Friday, December 7, 2018

12-7-18 #FreshFriday Don't be another Jody out here Lil Brah (Cordell)

Don't be another Jody out here Lil Brah



Written By Anwar Curtis (@acthemayor) "What's old to some is new to many"

Growing up in the 90’s movies like House Party (90), Bebe’s Kids (92), White Man Can’t Jump (92), and Set It Off (96); were defined as classic’s not only to Black Culture but the entire Hollywood arena.  I was young when those movies came out and it seemed as though we were getting hit with so many meaningful storylines such as Malik Williams balancing his individuality as a Freshman/Varsity athlete all while fighting racism on Columbus University’s (PWI) yard in Higher Learning (95).  Or Darius the Renaissance Man who was not only super clever with his words, but also had an eye for photography and sexy ass Nina in Love Jones (97). One last thought comes to my mind, which is what would that era be without Tupac Shakur starring in Juice (92), Poetic Justice (93) and Above The Rim (94).



Yeah the 90’s era for Black Culture was lit but I have to say 2001 was a different type of special, tailored specifically for my generation.  See that year Baby Boy hit the box office and it told a story that is still relevant in 2018, despite all the “social progress” we have made in American history in the 21st century.  In fact the storyline is so relevant Harrisburg’s own Cordell Harris decided to write a song on the topic.  Now I’m not going to go all conscious and give my spill on why black men need to step up and be better for their hoods and family, but I will say this, there are plenty of Jody’s running around, figuring out how to become a father and not just a baby dad without a father figure to guide them, all while trying to grow up, understanding the difference between loving their mother and loving the mother of their children (yes a son does have enough room in his life for both lol), staying out of the prison system, and not trying to end a life due to gun violence because he got trashed by a bunch of neighborhood back block bullies.  I commend those types of Jody’s, however Cordell isn’t talking to the Jody’s at the end of the movie who not only has a key to Yvette’s crib but also pays rent at Yvette’s crib…naw Cordell is talking to Jody who doesn’t have life figured out at all (in majority of the movie) even though he thinks he does.



Photo Credit: Brandyn Reynolds

With bars like…"cry for you mamma little Jody, you ain’t keeping it a hunnit little Jody...” Cordell cleverly begins to articulate a similar story that John Singleton orchestrated in BabyBoy.  See we live in an era where being a hometown/social media celeb gives you a pass, and we think knocking women down sexually just to sub-post, all while abandoning our responsibilities as son’s, friends, mates, and father’s, is the dope thing to do.  We still have an abundance amount of black men who forget that “excuses are for the incompetent, building monuments full of nothingness” who’d rather watch their chicks bust their ass day in and day out just to make sure the household is handled, while they play the crib.


Photo Credit: Unknown

I appreciate Cordell for taking his responsibility as a man, father, and a very influential emcee, especially in his hometown and holding himself along with his peers accountable.  Yeah music is supposed to be fun however it also should stimulate the mind.  A lot comes with being young, fly, and talented, and when a bunch of handshakes and hugs in real life matches all the likes and views on social media, one can be distracted real quick.  There is no avoiding a bunch of Jody’s running around because there are a bunch of ill-advised children growing up without substance, however that can not continue to be the excuse.  
       
(Press Play)



Stay Connected



#LevelsReadyEnt

#CultureCreatesClass

And as always...Keep It Fresh On A Friday...And Until Next Time...Let's Remember This Time!!!

0 comments:

Post a Comment