SGL Café

So many Ghosts in so many Closets...

Every once in a while I stumble across something silly that has much deeper meaning. That's what this clip from The Jaime Jackson Show says to me - silly, but deep. I've been following Jaime's antics for a minute now. This one is less funny than usual, but more interesting. After viewing, tell us who do you think has a ghost in his or her closet. Well, without further ado, here's Jaime ....

Knick's Eddy Curry accused of sexually harassing driver

from The NY POST I so wanted to believe this story. It's got a potential DL black athlete -- 6' 11 baller of a man (once curiously described as 'soft') -- trying to stick his meat into his able but apparently unwilling driver turned houseboy. Yeah, its a story right up my alley. But then a got a load of the accuser David Kuchinsky ->, and, well ... he doesn't make me wanna whip it out and say "suck it, bitch!" Curry can get any cum receptical he wants, and he picks this guy? Hmmm .... It could still be true. After all, he's only suing for 98 grand. That's monopoly money to Eddy Curry's 9.4 mil salary this year. That's a lot of money. Maybe all that money makes you wanna stick your dick in any ol' mouth. Maybe. But I seriously fcukin' doubt it. Now if I was Curry and the driver/houseboy accusing me looked like, say, this Asian kat below -- you could bet your ass I'm guilty. Ironically, Wandering Caravan just said something about objectifying Asian men. Sorry dude, I don't see it as objectifying or as a fetish. Let's just call it adoring intensely, and I adore ALL beautiful men equally and unashamedly. And this guy, c'mon, he's begging to be sexually harassed. And I'm just the man to do it. ~~

Was Ne-Yo involved in a kinda, sorta, 'Protecting his man' bashing?

I heard Wendy Williams breaking this story down the other day about the Xmas Eve shopping in the Louis Vuitton store smack down in NYC. I'm not a major hip-hop head, so the only Jim Jones I know (or care about in an infamous kinda way) is the one of "the Koolaid" fame and Jonestown. But Ne-Yo's involvement in this makes me care - a little. And if statements attributed to one "rap industry veteran" -- “Most of us know how Ne-Yo rolls but we don’t trip cause he’s good people and he makes hits. The problem is Jones threatened to take things public a while ago after some ‘he-say, she-say’ bullshit” -- are true, then it makes my ears perk up.

Although there is so much smoke around this issue (his sexuality), I'm not surprised when I see flames. But if it's true that Jim Jones said, “don’t put yo’ dick sucking hands on me nigga” to Ne-Yo and commenced with the violence, then the truth certainly needs to come out.

However, if people don't take the opportunity to live authentically and to stand up to the homo-hatred at the root of so much violence that befalls people -- then I have no sympathy for him or anyone else who opts to stay hidden in plain sight. Zero. ~~

On the Downlow ~~ a raw slice of black gay life

Facing homophobia in their community and pressure from friends and family, four DL men reveal in intimate detail what it means to lead a double life as a means of survival. On the Downlow - Part 1 (of 6)

[picture is my own, and not related to this LOGO story] Ray, Antonio, Kerwin and George all have some things in common: they're black, intimately acquainted with life in the 'hood, and they also understand the sexual pull that one man can feel toward another -- and the need to keep that desire hidden (or down low) in the hood. LOGO network tackles the subject with surprising agility, delivering an almost heartwrenching sense of hopelessness while heralding the existence of same gender love between black males (which many paint as elusive). In the case of Ray, who although he admits to finding a family like no other in the gay community, doesn't seem to connect on a higher level with the men or the women in his life. He hates when gay men admit to having STD's or HIV and think that's why gay men are perceived as nasty and why he goes back to women. He has issues dealing with either sex however, and I'd venture the difficulty is mutual. In the end he admits he'll never tell his girl about his dealings with men (as if she'll never see his LOGO interview) and claims to love her -- but one must wonder how much love there is for someone you continually lie to. At only 18 Ray, in my estimation, is on a Bullett Train -- Destination: Nowhere. ETA: Yesterday. But this is just a piece of one story. Other stories show hope, love, and also more hopelessness. I understood because I understand that pain of growing up being attracted to your boys and having to suppress it, or worse, having to act out to allay any vague notions of gayness. All and all, SGL Café gives LOGO a hat's off kudos for On the DownLow -- a thin but raw slice of black gay life; straight up, no chaser!

