Gender Study

Excuse me ma'am...Oh I see you found the shoes you wanted...excellent! Custom made, perfect fit! Gorgeousness! Expensive but worth it right? Yeah they will last you awhile! Good! And they go with almost everything. Ok so that's ONE pair of expensive yet comfortable custom made shoes for ONE year. 

Yes ma'am. Just ONE year...I know...I know. It seems like an eternity but you will love them! They might wear out or need repair every now and then but if you stick with them...the shoemaker will take you places in those shoes you could never go if you swapped them for a new pair. No no no. No cheating! Just this one pair will be enough I'm sure. No we'll be confiscating all prior shoes and any attempt to buy other shoes during this year is punishable by law. 

But listen! 

You will be apart of the One Shoe Crew! I mean I know it kinda limits your fun outfits at a variety of events, and it kinda takes from your vibrant flare and personal style but...it's worth it! The One Shoe Crew even throws you a party!! You can dress up like a Barbie Princess and post on Facebook! And everyone around you will wish they had found a perfect pair of their own. The OSC gathers for conferences and they hold therapy sessions and support groups for members old and new who aren't used to just owning one pair of shoes. Now there are some rebels who jump from Crew to Crew buying all kinds of shoes and swapping with other Crew members but the shoemaker doesn't favor that kind of loose commitment.

We know it's in your nature to hunt for all kinds of shoes and bargains like you used to...but looking at other shoes is also against our OSC policy. 

So....One Pair of shoes for One year ma'am...cash or charge?

No?

It doesn't make sense? 

A woman's prerogative?

You can't do it?

Sigh....I understand. 

Have a nice day. 

Asking the average American woman to be committed to one pair of shoes for a year is about as improbable as asking the average American man to be monogamous for life.

Damn. 

 

#letstalkaboutit

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"Ayo Hotep" Talk about: Sexual Healing

Oh this is gonna be good.

Look, there are so many ways to show love. Some folk just act uncomfortable or judgmental when I start talking about sex. I mean...everybody does it and if you don't, you think about it. This ain't no Queen Victoria age...We are exposed to sex by the second in the lowest forms when there is a heaven to talk about. 

"I know a place,

I'll take you there."

-The Staple Singers

If you've ever been there then you know about it. 

Now, sex has been used as both a serum and a poison since the beginning of life. So, depending on your experiences you may be turned off by certain "erotic poetry." Imagine the energy and emotions that rise if you "know" or "think you know" who the poet is talking about. Somebody starts to feel some type of way...I'm like...we gotta get past that! Ego to the side it's time to enjoy the ride. And come back to earth and then behave!

Real talk though, I come from a deep background of nonsensical, illogical, spiritually detrimental sexual experiences. Yop! Just like many of you! So what do you do about it? Suppress it? Feel guilty? Act out? Write? Read? Listen? I use art to educate and to heal. 

Oh you go to church? God forgives! Jesus paid it all on the cross? Some antics you need to forgive yourself for. But on a positive note I believe there were some encounters before wedding vows that you thanked God for on occasion. That's what's up though. Consider my work to be in the category of Songs of Solomon. Love Poetry.

Oh so you watch porn? Ok. Well now you are entrusting your precious psyche into the hands of a director and producer and actor who may have nothing but junk food sexual energy to drug your soul. Possibly leading to warped definitions of love and orgasm. Poetry or prose about sex, can be enlightening, educational and breathtaking. 

On a deep spiritual level and a raw physical plane, to go there mentally, is satisfying to the psyche. I speak of sex in the context of love. If your nose turns up or your heart begins to race at what you read or hear me say, instead... thank God for the third eye, pineal gland, that allows your imagination to travel to private places you can treasure in your own way. It's not a cigarette or a drink. It's a memory or a fantasy. It's yours.

God is Love.

Read responsibly.

Hotep. 

www.hoteptheartist.com 

@hoteptheartist Twitter, IG, YouTube

Hotep's Point of Review: No, Kevin Hart, Let ME Explain

So I’m going to the movies with a crazy intellectual friend of mine and he says, “Oh we’re going to go see Kevin Hart’s new movie.” I say, “Oh ok…but I’m warning you. I don’t laugh at a lot of popular comedy. A lot of times I feel like I can get to the punch line before they do which makes it not as funny.” He says, “Yeah I actually know what you mean by that. Really I do.” I was like, “Word.” We sat in the theater and waited for the previews. Hmmm…come to think of it…I think going to this movie really only worth the previews…which I have since forgotten. :-/ Oh well.

So the lights dim, the cell phones switch to vibrate, and we are ready to see what he’s come up with this time…

BAD FIRST IMPRESSION.

Ok, you’ll never guess how unpredictable it began!! Okay, let me describe it for you. The cityscape of New York is zooming in from every possible helicopter camera they had available. That beat is kickin with a nice bass and we’re getting the proverbial credit zoom swoosh that they do for every comedy show. I think it’s actually a Windows Power Point entrance effect. Enter from right. Appear from left. Rise from bottom. It’s the same thing. There’s like a neato cool glowing effect on the font too. Totally brilliant right?...Wrong. Fail.

