An Open Letter To Facebook and Twitter Friends, Enemies and Acquaintances

Words By Raymond Tyler

 

I like many of my dear friends are still in shock of the sudden passing of Miss Ruby Dee.

Unlike my parents, I have NEVER known a world with out Brother Amiri, and Sisters Angelou and Dee...so the need to reconcile is very real in my mind.

 

As I look on Facebook today I see a lot of pictures of Mrs. Ruby Dee and that's good.

 

BUT IT AIN'T ENOUGH!

 

A friend of mine named Damali made a great point....Ruby Dee will be missed....but we are mainly sad because not enough people will stand up to fill her shoes.

This is an open letter to all my remaining facebook friends. Get in where this message fits your shoe size.

Number One....To those of us who use words like "conscious" and "spiritual"....let us not get weary in well doing. I am speaking to myself as well.

 

No one of us alone could step into the breach and be the next Amiri...much less Amiri, Maya and Ruby....we still have not any of us created anything on par with Ossie Davis's Purlie Victorious....and Mr. Davis has been away from us for 9 years now.

We may never live up to the legacy our elders left...but we must press on. We can find comfort in knowing that many of the elders gone on and those with us still are very proud of our work as artists. We know that we have helped many people who we touch first hand that may not have shaken hands with our great elders.

Let's keep pressing for the mark.

Number Two...this letter is for the one's that believe their posting Ruby Dee is enough.

Sorry.

If you are not willing to do certain things? If you are not willing to write about certain topics? If you can not say no to a dollar?If you have to take of your clothes off, shake your behind, act like a fool, every time some one throws money at you?Do not bother to post Ruby's image on your facebook or talk about her on Twitter.

People like Ruby Dee said "NO" numerous times to media that would assassinate Black Dignity for a price tag. People as famous as Ruby Dee and not, have created monumental works of art that people said "no body will pay money for that." Ruby Dee had a beauty that rivaled anyone's but you would have never have found her on a reality show acting like she was let out of a cage.

People like Ruby Dee invest their own time and money into projects, not because somebody at a radio station will give them a shout out or say it's hot. They create these works of art that become plays, TV shows, films, and books because they believe in real change.

I am here today and have done what I did because people like Ruby Dee PROVED there is more to life and being black that what's "cool".

I am CLOSER TO FREEDOM because of Amiri Baraka, Ruby Dee and Maya Angelou.....and like it or not everything I write, draw, or post on face book is going to lead people closer to their FREEDOM or THEIR SLAVERY.

It's time for you to choose.

 

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Respect Due: CASEY KASEM

LAST VOICE
Words By Raymond Tyler

 

 

 

Once upon a time before Cartoon Networks and Kid's Only Networks, the best cartoons ever came over the tube on Saturday Mornings.

 

 

Once upon a time there were no Netflix, Mp4's, iPhones, Blue Ray players, DVD's or even VHS tapes...so you had to be home and tuned in to see your favorite episodes of Scooby or Bat Man and Robin.

 

 

It was being at home, sitting on the floor with my brother Mark often Sunday through Friday watching cartoons like Josie and The Pussycats where I first became acquainted with the great talents of Mr. Casey Kasem ( born Kemal Amin "Casey" Kasem , April 27, 1932.)

 

I was not aware at the time but Kasem gave voice to so many of the cartoon characters I would love, hate and frankly question their sexuality. Whether doing the voice of Shaggy from Scooby Doo or the side kick Robin on The Super Friends or Alexander of Josie And The Pussy Cats, Casey Kasem gave each voice its own style and sense of emotion. Kasem made Robin The Boy Wonder sound brave, smart and respectful of Batman, while making Alexander sound scared of his own shadow but loyal the group he managed and made Shaggy ...well Shaggy sound like he was smoking weed just before he came on camera.

 

Later as I would add the role of DJ and announcer to my own resume. I discovered Casey Kasem the DJ and radio personality while I was still in school creating mix tapes for my friends and training to become the radio producer/voice talent that I am now. From the second I heard my first broadcast of America's Top 40 and then the TV version America's Top Ten, my training has included "stealing" from Casey Kasem.

 

I have even included my "version" of a Casey Kasem Long Distance Dedication in one of my poems...and the largely Black audience I was reading for totally connected.

 

When you have a voice and personable manner like Mr. Casem...sappy in show gimmicks like Long Distance Dedications become iconic radio/tv classic moments.

Mr. Casem is not doing well at all from latest accounts.

And in all honesty, I should have written this years ago.

The funny thing about icons like Mr. Casey Kasem is that you forget that for all their inspiration in your life the one thing they are not is IMMORTAL.

Casey Kasem will continue to INSPIRE and ENTERTAIN generations of future cartoon voice actors, characters, DJ's and other talented people for many many more decades to come.

 

However, before any more time passes.....I just want to say ....

Mr. Casey Kasem...you are still the number voice of America for like the one millionth week in a row. Thank you and respect due.

