What Would Thembi Do?

“What The Eff?” Wednesday: “Enter The Ninja,” the South African Rap Video from Hell

I love hip-hop in the way one loves the last few seasons of a television show after it has already jumped the shark. Sure, it’s not what it used to be and you’re a little disappointed in the direction it’s taken, but…

This Week’s Love/Hate Relationship With Black Pop Culture

I don’t usually start with something I hate, but as you’ve surely heard by now hip-hop legend Guru is having serious health issues and is in the hospital after a string of crises involving a heart attack, asthma attack, and…

Why We Can’t Have Nothin’: “Freaknik The Musical” and How I Learned to Wear Sensible Shoes

Of course I’ve never been to Freaknik. Of COURSE not. I didn’t go to an HBCU and it was banned by the time I was of age anyway. What I do know about is Philadelphia’s Greek Picnic. When I was…

Alphonso Ribero and Chaka Khan on Celebrity Duets

A few days ago Dj Stylus shared this video on Facebook and I haven’t been able to shake it since. He quipped, “I’m surprised that I saw this before Thembi, aka the mistress of all things obscure and Negronian.” Yeah thanks,…

Black History Month Pop Culture Challenge: Final Round!

No, I didn't name it week three, because it's actually March. But you know what to do. 1. Name the group pictured below. (10 points)

Black History Month Pop Culture Challenge Week 2: Answers

I know I've been slipping with timely posts of the quiz, but I keep realizing that I have to make them harder. Yes, you read that right. Here are this week's standings...

The “Babyface Made R&B” Song Set!

Have you checked out Songza Sets yet? A Set is a collection of 12 songs based on a topic or theme, and I just guest-curated "Babyface Made R&B." I had a weird sort of "non-sexual, sing-songs-to-me-with-your-ol'-curl-havin'-self" crush on him back in the day so I had a blast! Have a listen and let me know what you think.

“What The Eff?” Wednesday: Trololo

Don’t get it twisted – the only criteria for “What The Eff?” Wednesday is that I post something that literally makes you mutter “what the efff?” to yourself. I do it only to be cruel and you know it. That…

Russian Ice Skaters Go Aboriginal…Offensive or Just Lame?

I’m not going to break out a poll for this one. I’m just sharing this image to try and wrap my own head around it because while I don’t consider Australian Aborigines “black,” I watched Spike Lee’s Bamboozled last night, maybe I’m being a little sensitive, and I’d love to hear your opinions.

Black History Month On The Web: “The Grio’s 100″

“The Grio’s 100″ is a comprehensive list of black influencers from ten fields: sports, education, business, science and the environment, media, service an activism, politics, health, pop culture, and the arts. The list is driven by the need to highlight the…