So the movie starts at a party scene with drinks and fanciness that you could imagine Kevin Hart and his people throwing. He’s a great improv actor so I’m sure a lot of the lines he just adlibbed and his cast went with the flow. I guess the premise of the title was that everyone at the party started accusing him of getting brand new because of topics he addressed in his prior standup shows. Also the news he’s been in and his other guest star appearances. “Oh Kevin, you don’t like dark skinned women no more? What you think you all big and bad cuz you are international” stuff like that. And no one would let him explain. So he makes a random claim to his main man that he’s gonna direct all questions to be answered by his standup act at Madison Square Garden. I’m not sure he didn’t just come out and say, “Hey Everybody meet me at Madison Square Garden so you can Let Me Explain!” Cheesy.

So then they show footage of all of the masses attending his shows in various countries around the world. These include three spots in Canada (impressed?...me either) then Germany, and I believe Norway?  Holland? Maybe Sweden? Then of course there’s the hype after show interviews with fans on some “We love you Kevin! You rock dude! OMG he was so funny!” Yep…seen it before? Yeah…me too.

So now we cut to Madison Square Garden where this momentous occasion is SOLD OUT…hmmm what a concept…SOLD OUT…Anyway. He’s overwhelmed by the audience’s reception of him and he introduces us to his special effect which aids him in his delivery throughout the show. He claims that no other comedian has fire on stage with them in the history of comedy. So when the audience gets amped up or he believes he deserves a reaction. He shall call upon fire to ignite the energy of the crowd. Hmmm…that’s new. But not in a good way.  

He’s wearing all black and a shiny pleather looking long sleeve shirt. Black pants and boots. A stool and a towel. He begins to Explain.  


But My Question is….

Can you???

Can you explain it Kevin?
Can you explain why your material was mediocre at best?
Can you explain why someone else is writing your jokes?....Oh they’re not?...ok…I was looking for someone else to blame….well….
Can you explain why we are still hearing about your ex wife and the divorce?
Oooh! Can you explain what its like being a father to your young children…I’m not sure we quite understood in your prior flicks.
Oooh! No talk about being famous…and all your famous friends!

I mean…. is there anything else in the world talk about? Anything? Have you been watching the news at all? Anyone of significance that you would like to shout out or an awareness you might like to create? Not one moment of sincerity?...

Hahaha I hear you reader…you say…It’s a comedy show! No one wants to hear all that serious stuff!

Aight…but listen. We are in some serious times. We got world leaders sick and overthrown. We got massive shootings, violence, and drug wars. We got disease and economic depression going around. We count on comedians to bring us the truth. Not long tangents about nothing and going nowhere at record speeds. You wanna be compared to the greats? The Legends? That’s a long shot. Way longer than your long dick which you keep reminding us you have. Ohh! Hotep it’s just funny! Is it? Is it really? Or is it a subliminal reminder of the over sexualization of the black man.  Really sexualization is not a word? I’m getting a MS Word red squiggly line for that? Anyway. He’s no Richard Pryor, Cosby, Sinbad, or even Jamie Foxx.

Ok now how can I compare him to Jamie Foxx? Well I can, a little bit. Look at their ages and their audiences…Same noble cross cultured crew. They are both very physical comics who can sell their punch lines with “that one look,” you know. Cool. But Jamie could tell a story. And that’s what it really comes down to folks. The art of storytelling. That’s why Standup Comedy isn’t easy. You gotta relive real stories and make comical sense out of it. How often do we begin telling a hilarious story, only to end it all by saying, “Whew…I guess you had to be there?” Well you didn’t have to be here…you can just stay there. At home…watching the audio/video mismatched bootleg you are used to purchasing.

I’m just saying that the greatest comedians have played various acting roles to make them who they are. I don’t care if it’s before they got on stage or after they dropped the mic. They can act. You have to be able to act. Now I’m not saying he can’t act, but I’ve never seen him ACT. This brother is what we like to call. Type casted. They cast him in the same type of roles for whatever he does. You can call it acting if you want to but no…no…that’s not acting. That’s memorizing lines that someone wrote to fit your persona. Duh! You are cast as the victim, the short guy who gets no love, the runt of the litter, the smart mouth. And this is your fault. This is your contract signing, shucking and jiving, SOULED OUT fault.

Someone clearly put him up to this. If he wrote his own material, I feel bad for him. If he has writers that help and tell him what to say then I’m Mad at him. You have all of these ears listening to you all across the world. We got YouTube videos and Instagram picture texts after you. Folks are repeating your punch lines all over the place. Even the most elaborate stories have a point! Fa real, I can't even blame the smoke or mollies. But I do wanna ask are you feeling okay? And why are you walking like that? (You know how he walks….)  You just go on and on and on and I'm really getting over your fourth grade rhetoric. The consciousness of the populous has got to go up. And you are not helping. I’d like to think we have evolved past all of your content. Either get a new writer, or stop writing your own stuff and get some help. People are comparing you to Eddie Murphy maybe because of the media exposure you are getting. But if the media is hyping your message up to the masses, I’m skeptical. Off top!

Now don’t get me wrong… Dumb humor is okay! I’m not mad at it…its funny. I did chuckle a little at times. I even giggled at a couple timely facial expressions he had.  Word.  But that’s about it. Normally a crowd is howling so loud that a roar of applause gives everyone a nice rest or relief. Oh…no…not in this show. Kevin Hart had to cue in his own fire when he thought he was “killin’ em.” Yes…there were no thunderous applause in between transitions. Just gas fueled flames when he felt necessary. It was really sad by the end of the flick.


