated Wayna doing Billie Holiday and interviewed on Fox News. Preview her sounds on Imeem, Youtube, or better yet, just goto Amazon.com and download.

Wayna Performs Billie Holiday Tribute

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Author Teri Woods Sues Club for $1 Billion - Essence.com


Author Teri Woods who is best known for her book True to the Game is very upset at an upscale NYC nightclub. Woods who was having her event for her new book, Alibi was suppose to host about 175 guests. However Woods' black guests were left outside and not allowed in. Club Greenhouse owner denies the claim, but Woods states her moment was ruined and that her white guests were allowed in the club without any problems. Check it out................

Author Teri Woods Sues Club for $1 Billion - Essence.com

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Friday, October 16, 2009

First non-black homecoming queen stirs controversy at Hampton University



Hampton University is stirring up some controversy after crowning its first white Miss Hampton. Nikole Churchill won the award, which comes with a lot of perks, but most important, being the face of the university.

I always wondered how could people get upset at someone for winning an award? If she won the award, then obviously the people who voted for her thought she deserve to win it, but most of the controversy is not so much over her skin color.

Little Boy Asks Barack Obama, "Why Do People Hate You?"


President Obama made his first visit to the Big Easy and he got a big question from a little guy. Don't ever under estimate New Orleans, but the Commander-in-Chief gave an excellent response. Check it out........

Little Boy Asks Barack Obama, 'Why Do People Hate You?' -- Politics Daily

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Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Players Stand Up and Say 'No' to Limbaugh


The NFL Union and it's players are standing together and saying, 'NO' to Rush Limbaugh in his new bid to be owner or part owner of an NFL franchise. The franchise taking bids is the St. Louis Rams. Recently Al Sharpton and Jesse jackson have lent their opinions and their voices to making sure Rush Limbaugh is not an owner of any NFL.

The voice of conservative talk radio is known for comments like such....

Here are two quotes attributed to Limbaugh in a 2006 book, "101 People Who Are Really Screwing America," by Jack Huberman.
"You know who deserves a posthumous Medal of Honor? James Earl Ray (Dr. King's assassin). We miss you, James. Godspeed."
"Let's face it; we didn't have slavery in this country for over 100 years because it was a bad thing. Quite the opposite: Slavery built the South. I'm not saying we should bring it back. I'm just saying it had its merits. For one thing, the streets were safer after dark."

After making statements like such, now Rush Limbaugh wants to own an NFL team. The NFL is a league that is 40% African American. Some people say he should have the right to own whatever his money can buy, but the NFL owners are a club and Rush is not NFL ownership material. With all the good that is going on in the NFL as it is clearly the most popular sport in the country, giving ownership to Rush Limbaugh will defiantly put a pothole on a smooth street. The owners would have to agree that Rush will be bringing something to the table as an owner, but Commissioner Goodell, current players, former players, and even a fan like myself know he wouldn’t add anything, just taking away. Limbaugh would put a negative on the NFL and I wonder why Commissioner Goodell is taking so long to make the correct decision.

Read about what the Union and players are saying......
Union opposes Limbaugh's bid to buy Rams

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Sunday, October 4, 2009

105th Precint Wrongly Arrest Scholar Athlete


About 3-4 years ago I was living in NY in Elmont, LI. Elmont is one of the first communities on Long Island and I would walk over the freeway which separated LI and Queens to catch the Q4 bus on Linden Blvd. Well this particular morning on my way to work, I notice a lot of police cars and helicopters were in the area and in the air. NYPD from the 105th precinct were harassing the black males on the Southside of Queens. I called my sister who is a detective and asked her why the police copters were in the air. She informed me a police officer was shot near Laurelton Parkway Park. Rumor was the officer saw a black male smoking marijuana in the park and shouted, “Hey”. The young black male allegedly pulled out a gun and the officer allegedly shot himself in the leg pulling his gun out of his holster. The young male got away. Reports came back later on that there wasn’t any young black male smoking marijuana in the park. The cop just did a ‘Cheddar Bob’ or a ‘Plaxico’ move. However because of this cop’s mistake, officers were on the grind harrassing young black males in the Cambria Heights, Laurelton, Jamaica, Rosedale, and Laurelton areas looking for a guy on the run who pulled out a gun on an officer.