Cover: Bill Duke's film ~~ SGL cafe review

Check out Jasmyne Cannick's take on this new controversial flick here and here, which may or may not add fuel to the down low brotha fire without addressing for one second the underlying bullshit that causes it. Or ... maybe not. Finally seen it. My SGL Cafe NetFlix review: Where to start with this movie? I thought it would be a nefarious take on the evil DL brother, and from the ominous opening credits (reminescent of a funeral dirge), I was far from disappointed. But when I heard LEON was in it I thought 'well, at least we get beefcafe'. Disappointed there, too. However, I gave the movie 3 stars because of some sterling performances in a pretty ho-hum script --- Vivica is always a treat, Aunjanue was on point, Leon still looked good (and I at least give him props for playing this role), and of course, Roger Guenveur Smith is always the scene stealer (if only there was a better script). Overall: way too much Jesus, not enough steamy man love (there was an opportunity for a killer shower scene that went wasted); lead actor husband sucked and I pray never to see him again; Mya made little cameos like Hitchcock (you'd think she directed it); and lastly, the little diddy about DL guys picking each other up with the line 'You got something in your eye. You want me to blow it out for ya?' was so hilarious it bordered on camp. If this ever happened to me in a mens room, I'd laugh my a$$ off (unless it was LEON, of course.)

Lil' Wolf (short story excerpt)

Darnell sat quietly sipping wine while he waited. The monitor was set up. Candles were lit. That special mixture of sage and incense was burning, as Tyler had instructed. An urn sat on a pedestal to the right of the screen. Still, Darnell felt weird about the whole thing; and knowing Tyler and how strange he’d been, he knew it would get weirder.

Jay arrived looking forlorn and deflated in his black suit and dark glasses. He seemed to have suddenly aged well beyond his twenty-three years. It had been a tough few days for everyone. Darnell let him in; they hugged and then sat quietly for awhile. After staring at the blank screen, Jay said, “I still can’t believe ....” “Yeah, I know.” Darnell poured Jay a glass of Merlot, Tyler’s favorite. After a loud uncomfortable moment of silence, he held up his own glass. “You ready?” Jay shook his head. Darnell picked up the remote, but didn’t push play. “You know, Jay,” he said softly, “You were the love of his life.” Jay exhaled and put his head in his hands. His back heaved and Darnell put a comforting hand there. “Look, Tyler had been around the block a few times before he met you,” Darnell said, “He had lots of lovers and he cheated on all of them. Except you. So when you did it to him, he kinda expected it. Thought is was his comeuppance. My point is, don’t beat yourself up. There’s nothing you could’ve told him that he didn’t already know. He wanted us to do this one last thing; I think we should just do it.” Jay nodded and sat back. His voice barely a whisper, he said, “Okay.” Tyler King came on the screen. “Hey you two. I guess if you’re watching this then I’m in an urn somewhere. Thanks Darnell for being a great friend all these years, and for fulfilling this one last request. And Jay, don’t beat yourself up, I know you loved me....” Jay took off his shades and wiped his eyes. “... This is the hardest thing you’re ever gonna have to do. But I know you can. You have to. This is gonna seem crazy, but I need you to do something very special for me. When it’s done, you’ll receive another message from me. I can’t explain how or when but you’ll know. Trust me. Everything will be explained in time.”

