Scotch Files: Random Hits

Dumb Man X

There was a time when DMX was on top of the world. This dude released two albums in the same year that went number. I believe it was the first time in history that it happened. That was about 10 years ago. Everyone knew the guy was troubled, but I really think he has lost his mind. For the millionth time in what seems like a month, DMX was again involved in a traffic related incident. This time it was because he was driving on the shoulder to avoid traffic. The sad part is, he was just issued a ticket 9 days ago for driving 55 in a 30 MPH zone.

What in the hell is the matter with this dude? How much of an idiot can you be? According to an article on allhiphop.com, this is the 7th incident he has had since 2000. At some point someone needs to tell him that driving isn’t his friend. This is like watching a fly trying to get outside by going through a closed window. You sit there and watch and wonder if this isn’t the dumbest display of life you could ever see. In defense of the fly, it’s a fly. What is DMX’s excuse? The sad part is taking his license and having him subsequently honor it is like Bush acknowledging that there is a Constitution. Some things will never happen. In this case who would have ever guessed that Bush and DMX had so much in common?


Harpo Taking A Beating?

The wonderful and highly acclaimed Oprah has been taking a beating lately in the HipHop community. She has been accused of hating on the culture and the music more specifically. The uproar really started with Ludacris and his appearance on Oprah’s show along with the cast of the movie “Crash.” Apparently, Oprah kind of went off on Luda for some of his more disparaging rap lyrics. Luda says the footage was edited to include many of Oprah’s remarks but few of his responses. Sounds like the same thing Dylan (The “Hot Fire” Spitter) said about P. Diddy about the infamous kicking out of Diddy’s crib.

It should be noted that Luda did not speak on his appearance out of the blue. He recently appeared in GQ where the writer mentioned that Luda got a raw deal from Oprah. To which Luda responded with his remarks about being an actor on the show for his appearance in “Crash,” but being asked about his other occupation as a rapper. Again, this sounds like something else I heard before. Anybody remember Luda vs. Bill O’Reilly and the whole Pepsi episode. I wouldn’t have pegged Oprah to share that view with O’Reilly, but I can’t say I am surprised.

I guess the most impressive and potentially disrespectful thing is how much press this issue is garnering. Ice Cube in FHM magazine shared the same sentiments as Ludacris. The difference is, Cube never even made it to the show. He wasn’t even invited, but other cast members of the movie “Barbershop” were. Something doesn’t seem right about one of the stars and more importantly, the producer of the film not being invited to a publicity event for his movie. The one thing I hope people don’t lose sight of though, is that the general media is soaking this story up. That is where things could get ugly.

I have no problem with rappers speaking their opinion on the lack of respect Oprah shows HipHop. I happen to agree wholeheartedly. What I really don’t want to see is a role model to so many on so many different levels (Oprah) being dragged down by the ignorance that permeates through HipHop these days. I know some of you are wondering if I just contradicted myself. I am not. Being so ingrained into the Hiphop culture I have no problem admitting that ignorance is carrying HipHop right now. My problem with Oprah is that she seems to be lumping everyone into one small monolithic ball. There are a bunch of artists that are fighting the stereotypical hustla, drug dealing, thug that is killing radio and video outlets. If she really wants to show HipHop some love, it seems to me that she would invite folks on the show and start the debate. There is no doubt that she is one of the most influential women of our time, maybe even history. How about helping rather than ignoring the folks that are trying to “get it right, get it tight.” And I don’t mean in a “Miss New Booty” type of way.

Come on Oprah, save us the Stedman and Gail stories for a day and give people like Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, The Coup, Immortal Technique, and countless others the platform to shine and kill rumors that we are all thugs, pimps and drug dealers. Especially with the demographic you cater to. I don’t see how it couldn’t go down as monumental. HipHop is everwhere and is selling every product known to man right now. It affects everyone even if they don't consciously realize it.


Karl Rove got off?
SHOCKER!!!


Hailing Hitler?

So it looks like everyone’s favorite hero, Adolph Hitler is going to be getting a museum. Crazy right? The funny thing is, the guy putting it together thinks everyone else is crazy. We all know that history has a way of spinning things to be what they sometimes are/were not. I think the saying goes, history is written by the winner of the war. So there is a small possibility that Hitler caught a bad rap for a few things, but I hesitant to be naïve enough to really think that Hitler is getting completely screwed by the actions that are synonymous with his name. I believe there is even footage of some of his speeches where he “eloquently” delivers his agenda. This should come as no surprise to anyone. Wasn’t Hitler the one who hated the very thing he was? Why should his followers be any less delusional?


The Ghost of Katrina? Or is it the Ghost of Ignorance?
Note: This is an initial reaction that I will probably address again in another post.


By now everyone knows that FEMA dropped the ball on their response to Katrina. Now comes news of a BILLION dollars worth of aid going to fraudulent and irresponsible claims. According to reports, people bought everything from champagne to a Hawaiian vacation with monies intended to help people rebuild their lives post-Katrina. Someone even used $1,000 of their money to get a sex change! A sex change? You have to be shitting me!

I understand that people went through one hell of a traumatic ordeal, but come on people, how can you justify this? I guess I shouldn't be surprised though. These are probably the same people who were looting electronic stores talking about, "This is for all I had to go through!" Then people wonder why the government isn't as proactive as it can be. So now the good people that lived and almost died due to Katrina, have to endure another round of finger pointing because a group of idiots thought the aid money was essentially like winning the lottery. I don't know of another way to put this than to call it some pure "n&*^a shit!" Don't think for a second that that leaves any white people free of guilt. My white friends would simply refer to it as "white trashish!"

Take a second and read the list of things that have been bought with the aid money. Maybe I am just stupid to believe it could all be true. This has to be on even kiel with all the money Bush has wasted on the frivilous war in Iraq. No wonder gas is so high. The government has to recoup all that money they lost. Hell, no wonder they still haven't built most of the city back up. I think I would be slow on the draw as well.


Lastly, I doubt that they will ever see this, but:

My condolences and thoughts go out to my man Shorty Corleone and all his family as they mourn the death of their brother and friend Q!