He repeated more wild sounds for us to learn, but for real who are we kidding? You need to put in some real work. Do a little research, take a few classes. Do something because they are putting you in front of millions of people to dumb them down. Yes. The role of a comedian or a jester is to amuse the people and help them forget about the world and its struggles right? He actually helped remind me that we are being intellectually oppressed by media.

One more thing…I couldn't help but take a look at the demographics of our crowd. I am not judging anyone I am just describing the majority. Multicolored sewn in weaves. They ran the gamut from blonde frayed and ragged, to perfectly slick with an “invisible part”. We had long voluptuous cleavage poking out of large popcorn buckets.  Hair store flip flops, graffiti T-shirts and huge sagging gym shorts.  Bad attitudes and cigarette   smoke. Late comers and couples. That's all I’ma say about that. That’s what he attracted there that night in Pittsburgh…I’m just observing. You can comment if you want to.

Overall though, I’m thankful for this movie. No really I am…It makes me feel like even I could have a career in standup comedy. It motivated me to write and find away to bring some relevant conscious topics to the stage and deliver them in such a way that will ignite the audience… on their own.

His funniest bit (from a prior comedy special) was when he was getting ready to drive in the car with his Uncle Richey Jr. You remember it? Go YouTube it…no..go YouTube ME! Lol! But really…that was funny though right? Adjusting the mirror and shooting finger guns at the passersby.

Kevin,  I would like to mimic gasping for breath like you saying, “Don’t make me laugh, don’t make me laugh!” 

But in all seriousness…You didn’t
Save the gas, and the bus pass.


Two Stars for how many times I laughed. 

Shout out to lyricist K.O. for sharing the tickets and my sentiments exactly.  

Hotep.

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Hotep's Point of Review: Radio Golf by August Wilson

Radio Golf

Brilliantly Written by August Wilson

Produced by the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater Company 

http://www.pghplaywrights.com/ 

            The funkadelic wampwampbowwamps of Stevie Wonder's greatest hits began to play in the background as I held onto the unoccupied armrests on each side of me. I braced myself for this new experience called "Radio Golf" by the legendary genius of August Wilson. I thought a quick prayer for the cast and crew and I was ready for the ride.

            This play was about the "here and now", and not “the way back when". Socially conscious and responsible, Mr. August Wilson was able to universally highlight the neighborhood concerns of the Historic Hill District during the election of Harmond Wilks for Pittsburgh’s first black mayor. The setting was the Bedford Hills Redevelopment Office, Pittsburgh, PA. Now, I grew up North of Pittsburgh, but I spent that exact year, 1997, at St. Benedict the Moor, right on Bedford Ave. I won’t tell you what grade I was in. Little did I know, while I was double dutchin’ to Heavy D songs, there was an intense political race going on that would change the future of the City for years to come. 

            You will see and hear the words “radio" and "golf” on stage and in dialogue, but you will walk away with a much broader perspective of them both. The office space looked perfectly used and unused at the same time. We all wondered how each specific detail of the room would come into play. The usage of Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater was key to this production. Producing Artistic Director, Mark Clayton Southers, used his own theater space wisely, creating spontaneous intimacy between actor and spectator. The actors who entered the stage began displaying their roles even in the wings as they approached their place in the lights. The props were mastered by David Conley and Mark was aided in carpentry by Diane Melchitzky. Posters and graphic design were by Eric Donaldson and Eric A. Smith. I noticed the subtleties of the lighting during certain dramatic scenes which can only be attributed to light designer Bob Steineck and light technician W. Roger Randolph. I advise you sit in the front row on any side of theater for an optimum view. I almost wanted to buy the soundtrack to play at home. Sound was designed by Mark Whitehead and the sound technician was Vendell Nasir II. It was so on point! I didn't realize how important the audio aspect could be until I heard its timely placement between scenes.

          Production Manager Eric A. Smith gave a warm introduction and a heartfelt salute to the 10 year completion of August Wilson's 10 play Pittsburgh Century Cycle, as well as the 10th anniversary of the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater Company. I thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality of Neicy Southers and Lexie Dorsette as we celebrated the momentous occasion afterwards.I always want to mention the stage manager, Ayisha Morgan-Lee, and the assistant stage manager, Mont Jones. They all must’ve worked well together because the show kept me on the edge of my seat.

          I think I represent the people who are new to theater and those who may feel intimidated by not being in “the loop.” Well it is time for you to get in the loop because the loop is all around you. 360 degrees! Some of the Best Talent in the world has come from Pittsburgh stages. August Wilson was intended to be heard by the world and it has been. Why not by you, too?

          Chrystal Bates had the first line of the show. And boy did we see and hear her character, Mame Wilks. We all thought at once… "Wow! That girl Sharp!” She received the same mental compliments that we also give to Michelle Obama's essence when she walks on the scene. Power, grace, femininity, and fashion sense from head to toe. Mame and her husband Harmond look like a sound believable power couple. Their interactions were reminiscent of the chemistry between Heathcliff and Claire Huxtable and their heated moments onstage were perfectly balanced. Emotionally driven Mame was still business like as she exemplified love and protection for her king, Harmond. It's so hard to write this sometimes because I want to give everything away! But let’s see, her short cut was perfect and the color coordination of the business attire was fierce. Costume  and makeup design was from the creative visionary Cheryl El-Walker. She puts her fingerprint on every character she dresses. But Mrs. Bates was even able to act through her stylish appearance which I know can be hard to do when you are as young and stunning as she is. She played lovingly with her husband at first, and then she became passionately upset when the plot thickened. Her demeanor was always appropriate and her body language spoke volumes.