Rude ghetto girls gave him dirty looks but Darnell didn’t care. He pushed his way to the front of the crowd. His stomach gurgled as the stage door opened and two intense body-guards emerged scanning the scene like lions on the Serengeti. Even though the object of their affection had yet to appear, the girls screamed with insanity and flash-bulbs exploded. Darnell, the only man in the crowd, stood out like a pudgy sore thumb in the mayhem. In the crowd were several older women well past groupie age, one in particular was still eyeing Darnell with suspicion. Lil’ Wolf wasn’t even old enough to drink. Neither were his fans—most of them, at least. The thugged-out only child of infamous rap mogul Platinum Star, had, with daddy’s help, broken all sales records in Hip Hop and had even crossed over—yeah, he had white fans too—making his debut CD Most Wanted a phenomenal success. And with success came rumors. Maybe it was because he was so pretty beneath his thug persona. Maybe it was because it was obvious that he’d grown up with money and the only streets he knew were the mansions and palm trees of Baldwin Hills. Maybe it was his hazel eyes and pouty lips which caused people to speculate. Or, maybe it was just the price of fame. Whatever. Tyler King didn’t think it was just internet rabble though. He felt it in his gut the rumors were real. Yeah, in his gut, or somewhere there about. There were a lot of black gay stars creeping around on the low and Tyler took it personally. He’d once confessed that if they weren’t going to have the balls to come out and be the role models they’re meant to be, then it was up to investigative reporters to blast the cowards out. He’d done it before with politicians who voted down gay legislation while enjoying the fruits of man-sex on the side. He’d become infamous for it. But Lil’ Wolf was on another level. Tyler had been stalking him to prove his theory—taking pictures, digging for dirt, knowing he’d eventually catch the hot young star with his pants down. So to speak. And he must’ve found something. The night he died he’d given a package to his best friend with instructions to open it if anything should happen. “What do you mean, don’t open it?” Darnell narrowed his eyes, glancing around Tyler’s apartment. “Does this have something to do with your little witch friend?” “Madame D’Gosa is not a witch. Don’t belittle shit you don’t understand. And this is not about her anyway—well ... sorta not. Look, just trust me on this, seriously. Just take it.” He pushed the shoe-box sized package against Darnell’s torso. “Alright, alright, just put it down. I just got here.” Darnell brushed him aside, his attention on the computer. Images flashed. “And what’s this? Is that who I think it is?” “The one and only.” “And who’s that he’s with? Is that Omega?” “Yup. His one and only.” “You really want that boy to be gay, don’t you?” Darnell eyed him with an air of sympathy that annoyed Tyler. “He is gay.” Tyler’s eyebrow rose. “Prove it.” “Keep watching.” They did. Darnell remained quiet until all the pictures had shown and began to repeat. “I don’t see any proof here. I thought you were gonna catch them in a lip lock or something. All these pictures say is that they hang out.” “In his hotel room. In their underwear. If you or I was in that room with them running around like that, somebody would get fucked. Am I right?” “That’s aside from the point. But this doesn’t say they’re gay. Media Take Out would make that leap, but I don’t think it would hold up on Judge Judy. And aren’t they doing a concert tour together?” “Yeah, and ain’t that sweet?” Tyler grew fidgety. “I’m telling you they’re fuckin’. What better way for the two of them to disguise spending time together 24/7 than to do a tour together? It’s kinda genius actually. But I’m not fooled. They usually close the drapes, but this early morning they clearly wanted some daylight. C’mon, it’s obvious. My gut knows it. Madame D’Gosa said my gut is never wrong.” “Okay, you seriously need to stop listening to that crazy bitch. A spiritual advisor who reads burning bowls of pot pourri? Jesus Christ, Tyler. She’s a witch. I knew you took your break-up with Jay pretty hard, but ....” “This has nothing to do with ....” “You have got to see how weird this is. How did you even get these pictures anyway? Have you been stalking him?” “No. I wasn’t stalking him. I uh ... just happened to be on the roof across the street.” “With a high powered zoom aimed at his,” Darnell leaned closer to the screen, “... Dolce & Gabbana boxer briefs?” “You make it sound perverted.” “Oh, forgive me; I forgot. Your voyeurism has a higher purpose.” “Look, how else was I gonna get the proof I needed, send him a questionnaire asking if he sucks dick?” “Why the hell is this so important to you anyway?” Tyler looked frustrated and threw Darnell a weary glance. “If you already don’t know, then I can’t explain it.” Darnell went uncharacteristically quiet. Tyler turned back to the screen but could feel Darnell’s stare. “Lil’ Wolf always stays in that same suite when he’s in Manhattan. The bathroom has a marble Jacuzzi big enough for eight people. And in the adjoining suite, guess who stays there?” “Uhm ... Omega?” “Mr. Boy Band himself. Don’t ask me how I found out, let’s just say they should pay hotel staffers more.” “You’ve been stalking him, like I said.” “Haven’t. I’ve been researching him. There’s a difference.” “A microscopic one.” “Look, I’m not John Hinckley tryna to get a date with Jodie Foster here. I don’t wanna get in his pants, Darnell. That’s not what this is about!” “You sure about that? He is beautiful, and he’s barely legal so you know that’s up your alley. Are you telling me you don’t fantasize about fucking him?” “No. I don’t.” “Liar. You and Jay sat in my living room watching Lil’ Wolf’s new video and you both were practically drooling. You know it’s true. And I’m telling you, this whole obsession phase of yours started after your break-up. First you consult a witch to ....” “She’s not a witch! Damn Darnell, she helped me through a really bad time.” “You’ve been through bad break-ups before and you never lost your damn mind. Okay, well, you and Antonio crashing your cars into each other was nuts, but that was momentary insanity brought on by ... what was it ...?” “The brick he threw through my window.” “Right. See, understandable. But this Lil’ Wolf thing is nuts. You wanna fuck that boy, admit it. You wanna replace Jay with him.” “That’s nuts.” Darnell smiled as if his new theory was fact. “It’s the oldest motivation in the book—get back at your ex by hooking up with someone ten times hotter.” “That’s bullshit. It’s petty and beneath me.” Tyler turned away and walked across the room. Darnell followed, “Even if there was a vague possibility of you pulling off this coupe, like, somehow, the stars aligned in just the right way to make Lil’ Wolf kick Omega’s sexy ass to the curb and fall madly in love with you,” Darnell chuckled. “I mean, if that highly unlikely event took place, do you ....” “What’s your fuckin’ point?” “Do you think that’s gonna make Jay take you back? Hooking up with a rap star half your age?” His chuckle morphed into a cackle, reminding Tyler he did indeed have a witch in his life. Tyler snatched the package off the counter and thrust it at Darnell. “Just shut the fuck up and take the damn box with you. I got shit to do. I’ll call you later, okay?” But he never did. The only phone call Darnell got was the disturbing one a few days later......

