Movies, Music, and Books I Love

Check out some of my favorite movies, books, and music!


Bry'Nt: A Rapper with a Purpose


In this day and age, hip hop has lost its luster.  Gone are the days of real word play or thought provoking lyrics.  Every track you hear on the radio sounds exactly the same, and a catchy beat is all it takes to bring even the least talented to stardom.  What went wrong?  Just as I was about to give up, a very good friend turned me on to a rapper by the name of Bry'nt.  Wow was I ever amazed! This artist is a transgressive and transformative musical genius.  Bothered by the rap community's lack of respect for homosexuals, Bry'nt stepped onto the scene with "rainbow-friendly" hip hop music in order to establish a voice for gays in the straight male (or so most think) dominated world of hip hop. With a force reminiscent of an atomic blast, Bry'nt debuted with his first mix tape, Porn Star in 2008.  Bry'nt flexes his muscles on tracks such as "Nothin' But Nikes" and "Never Enough", as he let's rapper's know he's a force to be reckoned with.  In 2009, Bry'nt released his next mixture, Porn Star II: The Director's Cut.  The wordsmith dares you to "Test My Gangsta" on one hard hitting track, while shouting  "Dicks over Chicks" on the album.  It's been ages since I've been able to listen to an entire album without being tempted to scurry to the next track.  Bry'nt's style is reminiscent of such great story tellers as B.I.G., keeping you on the edge of your seat as you listen to him "spit" with a purpose, proving there is room for diversity in the hip hop community.  What I truly respect about Bry'nt is his belief that his sexuality or anyone else's for that matter shouldn't define an individual or place him in a category.  You'll likely not hear him refer to himself as a "gay" rapper.  In Bry'nt's eyes he's a rapper that happens to be attracted to men.  I totally support his efforts at breaking barriers as he makes a name for himself as a worthy opponent to all rappers on the scene -- straight or gay.  Download his music on Zshare!


Also check out Bry'nt as he stars in the up and coming hit film, "Finding Me:Truth"!





The Visit

Some people are prisoners to their thoughts, while others are literally incarcerated.  The Visit is the story of two men, a loving yet stern father and a wayward and bitter albeit good son; one imprisoned to memories he refuses to let go, while the other is imprisoned for a rape he claims he didn't commit.  While the son is locked behind bars he battles his past along with his fight with AIDS.  Through flashbacks and dream sequences we get a very in-depth look into his bittersweet past.  Hill Harper, Billy Dee Williams, Obba Babatunde, and Marla Gibbs star in a very profound film that discusses the struggle with the "self" as well as the struggle amongst loved ones.  I highly recommend this movie, as it touched me, and left an indelible print in my memory.  You'll find that you aren't quite as different as Alex and his family, and will be able to relate to this compelling film in more ways than one.  Get it on Amazon for under $2.00 now!

Wicked! The Life and Times of The Wicked Witch of The West

It's taken me a while (over 20 years to be exact) to learn that things aren't always as they seem.  Often those that claim to be your friends and insist they hold your best interests at heart are truly plotting to condemn you.  Next thing you know, your supposed colleagues are envious of your talents and successes, yet they paint you as being this green-eyed monster that wants nothing more than to destroy the world.  So what you're a little anti-social and you have a monkey on your back! Last I checked, we all have a few.  Then walks in Elphaba, stage right, a lovely young girl with the unfortunate curse of being "different".  Elphaba's unique qualities will play an impactful role in her life, and her interactions with people along the way.  Read her compelling and heart-breaking story when you get your copy of Gregory Macguire's best-seller turned Broadway hit, Wicked: The Life and Times of The Wicked Witch of The West at Amazon today!




Bruno Mars: It's Better If You Don't Understand MP3

Finally, music that is well thought out!  In a time of "durty durty" nonsense and countless other tunes that leave you wondering if this lack in lyrical content and creativity is a sign of the last days, in strums Bruno Mars.  Born in Wakiki, Hawaii on July 2, 1987, Peter Hernandez is a singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Mars, signed to Atlantic Records, is best known for his collaboration with B.o.B. on the hit song, "Nothin' On You".  When I heard Mars' amazing vocal ability, I couldn't wait until he introduced a solo project.  There isn't one single track on "It's Better If You Don't Understand" that I don't love.  I constantly play this digital album daily, and impatiently wait for his official solo album release, "Lady Killer" later this year.  Check out the YouTube clip of one of his songs, "Somewhere In Brooklyn".  You'll ditch Wacka-Flocka whoever, and the multitude of irrelevant artists that are on the scene now when you hear this!





Visit iTunes and Amazon to purchase "It's Better If You Don't Understand" today!

For The Bible Tells Me So

This video produced in 2007 reveals the real truths about homosexuality and the bible.  This compelling video is both moving and life changing.  Check out the trailer (below), and purchase your copy on Amazon today!  For less than $15.00 you will be both enlightened and amazed as this DVD digs deep, and challenges biblical literalists, the right-wing religious/political order, and perhaps your own views on homosexuality. The lyrics to that ever-so-famous gospel song is due for an update.  Perhaps "for the bible 'truly' tells me so".  Order now!