          Lead role Harmon Wilks (played by Mark Clayton Southers) had a calm omniscience about him from the time he walked through the front door of the redevelopment office. He just knew he had all of the answers, and it was his time to encourage his black community towards activism while he fought to bring a new day to the Hill.  The word redevelopment really sticks out to me in these times where this is happening under our noses as we speak. He was not 100% cold hearted, because when Mame shifted her weight and swung those hips he was forced to listen to her with a new ears. He had plans to resurrect the Hill from its dead economic state with redevelopment in mind. Little did he know how deep he would have to dig to preserve one of the Hill's last standing relics, 1839 Wiley Avenue. Every time young Harmond put on those fly glasses, he meant business. They were not just a prop. I think he should wear them more often, personally. Oooh! and watch how he and Roosevelt celebrate! I wish I could put that on rewind! If you enjoy watching fraternity brothers jump and groove in their lines you will love the hyperactive choreography of their celebratory dance.
         Arthur Terry has a face for the stage and a perfect voice for radio. I wanted to call his character, Roosevelt Hicks, "Chirp! Chirp!" because he made sure, every time, to park his car closely and securely where he could see it from the office.  This know-it-all brother sauntered across stage in his suit and tie constantly trying to play his cards right on the business front. His golf putting form has to be superb by the way he practiced religiously in the office. He knew how to mix and mingle with the white powers that be, to the point that it jeopardized his tight relationship with Harmond. Heartless is the word that comes to mind, but business and money are the words he would rather use. His timely facial expressions helped us literally see what he was thinking. "Nothing but blue skies," had to be my favorite animated moment from him. You will just have to see it for yourself. Excellent work!
         Kevin Brown played Elder Joseph Barlow who had a dance and jig of his own. Sometimes it's very hard to comment on a brilliant performance, but I have to because I done started this thing! We all loved his hilarious innocence, but his thought provoking lectures annoyed the whole campaign office.  This old timer stood his ground establishing his well earned seniority on The Hill. Often times driving down Center Avenue I think, “Wow there are so many old men standing outside up there. Old Joe happened to be one of them. Oh and Old Joe would not be double crossed, swindled or scammed by a young brother in office. He knows his rights! He is a family man who lives by the statutes of respect that so many of us have forgotten these days.  He could not be silenced either, boy! If he was going to petition for something besides the preservation of his daughter’s home, it would have been to turn on those lights up at the courts so people could gather and just play safely. Harmond fought him tooth and nail but he relentlessly brought out the old wisdom that was much needed by candidate Harmond Wilks. He seemed to know just what "deh peoples" want.
        Now, if Wali Jamal does not just get out of town!!!  I just don't know what to do with him! He came off very youthful in his role as Sterling Johnson as well, but the acting was of course excellent and seasoned. He explained his street logic to Harmon with absolute intention and conviction. Every point he made was clear, and the smile on his face always held knowledgeable secrets to life. The conflict between him and Roosevelt grew scene by scene but somehow he was always right. That smart ass! He was a warrior of sorts, and he took the figurative fight between cowboys and Indians very seriously. Expect Wali to make you laugh and nearly jump from your seat listening to what he will spit out next.

        I know that good direction had so much to do with the body language, inflection, tone, and blocking of this theatrical production.  I wish I knew the director personally, but maybe it's best for my review that I don't. I am able to give my unbiased opinion of the direction in a positive way. Eileen J. Morris did her thang!! Now I know some things will change as the run continues, but for an opening night, the cohesiveness on stage and behind the scenes was smooth as silk, friendly and familiar. Critical analysis of the emotional interactions between the characters had clearly been ironed out thoroughly by these professionals. I remember in the talkback afterwards someone said, "I've seen this play over and over, but in this production, I finally got it." When someone in the audience says, "I get it" those are the three most meaningful words a director could hear.
        As you can see, I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theater last Saturday on opening night, and if I can I will see it again. This play really helped me see how close I am to rich artistic culture despite age, race, or location. This play is for you too.  My own debut professional theater performance was only last year, but I am growing so much by studying the beautiful talent of our city. "Radio Golf" makes me proud to say I am from Pittsburgh.

        I was silent as I left out of the theater I even stood by myself to take in the whirlwind of words I just heard on the third floor of 937 Liberty Avenue. I greeted a beautiful couple as we entered the elevator with a smile. She liked my short haircut, and I told her I liked her ensemble. Her man's locks were on point too, but some moments are just for sisters. On the top floor of the garage I looked up to the sky and thanked August Wilson with tears in my eyes. I never met him but I am so glad to know his work. His soul’s presence is a part of my inspiration to write every single day.

Go see this play.

http://www.pghplaywrights.com/seasonpasses

Hotep.

