Joe Stern-McGovern: Hail to the King April 28, 2010
Posted by universalartists in Black Flock Gang, Joe Stern McGovern, Shaka Productions.Tags: AIDS, Alabama, AMFAR, ATL, Atlanta, Berlin, BFG, Birmingham, Black Flock Gang, Britney Spears, Budweiser, Childrens Hospital, Cocaine, Congress, DARE, Dem Hardheadz, Disneyland, DNC, DO, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Facts, FAM Boyz, Federal Aid, Georgia, GOP, Heroin, HIV, Hollywood, Hood Shuttlesworth, Houston, Joe Stern McGovern, Lo, Los Angeles, MADD, McDonalds, Michelob, Mississippi, NATO, Nike, North Carolina, Oprah Winfrey, President Obama, Seattle, Shaka Productions, Shintaro Ishihara, Tokyo, UNICEF, United Nations, Universal Artists International, www.endhivaids.com
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Joe Stern-McGovern: Hail to the King
“The King is dead, long live the King,” announces the imperial court crier from yesteryear? No, strangely these words come from the harshest of Joe Stern-McGovern’s critics over the years. Often known as a “Media hound”, the icon, Joe Stern-McGovern, has frequently been cast as the creator of media darlings and would be stars whether warranted or not, making the unknown known overnight and bringing charisma to even the lowliest of knaves. Within the ranks of colleagues and subordinates, his knack for the superlative has often brought criticism from the ranks. This said, within the space of several months, the former rogue agent has been cast in the most revered and benevolent of status with the creation of the charity driven site, http://www.endhivaids.com.
With the tragic death of his oldest child, Kenneth McGovern, who lost his battle with AIDS at the close of 2007, Joe Stern-McGovern became a man with a mission. He chose to pick life over greed and excess, using his talent for verbage with a sprinkle of magic dust to make the world a better place for all of mankind. Uniting with his partner, Shaka of Shaka Productions, the duo set out to create an entity which would collect funds for various charities, some of which include AMFAR, the Children’s Hospital, but primarily the cause of pediatric AIDS through the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, http://www.pedaids.org in honor of Joe Stern-McGovern’s late son.
Kenneth McGovern, c. 1989
On the site, http://www.endhivaids.com, the charitable consumer can find a wide variety of today’s freshest urban hip hop ala the sounds of dirty south act and ingenues, Black Flock Gang, soon to be found at their chic and unique site, http://www.blackflockgang.com. On the Black Flock Gang site, the consumer will find varied selections from the hottest act to hit the market in years, with numerous links to the http://www.endhivaids.com site. Indeed, fans will be able to purchase not only their singles, but their latest CD compilation, BFG: Anthology, a bold name to say the least for an act only established within the last several years, a title such as one would expect from the master of the grandiose, Joe Stern-McGovern.
Hood Shuttlesworth of the BFG
The BFG: Anthology site is a project which has roots coast to coast, as the album is produced by renowned genius and master on the wheels of steel, DJ Funk Daddy, http://www.funkdaddy.com. With Seattle producer Funk Daddy’s super touch, the act is rocketed to new heights, and figures to be Joe Stern-McGovern’s one-two thrust into the future of hip hop.
Generally speaking, Black Flock Gang is a group of artists hailing throughout the Deep South, from Houston to Florida and then up to N. Carolina, with its core to be found within the major cities of Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia, the oft claimed, “Capital of Crunk”. Its founding members are the FAM Boyz (For all Money), and Dem Hardheadz, blood brothers and masters on the microphone. Together, Hood Shuttlesworth, Facts, Lo, DO, and Pain blaze the path of tomorrow through deft lyrics and accomplished delivery coupled with the element of raw and vibrant intelligence. Yes, the Black Flock Gang might just be Universal Artists, International, Joe Stern-McGovern, and Shaka Production’s crown jewel.
Shaka of Shaka Productions
For further information on Black Flock Gang, please visit the site http://www.blackflockgang.com which is expected to be erected from construction in early June 2010, as well as at the parent site, http://www.universalartists.net, and of course, http://www.endhivaids.com.
Show your own measure of benevolence and charity today by visiting Joe Stern-McGovern’s monument to the human spirit, http://www.endhivaids.com, and its refusal to cave into the tragic and seeminly insurmountable and purchase a single for mankind and for your own entertainment by the Black Flock Gang, http://www.blackflockgang.com.