More Gangstalicious ....

I swear, I think this is the funniest shit I've ever seen.

Then again, maybe I'm just simple-minded. (lol)

Rivals

More for the Ganstalicious files ... from MAD TV. Funny as hell. Also thought provoking.

Floyd 'Pretty Boy' Mayweather defeats Oscar de la Hoya

Oscar De La Hoya (R) fights with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in their WBC Super Welterweight world championship boxing match 05 May 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Floyd Mayweather remained undefeated by winning a 12-round split decision over Oscar de la Hoya 05 May to take the World Boxing Council super-welterweight title in an epic slugfest of US rivals. AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images

This is one of those six in one hand half dozen in the other situations. I love and loath both of these self-proclaimed saviors of the sport of boxing. I'm also morally opposed to ordering pay-view fights [aka-cheap], so I haven't seen the bout ... yet. But I've always hated de la Hoya's golden boy bravado ... and then I hated Mayweather's even more. A fact exascerbated by Floyd's constant companion and everyone's favorite asshole -- 50cent, who entered the ring carrying Floyd's numerous title belts. Assholes attract, I guess.

So, while its always a happy moment to see Oscar lose, its never a happy one to see Mayweather win. And as the story goes, he's now retiring with his undefeated status. But we'll see. Boxers can't stay retired. They always want one more fight, one more win, one more pay day.

So Floyd's pretty ass will be back. And I'll finally have the joy of seeing him hit the canvas. Mark my words, the day will come. And I'm sure Fiddy will be there to pick him up.

But I had to ask myself: what is my fascination with cocky bad boys like Floyd? Is it a secret desire to suck his dick? Hmmm .... Is that what Fiddy's doin'? I doubt he'll ever tell.

The real Gangstalicious ...

Update: Someone 'rightly' scolded me for missing the opportunity to talk about OUT rappers. Here's a video that does -- Black Gay Journeys ... The Boondocks never ceases to amaze. Out IN Jersey Editor, Toby Grace, writes a column called Casting Aspersions. That's what this episode does, and is what inspired this post directed at the talented tenth of Black Gay hip hop stars hiding in plain sight. This episode below is a classic. And if art imitates life, then when will a real Gangstalicious step up? Ten percent of Black male celebs are arguably playing for our team. But which ones are they? And when will one muster the balls to shatter the myth that hip-hop stars can't be gay? That episode not only made me laugh; it made me think ... who's the real Gangstalicious? Not to cast aspersions, but I know you're out there, somewhere ... ... Trying not to be too too fabulous, but just enough ... Are you reading this, afraid someone has found out your nasty little secret? Do you think your career will tank like Ellen and Rosie? When you grab your balls, what are you really holding? Isn't it time to really keep it real, or are you all asleep at the wheel? Would a true man gangsta ever hide? Hmmm ..... Above pic by Jessica Miller. FYI: Read why Jasmyne Cannick won't move next to Cam'ron.