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Hotep the Artist's Recent Body of Work

• EARGASM Poetry Slam 4 time 1^st place winner Oct-Dec 2011
• Featured Artist Poetry & Mime EARGASM Open Mic Dec 10, 2011
• Audition America’s Got Talent, Charlotte NC Feb 4,2012
• Featured Artist Poetry & Mime “Relax Your Vibe” Ultimate Beauty Spa Feb, 2012
• Mime  Bridgette Perdue Album Release August Wilson Center Feb 2, 2012
• Mime  Karla Spirit-Lead Payne Album Release Feb 2012
• Featured Artist Poetry & Mime “Psalmist’s Café” New Hope Baptist church April 27, 2012
• Featured Artist Poetry & Mime EARGASM June 27, 2012
• Staged Reading “Swallow Tail Project ” directed by Kim El AWC Apr, 2012
• Theater “Sophie’s Second Law” Dir.  Justin Sines of Duquesne University Red Masquers Sept 2012
• Contestant  97^th Annual ASALH 1^st Place @ Westin Hotel Sept 28, 2012
• Host Truality Radio @ Diamond Studios Est. Oct 18, 2012
• Theater “Gleam in Teenie’s Eye by Wali Jamal “Gladys” @ Kaufmana Hill House Oct 20, 2012
• Host “Word of Mouth 3.0” @ Ujamaa Collective Boutique Nov 9, 2012
• Staged Reading “Contrary to Popular Belief” by Nathan James Dir by Mark Clayton Southers AWC
• Host “Slamrotica” Nov 29, 2012
• Slam Contestant “Flint 500 Slam” 2^nd Place @ Flint MI Dec 8, 2012
• Host “Not So Silent Night” by Bridgette Perdue @ Ava Lounge Dec 21, 2012
• Mime with K &K Mime New Year’s Eve Jan 1, 2013
• Audition America’s Got Talent, Chicago Illinois Jan 2013
• Host “Death to Cupid Anti Valentine’s Day Poetry” @ Galaxy Lounge Feb 13, 2013
• Host  “Love to Love Poetry” @ Galaxy Lounge Feb 10, 2013
• Staged Reading “From the Mississippi Delta” by Dr. Ida Mae Directed by Karla Payne Feb 23, 2013
• Co-Host KKMNP Hip Hop Takeover Showcase March 17, 2013
• Host “Notebooks Truality Radio Open Mic” @ March 21, 2013
• Theater “So What Do You Ink” SWAN Day Festival New Hazlett Theater March 23, 2013
• Mime Women’s Conference Raleigh NC March 30, 2013
• Mime Greater Emmanuel Church Braddock Pa April 10, 2013
• Mime Eargasm Open Mic April 12, 2013
• Mime Brown Chapel Baptist April 22, 2013
• Co-Host KKMNP Hip Hop Takeover Showcase April 24, 2013
• Opening and Closing Act Mime/Poetry “Pittsburgh New Works Cabaret” April 28, 2013
• Host “Evolution of Literacy” May 10, 2013
• Feature Poet “Mother’s Day Celebration” May 11, 2013
• Co-Host KKMNP Hip Hop Takeover Showcase May 12, 2013
• Mime “Wake Up and Dream” with Bridgette Perdue August Wilson Center May 17, 2013
• Feature Poet “North Side Pulse Association Open Mic” May 16, 2013
• Westinghouse High School youth instruction, direction May 23, 2013
• Host “Convo 360” Internet Radio show June 2, 2013
• Opening Act Mime “Take a Walk in My Shoes” 6pm Performance at Kauffman Center June 7, 2013
• Poetry “Stand and Praise Concert” Beulah Baptist Church Sunday 3:30pm June 9, 2013
• Mime Greater Pittsburgh Charter School graduation Carnegie Science Center June 23, 2013
• Opening Act Performance Poetry “1^st Annual Asante Awards Honoring the Arts” AWC June 28, 2013

Hear me on the Radio Sundays 5-7pm EST www.listen2diamond.com 

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Pittsburgh, PA

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Candace Walker

aka. Hotep the Artist

Fake Frames

Fake Frames

Fake Frames

Fake Frames!!!!

Thank you!!!!!

For wearing the silhouette

of a fit coke bottle shaped woman on your dress.

I thought I was going to have to actually look

at your true frame

instead of this pleasant vision of beauty

that is the smaller woman you are wearing….

Yes you are!.....You are SO wearing her!

Who is she?

Do you know her?

This dime diva on your figure.

GASP!

Is that your man’s mistress?

GASP! Yes it is! I saw that chick on Instagram

Right in front of that streaked bathroom mirror! That’s her!

You are paying tribute to the beauty  

Who gave him the booty

instead of you!

WooooooW!

You like her like that?

That you would wear her down your front and back like that?

Turn around…yeah girl go head turn around. I need to see this!

...yeahhhh!!!! Now…

if I wasn’t paying attention

to the fake frame you got on?

You would have had… me…fooled! 

I mean…you look so confident!

Queen of the world, locks somewhat curled

and you are fly!...but

Why!

Are you wearing the silhouette of a fit chick

on your thick-ness?....

oh?  Its just a color?

Ok I get it!...

It doesn’t mean your green with envy at the attention

gained from men who mention your frame?

It’s the style!!! You claim…

Fashion! I think couture’s the name?

So what…Are you wearing your fitness goal? Is that what it is? A futuristic projection of your slimmer self. If you keep buying her Barbie it’s not good for mental health! Cuz when she walks by, she’ll get looks from a guy, and girl, and even her mom would think she’s the bomb…without even conceiving the falsification is wrong!