For booking the BFG, please contact Universal Artists, International directly on the contact page of http://www.universalartists.net, as well as for press queries, wholesale and retail queries, as well as fan requests.
Joe Stern-McGovern, hail to the King, and good show!
Blake Contreau, Freelance
Artists: Donate a Song for Charity Today January 16, 2010
Posted by universalartists in A&R, Africa, AIDS, AMFAR, Audition, Beatmaker, Booking, Charity, Chilrren's Hospital, Disney Channel, Drug Addiction, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Family Values, Gay and Lesbian, Health, Heroin, HIV, Investment, Joe Stern McGovern, Live Show, MADD, Management, Modeling, Music Downloads, Peace, Pediatric AIDS, Shaka Productions, Stern McGovern, Talent, Talent Search, Uncategorized, UNICEF, United Nations, Universal Artists International, Universal Soldier Records, Updates, Wealth, World Health Organization, www.endhivaids.com.Tags: Africa, AIDS, All Genres, Alternative, AMFAR, Artists, ASCAP, Audition, Black Flock Gang, BMI, Cattle Call, Childrens Hospital, Country, Downloads, Elizabeth Glaser, Elizabethe Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Haiti, Hip Hop, HIV, Joe Stern McGovern, Publishing, R&B, Rap, Rock & Roll, Royalties, Shaka Productions, St. Judes, Talent, UNICEF, United Nations, Universal Artists, Universal Artists International, WHO
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Visit http://www.endhivaids.com Today
Joe Stern-McGovern of Universal Artists, International, with his charity driven site, www.endhivaids.com, has announced its latest request to all musicians, singers, rappers, producers, management, publicists, agents, and promoters. In his bid to eradicate the HIV/AIDS virus through powerhouse AIDS charities such as AMFAR, Children’s Hospital, and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, he’s requested of all artists that they donate a single today to the www.endhivaids.com site rather than challengers such as Itunes, Rhapsody, Napster, and Amazon in the name of charity and the chance for a cure.
With percentages of return higher than that of the competition, Joe Stern-McGovern has afforded artists the opportunity for exposure, a position as big fish in a smaller pond, the chance to do good for mankind and society, and profit all at the same time. All Joe Stern-McGovern asks is that they donate a single exclusively to the www.endhivaids.com site for a period of at least one year. While the seeds of their singles are planted on the www.endhivaids.com site, they will receive write ups, positions within the Top 20, and bonuses onsite such as their turn as the www.endhivaids.com site’s featured artist, including photos and a minimum of 5 singles, provided 5 singles are furnished.
Spanning the Globe
Set up on the site is completed by the staff of the www.endhivaids.com site upon submission, and the contract and its legalese are basic and easy to comprehend. Artists are allowed a wide latitude of artistic freedom with the acceptance of a multitude of themes and genres in their search for self-expression. Exposure, freedom, money in one’s pocket, combined with the chance to do good for their families and their fellow man provide a powerful equation for benevolence and success.
Won’t you please visit the www.endhivaids.com site today? If you’re an artist, try to imagine your single onsite doing good for yourself and mankind. If you’re a consumer, imagine your purchase leading to the betterment of the human condition, the chance to end man’s modern day plague, and provide yourself with enjoyment and entertainment encompassed with as little as a single purchase. To corporate entities in search of a charitable cause, sponsorship is encouraged and rewarded through exposure, honorable mention, and the opportunity for receipts for tax purposes.
For any any questions, please feel free to use the form under the contact page at www.endhivaids.com, or write to Joe Stern-McGovern’s office at either payments@universalartists.net, joe@universalartists.net, or joesternmcgovern@myspace.com. If you’re interested in trying your hand at this charitable endeavour, please write to universalartists@myspace.com or again through the www.endhivaids.com contact form on the site’s contact page.
Picture yourself and your cohorts featured on a powerful site making a true difference. To all artists so inclined your consideration and participation are encouraged, welcome, and gratefully accepted.