This past Friday a young black male Kevin Miller was murdered not too far from his school in Queens during after school hours. NYPD from the same 105th precinct wanted desperately to find the person at the other end of the murder weapon. In doing so the police arrested a honor student athlete from nearby Campus Magnet HS. As I remind people in my blog that, “It takes a village (us) to raise a child”. Being a person of Southside Queens I have a lot of connections to Campus Magnet High School. The school formerly known as Andrew Jackson HS or ‘AJ’ as we called it in my days of coming up. I use to coach against AJ’s coaching staff when they coached the Springfield Rifles and I was part of the coaching staff for the Rosedale Jets. Recently Coach Barnett and Coach Rufus assisted me with bringing one of their top players to the HBCU School that I recruit for. Coach Barnett and his staff do an excellent job in a tough area of Queens as Campus Magnet HS is in Hollis, Queens. I've worked with Barnett, Coach Rufus and their staff over the years and I must say they are stand guys and do a stand up job at Campus Magnet.

Well during the outrage in the community from the afternoon events, one of Coach Barnett players was falsely arrested and police would not listen to Coach Barnett and his staff as they tried to explain the player’s whereabouts at the time of the shooting nearby the school. It always puzzles me why does false arrests happens in our community at an alarming rate. Read about this story here……

Arrest Made in Dealy Shooting of Queens Teen


Even though I wrote this before the arrest was made, it still felt it was necessary to post. Glad an arrest was made, but at the same time wish this all could have been avoided. Two families now needs our prayers. ………


I remember when I coached for a youth organization on the Southside of Queens, NY. I was lucky enough to coach a quarterback who reminded me of myself of my playing days. Honestly he was a lot better than I was at his age, but our offensive, leadership, and quarterback thinking was very similar. I identified with Ricky Williams or “Pretty Ricky” as they called him. Unfortunately Ricky was murdered by another teenager over something stupid. Two families affected. I lost my little man at the age of 17 and the other teenager was eventually caught and will have to do some long time.


This past Friday 13 year old Kevin Miller was brutally murdered and early reports are saying it was another teenager was at the other end of the gun that pulled the trigger. Current reports are they have someone in custody. Now I didn’t know Kevin, but I know his mother is going through the same thing Ricky’s mother was going through. My prayers are with her and her family.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Oh My God! I Think I'm Having A Rap Attack


You are now listening to The World Famous Mister, Mister, Magic, Magic, Super, Super, Blast, Blast, Blast, Rap Attack Show, Show!!!! That was the introduction to the legendary Mr. Magic rap show featuring Marley Marl as the DJ. Mister Magic debut in the wee hours on NYC WHBI radio. Many young Hip-Hop heads in the NYC area would stay up late just to listen and record what Mister Magic's show. I remember having a Mr. Magic tape that I recorded for my senior trip in junior high school. I taped two weeks of his show and did my in-house production to make sure I kept the commercials and talking off of my tape. However, everyone in the neighborhood knew where you got the music, because they either heard it themselves or knew the style of Mister Magic's show. There are plenty of pioneers of this thing called Hip-Hop, but Mister Magic knew that OUR music needed an out and a radio show was just what Hip-Hop needed. The newer generation of Hip-Hop and all radio programming, shows, and air-personalities, and DJs of this thing we call Hip-Hop should take a moment and thank a pioneer. Check out this article.....http://www.allhiphop.com/stories/editorial/archive/2009/10/02/21964193.aspx

'See' Men for Life


I was listening to the Tom Joyner Morning Show when one of the co-host of the show, Sybil gave her medical information for the day. The interesting topic for a Friday morning commute was about the recent NC State research study. The report states that women can reduce beast cancer by 40% if they swallow twice a week. Now women ask yourself, are you reducing your risk of breast cancer by 40%? Check out this CNN report.