 

 

Casey Kasem doing America's Top 10

 

 

The Cast Of Scooby Doo in their own words

 

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Rakim Rocks A Free Concert In Philly Today

Every year on the first Sunday in June is Odunde in Philadelphia.

A day long festival celebrating the love of African and Black Culture.

For more than 10 years I have attended.

Expect a great free festival that spans more than 6 city blocks in Philadelphia.

Headlining this year is the one and only RAKIM.

Where else can you go and see a free concert featuring a hip hop icon like RAKIM?

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"That's The Jawn" By Raymond Tyler

 

Stacey Flygirrl Wilson and Mike Nyce are bringing great hip hop back to Center City Philly Every Sunday Night with The Jawn.
Think Classic Hip Hop at a classic location (Lord knows since that place was The Phoenix I have partied with every one from Ed Lover to Butter Ball to Salt N Pepa To Uncle Luke.)

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Here’s more info on The Jawn
 

The featured line up for June is :

Dj Cash Money with host D.R.E.S. Tha Beatnik
with opening Dj’s Mike Nyce and Joey Blanco
…
And our featured guests are :
June 1 - Kid Capri
June 8 - Jay Ski
June 15 - Aktive
June 22 - Baby DST
June 29 - Tat Money

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The Legendary DJ Cash Money is teaming up with long time event producer and promoter, Flygirrl, to bring you a whole new experience on Sunday nights. At “The Jawn”, Dj Cash Money will be spinning from hip-hop, soul, classics, funk, house to reggae and rock music while still preserving the artistry of hip hop and the turntable every Sunday night. Dj Cash Money is best known for his pioneering techniques, fierce musicality and lightning speed on the turntables. RESERVE represents understated opulence meets elegance and sophistication. He will be spinning each week along with different featured guest Dj’s which will include some of his his DJ affiliates, Kid Capri, Jay Ski, Baby DST, Tat Money, DJ Spinbad, DJ Gary O, DJ Aktive, Rich Medina to name a few. The event starts Sunday, June 1st and every Sunday after at RESERVE WINE BAR LOUNGE 724 ARCH STREET from 8 PM-2 AM.

DJ Cash Money, Flygirrl and our special guest DJ’s will create a unique experience that is unrivaled in the city. Each week will feature a collaboration of music mixes from the legendary and local DJ’s. The Jawn also featured a second level game lounge, projected rare footage, sports on the flatscreen tv’s, food and drink specials.

The featured line up for June is :

Dj Cash Money with host D.R.E.S. Tha Beatnik
with opening Dj’s Mike Nyce and Joey Blanco

Our featured guests are :
June 1 - Kid Capri
June 8 - Jay Ski
June 15 - Aktive
June 22 - Baby DST
June 29 - Tat Money

Experience the magnetic energy that nightlife in the city of PHILADELPHIA is supposed to be, and lose yourself in a sea of music, drinks, people and fun. Between the plush interior, superior service and highest-grade audio technology, RESERVE WINE BAR LOUNGE provides a beautiful, yet comfortable nightlife experience for our city. The stage is set; you are in the zone and ready for an unforgettable night on the dance floor—don’t settle for anything less than the best nightlife in Philadelphia. See you on Sunday’s at The Jawn.


Stay tuned for July and August’s line up!


#TheJawnFlygirrl | Djcashmoney | Art of Turntables

 

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Angela Bassett To Direct "WHITNEY HOUSTON"

While I don't know why WHITNEY HOUSTON only merits a TV movie on Life Time.

I will be watching and I'm hoping that director Angela Bassett can translate her acting skills from the directors chair.

Look for the new film in 2015

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Mo's All Occasion Catering .com is bringing you
The HEAT with Chef Adrian Mobley this Summer

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The Management for Leonard Dozier

 

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Dave Chapelle is Coming To Radio City This Summer

DON'T CALL IT A COME BACK

 

 

 

Ten years after his classic film BLOCK PARTY , Dave Chapelle announces he is coming back to NYC. Chapelle will headline the comedy/music show on June 25th, 26th and 27th.

 

This time Chapelle brings the block and the party to legendary Radio City Music Hall along with The Roots, DJ Premiere , Erykah Badu but no word on my man Milsap and his band.

 

 

The rest of the musical line up announced so far is about as cutting edge and ground breaking as Chapelle is. Busta Rhymes will be on stage, who it can be argued like Chapelle kind of ditched the mainstream of hip hop to make the music Busta wants , when Busta wants. Also on the ticket is Janelle Monae.

 

And with the 10th anniversary of BLOCK PARTY, Chapelle will be resurrecting that dual format for a three-date run of performances at Radio City Music Hall, from June 24th to 26th

Chapelle will use the comedy/music format that worked well for him and the musicians in the film Block Party. Tickets will start at around $80.


For ticket information visit

 

http://www.ticketmaster.com/Radio-City-Music-Hall-tickets-New-York/venue/237571

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Reading Rainbow Is Coming Back....

 

Levar Burton is bringing back Reading Rainbow...with a little help from his friends and kickstarter.

 

 

 

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