Management
Cattle Call: In Search of the Best December 26, 2009
Posted by universalartists in A&R, Africa, AIDS, Audition, BFG, Black Flock Gang, Dem Hardheadz, Disney Channel, FAM Boy$, Family Values, Gay and Lesbian, HIV, Hood Shuttlesworth, Investment, Japan, Joe McGovern, Joe Stern, Joe Stern McGovern, Johnny Get Your Gun, Light Brigade Records, Live Show, MADD, Music Downloads, New York City, Obama, Pediatric AIDS, Pure-Records, Quick Time Studios, Ripp and Redd, Seattle, Shaka Productions, Stern McGovern, Street Sales, Street Teams, Talent, Talent Search, The Bionic Rapper, Tokyo, Uncategorized, Universal Artists International, Universal Soldier Records, Updates, Wealth, World Health Organization, www.endhivaids.com, Yung Breeze.Tags: 2010, A-Dub, Actors, Africa, African American, AIDS, Alabama, Alternative, Amazon, AMFAR, Arista, Audition, BFG, Bionic Rapper, Birmingham, Black Flock Gang, Britney Spears, Cattle Call, Childrens Hospital, Dancers, Dancing, Darfour, Dem Hardheadz, DO, Donations, Downloads, Dr Dre, East Africa, Elizabeth Glaser, Europe, Facts, Federal Grants, Funk Daddy, Goth, Hip Hop, HIV, Hollywood, Hood Shuttlesworth, Itunes, Japan, Joe McGovern, Joe Stern, Joe Stern McGovern, Licensing, Light Brigade Records, Lil Chase, Lil J, Lil Wayne, Lo, Ludacris, Merchandise, Models, Motown, Mouf Piece of da City, Music, Myspace, Napster, New York City, Not Ya Average, Nya, NYC, Rap, Rhapsody, Rhythm and Blues, Ripp & Redd, Rock & Roll, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Shaka, Shaka Productions, Simi Valley, Soul Train, Sudan, Taipei, Talent, The Bionic Rapper, Tupac Shakur, Universal Artists, Universal Artists International, Universal Music, Universal Soldier Records, Willie Nelson, www.endhivaids.com, www.universalartists.net, Youtube
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Unite in Our Fight to End HIV/AIDS
Joe Stern-McGovern, global agent and President of Universal Artists, International, along with Shaka Productions, has announced a call for global auditions to fill the halls of its newly founded music download site www.endhivaids.com through licensing to benefit charities fighting to bring an end to the plague known as HIV/AIDS. Some of these charities include AMFAR, the Elizabeth Glaser Foundation for Pediatric AIDS, and Children’s Hospital.
If you are an artist, no matter your location worldwide, please submit your musical material to joe@universalartists.net for consideration at a slot within our charity based site. We are accepting all genres, although our interests lay particularly in: rap, r&b, alternative, J-Pop, Emo, Goth, Electronica, Pop, and industrial.
World Cattle Call for Musical Talent
We are accepting artists regardless of age or sex. Our primary concern is that your heart is in the mindset to contribute in the fight against HIV/AIDS, your message is clear, and you’re goal is to entertain while earning money for charity through partial proceeds going to donate in our worldwide fight.
For details on licensing and other such information, please write joe@universalartists.net, joesternmcgovern@myspace.com, endhivaids@myspace.com, or universalartists@myspace.com.
At www.endhivaids.com, artists can make money in excess of the take from heavyweights such as Itunes, Amazon, and Napster, free of large fees, gather world attention, and contribute to a great cause!
Promote Your Talent and Join Against HIV/AIDS
www.endhivaids.com is under construction, but available for anyone who is interested in further information or to gather an idea of the nature of our organization. It’s expected to be fully functional by the end of January. Look for coming expanditure and the sales of charity related merchandise such as T-Shirts, Ball Caps, and Sweat Shirts with the charity’s name as well as the names of your favorite artists.
Again, if you think you have what it takes to make a difference, promote change for the better, if you have an interest in the benefit of the human condition or your fellow man, coupled with the confidence your music reigns supreme, please contact us without hesitation.
Please be prepared to submit at least 2 songs with one photo to payments@universalartists.net for an audition, or guide us to your Myspace.com profile so we can review you and your material. Remember, this is a competitive game, so submit only your very best material. In our judgment, quality outweights quantity.
The Best Musical Talent Our Planet Has to Offer
Please feel free to visit us at www.endhivaids.com, www.universalartists.net, www.myspace.com/universalartists, www.myspace.com/endhivaids or www.myspace.com/joesternmcgovern at any time. Your patronage to our site is gratefully appreciated, and your enthusiasm, encouragement, and participation bestows great pride and honor to our organization in its struggle to end HIV/AIDS.