It doesn’t help your men out either. See you hide the cleaver, the cleavage…but present another image. Then the rest of it is nude? Nude for who? Not you?!

The black part is what they really want…

Admire her black

Already stacked

Built like a thick brick

That cut looks like a trick.

Trickin who?

Trickin you?

Into liking this view?

Her natural shape is greater

Call me a hater

But you can rate her.

Now...

Who’s judging who?

#fakeframes

#hoteptheartist

#universalartist

#thehotepshow

#poet

#mime

#actress

#pittsburghart

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She's EVERYWHERE!!!

My True Story pt 1

(9am)I’m not gonna be preaching today. Not tellin you what I think God told me today. I’m not above you I’m just along your way. However you scrolled down today. My status happened to pop up and you read what I had to say. Some via twitter and some on the book. Any form if media is cool cuz it’s a chance that I took. Every status I write I know I’m sharing a lot. I made them public so the world can be healed by what I got. This is part of my life’s work, I’m trying to do this here forever. I’m up here playing with clever sayings, I got so many ideas and plans but I could be staying home. Watching the tv I pay for. But I’m getting rid of that thing. It tells me that I got the time to pray more.  And face floors prostrate thinking about my next piece. It’s that meditative status that nobody reads. Selfish with feeds. Yeah I should be in a book. I’ve got work you haven’t seen self publishing’s a good look. These are just words that come to me anytime I sit down. I don’t have to summon gods and queens for a line to come around. I know my value and my worth and I hope to inspire earth.  I will never be silenced no matter how hard tries the church.  Yeah I’m a church girl some people know me from Covenant, Some know me from the North Hills, South Hills, Beltzhoover, loving it. But for all you know I could be in Atlanta, sayin what up to Sean Bankhead my homeboy and successful  dancer. And Durrell. I’m watching these brothas excel. I’m mover too, some call me a shaker as well. I never ever kiss and tell it used to get me trouble. I liked me some church boys so I was always discovered. In the dark, with sharp young handsome boy. I just wanted to hold hands and lean in to a boy. Closed eyes romance and close dance with a boy. One of dem boys gave me a bundle of joy. Candace was now pregnant with a boy. Avoided church back then cuz they could see my sin. I wore my sex in front me while they could hid it within. We always say sucks to be them… I started at 150lbs back then Senior year of high was when we conceived him. I didn’t know for months. I just kept seeing chunks…of weight…oh great…again! My period is late! So I finally bought the thing and peed on  the stick. I capped and handed it to my boyfriend and we both cried quick…He said, I’m gonna marry this chick. My parents did sit, across the living room on the sofa thick. We told them about it. My mother was hit. But she said she figured it. Mamma know’s best, dad didn’t wanna picture it. So we dicussed…we were gonna rush it…Get married while pregnant so it could be legit…but who says what’s the legit…he healthy. That’s it but we did it…went to school got married and worked it. But all the while stressed and raising our first kid. No…a child. I was studying, eating Buffalo wild wings… things that wasn’t good for my mind or for my body. I didn’t work out and my body was lookin shoddy. My husband and I didn't try like we otty. They day he left that night I got no rest. I was 215 15 pounds of useless flesh. I was sexy as hell my bra size I wouldn't tell. I would just keep going to Gabes because my size they did sell...but he took the car...and his income out of the crib...so I had to walk with my 3 year old so that's what we did. Got the bus and the gitny that used to always miss my house! I swear he would pull off every time I just about to come out!...any how. I came down because of a lifestyle change. Its amazing what you can find to cook when you don't have no change. I never qualified for stamps so I had to budget. So thats why now I feel shaky about a nugget. I was too chicken to spend...I'ma say it again. I was Too Chicken to Spend so I saved my cents. 

I got a financial advisor who didn't cost me anything. He sat me down one day and divided up my earnings. I was learning. From a friend of a friend who was a godsend. There are clues around you, you just have to be a friend. So I changed my whole life and I thought I might start a couple of businesses of my own to keep the money flowing right. And I knew that nothing was just going to happen over night. oh yeah I can remember the sight, the pounds as they came down. 193. 180 175. Man that one was jive. I remember that damn 175. I couldn't do nothing to break that 175 but when I challenged with the biggest loser at work I came alive. Didn't win the money but its funny how things work. I was down to 161 and to me...money...that was worth. 

I was hiding my story under pounds...it was the same...cuz all this size 16 frame wasn't thinking about fame. Or performing I was just happy at home. Raising my boy on my own. That was until I was shown...by my Sister.. Bridgette Perdue about this life anew. Where I could go on stage and say whatever I want to you....I didn't know they could grade you...but I made it a second round. thats when Kelli Stevens Kane to me was found. and I met Khepri Nafre and Jeremy Moore and Adam J. Keene won for his fascinating folklore...it was awesome. and I was confident I was fit in front of others...and this poetic path was meant...

To be...

continued. 

Hotep (9:44am)

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Sick of being Quiet

Why am I doing this IT WORKS Stuff? I mean honestly. Ain’t nobody got time fuhdat! They talking about having these parties and watching these training videos…I’m like yo…I just came to make some loot for real and quit my job one day soon. Everything’s all green and healthy. I’m like aight, I’m with some ol healthy stuff. I done lost all this weight, I don’t wanna let myself go again.