Management
Download to Donate: UAI presents www.endhivaids.com December 8, 2009
Posted by universalartists in A-Dub, Africa, AIDS, BFG, Birmingham Alabama, Black Flock Gang, Christian Levi, Dem Hardheadz, Dirty South, Disney Channel, DO, Drug Addiction, FAM Boy$, Family Values, Gay and Lesbian, Health, Heroin, HIV, Hood Shuttlesworth, Investment, Joe McGovern, Joe Stern, Joe Stern McGovern, Lake County, Lil J, Lil Joseph, MADD, Ms Fame, Ms. Kesha Lee, Music Downloads, Obama, Pediatric AIDS, Pure-Records, San Francisco, Seattle, Shaka Productions, Stern McGovern, The Bionic Rapper, Tiptonville, Tokyo, Uncategorized, United Nations, Universal Artists International, Universal Soldier Records, World Health Organization, www.endhivaids.com.Tags: A-Dub, Acer, Africa, AIDS, AIDS Reseearch, Alcohol, American Idol, AMFAR, BFG, Billboard Magazine, Black Flock Gang, Brad Pitt, Britney Spears, Charity, Childrens Hospital, Christian Levi, CO, Cocaine, Congress, Darfour, Disney Channel, Disneyland, DJ Funk Daddy, DO, Donations, Downloads, Drinking and Driving, Drug Abuse, Elizabeth Glaser, Elizabeth Taylor, Emerald City, Emergency Room, EU, Euro, Facts, Heroin, Hewlett Packard, HIV, Hood, Hood Shuttlesworth, House of Representatives, HP, Inexpensive Downloads, Jakarta, Japan, Joe McGovern, Joe Stern, Joe Stern McGovern, LAMBDA, Lil J, Lo, Mouf Piece of da City, Ms Fame, Ms. Kesha Lee, MTV, NAFTA, Pacific Rim, Pain, Pop Music, President Obama, Pure-Records, Seattle, Senate, Shaka, Shaka Productions, Sudan, Taipei, Teen Issues, Teenagers, The Bionic Rapper, UNICEF, Universal Artists International, VH1, WHO, www.endhivaids.com, Yen
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http://www.endhivaids.com: Uniting the World Against HIV/AIDS
With its goal to help in the effort to find a cure for the HIV/AIDS virus, Joe Stern-McGovern, global agent and President of Universal Artists, International, has announced the coming force in the world of music, Black Flock Gang’s, music downloads available exclusively at the future site created for charity, knowledge, and understanding, www.endhivaids.com.
In a quote from the Universal Artists, International leader, Joe Stern-McGovern states, “We’re attempting to show our support for the global organizations and leaders who are doing all they can to thwart the HIV/AIDS virus through financial contributions gathered through the sale of our products.”
http://www.endhivaids.com: Download to Donate
Who are the most likely to receive these funds? Various clinical research organizations such as AMFAR, those which serve to better the lives of children suffering from the virus, such as the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, St. Judes, and Children’s Hospital, Gay & Lesbian health activists, legal heavyweights such as the ACLU and LAMBDA, and many others.
“We’re trying to put as much money towards the cause as we can,” states Joe Stern-McGovern, “and at the same time gather the means to continue in the various parts involved in making this movement a success, such as site fees, advertising, and other related expenses.”
How will the movement of Joe Stern-McGovern and Universal Artists, International fare, only time will tell, but with the power of the Southern force known as Shaka Productions of Birmingham, Alabama, and his vanguard of soldiers, Black Flock Gang, also known as BFG, chances for success lean towards the more positive end of the spectrum.
“The BFG is a statistics breaker,” states Joe Stern-McGovern, “it’s sheer genius and momentum will shatter all previously conceived measures of success in the charts and through word of mouth.”
Shaka & A-Dub: Uniting to End HIV/AIDS
A bold statement indeed, but having heard the material ourselves, we tend to agree with this icon known as Joe Stern-McGovern, a figure given towards brash statements and bravado in what some might consider a Ted Turner-esque sort of manner.
Black Flock Gang, consisting of Dem Hard Headz, DO and Pain, coupled with the FAM Boy$, Ms. Fame, Facts, Lo, CO, and the ambitious Mr. Hood Shuttlesworth, will burst out of the gate with their smash follow up to the, “Welcome 2 da Bams”, album in a second entrance into the market with the album simply titled, “Radio”. “Radio”, a compilation of BFG, Ms. Fame, and Jacksonville’s artful brothers, Ripp & Redd, is the first in a series of charitable material which has come to be known as, World Mixtape.
Ripp & Redd: Donating Talent for a Great Cause
What is a Mixtape many ask? In reality, it’s a CD compilation of various hip hop’s future stars joining to hop onto what are largely the beats of other artists of prominence. In the case of Universal Artists, International, all their material is original, however, the element they share with the mixtape phenomenon is the mustering of street credibility, outspoken and haughty declarations, and a supreme sense of one’s self coupled with the factors of authenticy and believability.
Black Flock Gang: Download to Donate
Sharing part on the follow up mixtape to Radio, BFG will be joined by the sultry sounds of Ms. Kesha Lee, as well as the lyrically headstrong, Christian Levi, both hailing from Birmingham, Alabama. Reports from the field are that both Ms. Kesha Lee and Christian Levi are poised for their breakouts as solo artists, something all fans of hip hop and R&B are avidly waiting for courtesy of Joe Stern-McGovern, Shaka Productions, and Universal Artists, International.
If all of this wasn’t enough, all material from the World Mixtapes have been finalized by Seattle’s very own, multi-platinum producer, DJ Funk Daddy. Known throughout the Emerald City and the greater Pacific Northwest, DJ Funk Daddy has worked with the very best, and continues his artesan’s tradition on the turntables and microphone with adept skill and dedication to the true nature of hip hop. For more information on DJ Funk Daddy, please visit his site at, www.funkdaddy.com.
The ultimate winner in all these endeavours of Joe Stern-McGovern, Shaka Productions and his artists, and DJ Funk Daddy, are the fans who all hope will download to donate in the most generous of fashion. They are what makes the industry what it is, as well as creating the impetus for where it is headed. After all, without its fans, how far could any genre go?
DJ Funk Daddy: Doing His Part Against HIV/AIDS
Please look for the coming site, www.endhivaids.com sometime in mid-January, where you will delight to the smooth sounds, thumping bass, and articulations of the likes of the BFG as they reflect on the need for awareness, education, and a cure through their music and the contribution it’s expected to generate.
For more information, please write to joesternmcgovern@myspace.com, universalartists@myspace.com, or blackflockgang@myspace.com.
To book an appearance or any other scheduling matters, please feel free to write directly to Joe Stern-McGovern’s assistant at, joe@universalartists.net. For matters of production and A&R, Shaka Productions can be reached at shaka@universalartists.net. For international correspondence, please refer to the company address for Joe Stern-McGovern, or write to Guy at guy@universalartists.net. You may also call us at 1(619)757-1301.
Look for information and updates coming soon regarding the South’s definitive hip hop instrumentalist, A-Dub of Tiptonville, Tennessee, as well as his partner on the microphone, Lake County’s Lil’ J.
A-Dub: The Best at What He Does
“Together,” states Joe Stern-McGovern, “we can defeat this plague. It’s Universal Artists, International and Shaka Productions sincerest intention to do so in the most powerful and accomplishing manner.”
Again, please look for the Black Flock Gang’s greatest material, past and present, exclusively at www.endhivaids.com. Your patronage and donations are greatly appreciated.
Universal Artists, International & HIV/AIDS: Please Contribute Today November 3, 2009
Posted by universalartists in Africa, AIDS, Black Flock Gang, Booking, Family Values, Gay and Lesbian, Health, Heroin, HIV, Joe Stern McGovern, Live Show, Obama, Pediatric AIDS, Poetry, San Francisco, Shaka Productions, Stern McGovern, Uncategorized, United Nations, Universal Artists International, World Health Organization, www.endhivaids.com.Tags: 2010, Africa, AIDS, Amsterdam, Bangkok, Childrens Hospital, Combat, Congress, Donations, East Africa, Emergency Room, Fight, Health, HIV, Joe Stern McGovern, Paypal, Pediatric AIDS, Pediatrician, Plague, President Obama, Shaka Productions, Surgeon General, Thailand, Universal Artists International, Washington DC, WHO, www.endhivaids.com
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Regarding www.endaids.com:
In an ongoing effort to better serve the world community as a whole, Joe Stern-McGovern, President, of Universal Artists, International has announced today his intention to embark on an artists’ campaign to eradicate the pandemic plague known as HIV/AIDS by launching a global musical release to be dubbed, “World Mixtape: Artists Against HIV/AIDS”.