I’ve stepped on the scale and looked down and saw 215lbs. That wasn’t that long ago, what? 6 years. So over time I lost the weight…naturally. But I changed my lifestyle. It wasn’t cute or pretty or glamorous. My ride was gone, so we had to walk and take the bus. North Side is a great place to walk. Hills and flats all over the place. Then I had to cook up everything in the house in before I got tempted to go shopping again. I concocted deliciously economical meals that kept my metabolism going and my check book happy. I didn’t qualify for any food assistance, but I worked my way around that. I had to do what I had to do to stay out of that program. I stopped eating out…arrived places early…took the scenic route…recycled clothing in creative ways. I Mimed. I did go to the gym in 2011 for a little bit because of a weight loss contest at work (that I didn’t win…but I won for myself). I used to listen to Waka Flocka Flame Radio on Pandora and work out a mile the elliptical. $20 a month at the time…I know it’s much cheaper at places now, but it was convenient for my time and location.

I’m not vegetarian. I strive to be one day, but I’m putting things directly in my life so that I make that transition. It’s not just going to happen because I want it to. I have to invest in it. So Lateresa Blackwell approaches me about this tummy tightening thing . I felt that I heard GOD that day. I’m like WHAT!? I been wanting this lil leftover pouch to go away forever. No one likes suckin it in for pictures…or worse yet Forgetting to suck it in for a picture! So yeah I’m jumpin on that…no doubt. I’m not too proud to say…sista needs some motivation.

So I figured…if it costs me enough I will quit playing with my 26 year old body and treat it better. This body gets me where I need to go…shoot. This body gets my voice heard and my son held, and my mime out there. I really gotta take myself seriously as an artist if I want to do this for a living. Let’s go to work!

Now you all see me hustling this wrap thing here and there…but not every week… I mean who wants to be sold a dream all the time? Not me…

I’m so tired of all these sells pitches and these pyramid schemes trying to get people paid…Everyone needs to chill for real. I don’t normally go off on Facebook but I’m like come on…Make Money from home? If you are home you are LAZY not doing anything for anyone else. You NEED a JOB! Everyone needs a Job!! That’s why were here! You need to work to get paid so you can have nice things! I don’t understand everyone trying to be home all the time…There’s no sense of accomplishment at home. You are what…just cleaning up? Cooking? Raising kids? I’m sorry not kids…kids are baby goats. I mean children. So you…are going to just sit around and speak life and love into your children’s spirit all day? They gotta go to school!!! Sigh…school is where they can learn about the REAL world! Like the truth about HIV and AIDS, and what being a lady or a  gentleman looks like right? I mean they are teaching our future children about their heritage and health…right?...What about how to read and comphrend?...Money?...oh….So they may be 20 years old before they read about Marcus Garvey…

I see…

So you could teach them that right? All day if you wanted…Plus some of required teaching curriculum. And  a few of the neighbor’s children too. Not everyone’s a teacher so support would be there too…interesting notion…

I keep hearing about people dropping dead at astonishing ages and I’m like. Wow how could this have been avoided? The drugs and the chemicals just cancel each other out. Grease from French Fries can give you headaches, and you’re like” I’m cool cuz I can just take some medicine for it to go away”…What the heck are we doing? I can get DOWN on a plate of fries but…how long am I gonna say I’m gonna eat better tomorrow…

A lot of people say “Tomorrow’s not promised.”

I hate clichés…

Logic and reasoning tell me that going natural keeps people alive, affective, and influential for a long period of time. I’m getting in line. Working out is like a whole other road I’m on but the least I can do push organic products. Duh! That’s how to get the word out.

People can sell all they want to with money offers and residual income…That will come if you want it.

I’m a living testimony that if I treat my mind, my body and my spirit well…if you know the right people …

Money can go right along with it.

So right now I’m ballin beause I’m still losing weight…investing my money…saving my money…and helping people earn money too...

Tell me what part of this is a bad idea…I’m bout that life. 

You can jump this organic movement for $29 and get $1000 back in a month 

Or you can start your own It Works hustle for $99

No one had to convince me...I just did cuz I had $99...If you don't have $29 then maybe its not for you...I can understand that...but I had $29 in my bank account...so I signed up. 

All I'm doing is bringing people with me on a healethier lifestyle journey....and make some sit at home money....I'm ready to go. 

Hotep's Point of Review: Ma Noah by Mark Clayton Southers

Artwork by Linda Wallen

Ma Noah

Exquisitely Written by Playwright and Producing Artistic Director, Mark Clayton Southers

at the Pittsburgh Playwright’s Theater Company

Might as well buy 2 tickets...at least.

It ain’t no gospel play but God is clearly present in the concoction of this award winning work of art. My my my! ….I dare you buy two $20 tickets online now!! Consider it offering! Its the least you can give to applaud such unique talent! And Bring people too! Written by a genius, led by one of the best actors in the city/nation, and supported by a professional cast of fine, talented, black actors, Ma Noah is worth seeing twice.

I was almost embarrassed at the moments I coughed up an unexpected cackle of laughter disclosing my own personal experiences that ran parallel with the play. I also never cried so passionately during a blackout before.