With the release of World Mixtape, Joe Stern-McGovern will include a collection of well known artists of Universal Artists, International, as well as those throughout the general music industry. Hip hop royalty such as Black & Haze, JJ Cruz, Christian Levi, Dem Hardheadz, FAM Boy$, DTA, Yung Breeze, A-Dub & Lil’ Chase, Lil’ J, Black Flock Gang (BFG), Ms. Kesha Lee, and even C4 himself. will be called to man the line up in the fight so dear and close to Joe Stern-McGovern’s heart following the tragic passing of his young son, Kenneth.
What’s in the wings for the campaign? It’s Joe Stern-McGovern’s intention to launch the newly acquired domain, www.endhivaids.com, which is currently under construction. On the site, Universal Artists, International will feature the campaign’s aforementioned artists and producers taking things on the road to make it all happen.
On the site, you’ll be able to find downloads to your favorite artists’ singles, links to purchasing the World Mixtape CD, photos of the acts on the road, merchandise, as well as educational and informative information with links to the agencies, organizations, and foundations which provide for knowledge in our battle against HIV/AIDS.
For further information regarding the site, please check back here frequently with updates as Lubasha Design, www.lubashadesign.com, progresses in each stage of the site’s formation. We will also inform you of coming shows, the progress of the pressing of the album, links to donation sites, and direct you as to how you can help make our dream of ending HIV/AIDS in this lifetime a dream of your as well ours, whether through your time, effort, talent, or monetary contribution to spur along the building of the site and the financing of this momentous camaign.
If you care to donate to the efforts to expedite Universal Artists, International’s benevolent endeavour, please write to www.paypal.com and address any monies specifically to payments@universalartists.net in denominations of $5 starting at $5. We will direct any receipt for your donation to your Paypal address on file via email. Remember, these donations are to benefit and hasten building the campaign, site, and drive of Universal Artists, International, but Universal Artists, International is neither a charity nor representing itself as a non-profit charitable organization.
All donators will be listed on a separate page on the www.endhivaids.com site denoting their assistance getting this ball rolling in our fight against the modern day plague known as HIV/AIDS. Once costs are recuperated, your donations will be forwarded to an HIV/AIDS charitable organization of Universal Artists, International’s chosing.
At Universal Artists, International, we hope your well wishes towards this fight of our world will match our own good intentions. Any and all of your feedback regarding campaign matters is greatly appreciated. Please direct comments and queries to Joe Stern-McGovern’s assistant at either universalartists@myspace.com or joesternmcgovern@myspace.com.
Help us assist you, your families, your friends, and mankind as a whole in our quest towards happiness and relief through cures and improved health.
Management
Lil’ J: Lake County Joker or Pop Idol? October 4, 2009
Posted by universalartists in Lake County, Lil J, Lil Joseph, McDonalds, Tennessee, Tiptonville.Tags: A-Dub, Adub, Alabama, BFG, Birmingham, Black Flock Gang, Brad Pitt, Britney Spears, Budweiser, Chevy Impala, Chewing Tobacco, Childrens Hospital, Chris Penn, Christian Levi, Corona, Corporate One Realty, Crackhouse, Dem Hard Headz, Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Facts, FAM Boy$, Flophouse, Hennessey, Jemison Flats, Joe Stern McGovern, Keanu Reeves, Kill Bill, Kodiak, Lake County, Lil J, Lil Joseph, Marijuana, McDonalds, Mississippi, Ms. Kesha Lee, Paris Hilton, Patrone, Poverty, Race Riot, Riot Police, Section 8 Housing, Shaka Productions, Slumlord, SWAT, Tennessee, Tiptonville, Training Day, Uhaul, Uma Thurman, Universal Artists International, Wealth, Whorehouse
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I enter the Jemison Flats on 1st Ave. N., a $40 million renovation consisting of 3 buildings combined, one of them being the old Chamber of Commerce Building. Although quite a sum has been invested in the project, it is still surrounded by a notoriously perilous neighborhood just 3 blocks shy of the local downtown Birmingham Police Station. While the building is claimed to be the newest level for the nouveau riche, I’m not impressed. It smacks of a ghostly element, filled with snobs and low intellects attempting to escape their plot in life as largely disenfranchised struggling to break out of the pathetic caste they’ve inherited through genetics and personal ignorance.
I await Lake County’s Lil’ J aka Lil’ Joseph aka AK-47 aka J Glock of the 731, not realizing he’s seated in an ashtray he calls his, “Point A to B ride”, a low profile, souped up Impala. He revs the beast’s engine and I turn to escape the rigid, infamous halls of the Jemison Flats with a gasp of relief. Lil’ J honks the horn jokingly, shouting through the open glass, “Get a step on it”. Clearly, Lil’ J is either Lake County’s joker or the bone thug many portray him to be.
“Look at these hoes outside the Jemison Flats,” Lil’ J kids, “You’d better eat your carrots, silly rabbit, if you want to see these hoes. They’re elusive”.
I can barely decipher his Tennesse venacular, yet I shake my head politely as if to concur with the legend known as Lil’ J. A police squad car pulls alongside the white Impala, and Lil’ J just grins and revs the V6, as if to challenge authority. The officer chuckles, then speeds away. Was it casual disrespect on the part of the police, or fear of the dangers involved in messing with the likes of Lil’ J?
Lil' J: Pop Idol or Pimp?
We make a turn down 14th and roll towards McDonalds, where there’s a back up of middle class suburbanites frequenting the facilities of this hospital city. The line is a mile long, and it affords this journalist the perfect opportunity to hone in on the real issues facing society today as captured through the eyes of Lil’ J.
“Look at this back up”, Lil’ J mumbles.
“Is this normal?” I ask.
“Yeah, shit, what else is new,”…
I laugh inside at the bravado of this Casper the Ghost like legend, pale as a white sheet, yet filled with the soul worthy of the reverence of any hip hop fan. He spits out a lug of Kodiak chewing tobacco as he ponders the future.
Lil' J: Private Moments
“Yo, you eating your chocolate chip cookie, dawg? I’m only gonna ask you once…”
“Are you threatening me, Lil’ J?”
“I’m warning you. Just real talk…”
“Yes, Lil’ J, I’ll take a large Hi-C, fries, chicken McNuggets off the dollar menu, and 6 chocolate cookies which I promise to share with you.”
“That’s right!” Lil’ J mumbles.
“Lil’ J, please,” I reply.
“Naw dawg, just jerkin’ your chains, so chill.”
How is it this middle class youth of reasonable existence and higher than usual intelligence has come to live a life so tawdry and filled with the drama of a dirty homicide squadron? One can only wonder, but upon reflection, they’re left with the conclusion, Lil’ J is who he is, and there’s nothing that can dislodge or rattle his aura or mentality. We approach the drive-thru speaker.
“Would you like to try our new Angus burger?”
“How do you know I’m not a Vegan?”
“Is that a no?” the worker asks.
“Hell na!!!”
“What would you like today?”
“My man say he take da large Hi-C, four piece McNugget off the dolla menu, fries, 6 chocolate chip…”
“Cookies?”
“That’s right, bitch? Damn, she’s testing my nerves!”
“I can hear you, sir.”
“Good, then get me a double cheese burger with no cheese, no ketchup, no mustard, no beef, ya’ feel me?”
“So you’d like a burger bun?”
“Don’t give me lip, hoe.”
“Is that everything, sir?”
“Damn right, that’s everything, shiiit!”
Lil' J on the mic!
I can tell Lil’ J is upset with the cashier’s approach, and Lil’ J complains vehemently about the alleged brow beating. He pulls up to the window, guns the engine over and over again until the cashier gets the point he’s pissed off, he grabs the white bag with the golden arches, then spits some Kodiak onto the ground in full view of the shocked cashier.
“Clean that shit up…”
We drive back to the so called flea bag someone has called the Jemison Flats where I promptly exit the Impala. I thank Lil’ J for his time and the insight as he revs the engine. With my keys in hand, I make a brisk break for it. From behind me, I can hear Lil’ J barking with full bravado.
“That’s right, you better run!”
Freethrow Masterson, freelance
Birmingham, Alabama
Freethrow Masterson, Journalist
Universalartists's Blog 