Just like Chrystal Bates did tonight, I let it all hang out! The audience was pierced with the heart gripping words spoken in this play, of America’s sick indoctrination over centuries. Mark even took it back to Ancient Rome with the educational jabs. Production Manager Eric A. Smith put in work with the crew to make this masterpiece a Pittsburgh Classic. He was aided by Stage Manager David Scott and his Stage Managing Assistant LaMont Robinson.  I just nodded my head and nodded my head some more at every line spoken. Then I shook my heeaaaadddd…..and shook my head some more as I watched this passionate black mother teach her children lessons about love, life, and forgiveness.  Only a screwed up twisted, radical, revolutionary, raw, individual like Mark Clayton  Southers could have conjured up this play.

Cheryl Bates-White opened the first act in an awesome imaginative portrayal of an insecure unwed pregnant woman; Mary Pratt. Confused, hungry, and guilty she made believers out of all of us. Just watch her flawless facial expressions! I took my glasses off during that ONE scene! Girl! You got me! Now, I’m a mime so I’m all up in her grill! So proud to know her augh!

Let’s see, I first met DeVaughn Robinson as my director last year, and I’ve watched major development of this character tonight. As Larry Pratt where he owned every line and monologue the script asked of him. He had us howling at his delivery. I couldn’t help it! So, so, happily surprised. I just keep shaking my head at how he gave “whitey” a piece of his mind, time after time! Relentless! Yes!

His character brother Ham ‘Pig’ Pratt, played by Trevor Butler, had the same sentiments in a twisted way.  Speaking of twisting, the intricate physical work of Fight Choreographer, Joseph Martinez, was raw. You’ll just have to see what I mean. Oh, and excuse me for saying so, but Trevor was sure looking fly, fly, and more fly every time he walked through that door! And by his last emotional encounter with his mother, I was convinced he was a substantial multifaceted part of this perfect cast. 

Now, I’m a poet… so I snap!….so WHAT ya’ll heard me backstage! Lol I couldn’t help it! I just didn’t want to be “rude” by hollering! There were times the whole audience should have been HOWLING! It’s okay Pittsburgh!!! Let it OUT!!! This was a phenomenal show!

The costumes designed by Cheryl El-Walker were so apropos. They were each apart of the storytelling!  The stage make up was so timely and subtle. The set was breathtaking the moment you walk in. This was achieved with the help of Diane Melchitzky and lighted warmly by the vision of Thurston Reyes and Light Technician, W. Roger Randolph. I saw how important the Crew Chief’s role was in the production, run by Mont Jones. Every detail of mama’s house was included along with some details that you couldn't even fathom; no matter how hard you tried to remember your own mama’s house. Awesome job rounding those details up, Properties Master, David Conley and others. It even sounded like Mama’s records if she could have it her way with the help of Mark Whitehead on Sound Design and Vendell Nasir II as Sound Technician. 

Heaven came to earth when Heaven Bobo graced the stage as Francine Pratt. Now, in one of his HBO specials, Jamie Foxx described a giraffe in the most exquisite, feminine, and regal way and this was Heaven. She had me hooked immediately and kept all of our attention. Professional and accurate! She was really a stand out. Her seasoned theater experience was evident from the door. 

Every time I watch Chrystal Bates on stage, the woman inside me thinks a little bigger than she did the day before. Her interpretation of Rebecca Pratt was timely, and gut wrenchingly honest. What she truly sacrificed to deliver this story on stage, no ticket can pay for adequately. Women can receive essential life lessons and personal reminders by watching this role. She put me in front of a mirror tonight which is the healing that each of us needs from true art. Thank you.

Director, Tracey Turner, must be a shrewd woman. I've never gotten to work with her but her creative choices made me drool like steaming plates does... on the fingertips of a server from alllll they way across the restaurant. I hope that moment draws nearer to me sooner than later! I can tell she keenly picked up on the wide range of capabilities of her talented cast and that kind of ear and eye is so valuable in this world of theater. She was brilliant and shrewd. Yes. Look it up…that’s the word.

Sure I know that I may sounds like I’m blowing a lot of steam and blowing these actors spots up. But whatever! You didn’t have to click on the link to read this! But you did! Perhaps because you were there tonight…perhaps because you weren't  Either way. I actually know a lot of the artists involved on a prior professional level, and I think they deserve a shout out. From me...Who am I? I'm just Hotep. Granted, I’m still green here on the theater scene in Pittsburgh, but I’m green and growing.  You may even think I should be jaded and lackluster about Pittsburgh talent.  But no. That’s not the cool thing to do anymore. I was bubbling over with words and emotions concerning my experience tonight, and I had to tell SOMEBODY my thoughts. And I told all of you! …in one hour flat. Now, if anyone feels left out in my review of this production, You gotta get in my radar! But I think I got all of you lovelies. Lol …Nobody’s paying me to review this play…I just felt inspired to tell the world. But! if you want me to come to your play, and give a heartfelt Hotep's Point of Review, let me know. I’m sure something can be arranged.  This is Hotep the Artist reporting live immediately after the show ( and after a late phone call with Artistic Associate Kim El she had to take a call so this is what I do in the mean time!). I'm typing to you on a Word Document from Pittsburgh’s North Side. Thank you for listening/reading/performing/arting/living.

Might as well buy 2 tickets...at least. http://www.pghplaywrights.com/noah

Hotep.

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Universal Mime Artist, Spoken Word Artist, Face Paint Artist, Actress and Hostess.

Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

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